The Regent Royals are entering their second full season of competition this fall. The university is once again offering student-athletes the opportunity to participate in intercollegiate sports, while also giving them a venue to glorify God. Due to the success the program has enjoyed since its inception, Dr. Joseph Umidi, Regent’s executive vice president for Student Life, expects the 2018-19 academic year to be a competitive one.
“F
oundations for a Christ-centered, character-based and winning attitude have been made in our Regent Royals athletic program,” he says. “This is our year to build a reputation on and off campus
of focused athletes who will stand out amongst their peers with excellence — spiritually, physically and emotionally.”
The university launched the fall sports season with the second annual Regent Royals Pep Rally on Friday, September 7. The kick-off event took place on Robertson Field, where athletes and coaches for the fall teams were introduced to the student body. The festivities also included family-friendly sports clinics, food trucks, giveaways and a spirit contest, which awarded prizes to those displaying the most school spirit.
Intercollegiate athletic teams that will take the field for the university during the 2018-19 academic year include: men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s track and field, women’s volleyball and cheerleading.
To support and grow its sports program, Regent is in the early development stage of building a state-of-the-art, 40-acre athletic complex with NCAA-certified courts and modern facilities. The complex will serve as a hub for students to exercise and compete, and a gateway to the local community and beyond through tournaments and athletic events.
Outdoor facilities are expected to include a track, baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer and softball fields, as well as basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. Planned indoor facilities also include a track, basketball and volleyball courts, along with a wrestling gym, boxing ring, rock climbing wall, fitness and weight training equipment, and a student café.
At Regent, intercollegiate sports are about much more than just playing games. The university’s website says Royals athletes “are powerful without aggression. They are bold protectors and high achievers. They are humble warriors and passionate encouragers. In all things, Regent athletes seek to represent a God who grants them strength to endure through every challenge and obstacle. On the field and off. Win or lose.”
Umidi has high hopes for Regent University’s sports teams in the academic year ahead: “We expect our Royals to compete at a surprising level that will gain a reputation of respect in our conference. When we win, it will be a team effort. We look forward to our students, staff and alumni celebrating their Royals and cheering us to new levels of achievement.”
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the university’s intercollegiate sports program, visit regent.edu/supportathletics or call 800.335.4409.
