2021 Athletics Update

Jim Druart, Director of Athletics & Recreation

Despite the limitations and challenges brought on by the ongoing pandemic, this has been a year of opportunity, growth and transformation for Chargers Athletics. Even with the constantly changing COVID protocols, all of our teams were able to compete in some capacity this year.

At Crandall, we believe that all of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes are called to a Higher Purpose: to excel in academics and athletics and become leaders and mentors in the wider community. The athletics department is working to motivate student-athletes to develop into exemplary champions, who in turn inspire future Chargers to do the same.

Our goals include:

• Providing teachable moments for gifted young student-athletes

• Excelling competitively and creating a proud championship history

• Becoming a leader in intercollegiate athletics in every way

To achieve these goals, we’ve begun the process of creating a holistic approach to athletics, focusing not only on training and competition, but on the spiritual, mental, and physical growth of our student-athletes. As part of this holistic approach, we are pleased to have welcomed Bill Parks, who is serving as our Athletics Chaplain, providing spiritual guidance and mentoring. We are also thrilled to have Natasha McLaughlin-Chaisson, an Olympic-certified nutritionist who is training our athletes in Sports Nutrition, and finally Cody Steeves, who has developed sport-specific strength and conditioning training programs for our teams.

We have also begun some much-needed improvements to our facilities and equipment to better serve the needs of our athletes, including updating our physiotherapy space and equipment, lighting, backboards and score clocks, as well as making numerous improvements to the varsity locker rooms.

This year we were extremely proud to have 21 of our athletes named as CCAA National Scholar Award recipients, the most we’ve had in our history. Each of these award winners are hardworking, high-character athletes who we are proud to have representing Crandall University.

As one of the most visible extensions of the University, Crandall Athletics is working hard to create a culture founded on integrity, respect, innovation, community, and tradition when it comes to our pursuit of academics and athletics. On behalf of the coaches, staff, and student-athletes of Crandall Athletics, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Crandall community for your continued support and commitment to Chargers Athletics.