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.”