by jowens | Jan 18, 2018
GALLATIN, TN—The volleyball program at Welch College is undergoing changes in leadership, according to Athletic Director Greg Fawbush. Ashley Lockert has resigned as head volleyball coach and will be replaced by Abigail Warren.
Lockert was a former player for the Lady Flames volleyball team and has been the coach for the past four seasons. The distance to the new campus and the extra time away from her family were contributing factors in her decision.
“The Flames volleyball program has shown great improvement under Coach Lockert’s leadership,” Fawbush said. Her first year, the team went 1-14 and then 3-15 the following year. The past two seasons, the teams’ records have improved greatly going 12-16, and finishing this year 14-12. This past year, the team went back into NCCAA regional play and made the top fifteen power rankings. Lockert also had two players that made the all-regional team. The volleyball program has had seven scholar athletes in the past four seasons.
“Coach Lockert has shown great dedication, not only to Welch College, but also to the young ladies that she has mentored. She has instilled a work ethic into the program that will be the foundation for the future,” stated Fawbush. “Under Coach Lockert’s tenure, the volleyball team became a respected volleyball program in the Mid-West region of the NCCAA.”
Abigail Warren has been named the new head coach of the Lady Flames volleyball team. A graduate of John Brown University, Warren spent two years as a missionary/teacher at Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines. She earned her teaching degree from Welch in December 2017.
“Coach Warren was an exceptional basketball and volleyball player in high school,” Fawbush said. “She was also offered a full-ride volleyball scholarship to Mineral Area College. After one year, she transferred to John Brown University where she was given a full basketball scholarship. As a player, she was awarded the Christian Character and Scholar Athlete awards. While serving at Faith Academy, she coached their volleyball team. She has also been a volleyball referee on several levels.” Warren currently serves in the athletic department at Hendersonville Christian Academy as a coach and aids in high school weight training.
“It will be exciting to see Coach Warren’s vision implemented in the volleyball program at Welch College,” Fawbush continued.” I believe she strongly embodies the three core values of commitment, character, and competition of Welch College athletics.”
by jowens | Dec 1, 2017
Welch College will be fielding men’s and women’s soccer teams starting in the 2018-2019 season, according to Welch Athletic Director Greg Fawbush, who announced the initiative following the first home basketball games in the newly constructed Student Activities Center.
The college currently has intercollegiate teams in women’s volleyball, basketball, and cross country, and men’s cross country, golf, and basketball. Welch College is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association and competes in the Midwest region.
“It is an exciting time to be part of the Flames athletic department,” Coach Fawbush said. “Soccer is the natural next addition to our sports programs. The sport of soccer has grown in popularity, and we believe it complements our three goals of commitment, character, and courage. The addition of soccer teams gives the college a greater opportunity to invest in the lives of the youth of our denomination.”
For more information on any of the athletic programs, or if you are a student athlete interested in playing soccer, or know of a potential participant, please contact Coach Fawbush at gfawbush@welch.edu.
by jowens | Nov 5, 2017
The Grand Opening of the Welch College Student Activities Center is scheduled for Friday, November 10, according to President Matt Pinson.
Friends and members of the Welch College community are invited to celebrate with an evening of festivities. A brief grand opening ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by a tailgate party and cookout at 5:00. The Flames basketball team will then play the first game in the brand new gymnasium as they face St. Louis Christian at 7:00.
The Student Activities Center houses the gymnasium, coffee shop, student recreation area, and fitness center. A tour will be given following the 4:00 ceremony.
“We invite all our friends to come celebrate this wonderful occasion of the completion of the Student Activities Center, which also marks the conclusion of phase one of the construction of the new Welch campus,” President Pinson said. “The students have been eagerly anticipating the opening of this new facility that will be at the center of student life. It’s going to be great to have our first Flames basketball game in the new facilities in conjunction with Welcome Days.”
To see photographs of the new campus and get information about giving toward the funding of this effort, visit Buildingonthelegacy.com.
by jowens | May 10, 2017
Destinee Woolett has signed a letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Welch College this fall. She is a 5’7” hitter from Box Elder, South Dakota.
“I am very excited to add such a rounded and determined player to our roster,” said Coach Ashley Lockert. “She is a great fit for Welch, both on and off the court.”
Academically, Woolett maintains a 4.0 grade point average and plans to major in Elementary Education. She attends Harvest Time Free Will Baptist Church and is the daughter of Shaun & Shante Woolett.
by jowens | Apr 30, 2017
Mr. Greg Fawbush, accomplished coach, athletic director, and Free Will Baptist pastor, has been named Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach at Welch College, according to President Matt Pinson. Fawbush fills the vacancies left by interim Men’s Basketball Coach Donnie Stevanus, who resigned in March, and outgoing Athletic Director Gary Turner, who, in transition to retirement, will continue to teach in and administer the Exercise Science degree and associated academic programs.
Since graduating from Welch College in 1995, Fawbush has ministered in a wide range of roles within the Free Will Baptist denomination. Early in his career, Fawbush served as a youth pastor, coach, and teacher. Most recently, he has served as Director of Athletic and Coaching Services at the 700-student-strong Seffner Christian Academy in Seffner, FL, and as Pastor of New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Dover, FL.
During his 21-year tenure at Seffner Christian, Fawbush served in the athletic department and taught Senior Bible. He is well-known in South Florida for his successful high school basketball coaching career, with a record of 379-135. Fawbush led his program to four state tournament appearances, including two state runner-up finishes. He has been named Coach of the Year multiple times, both in Hillsborough County and the state of Florida.
As Director of Coaching and Athletic Services, he played an instrumental role in developing Seffner Christian’s athletic program as a noted force in the state of Florida. In that role he administered 29 teams and managed 47 coaches.
“Mr. Fawbush’s exceptional service at Seffner Christian Academy and ministry in the churches display his commitment to seeing God’s work successfully done, a heart for serving others, and a love for the Free Will Baptist Church,” Pinson said.
“We’ve watched him, from an academic standpoint, receive the highest marks from his professors in Welch’s new M.A. program in theology and ministry. His record as an outstanding preacher and minister who combines Christian worldview scholarship, a 21-year athletic career, and a winning coaching record in Christian education is a great combination for our mission here at Welch.”
Fawbush stated, “I look forward to returning to my alma mater to serve Welch as Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to support Welch as a representative in Free Will Baptist churches and Christian schools—and in the college’s new community in Sumner County.”
Download Welch Names Greg Fawbush to Sports Post Release
by jowens | Mar 29, 2017
GALLATIN, TN—The Welch College Athletic Director is stepping away from AD responsibilities as he transitions to retirement. Next year he will continue to serve at Welch as PE/Exercise Science Program Coordinator and full-time faculty. Because of this transition, the college is seeking a mature, Christian individual who has a lengthy history of ministry in the local church, preferably in a Free Will Baptist church, to serve as Athletic Director, Men’s Basketball Coach, and Athletic Recruiter.
Qualifications/Experience
· Master’s Degree or PhD
· Minimum of 10 years’ experience as athletic director at secondary or collegiate level
· Minimum of 10 years’ experience in secondary or collegiate coaching
· Welch College alumnus preferred, but others will be considered
· Written testimony of Christian conversion
· Three written references from non-family members
Applicants should submit an original 1,200 word essay on Biblical Integration of Athletics and Christian Higher Education.
Contact Information
Send letter of interest, CV or resume, testimony of Christian conversion, references, and essay to:
Paul G. Ketteman, Ed.D., Provost
Welch College
P.O. Box 479
Gallatin, Tennessee 37066
or
provost@welch.edu
Letters of interest and other materials must be received on or before April 28, 2017.
The mission of Welch College is to educate leaders to serve Christ, His church,
and His world through biblical thought and life.
