11/19/2009

The DBU Patriot Athletic Department had over 125 student-athletes and representatives from all 15 intercollegiate sports participate on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, taking part in the annual wrapping party in support of     Operation Christmas Child.  The Diamond Belles, DBU Patriot Cheerleaders, and the DBU Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) sponsored the event.

The Operation Christmas Child program of Samaritan's Purse, which provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas-Jesus Christ. Each individual participating is responsible for bringing a shoebox filled with all kinds of products for children of all ages.

The Patriots, who held the wrapping party on the campus of Dallas Baptist University, were able to collect over 215 boxes, which included products such as toothpaste, toys, pens, pencils, calculators, toothbrush, comb, washcloth, candy, T-shirts, socks, watches, and even personal notes from some of the students.

Senior member of the Lady Patriot Tennis Team, Jeanelle Stines said “I love this event because I get to fellowship with my teammates, and I am also feel very fortunate to be able to bless a child with a box of gifts in order to make their Christmas something special.”

Along with Patriot Athletics’ involvement in Operation Christmas Child, DBU is also a drop off center for the surrounding community. Local churches, businesses, and individuals are able to bring their boxes to campus to be picked up and shipped across the world. This allows DBU to influence the local community as well as communities around the world.

“I enjoy Operation Christmas Child because it gives me the opportunity to give to the less fortunate and people who might not get anything for Christmas, if it wasn’t for us,” shared Junior Patriot Baseball player Jason Krizan.

11/12/2009

The Dallas Baptist University student-athletes were invited to participate and serve the homeless and less fortunate by participating in the 2nd annual Feast of Sharing, a free thanksgiving meal and festival, on November 10, at the Fair Park’s Centennial Building in downtown Dallas. The Patriots were part of the more than 1,000 volunteers that were prepared to serve over 10,000 people.

Although the Feast of Sharing was open to the Dallas community, H-E-B Food Stores and Central Market, bused in several low income neighborhoods and homeless shelters. The event consisted of health services, a Kids-Zone with Santa Claus, several crafts, and bounce houses, as well as a jazz band, and a traditional holiday meal provided by Central Market.

“ Having the athletes play a part in serving food, picking up trash, and making crafts with kids was a great opportunity to show Christ's love in action,” stated Jennifer Curran, Head Tennis Coach. “It was a wonderful way to kick off the holidays and was also an important reminder that we are very blessed and God calls us to serve those who are less fortunate than ourselves. I pray that our athletes were a true blessing to those they served.”

Over 170 student-athletes composed of all the athletic teams, the cheerleading squad, and the Diamond Belles welcomed the guests, served Thanksgiving plates, pumpkin pie, ice cream, and drinks, as well as bused tables, picked up trash, and interacted with the children by making crafts and decorating cookies.

“Serving at the Feast of Sharing was truly an experience by getting to serve people who need a helping hand. Most of all this experience of getting to hand out food and drinks has shown me a side of life I never knew existed, and it really opened my heart to help them more,” shared Ashleigh Elkins, a Junior on the Lady Patriot Soccer Team.

Junior Patriot Golfer Nic Tacher said “I was able to help the kids decorate cookies with icing. I really enjoyed spending time with them and being there to help these people in need, reminds me of what life is all about. I have been truly blessed.”

11/3/2009

The Dallas Baptist University Patriot Cheerleading Team partnered with Kinkeade Early Childhood School in Irving, Texas, on Monday, October 26 to provide encouragement for the students at the school.  The week of October 26-30 was Drug Awareness week across the nation for many schools, so the cheerleaders were able to speak with the students at Kinkeade about making smart and healthy choices for their life.  Respected role models, like the Patriot Cheerleaders, is what Kinkeade wanted to give their students during Drug Awareness week to give a positive influence that would help bless their future.   

Alek Verea, a junior on the cheerleading squad, was able to speak to the entire group of students about their future.  She shared that making smart choices now in your life will lead to a brighter future.  Many other cheerleaders were able to carry on conversations with students about drug awareness and smart choices.  To end the program, the students joined the cheerleaders in a few chants before hearing the DBU fight song performed by the cheerleaders.

“This was a great opportunity to give back to the community, and our cheerleaders did a wonderful job expressing excitement to these children.  They represented a brighter tomorrow for these students,” explained Head Cheer Coach, Skyla Alvarado.   

10/26/2009

Spiritual rejuvenation is not always the same as physical relaxation.  Just ask the DBU Men’s Basketball Team and Cheerleading Squad, who spent their fall break ministering on the other side of the world.  Joined by DBU students, coaches, trainers, and staff, the group of 42 traveled to Seoul, Korea on October 2-9, overcoming jet lag, a foreign diet featuring kim chi, and tiresome long days to provide service to children and homeless individuals of a distant land.

The trip was the latest effort in DBU’s Global Sports Mission Initiative, which in the past several years has seen the University send teams to Guatemala and Peru on missions-based trips.

“The Patriot Athletic Global Sports Mission Initiative was created to allow our student-athletes the opportunity to experience other cultures by living and serving as ‘Champions for Christ’ abroad, which is exactly what the basketball players and cheerleaders did,” stated Ryan Erwin, DBU director of athletics, who helped organize the trip.  “It was a blessing and truly amazing to watch these young men and women serve and share their faith in Christ as they used their God-given talents to minister and spread the Word among the people of South Korea.”

Rising early each morning, the group traveled the city, experiencing the bustling urban life of Seoul and ministering along the way.  Clinics on their respective sports provided Patriot basketball players and cheerleaders many opportunities to share their athletic knowledge and prowess and-most importantly-their testimonies of God’s grace and love with children of all ages.

“It was truly amazing,” shared DBU basketball player Braxton Adamson, “to be able to teach these young students the fundamentals of basketball while sharing the love of Christ.”

Throughout the week, the Patriots went out of their way to engage individuals in meaningful ways.  The DBU student athletes, who received significant fanfare from their young observers, joyfully gave autographs to their supporters and delighted them in their very personal and friendly approach.  Cheerleaders worked diligently to learn and teach special cheers for their students, encouraged them throughout their practice, and invited them to join them in the limelight of performing at the basketball games DBU played during their stay in South Korea.

“I was so proud of the girls that week,” reflected DBU Head Cheer Coach Skyla Alvarado.  “They were able to bless hundreds of lives through their teaching, while also providing a great service for these schools.”

Along their journey throughout Seoul, the group also embraced the homeless.  An afternoon spent at Seoul Station saw them deliver meals and engage in a very memorable time of fellowship and prayer.

“Despite the language barrier, I was able to see God work through prayer with the homeless people,” said DBU cheerleader Michelle Grose.  “It was so moving to see the Holy Spirit intercede during prayer to impact the homeless.  It was very evident that they experienced the love of God.”

Aside from their ministry efforts, the Patriots enjoyed several occasions of spiritual rejuvenation in the company of fellow believers.  They attended services at Central Christian Academy’s Wonchon Baptist Church and Suwon Central Baptist Church.  They had the pleasure and distinct privilege of hearing a sermon presented by the renowned Dr. Billy Kim, former pastor of Suwon Central Baptist Church and former president of the Baptist World Alliance, as well as former head of the Far East Broadcasting Company.  The group had the opportunity to tour the facilities of the Far East Broadcast Company, which airs Christian music and sermons throughout the Eastern Hemisphere.

Americans and Asians, but Christians all, their testimonies inspired one another.  “Grateful for our commitment to make this journey, the Korean Christians in turn inspired us by their passion for Christ,” explained DBU Head Basketball Coach Blake Flickner.  “All over South Korea, thousands of believers go to early morning prayer services six days a week.  The churches are full, and their enthusiasm was contagious.”

Interspersed with their mission work, the DBU Men’s Basketball Team performed well in their three official games during the week.  Following friendly pre-game exchanges of cultural gifts and pleasantries, the Patriots took on two of Korea’s premier institutions, Kyung Hee University and Chung-Ang University.  The games proved to be the first of the new season for the Patriots, who, according to NCAA guidelines, were only allowed to spend a few practices together prior to the trip.  Battling hard, the Patriots fell to the Korean universities in both contests.

Their final game on the trip pitted the Dallas Baptist Patriots against American Patriots as the team took on an all-star squad from OSAN United States Air Force Base.   Battling to the end, DBU secured the victory.

"Our trip to Seoul was an incredible opportunity,” said Coach Flickner.  “We thoroughly enjoyed playing the various teams, and we learned several things that will make us better for the season ahead.”

“However, basketball was a very small part of our experience.  The trip was memorable because of the fellowship and worship we were able to enjoy with believers from half-way around the world.  The clinics we held provided a great opportunity for our players to share their testimonies and to be a witness to the next generation of young people in South Korea.  I was very proud of our student athletes and the love they showed to these kids.  I trust that the young South Koreans were encouraged and challenged in their faith, but I also know that we have grown tremendously through the experience."

10/1/2009

The Dallas Baptist University Lady Patriots Volleyball Team participated in the Dig Pink Awareness Rally on September 24, when they played the University of the Incarnate Word.

Dig Pink is a Breast Cancer Awareness Rally hosted by the Side-Out Foundation that runs through the month of October to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer research.  One hundred percent of the money raised throughout the month by DBU will go to help the effort to beat Breast Cancer. 

The Lady Patriots opened up the night by warming up in pink shirts before sporting pink jerseys during the game to represent the Volleyball Team, DBU Athletics Department, and Dallas Baptist University in the effort towards supporting Breast Cancer research through the Dig Pink Awareness Rally.

Donations to Dig Pink were collected at the Patriot concession stand from fans throughout the game, and the Lady Patriots have already raised over $1,700 for the cause. 

“The DBU Volleyball program is honored to be a part of something so worthy as Dig Pink.  As a team in season, it is easy to get caught up in wins and losses, and that is why as a coach I enjoy participating in Dig Pink.  It allows the coaching staff, players, and even fans to stop and think about issues that are truly important in life.  It opens doors for all of us to see how we as athletes, coaches, fans can make a difference.  I am proud of the program and the money we have raised, but I am more proud of the girls for taking time out of their lives to, in some small way, try to make a difference,” Head Coach Cathy Ray said.

8/26/2009

On Friday, August 21, new DBU students participated in community service projects at various locations around the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Members of the DBU Basketball team went to Mission Arlington where they helped prepare one of the community buildings to be ready to host a Back to School Youth Rally.  During the afternoon, these student-athletes along with other DBU students spent time at a nearby "Apartment Church" where they played games and encouraged the young boys and girls that live at the apartment complex.
 
The service projects were a part of DBU introducing new students during SWAT (Student Welcome and Transition Week) to one of the central values of Dallas Baptist University.  Community service projects are coordinated through DBU's Center for Service Learning, and reflect the university's Christ-centered philosophy of developing servant leaders.  DBU was recognized on the President's Honor Roll as one of the top universities in the nation committed to service in the neighboring communities.
 
Mission Arlington was started by Tillie Burgin in 1986.  She and her family had been missionaries in South Korea for over a decade.  When they returned to the metroplex, they desired to serve here in much the same way that they had done "missions" overseas.  Mission Arlington is committed to meeting people's physical needs in the name Jesus.  For more information on Mission Arlington, visit www.missionarlington.org.

6/18/2009

The DBU Patriot Basketball team conducted a free basketball camp for children ranging from third to eighth grade, at Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Duncanville, Texas.

The DBU players worked with 72 campers throughout the week on drills by instructing basketball fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and playing defense. The campers also had the opportunity to play a full game at the conclusion of each day.

The camp was more than just teaching the campers about the fundamentals of basketball, the campers learned fundamentals to grow in their Christian faith. Each day a coach or player shared their testimony and a challenging topic to help the campers advance on and off the court.   

Head Coach Blake Flicker said, "This was another great week of camp. Pastor Cooper and the staff at Antioch have been a huge help. It has been great to partner with them the last few years, and the kids all had a great time. Some of the campers have been with us for three years now, and it is fun to watch them grow up."

The Patriot Basketball coaches and players will be offering two more camps on June 22- 25 at First Baptist Church of Frisco and June 29- July 2 at Longranch Community Baptist Church.

5/19/2009

On Friday, April 24, the 2009-2010 Patriot Cheerleaders hosted Hyman Elementary‘s T.A.K.S. pep rally.   The ladies were greeted by 3rd and 4th graders who planned to take the state test the very next week. 

The students cheered with the team as the DBU Cheerleaders led the students in three separate chants.  These chants were encouraging and uplifting to help pump up the students to do get excited about the test.  The DBU Cheerleaders also performed a dance/cheer routine for the students. 

“I think it was a great event to be a part of, as this test is such an important step in the lives of these students.  They spend all year preparing for these standardized tests and having a pep rally to give them confidence to do well is such a great encouragement these students!  We were so grateful to be a part of an event such as this, and hope to return next year,” Head Coach Skyla Alvarado said.

3/16/2009

The Patriot Cheerleading team partnered with the Women's Ministry at First Baptist Church of Canton, Texas, on February 20-22 to help with a conference weekend just for local single women/mothers, called Legacy of Love.  Many single women attended the conference with their children.  These women were from Canton and other surrounding towns.  Genesis Center in Kaufman, Texas, was also able to bring a large group of women for the weekend. 

The cheerleaders were asked to take over the childcare for the weekend.  They were able to create an atmosphere of love, comfort, happiness, and security for each one of the children, as their mothers were able to enjoy the weekend.  The mothers attended a conference that included many different speakers.  The speakers included the Journey of Sisters, and many others.

"The team did a great job interacting with each child and loving on them during the weekend.  It was definitely a humbling experience to see the girls commit the entire weekend to spend time with these children.  I hope to continue this partnership with FBC and Canton's women's ministry to reach out to the single mothers not only in the East Texas area but to expand to other single women in Texas,” Head Cheer Coach Skyla Alvarado said.

3/15/2009

The DBU Lady Patriot Women’s Volleyball and Soccer teams partnered with Buckner International for a mission trip to Lima, Peru, during DBU's Spring Break, March 7-14. The Lady Patriots had the opportunity to compete against the Peruvian Junior National Team, a local university in Peru, as well as a few pick-up games while in Lima.  Throughout the week and through their spiritual gifts, the student-athletes were able to share the love of Christ with the people of Peru. 

Even though the Lady Patriots were excited to compete, that excitement did not compare with their eagerness to share Christ’s love with the orphans of Peru. They were able to use their passion to minister to the children and single-mothers.

Eager orphans awaited the arrival of the girls at each orphanage. The players acted out skits, gave personal testimonies, played games, and loved on these children and young teenage mothers. The teams also left board games, balls, shirts, jerseys, CDs, and air pumps with each of the homes.

Buckner International has two transitional girls’ homes with young girls that were able to attend the volleyball and soccer games throughout the week. Both the teams were able to spend quality time with the children in Peru. The Volleyball Team was given a chance to play the orphans, while the Soccer Team took on the workers from the Miraflores Hotel, the hotel that housed the teams during the week, and were able to share Jesus with the employees after the game.

"It was a blessing and truly amazing to watch these young women love and serve the less fortunate and share their faith in Christ," stated Ryan Erwin, DBU Director of Athletics, who helped organize the trip. "They were able to use their God-given talents to minister and spread the Word to orphaned children and abandoned mothers. Our student-athletes are definitely living and serving as champions for Christ abroad."

CLICK HERE to see the team's daily blog of the trip.

2/9/2009

The DBU Patriot Cheerleaders partnered with several local groups as they had the opportunity to participate in “Greet the Troops,” which welcomed home men and women that had been serving their country as members of the armed forces in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The soldiers landed at DFW Airport to be greeted by over 200 people including family and friends as well as many individuals and local groups, including Girl Scouts, many veterans from around the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, and the Patriot Cheerleaders. 

“This was a great opportunity for the girls to see how much these individuals have given their time and years to serve our country.  It was a great feeling to see the smiles on these soldiers’ faces when they realized that everybody was there to personally greet them upon their return, and the smiles on their families’ faces as they were there to welcome home their soldier.   I am proud of the way the girls showed great respect to these very deserving individuals,” Head Cheer Coach Skyla Alvarado said.   

1/23/2009

The DBU Baseball Program has taken an active role in supporting the University’s mission of developing servant leaders through participation in numerous volunteer and service projects throughout the Dallas/ Ft Worth community.  The players and coaches have served the community by volunteering at the Special Olympics of Texas State Track and Field Meet, helping with Habitat for Humanity and by reaching out to children in the Dallas area as they partnered with "Our Hands His Love" to put on a free baseball clinic.

Most recently, the players had the opportunity to spend a day helping Habitat for Humanity construct a house in Ft. Worth after returning from Christmas vacation.  The players were able to complete a great deal of work on the exterior of the house, including grading around the house, putting up siding, flashing, Tyvek paper, doors and the front porch.

Coach Heefner commented on the team’s desire to continue to serve when he said, “We consider it a great privilege to play a part in the university’s mission of developing servant leaders by serving in our surrounding community. It is something we will continue to do on a consistent basis. We are extremely blessed and it is easy to lose perspective as college athletes. Every time we serve, we have the opportunity to grow in humility as we put others needs ahead of our own. Growing in humility through serving others is one of the greatest lessons we want our players to learn as they go through our program.”

11/20/2008

The DBU Patriot Athletic Department had over 125 student-athletes and representatives from all 15 intercollegiate sports show up on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, to take part in their annual wrapping party for Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by the Diamond Belles, Cheerleaders and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC).

10/15/2008

The Lady Patriot Volleyball Team raised awareness for breast cancer on October 13, when they played Midwestern State, for the annual Dig for the Cure night.

DBU warmed up in pink t-shirts, made banners to place around the gym, raised money for the cause, and read several facts about breast cancer to the fans throughout the game.

The Lady Patriots put together a fundraiser called Dig for a Cure.  DBU received a certain amount of money for each dig they had in the game on the 13^th.  Through some gracious donations and 75 digs by the Lady Patriots, they were able to raise $2,160.50.  

Head Coach Cathy Ray said, "It was nice to see the girls care about something else other than just winning.  Being able to participate in digs for the cure is something I hope to do every year."

10/8/2008

The Patriot Baseball Team partnered with Our Hands His Love to reach out to children in Dallas and show them the basics of baseball.  The Patriots, who ran a three-day clinic in Guatemala this past fall, ran this clinic similar to that with over 30 kids in attendance.

Children came from the Dallas Life Foundation, Brother Bill's Helping Hand, and World Impact.  There were several local kids from South Dallas who came with no affiliation to a group.  The Baseball Team showed the kids baseball fundamentals of fielding, hitting, base running, and pitching.  In addition to the clinic, several DBU players shared their testimony and the gospel with the kids.  

Head Coach Dan Heefner said, "Putting on a baseball clinic in conjunction with Our Hands His Love, was a great opportunity for our players to share their passion for baseball and more importantly to tell others about the difference Christ has made in their lives.  It was a unique opportunity for us to join with the work being done by other DBU students to reach out to our surrounding community."

10/1/2008

The 2008 DBU Lady Patriot Volleyball Team played their second conference game against Texas A&M International on Saturday, September 20. For most of the student-athletes the highlight of the game would have been the victory over a conference opponent, but for the Lady Patriots it was what happened after the match they will remember the most.

Life School of Oak Cliff brought over 30 young student-athletes ranging from seventh to tenth grade to watch DBU play TAMIU.

"I had talked to the volleyball coach from Life School, Karrisa Ross, and we thought this would be a great opportunity for both teams to get more out of volleyball then just the game. What I did not expect was to see how excited and happy the Life School players were just to be there, and how my team responded to their presence," Lady Patriot Head Coach Cathy Ray said.

The Lady Patriots had a good turn out of their most reliable fans, but it was Life School that showed the biggest support that day. Junior Amanda Emmert stated, "These girls had such great energy and spirit for the game. I do not think they realize how contagious that positive energy is; they contributed as much to our win as we did."

After the Patriots 3-1 win over International, the two teams met up on the court for some conversation, peppering and laughs. Senior Michele Villerreal spoke of the interaction as an inspiring experience, "Knowing the girls enjoyed the game made our win that much more special. Having the girls look up to us and getting excited because we share the same number or play the same position, made me want to go back out on the court and play another match."

Ray added, "The effect college and professional athletes can have on younger generations is tremendous, and it is my job as a coach to provide my team opportunities to show young female athletes of today the importance of staying in sports, working hard and displaying positive sportsmanship. This is what DBU is all about, going beyond what gifts and talents God has given us, sharing those gifts with others, and using them to witness and reach out to those that need our guidance or a helping hand. "

Community Engagement is a priority on many college campuses around the nation and DBU is no exception.

"I am so glad we were able to come to the game. Many of the girls have never seen what volleyball can be, and watching DBU inspired the girls to learn and practice to be better. My favorite moment was when one of the girls said, ‘It's so fast!’ The DBU players were friendly and kind after the game, and the girls couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had. Thank you to DBU and the Lady Patriots Volleyball team," Life School Head Volleyball Coach Karissa Ross added.

"The Patriot Athletic Department strives to effectively engage our campus and local community in numerous activities each year through athletic competition and events. Our coaches and student-athletes enjoy interacting with the community through various activities each year to try and share the energy involved in college athletics to positively affect various community groups," DBU Director of Athletics Ryan Erwin said.

9/26/2008

On Saturday, September 13, the Dallas Baptist University Basketball team partnered with Voice of Hope to reach out to youth from the West Dallas area. Fifteen young men who are involved with Voice of Hope’s after school program were selected to participate in a basketball camp hosted by DBU Basketball. The DBU players and coaches led these young men in basic fundamental basketball skills and spent one on one time with them answering questions and developing relationships with younger students. We talked about the value of a good education and attending college and the need to make wise, Biblical choices along the way.

4/17/2008

Division II and the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators have selected Dallas Baptist University as the 2008 winner of the Community Engagement Award of Excellence for the Heartland Conference.

In addition to Northern Michigan from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, who won the National award, winners were selected from the other Division II conferences that submitted nominations and from the Division II independent institutions. Each winner receives a $500 grant that can be used for other community-engagement efforts.

Division II and NACMA staged the contest to build momentum for Division II’s community-engagement initiative and reward institutions for their creativity in advancing the initiative. Division II schools were encouraged to submit their best community-engagement promotion from the “ideas that work” section on the Division II community-engagement Web site (www.diicommunity.org).

•         Independents – Chaminade (The Palolo Softball/Soccer Camps and Think Pink initiatives)

•         Lone Star – Eastern New Mexico (High Hopes Benefit dinner and dance)

•         Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association – Emporia State (Full Circle, helping senior citizens)

•         North Central – Nebraska-Omaha (UNO Rake-A-Thon, student-athletes doing yard work)

•         Northeast-10 – Stonehill (Easton Appreciation Day, student-athletes instructing children in baseball)

•         Northern Sun – Southwest Minnesota State (SMSU Ag Bowl)

•         Peach Belt – UNC Pembroke (Lumber River Senior Games, helping senior citizens stay active)

•         Pennsylvania State – Slippery Rock (National Girls and Women in Sports Day event)

•         Rocky Mountain – Metro State (Building Bridges to the Community, helping local high school sports)

•         South Atlantic – Lincoln Memorial (LMU Baseball Youth Coaches Clinic)

•         Southern Intercollegiate – Benedict (Harambee Festival: A Power for Good in the Community)

•         Sunshine State – Tampa (Wendy’s FanFest)

•         West Virginia Intercollegiate – Shepherd (Presidential Inauguration, which included a football weekend as part of the festivities)

12/15/2007