Erskine Board of Trustees During a two-day gathering Feb. 20-21, the Erskine Board of Trustees, led by Board Chair Jill Gazzaway of Davidson,


N.C., received reports from Erskine athletics, toured two campus construction projects, and enjoyed dinner at the Presi- dent’s Home. Director of Athletics Mark Peeler provided an update on Erskine’s collegiate sports and introduced three young coach-


es who are “doing things the Fleet Way—Christ-centered, competitive, and community-focused”—and the coaches spoke to the trustees.


Dylan Anderson serves as head coach for both cross-country and track and


field, the latter sport inaugurated at Erskine this year. He said the cross-coun- try team has been the “cornerstone” of the new track and field program, and also noted that the women’s cross-country team placed second in Conference Carolinas this year after seven years in last place. “What’s been special with this new team has been designing community,” Anderson said, adding that prayer has been central to that effort.


Kara Christian Mays, head acrobatics and tumbling coach, offered an over-


view of the relatively new sport, which combines elements of cheerleading, diving, trampolining, tumbling, and gymnastics. Of 33 acrobatics and tum- bling teams across the United States, Erskine’s is the newest. Mays encourages team members to be strong, to be accountable to one another, and to be good communicators. “God led me here for a reason,” she said, “and it has been really amazing to be here and start this program.”


Ryan Teems, a 2019 Erskine College graduate and now head bass fishing


coach, expressed gratitude to the trustees, saying, “The support and design we have for this program is incredible.” He told Board members, “Erskine is where I found my faith, my passion for bass fishing, and my passion for ministry. Erskine opened my heart to God and to ministry.” Teems said next year’s roster will in- clude 24 students, among them five Bassmaster High School All-Americans. He hopes to open up opportunities for scholarships, internships, and sponsorships for his team members.


The trustees were given a tour of two construction sites on campus, the football field house and the new student apart- ments, known as “The Villages.” “It is very exciting to see these projects come to life,” Gazzaway said. Erskine President Dr. Robert Gustafson and his wife Beth Gustafson hosted a dinner for Board members to close the day.?


Glorifying God as a Christian Academic Community May/June 2020 11


Erskine


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