GALLATIN, TN—Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Donnie Stevanus, announced his resignation March 23. Stevanus, a full-time teacher in the Metro Nashville Public School System, had agreed to coach the men’s Flames basketball team on an interim basis until the new campus was built in Gallatin.
In Stevanus’s two years at the helm, he was instrumental in moving the program forward both on and off the court. Not only did this year’s Flames squad have the highest winning percentage for a Flames team (16-14) since 2006, but he had his teams attend and participate in numerous churches while on road trips over his time at Welch College.
“Don has done an amazing job,” said Gary Turner, Athletic Director. “He came in and got us through a critical period of transition in Welch College’s history. He gave the Flames the stability needed to go forward. He was truly a blessing to our campus.”
NASHVILLE, TN—Welch College has named Matthew Steven Bracey as cross country coach at Welch College, according to Athletic Director Gary Turner. “Welch has taken a big step toward building a strong cross country program with the hire of Matthew Bracey as its new cross country coach,” Turner said. “An avid runner himself, Bracey has a real heart for running and is excited about the prospect of building a really strong, vibrant program. He looks forward to working and running with students, as well as building personalized training programs for them.”
Bracey has run numerous marathons, including, most recently, the Mercedes-Benz Marathon and the Walt Disney World Marathon. He has also run several smaller races, winning his age category in a recent 5k.
“I’m honored to serve in this capacity as the coach for Welch’s cross country team,” Bracey remarked. “The opportunity to combine two things that I love—Welch and its students on the one hand, and running on the other—is an awesome blessing. I look forward to building a great cross country program and team. And I’m especially excited about working even more with students.”
Bracey, a 2008 graduate of Welch College, received an M.T.S. from Beeson Divinity School and a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He began working for Welch in 2013, where he serves as Associate Vice Provost and teaches law, theology, and history. He has also co-edited and contributed to two books and written a number of scholarly and popular articles.
“I believe Coach Bracey will take our cross country program to a whole new level,” said Turner. “With his love of Welch College and his passion for running, I think we’ll see the program flourish. If you’re interested in cross country, or know someone who is, contact Coach Bracey at mbracey@welch.edu.”
Donnie Stevanus has been named the interim Men’s Head Basketball Coach at Welch College. A Southern Illinois native, Stevanus graduated from Welch College in 1993 with a B.S. in teacher education. He was a member of the Flames basketball team while a student at Welch.
Stevanus has taught Physical Education and Health in Metro Nashville Public Schools since the fall of 1994, having coached basketball for several age groups ranging from elementary to high school. He lives in Cheatham County, TN, with his wife of 20 years, Leah (Plunkett) and their four daughters, Elizabeth (who will be a freshman at Welch this fall), Mary Grace, Georgia, and Chloe.
Donnie serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Bethel Free Will Baptist Church in Ashland City, TN. “My faith in Jesus Christ is the most important part of who I am,” Stevanus said. “And my hope for the Flames is that they will be examples of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:31: ‘Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God’—Soli Deo Gloria!”
“We are blessed to have found such a strong coach so late in the summer,” said Flames’ Athletic Director, Gary Turner. “Donnie will be a perfect fit for us. His experience and background will be a great asset for Welch College.”
Abby Walker has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball and basketball at Welch College. Walker, from Washington, North Carolina, has excelled in both sports while playing for Washington High School.
“We have been working with Abby for a long time,” said Flames’ volleyball coach Ashley Lockert. “She is an all-around athlete who will do well at Welch. I am so excited that she will be here in the fall.”
Walker, the daughter of Darren and Melinda Walker, received numerous honors and awards over her athletic career at Washington, in All-Conference and the Sportsmanship Award.
Pictured: High School Volleyball Coach Kelly Slade, Melinda Walker, Sydney Walker Welch Coach Ashley Lockert
March 5, 2015. Poor shooting proved to be the difference as the Lady Flames fell to Dallas Christian College, 65-55, in the first round of the Association of Christian College Athletics National Tournament.
In the first half, Welch shot only 26.7% from the floor and 7.69% from outside the arc. The second half was a slight improvement, but not enough to pull out a win.
Despite the poor shooting, the Flames were able to pull within three points late in the game before they had to foul to try and get the ball back. The Crusaders were able to knock down their free throws to seal the victory.
“Our shot selection wasn’t bad, the ball just wouldn’t go in the hole,” said Flames’ coach Larry Bryan.
Ashton Johnson led three Flames in double figures with 20 points. Leslie Nichols had a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Jessie Melvin chipped in with 10 points.
The Flames will play today (Friday) at 12:30 pm. You can watch it live at: youtube.com/accasports.
October 31, 2014. Coach Larry Bryan loves Friday games and it was evident again today as the Flames defeated Toccoa Falls College, 64-55 before a lively Halloween crowd.
From the opening tip, both teams battled back and forth throughout the first half. The Flames led the entire time, but never by more than four points, and took a slim 34-30 lead into the locker room.
The second half was similar to the first defensively, but the Flames cooled off on the offensive end, allowing the Eagles to take a 46-43 lead with ten minutes remaining in the game. But, Toccoa Falls’ lead was short-lived. After exchanging baskets, Ashton Johnson hit a two-pointer, a foul shot, and drained a trey to put the Flames ahead for good.
“Our girls displayed a tremendous will to win today,” said Coach Bryan. “They were determined to not quit in spite of adversity. They picked up their teammates and finished strong. That’s a sign of a good team.”
Johnson led all scorers with 21 points. Amy Pickett and Leslie Nichols were also in double digits with 14 and 10 points, respectively. All three hit critical shots in the second half with Pickett going four for four from the field.
Freshman, Claire Ryan led Welch with 10 rebounds. She also led the team in assists with seven and Johnson added six.
Now, 2-0, the Flames host Judson College next Friday.
