SPORTS FALL/WINTER

by Dan Fort REVIEW

One senior who shines brightly on the field and mat is LEVI RHYNARD. Levi can be described in one word: tough. He plays hard, competes well, and pushes through. He has very high character in the way that he competes, showing sportsmanship at every turn, but also recognizing the importance of living out his faith through his actions.

On the football field, he was a scrappy linebacker that led the team in tackles and was an All-Region Linebacker in the 2021 season.

Coach Perez, Levi’s wrestling coach, shared, “Levi’s character is one to be admired. He is one of our team captains because he is an example for the other wrestlers. He never gives up; he fights till the end. He is a naturalborn leader—Levi’s faith and character are what set him apart. He is passionate about his faith. Levi will be a force to be reckoned with. He is driven. He is tough. He has a purpose. I know he will do great things.”

Levi is ranked 2nd in the state of Arizona at 157 lbs. in Division 4. Levi put up a great fight at State but fell short of a medal.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASEBALL: Back-to-Back Champions

MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CLINCH THE REGION!

The PC men’s basketball team recently concluded their regular season with a 22-4 record. This is the first time our boys program has won over 20 games in a season since 2004-’05. The guys also earned PC the region title, which hadn’t occurred in over 20 years. Most importantly, they’re competing with a Christ-focused mentality!

— by Head Coach Ben Stryczek

This year the Phoenix Christian Women’s basketball team fought hard to win the region title. This group of young ladies have worked both on and off the court to make this year one to remember. From focusing in the classroom, to supporting one another, this group of young women deserve to celebrate!

— by Head Coach Brandi Watkins

Homecoming 2022 was certainly a celebration to remember!

With a record number of alumni coming home, we celebrated our 73rd Homecoming in a BIG way. Our students had a fun week of spirit days and lunchtime activities. Homecoming morning started with an Alumni Chapel with special guests from the Class of 2002, a combined student/alumni worship team, an amazing student testimonial, and our keynote speaker from the Class of 1962, Pastor Delbert Hooge and his wife Lora. Following chapel, alumni enjoyed a wonderful brunch while the children’s Sign & Worship Team moved the group to tears. Students had another tough powder puff competition and wrapped up the morning with a fun-filled pep assembly.

Later that afternoon, families and alumni enjoyed the annual carnival in the courtyard with special elements including the petting zoo and children’s choirs. The crowd moved to Cougar Stadium where fans cheered in a nail-biting game. The halftime show featured our beautiful students; the parade included our youngest Cougars to our seasoned seniors! We even had the King and Queen from the Class of 1982, Ken and Andrea Kortman, crown the newest royals. Thanks to an amazing donor, we raffled off a car to raise money for our incredible faculty and staff Christmas bonuses. Fireworks boomed after a delayed game when the Cougars ran the ball for the touchdown in the final seconds of the game. What a Homecoming!

During homecoming weekend and the months that followed, our alumni gathered for many special reunions. Many alumni reconnected and enjoyed special moments of fellowship, shared memories, and a lot of laughter! One alumnus reflected that some of his very darkest hours were shared with classmates who have remained friends throughout the years. It’s so important to continue meeting together because of our rich and deep connections developed at Phoenix Christian. We need each other!

To begin planning your class reunion or to learn more about next year’s reunions, please contact the alumni office at alumni@ phoenixchristian.org.

The Class of 2002 had an amazing night together; reconnecting with friends and enjoying an amazing meal in a classmate’s beautiful backyard.