Seeking the perfect balance between academics and athletics, Wittenberg has launched the only NCAA Division III- endorsed program of its kind, the Tiger GA2ME Plan – a move that not only keeps the competitive edge alive for a lifetime, but also positions Wittenberg scholar-athletes for future success.
by Ryan Maurer
Wittenberg scholar-athletes have long had the upper hand on opponents, as evidenced by the university’s well-known reputation as a small college athletics powerhouse and the overflowing trophy cases throughout the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Center. Now, the university wants to extend its athletic reputation even more by formalizing its commitment to enriching and preparing scholar-athletes for victories on the playing field, in the classroom and in an increasingly global community after graduation.
“Wittenberg’s strategic plan, Distinctively Wittenberg: A Vision for Excellence, called for the development of the model program for Division III athletics with a focus on great academics and great athletics,” said President Mark H. Erickson. “This is that model program.”
“Wittenberg has been committed to wholeness of mind, body and spirit since its founding more than 160 years ago,” added Director of Athletics and Recreation Garnett Purnell. “The Tiger GA2ME Plan affirms that commitment by ensuring that student- athletes have access to the tools they need to succeed while in college and in life.”
With an equal emphasis on the scholar and the athlete, the Tiger GA2ME Plan is based on four initiatives: the creation of Global education opportunities (G); aiding of professional development via a unique, university-wide Academic support network while competing at the highest level of NCAA Division III Athletics (A2); providing connections to alumni Mentors (M); and encouraging personal Engagement and growth through character-building service projects and campus activities (E).
“I was attracted to Wittenberg as a scholar- athlete by the opportunity to join a vibrant college campus community that offered more than just the opportunity to shoot the basketball and study for exams,” recalled Women’s Basketball Head Coach Sarah Jurewicz ’98, who was a member of the task force that developed the Tiger GA2ME Plan. “Even though I knew that I was going to be a member of the women’s basketball team, I wanted more out of my college experience. I got that at Wittenberg.
“Still, there is clearly more that we can do to develop each student to his or her fullest potential. The Tiger GA2ME Plan is the next step in committing ourselves as a university to the development of the whole person.”
Not coincidentally, Jurewicz is one of four Tiger coaches leading her team abroad this year, as NCAA regulations permit once every three years. She is taking the Tiger women’s basketball team to Italy in August, combining playing opportunities against quality European competition with exposure to a different culture as well as participation in a community service project.
The three other Tiger teams heading abroad in search of cultural, team-bonding and additional training opportunities include women’s soccer, which will spend two weeks in The Netherlands, Belgium and France in August, men’s soccer, which will travel to England in August, and men’s basketball, which will head to Canada during fall break in October.
Along with the global aspect, Purnell has also led efforts in recent years to enhance the academic support system that surrounds Wittenberg scholar-athletes, and grade reports in recent years indicate extraordinary success in that area. Still, he knows that more can be done to identify students in need of extra assistance, to help incoming scholar-athletes adjust to the rigors of college academics, and to point scholar-athletes in the right professional directions despite their hectic playing and practice schedules.
That is where perhaps the most unique aspect of the Tiger GA2ME Plan is introduced. Assistant Director of Athletics for the Tiger GA2ME Plan Ali Teopas has been working tirelessly to connect scholar-athletes with alumni mentors, who can act as guides through the early part of the academic and athletic process.
Alumni mentors are asked to follow the careers of the scholar-athletes, keeping in touch with them as often as possible to provide support, a sympathetic ear or perhaps even a voice of reason. In turn, the network of Wittenberg alumni making connections after graduation hopefully will grow more active and more diverse.
Before scholar-athletes have their day in Commencement Hollow, however, they must first complete the university- mandated community service requirement. Since being a Wittenberg scholar-athlete is privilege, more must be expected, so teams are encouraged to participate in meaningful service projects and campus activities.
In recent months, for example, the Tiger softball team adopted an elementary school class to act as mentors to the children, the women’s soccer team visited children stricken with serious illnesses at Dayton Children’s Hospital, and the men’s and women’s tennis teams have hosted free clinics to introduce young people to the sport and encourage physical fitness. Those are just a few examples of Wittenberg scholar-athletes and coaches extending their influence in the community.
“Implementing the Tiger GA2ME Plan has been a fantastic experience, and I am pleased to see our scholar athletes making an impact in the community, traveling the globe and preparing themselves for life after college,” Teopas said. “This program encapsulates the best of NCAA Division III and college athletics in general, and I am eager to see the impact it makes on Wittenberg University and its outstanding scholar athletes.”
It all adds up to the kind of plan that doesn’t just win games, it scores in life as well.