By: Ava-Caroline Schmidt
There are so many aspects of community at Southern Adventist University: classmates,
study groups, school-based clubs and organizations such as Student Senate, The Southern
Accent, Southern Memories, Student Ministry & Missions, Ignite, SAU News, Student Missions,
and Soul-winning and Leadership Training. Then there are the major clubs on campus such as
Latin American Club (LAC), Black Christian Union (BCU), Asian Club of SAU, as well as those
associated with different majors, such as business, biology, nursing, music, engineering, English,
history, psychology clubs and more.
Among many of these options for community and activity is Southern’s Intramural
Program, where students have the chance to participate in many different types of sports
throughout the school year, including the Southern Gym-Masters team.
However, there has been the question of “why doesn’t Southern have competitive sports
teams?”
Other Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) colleges participate in competitive sports such as
Andrews University, Oakwood, Walla Walla, Pacific Union College, Washington Adventist and
Union University. These different teams have been incorporated into their college activities, such
as basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball and baseball for both men and women. They also
provide financial aid by giving athletic scholarships to help students.
Southern’s decision not to host competitive sports teams reflects its commitment to
making physical activity accessible to a broad range of students through recreational programs.
In a written statement, President Shaw’s council and the intramural program explained the
university’s approach, emphasizing the importance of physical activity in students’ overall well-being.
“Southern Adventist University is committed to the wholistic development of mind,
body, and spirit. Recognizing the vital role of physical activity in overall well-being, Southern
has designed its intramural program to engage a broad segment of the student body, encouraging
fitness, teamwork, and recreation in a way that aligns with our university’s values.
“By focusing on intramural and outdoor adventure activities rather than intercollegiate or
interscholastic sports, the university ensures more students have access to the benefits of regular
physical activity. Our programming fosters a vibrant, health-conscious campus that supports
physical, mental, and spiritual growth. For these reasons, Southern does not promote or host
intercollegiate or [interscholastic] sports competitions or programs on the university campus.”
Eve Blanchard, a junior marketing major, supports the idea of adding competitive sports
teams while maintaining the intramural program.
“I think Southern should have a competitive sports team, because I think that we have
some of the best Adventist athletes here on campus and their talent should be shared. I think it
would grow school spirit and allow students to share a common pride. However, I would not
want to interfere with the intramurals here on campus, because I think that it is important for
everyone to have the opportunity to participate in a sport.”
If students want something more hardcore and consistent, they could go for the
competitive team, depending on what sport they choose, while some who might just want to play
a more low-maintenance game with no pressure could remain in intramurals.
For some students, intramurals provide the right balance of recreation and community,
while others see competitive sports as an opportunity to showcase the different athletic skills and
talent that they have to offer. s these different perspectives continue to shape the conversation,
the role of athletics on Southern’s campus remains a topic of interest among students.
