The+Spirit+of+ECS

Take a spirited journey back with 7th graders, Turner M., Garrett H., Hannah N., = Take a spirited journey back with 7th graders, Turner M., Garrett H., Hannah N., Estee S., Gabi W., Paije C., and Taylor B. as they explore the heritage that has developed ECS's healthy and competitve athletic program. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =


 * Basketball**: The elementary, middle school, and high school grade levels participated in leagues of basketball. When Mr. Wright coached basketball, they won two championships. When Dusty Stephens was athletic director, the boys basketball team won the INKY trophy. From 1986-1988 the team posted an impressive 74-18 won/loss record. This was one of the most won sports. The photograph above is from the INKY championship.


 * Cheer**: One of the parents that went to ECS noticed changes in the cheer department from then and now. One thing she says is that, "When I was a cheerleader at ECS I loved it." Although I didn't like to do it, we had to wear skirts that were down to our knees. ECS was very intentional. All the cheerleaders were friends and really cllose. They had sleepovers and were all really good friends. They only did building up cheers. Dusty Stephens schelduled all athletic cheer and dance teams for athletic events in the city, sectional, state, associational, and intra-school leagues.


 * Cheer-1978-79- information from Mrs. Deb Gorman**-Cheerleading at ECS has changed a lot since 1978. Mrs. Gorman states that in 1978-79 "Our cheer uniforms were also very different than today.They were blue gaucho with white turtle neck shirts and blue and gold vests. The bottom of the gauchos were down to our knees and we wore white shoes with small pom poms on them. We had these made out of yarn!! The uniforms were hand made by a seamstress, just for us. I remember when she came to school several times to fit us for them. They were made out of polyester. Not exactly the most comfortable material, but we were so excited to have uniforms. the school paid for them. We had pom poms that were very large in size; they were as big as someone's head. The year that cheerleading began was also the first year Ms. Given taught gym. She was the one to make up most of the cheers for the squad. She was a cheerleadeer when she was in high school at Bosse. We did not do many stunts back then, but we did do cartwheels, splits, pyramids, back bends,and several kicks back. Most of the gyms that we cheered at were so small that we could not do alot.There was a total of seven girls on the team.


 * Soccer**- When Mr. Wright coached soccer, they won 2 championships and three runner ups. Soccer was another one of the most won sports.


 * Wrestling-** Wrestling was started by Dusty Stephens in 1986 and continues to be a very competitve program for elementary age boys.


 * Former Athletic Directors: Dusty Stephens 1985-1991, Alastair Wright 1992-2007, Brad Christmas 2007-present.**

At Evansville Christian School, athletics are an integral part of a well-rounded education and a valuable component to help prepare students to make an impact for Christ. Athletics provide opportunities for students to explore their gifts/talents, develop character, build leadership skills, and learn life-long lessons. The purpose of the athletic program at ECS is to foster physical development and athletic skills while teaching the values of self-discipline, teamwork, servant leadership, commitment, Christ-like humility, hard work, and a desire to do one’s best. We recognize that some students can be reached through sports, making athletics a unique ministry opportunity. A Biblical perspective, Christ-like qualities, and appropriate responses may be taught to student athletes through the challenges and situations found in competition. Further, we hold our students to a higher standard. We expect them to achieve on the field/court, as well as in the classroom. Our coaches are devoted to developing the total person. Our athletic teams will participate in such a way that honors God and conveys a positive witness to those around us. Further, athletics are a form of worship and all participants are accountable to God for their attitude and actions. **__ Philosophy of Winning __** At ECS, we strive for excellence in all we do, including athletic endeavors; but, the win-loss record is not the primary measure of excellence. Winning means more than outscoring the opponent. It means doing everything in a way that honors the Lord and doing everything heartily, as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). With the humility that comes through putting Christ first, we strive to win without arrogance, greed, or malice. We can be gracious in defeat and modest in victory. We can carry high our banner with dignity and honor. **__ Guiding Principles __** In accord with our Biblical foundation, the following principles guide our athletic programs: · Honor Jesus Christ in all things – do all for the glory of God. · Christian character defines who we are – we may be the only “Bible” other people read. · Good grades and conduct lead the way – we are student athletes. · What is best for the team always comes first – we before me. · We will run the race to win – competing at the highest possible level. · Commitments are paramount. · Getting better demands hard work, including improvement in and out of season. · Supporting other players and teams is expected. · Positive attitudes will influence outcomes.