Bryan College Triangle

The Lady Lions are five-time AAC Champions of Character / Photo courtesy of Dave Houghton

Josiah Newport
Triangle Reporter

When Charles Barkley coined the famous phrase, “I am not paid to be a role model. I am paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court,” he echoed the thoughts and actions of other athletes, professional and collegiate. However, Karl Malone, another NBA great, scolded Barkley in a Sports Illustrated column, “Charles . . . I don’t think it’s your decision to make. We don’t choose to be role models, we are chosen. Our only choice is whether to be a good role model or a bad one.”

At Bryan College, a two time NAIA Champions of Character Institution, Athletic Director Dr. Sandy Zensen believes that strong character on and off the field makes for a winning program. More importantly he is looking for coaches of character who buy into the mission and motto of Bryan College: “Christ Above All.”

In his 22 years as head men’s soccer coach and even now as athletic director, Zensen has never stopped striving for excellence, good sportsmanship and winning programs. For that reason, the coaches of the AAC decided in November 2011 (after Zensen’s last season as head coach) to create an award given annually in Zensen’s honor. The award will be presented to the AAC male soccer player who best represents the five core values of the NAIA’s Champions of Character program- integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership – principles Coach Zensen has exemplified throughout his coaching career. Read full story »

Hasty’s team looks promising, starts season Thursday against Toccoa Falls College

"The guys have worked purposely," said Coach Hast, describing his teams preparations for Thursday / Triangle phot by Josiah Newport

Brittany Gurley
Triangle Reporter

This season’s baseball team may prove to be promising with seven returning starters and some of the best talent in years.

Expectations are high as the team prepares to kick off its season against Toccoa Falls (Ga.) College on Thursday, at 4 p.m. The general consensus of all those involved can be summed up in one word: excitement.

“I’m excited,” said Head Coach Taylor Hasty. “Not only have the guys worked hard, they’ve worked purposely.”

The players have not only improved individually, the team as a whole has progressed.

“I feel like this is the most talented team that we’ve had in years,” said senior middle infielder Steven Brown.

Hasty added, “On paper, we should be ahead of where we were last season.” Read full story »

Justin M. Jones &
Sebastian Fischer

Senior guard Sara Barnett lines up for a shot in last night's game against Tenn. Wesleyan / Triangle photo by Jessica Slade

Wednesday night, the Lady Lions (12-9, 3-7 in AAC) suffered a devastating loss to the Tennessee Wesleyan (Athens) Bulldogs with an unsettling score of 65-35.

The Bulldogs (15-6, 8-2 in AAC) entered the contest as the odds-on favorite, currently being ranked 20th  in the NAIA DII and are leading the AAC.

About two minutes into the game, senior post Rochelle Davidson opened the scoring with a three pointer. The bar was set high for the Lions; a little bit too high that night.

Junior forward Morgan Burnette made her way down the court and scored  two for the Lions but Bryan was never able to catch up with the Bulldogs.  Wesleyan was simply superior in athleticism and size, which showed mostly on the glass. While Bryan had an overall of 32 rebounds, the Bulldogs recorded 54.

From start to finish the Bulldogs gradually widened their margin. At half time they were leading by 16.

Beginning the second half, the Lions entered the court with more energy; however, the Bulldogs kept dominating and were ahead with 44-22 seven minutes into the second period.

With five minutes left in the game, the Lady Lions showed some vital signs but the game was decided already and it was too late for a comeback.

Despite the outcome of the game, Coach Smith strongly believes in his team’s ability to perform.

“Our job as a coaching staff is to love our players, and it is the players’ job to love each other,” said Coach Smith. “That has been and will continue to be our number one objective.”

Senior center Sarah Newton lead the Lady Lions in scoring with 10 points; Burnette had seven rebounds.

The Lady Lions are currently ranked eigth in the AAC and play next in a conference game at Columbia (S.C.) College Saturday Jan. 28.

Questionable buzzer-beater takes the game to overtime

Freshman point guard Dion Fair had 13 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in Wednesday night's game / Triangle photo by Jessica Slade

Sebastian Fischer
Sports Editor

Wednesday night was one to remember at Summers Gymnasium. In a highly entertaining, breakneck match, the men’s basketball team (10-13, 5-4 in AAC) lost to conference rival Tennessee Wesleyan College (Athens), 107-104.

With a sure victory in sight for the Lions, the referees counted a Wesleyan three-pointer that was released just after the buzzer sounded to end regulation (Click here to view video or look below). The Bulldogs went on to win the game in overtime.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but you’ve got to swallow it,” said Bryan Head Coach Don Rekoske after the game. “We have to accept it and move on.” Read full story »

Shane Vicry
Triangle Writer

Our Bryan College men’s and women’s cross country teams have wrapped up another fantastic fall season. The school had the privilege of hosting the AAC Championship meet for the first time this year at nearby Fort Bluff Camp (Dayton Mtn.) seeing great success. The guys won their third consecutive AAC crown while the girls had a strong runner-up finish as well.

Read full story »