Geist built on Callan's vision, leading the Yellow Jackets through a pivotal transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II. This move elevated Cedarville's profile, showcasing the University’s commitment to athletic excellence on a larger stage. EXCELLENCE IN COMPETITION AND A PLATFORM FOR MINISTRY Cedarville's commitment to excellence isn't confined to the playing field. In 2024, Cedarville received the NCAA Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence for the 11th consecutive year — a testament to the University's dedication to the holistic development of its student-athletes. The Yellow Jackets have also thrived in competition, winning 53 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national championships, including the 2024 men’s basketball and women’s indoor track & field titles. While Cedarville’s athletic success is noteworthy, the University's commitment to ministry is what truly sets it apart. The Yellow Jackets have long viewed sports as a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel. The first athletics-focused mission trips took place in 1971, when the Yellow Jackets basketball team traveled to Japan, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, playing nearly 50 games and sharing the Gospel through sports. These mission trips have continued through the years, with each team now planning to embark on a sports mission trip every four years. THE CEDARVILLE DIFFERENCE As Cedarville celebrates 100 years as Yellow Jackets, the University remains steadfast in its mission to honor Christ through sports. This commitment extends beyond the court and the field. Cedarville student-athletes regularly participate in community service projects, such as the reading program for elementary schools started during COVID, which was recognized as a national runner-up for the NCAA Award of Excellence. "Athletic success isn’t just the end goal for our Yellow Jackets,” said Chris Cross, Cedarville's current Vice President for Athletics. “Success is about building a culture that honors Christ, honors differences, honors skills, honors compassion, and honors sportsmanship. If we find ourselves rooted in creating that culture for our teams and our school, the athletic success will come." As Cedarville University celebrates 100 years as Yellow Jackets, the institution remains committed to its founding principles: excellence in competition, integrity in character, and faith in action. With a rich history and a promising future, the Yellow Jackets are not just looking back at a century of success — they are charging forward, ready to write the next chapter in Cedarville’s storied athletic tradition. 31
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