praise as well as able to cut loose and have fun with familiar songs. At Midnight Madness, we showcased both Creative Arts and Athletics, that we might promote Athletics and the Arts as front-porch attractions for not only current Deacons, but also for prospective students to sustain growth at New Hope for years to come.” After the Men’s Basketball team was introduced and a short game of Two-Ball was played to entertain the audience, Cooley presented a special guest speaker, former Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy. Dungy is a friend of the New Hope community and has taken the time to address the Athletics teams. At Midnight Madness, he shared thoughts on the importance of being a leader both on and off the court. It’s a natural relationship to link Dungy with future leaders from New Hope, and Cooley noted that when he and Director of Basketball Operations Kyle Pierce began planning the event back in July — they knew that they wanted Dungy to be a part of the night if his schedule would allow. Cooley has big plans to develop the Deacons Athletics brand not only around the Eugene Springfield community, but also throughout the Northwest and beyond. “Down the road, we are seeking to transition away from the NCCAA, and with expansion of sport and enrollment make a move into the NAIA and seek membership into the Cascade Collegiate Conference,” Cooley explains. “On the horizon is the addition of Varsity Women’s Volleyball, Golf, Soccer, Women’s Basketball and the development of junior varsity level programs for our basketball programs. In addition to continuing to foster the competitive spirit within our Cross Country and Track and Field program, I am excited about the current state of Deacons Athletics. At the same time, I am motivated by the caliber of coaches on our campus. We have the privilege to teach incredible young men and women, all of who bring their vast championship experiences into the beginning stages of our Athletic Department. But most importantly, God has His hand in all we do, from setting up for Midnight Madness all the way to excelling on our courts and fields of play.”
“Our goal here at New Hope Christian College is to build programs that first and foremost bring glory to the Lord but are also first class in all elements, both on and off the court; we seek to bring a level of excitement to our student body by introducing our basketball program and promoting the amazing partnerships with which God has blessed us.”
Midnight Madness will now become an annual event within the NHCC framework; plans are already underway to build next year’s event schedule and expand on the relationship between Art and Athletics. These are exciting times at NHCC and everyone from the students, faculty and staff are committed to presenting their very best to the Eugene–Springfield area and beyond.
DECEMBER
22