Conner Slade Signs with Cincinnati Christian University
Conner Slade, a senior at Christian Academy of Louisville, signed a letter of intent on Monday, March 5, to play golf at Cincinnati Christian University (CCU) next year.
Slade has played golf since middle school at CAL and placed 29th out of 156 competitors at this year’s KY State Tournament. In addition, Slade has won tournaments with the Musselman Dunn Summer Golf Tour and Pepsi Golf Tour.
“This is CCU’s fifth year having a golf team. We have quality players and a competitive team. Conner is a fine gentleman and we are happy to have him join us,” said Jack Schlueter, head golf coach at CCU. Schlueter attended the signing with two CCU golfers and Quentin Davis from the admissions department.
CAL golf coach, Scott Duncan, said, “It has been an absolute joy to work with Conner. He’s a great golfer and can hit it a mile, however, he is a better person than he is a golfer. You have a winner in Conner Slade. I am so thankful for the journey I’ve had with him and his family.”
Slade also made official visits to Transylvania University and Georgetown University. Conner chose CCU because he wants to pursue God’s calling into ministry.
“It’s sad to see Conner’s time here at CAL come to an end, but we are joyful for this next phase. This has been a breakout year for Conner in his spiritual walk and we are so grateful for that. I want to thank his teachers here at CAL for their influence. I am humbly proud to be his dad,” said Bryan Slade.
Slade thanked his parents, Bryan and Candyce Slade for their support, as well as his friends, Coach Duncan, and his teammates. He thanked Coach Schlueter for helping in his decision to play golf at CCU. Conner is excited to learn more about the Bible and major in Youth Ministry.
CAL’s Jenna Gipperich Signs with Mercer University
Senior Christian Academy of Louisville athlete, Jenna Gipperich, signed a letter of intent to run Cross Country at Mercer University next year.
Despite Gipperich having run cross country at CAL for only one season, her parents and coaches saw natural talent and potential from the beginning.
CAL’s current cross country coach, Lowery Stallings, said, “Jenna has a deep desire to improve and has tremendous potential as a runner. It has been a pleasure working with her.”
Assistant coach Derrick Dixon added, “Jenna is one of the friendliest people you’ll meet. She always has a big smile and is pleasant.”
Addressing her peers and teammates at the signing, Gipperich thanked her teachers, coaches, and her parents, Connie and Chuck Gipperich for their support.
“Coach Stallings and Dixon are the best coaches. They put me through some of the most physical pain I’ve ever experienced but it has made me better,” said Gipperich.
“Running is her niche. Jenna loves to run and we are so thankful for the training she has received from her coaches,” said Mrs. Gipperich.
Gipperich chose Mercer University because she liked the cross country program and already knows several of her future teammates. Jenna is eager for this next chapter in her life and looks forward to running as a Mercer Bear next fall.
New Head Boys’ Tennis Coach Announced
February 29, 2012—Christian Academy of Louisville (CAL) has named Nathan Goodman
as the new head coach for the Centurion boys tennis team.
Originally from California, Goodman relocated to Louisville to attend The Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary where he graduated with a Masters in Divinity in 2010. Goodman played competitive
Southern Cal junior tennis, has competed in national tournaments, and was an All-American at Azusa
Pacific University. He is currently a teaching pro at Louisville Indoor Racquet Club.
“We are excited to add Coach Goodman to our head coaching ranks. His prior experience as a college
player, a high school coach, and teaching pro will challenge our students’ athletic skills and competitive
edge. Coach Goodman will be a great example for our young men to grow spiritually,” said Darin Long,
Director of Athletics at CAL.
Goodman has coached all over Southern California, ranging from tennis academies, high school teams,
resorts, and tennis outreach ministries. Goodman has also helped coach CAL summer tennis camps.
“I get to teach and coach all the time, but I’m looking forward to doing it in a Christian environment. I
want to push each player to be the best they can be. I also want them to better understand what it
means to be a part of a team that is competitive but also glorifies God in the process,” Goodman said.
Having lost most of the varsity starters, including Brett Johnson, singles state semifinalist, and Logan
Knott who doubled with Jordan Knott as Sweet 16 state finalists, Goodman recognizes that this
upcoming season may be tough.
“I want our guys to work hard and be competitive,” said Goodman. “Our goal will be to win matches
and have a great time doing it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work at CAL and I hope to be an
encouragement to my players not just in tennis, but in life.”
Todd Hammond, former head tennis coach for the Centurions, is stepping down to assistant coach due
to a change in career opportunities.
“We are saddened that Coach Hammond has to step down, but we are blessed that he will still be able
to remain as an assistant coach helping lead our team,” said Long.
Intramural Spring Sports Registration
Dear Christian Academy Families:
We are blessed to be able to offer English Station, Rock Creek, and Southwest students an intramural athletic program for 2nd –5thgrades. This is possible because of the level of participation by students and the high involvement of parent volunteers. There are many benefits in being involved in athletics including good health, social interaction, self-confidence, and personal accomplishment. Our goal is to always be Christ honoring while learning the sport and competing.
*Pricing includes uniforms, gym rental, referee fees, balls, equipment, trophies, etc.
To participate in the intramural program the forms and fees must be completed online by Friday, March 24th.
Please follow the instructions below for your registration:
- Click here to register.
- Click Sign In.
- Enter the user name and password you created when you previously re-enrolled or confirmed your student. (If you do not remember your user name or password, click Forgot User Name/Password? An e-mail will be generated so that you may reset your password. After doing so, you will need to Sign Out, close your browser, and begin step 1 again to be linked to the winter sports registration.
- Click Students on the menu at the left.
- Complete the “Spring Intramural Sports Form” for all students interested in playing a spring intramural sport before paying the fee(s).
- Click the Start link for the”Spring Intramural Sports Fee”. (You will be able to make payment for all students at the same time.)
The online registration process has been designed to be quick and easy. If you have any problems or questions please call the Athletic Office at 502-244-3225.
God Bless!
Kevin Bowers
Assistant Athletic Director
Christian Academy of Louisville
English Station, Rock Creek, Southwest
Spring Athletic Registration Available Online
Spring athletic registrations and fees are now available online. Please read all instructions below prior to beginning the registration process. If you have any questions or problems, please call the Christian Academy Athletic Office at 502-244-3225. (Spring Intramural online registration will begin February 20th)
Online registration allows the KORT Form, Parent/Athlete Contract, the athletic fee, and team fee to be submitted through the FACTS link. After registering online, the only item that you will have to mail in or bring by the Athletic Office (ES) is a hard copy of the completed KHSAA Sports Physical Form if you do not already have a current copy on file. Athletes may not practice or tryout until the online registration is complete, athletic fee is paid, and the physical is turned in to the athletic office. The online registration will place the athlete on the coach’s official roster.
Sport | Grades
Boys Baseball | 6-12
Girls Softball | 5-12
Boys & Girls Lacrosse | 5-12
Boys & Girls Track | 6-12
Boys & Girls Tennis | 6-12
Boys Golf | 6-8
Girls Golf | 5-8
Boys & Girls Soccer | 5-8
Note for Mac users with Safari – please review required security settings.
Please follow the instructions below for your registration.
The online registration process has been designed to be quick and easy. If you have any problems or questions, please call the Athletic Office at 502-244-3225.
Remember: A current KHSAA Sports Physical Form must be submitted to the Athletic Office and all fees paid prior to tryouts and participation in practices or games. Note: Dr. Viola will be offering sports physicals at English Station on Monday, February 6th please call Cora at 244-3225 to set up a time beginning at 6:30. The cost is only $20 and Dr. Viola graciously donates all monies back to the athletic department.
CAL Announces New Head Volleyball Coach
For Immediate Release
Contact: Darin Long dlong@caschools.us 502-244-3225
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF LOUISVILLE ANNOUNCES NEW HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH
LOUISVILLE, KY – January 23, 2012—
Christian Academy of Louisville (CAL) has named Patty Ernst as the new head coach for the Centurion volleyball team.
Ernst played volleyball at Mercy High School and Waggener High School, as well as one year at Indiana University Southeast in 1991. She began coaching in 1992 as the freshman coach at Male High school before moving to Kansas in 1998, where she coached and was athletic director at Flint Hills Christian School in Manhattan. Ernst moved back to Louisville in 2004, and has coached volleyball at CAL in various positions for both the middle and high school teams. She has also coached for MidAmerica Volleyball Association since 2004.
“I have enjoyed my past experiences at CAL and feel led to help these ladies accomplish the goals that we will set as a team for the 2012 season, as well as individual goals. I have a strong dedication to the game of volleyball and hope to carry that over to the team and help our program succeed to the next level,” Ernst said.
Christian Academy of Louisville Athletic Director Darin Long added, “We are blessed to be able to bring in a caliber of coach as Patty Ernst. Her 20 years of volleyball experience and extensive knowledge of the game will challenge our players to compete at a high level while she helps mold them into well rounded individuals.”
Ernst looks forward to being competitive in the district and repeating as district champions.“I expect the girls to work hard and have a winning attitude and to carry themselves with confidence. Several people will look at our program and think we will be down after losing eight seniors last year,” said Ernst. “I take that as a challenge to coach them to be better than last year’s team. I will expect the seniors to lead, and the underclassmen to play up to the challenge. We have a lot of talent returning that can fill the void that last year’s seniors left.”
Former head volleyball coach, Kevin Bowers, decided to step down from coaching to focus on his position as Assistant Athletic Director at CAL. Bowers was head coach for three years, with a 57-26 record, including a district championship and two district runner-ups.
CAL Announces New Head Golf Coach
For Immediate Release
Contact:Darin Long dlong@caschools.us ;502-244-3225
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF LOUISVILLE HIRES NEW BOYS VARSITY GOLF COACH
LOUISVILLE, KY – January 23, 2012—Christian Academy of Louisville (CAL) names Jay Dortch as the new boys varsity golf coach.
Dortch replaces Scott Duncan, who decided to step down after being the head coach for three years. Duncan led the boys varsity golf team to two consecutive State Top 8 finishes, a 7th region championship and a 7th region runner-up.
Dortch has been coaching golf for five years at CAL including three years as the JV coach and two years in the middle school program.
“I want to teach our team how to compete and be good teammates, as well as competitors at a high level, while honoring God,” said Dortch.
Despite having a young team with only two returning seniors, Dortch anticipates a successful year.“I expect us to compete and return to the state tournament,” said Dortch. “We are so blessed with a great group of players and my hope is that I can influence them in a positive way, and help prepare them for life after high school. Truth be told, I get more out of it than the kids do. They are amazing!”
“Our boys golf program has had a lot of success under Coach Duncan the last three years”, said Athletic Director Darin Long, “Coach Dortch has been a key contributor to that success and will give the program consistency and great leadership as we continue to compete at the state level.”
Dortch played football at the University of Kentucky from 1984-1988 and has coached football and lacrosse, as well as golf, for the past eight years.
3rd Annual Trivia Night and Silent Auction
On Saturday, February 25th, CAL will host the 3rd annual Trivia Night and Silent Auction to benefit the CAL softball field lighting fund. The event will run from 6-9pm in the cafeteria, and a chili supper will be served for $5.00. Trivia teams should consist of 6-8 players and carries a $15 fee per player. Silent auction items will include golf outings, ipod shuffle, and much more. For reservations please contact Janice Ross (502)384-6481 or joelr@insightbb.com
CAL Athletes Sign Letters of Intent
CAL Athletes, Allison Foster, Kelly Rogers, & Gabrielle D’Aniello sign letters of intent in each of their sports.
Senior, Allison Foster signed a letter of intent to play softball at Bellarmine University next fall. She was awarded First Team ALL State in 2011, as well as ALL 7th Region Kentucky in 2009, 2010, & 2011. Allison’s pitching record is 22-7 (0.62 ERA) with 381 strike outs in 193 innings. Her hitting average is .566, with 12 triples, and 35 RBI’s. Allison has played Varsity softball for the Centurions since the 8th grade.
“Allison is probably the best softball player I’ve ever coached. She is the leader of our team and that describes her whole life,” said CAL softball coach, Kyle Mullins.
“I chose Bellarmine because it was close to home and they have a great softball team,” said Foster. “I am really excited and blessed to go there. I can’t wait!”
Allison is eager for this next chapter in her softball career and plans to major in Exercise Science at Bellarmine.
CAL swimmer, Kelly Rogers, signed a letter of intent to swim at Miami of Ohio University.
“I chose Miami because I really liked the atmosphere and positive attitudes of the girls at practice, and there is a strong Christian group I can get involved with there,” said Kelly.
“Kelly’s work ethic is unbelievable, “said Coach DeBoor, “It is a joy to come into practice and see her smiling face.”
Kelly has been swimming since she was eight years old and is looking forward to finishing out her senior year at CAL and for her future swimming career at Miami of Ohio University.
Gabrielle D’Aniello signed a letter of intent to play tennis at Indiana Wesleyan University next year. Gabrielle has played tennis since age 4 and has played for CAL for five years predominately as the #2 singles player. She was ranked 12th in KY (tennisrecruiting.net) and as high as 16th in KY for Jr. USTA Girls 18’s division. She was awarded the USTA Sportsmanship Award this past summer.
“When I visited the campus I really liked the Christian atmosphere and the community feel it had. Plus, their nursing program is really good and that’s what I’ll be majoring in,” said Gabrielle.
“I feel privileged to be Gabby’s coach. Seeing her take this next step is incredible. She is a special, quiet leader on our team,” said CAL tennis coach, Jeff Mallory.
The Indiana Wesleyan University tennis team is ranked 17th in the country in NAIA and have won their conference 20 years in a row.