A Message from Eastern Nazarene Athletics

A message from Eastern Nazarene College Director of Athletics Dr. Brad Zarges in response to recent events surrounding racism in our country:

The sadness and anger that I have felt during recent days has been difficult to articulate in the wake of George Floyd's murder. Before that was Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the list continues. This time of outrage and desire for change feels different. More importantly, it needs to be different, not just by extending the length of the protest, but by remaining committed to seeing an end to the long line of violence against black people in this country.

Listening, praying, protesting. All of these and others are important activities, yet the question that remains for me and perhaps others is "what can I do to make a difference"? As an educator and the athletic director, the question forces me to turn attention towards our student-athletes and athletic department staff.

In our athletic vision statement, we commit to 'Pursuing Excellence' and 'Serving God and Community'. Now is the time, if ever, to live out these ideals and is consistent with our college mission statement to provide "a transformational education that equips diverse students to lead and serve our world as agents of Christ's love and truth."

With a diverse group of student-athletes at ENC, our lives are blessed as we learn and grow alongside one another. Yet, we can and must improve. An initial step will be to create intentional leadership and engagement opportunities for student-athletes of color. As we dialogue, additional actions will be planned that will sustain these efforts. I invite all members of the ENC athletic department – student-athletes and staff – and the ENC community to commit to being "agents of Christ's love and truth" as we eradicate racial injustice and systemic racism.