LIFE Wins AII Tournament Championship

LIFE Wins AII Tournament Championship
Next Stop: Kansas City

On Saturday, March 3, 2012 LIFE took on Mountain State in the semi-finals of the Association of Independent Institutions(AII) championship tournament, held on the campus of LIFE. At halftime, LIFE was up by only 2 points, 39-37.  LIFE turned up the heat in the second half and walked away with a 83-64 victory.

On Sunday LIFE took on Cal State San Marcos championship game on Sunday evening and won 90-65, winning the tournament championship. The Running Eagles entered the tournament as the fourth seed and knocked off the number one and number two teams to secure their place in the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, MO., March 14-20.

PJ Meyers, Point Guard at LIFE, originally from Augusta, GA was nominated as MVP.  The Running Eagles will now move on to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, MO on March 14-20.

Congratulations to the team and coaching staff! Bring on Kansas City!!!!

LU Basketball Reaches Out – Kelly Milano, DC Student

Serving the life community and marietta

On Saturday, June 11 the Running Eagles basketball team took a day trip to Marietta High School where the Kiwanis Club held their annual Soap Box Derby. The team spent the day cheering on the 37 participants, ranging in age from 10-17 years old. Dr. McAuluy, Executive Vice President of LIFE commented to the Marietta Journal, “Life partners with Marietta High School on a number of projects throughout the year and the invaluable work of our student-athletes this weekend is just one way we give back to our community. The players thoroughly enjoyed the day’s events, despite the heat. When given the opportunity to go home after they were finished volunteering, the team chose to stick around until all the races were completed and for the rest of the days activities.”

Barrington Ferguson, LU Guard, was recruited from Marietta High School and commented that, “We had a great time helping the kids and I hope to be back there again next year.”

To further the team’s service to the community and those around them, the players were on hand to help new students move into the Village Retreat on campus. New students enjoyed the extra help and one student responded that she can’t wait to go to the basketball games. This was a great opportunity for them to gain some new fans in the new students, meet those who will be living on campus with them and make a presence on campus.

More events will be taking place in the future. The Athletics Department is currently working on finishing up details for a school wide event that will be hosted by the Athletics Department and players. Stay tuned to Vital Source for more information in the coming weeks!

2nd-Gen Running Eagle – Kelly Milano, DC Student

following in his father’s footsteps

When the Running Eagles take the court for the home opener, one face may look familiar to those administration and faculty who have been around for awhile. That player is Trestin White from Cottondale High School in Cottondale Florida. White is a 2^nd generation LIFE Running Eagle. His dad, Bruce White, played for LIFE in 91-92 and 92-93, the first 2 years of the basketball program.

According to the Jackson County Floridian newspaper, White joins the team as a 6 foot forward. He averaged nine points, six rebounds and three assists for his high school team. He also helped to lead them to a playoff appearance and victory.

White told the Floridian, “Obviously, it means something to go to the school that my dad did, but (Life) is a really great program. I think the coaching staff is great, I like the area, and it’s just a great opportunity for me.”

According to Coach Barrett, “Trestin plays a very hard and athletic game just like his father.” He continues with, “We’re very excited to have Trestin and he’ll be a good fit for the team.” Continue watching our Facebook page for more information on the newest members to the LIFE Running Eagles basketball team as they approach their opening of the 2011-2012 season.

Running Eagles Basketball – Kelly Milano, DC Student

A great start to a great season

The Running Eagles basketball season is off to a great start. The first three games of the season brought wins over Faulkner University (93-92), Auburn University Montgomery (83-72), and the season opener against Atlanta Christian (100-93). Senior Tony Reese is currently topping the scoring stats with an average of 17.25 points per game, followed by Junior P.J. Meyers with 13.5 per game, and Ramon Walker is topping the rebound chart with an average of 8 points per game.

The first loss of the season came in the 4^th game on November 9^th against University of Cumberlands. After a long, back and forth game, the final score came about in the last two seconds of the game. With just over a minute left, Life University’s James Hooper hit two free throws to tie the game at 63-63. The Patriots missed their chance to score, giving Life the chance to gain the lead. With less than five seconds left, Life missed their shot, allowing Cumberland to grab the rebound, head down the court and win the game, 65-63.

One thing can be said for the Running Eagles, they play a good game. The scores are close, and the action is back and forth, and non-stop. In the game against Faulkner University, the teams went into double overtime before Life pulled off the one point victory.

The season is just beginning and big games are still ahead.  Come out and cheer your team on as they face some great competition. Upcoming home games include Georgetown College on January 5^th, University of Mobile on January 8^th, Faulkner University on January 11^th, Talladega College on January 25^th and Carver Bible College on January 27^th. For updates, join the Running Eagles on Facebook!