Franklin Springs, GA – We are thrilled to announce the induction of one individual and two teams to the Emmanuel University Athletic Hall of Fame. These Lions will be honored and inducted into this prestigious group during Emmanuel's Homecoming Celebration on Saturday, October 25 at 12PM at the Alumni & Friends Awards Luncheon at the Swails Center.
Phil Rix (Men's Basketball) –
Originally from Memphis, TN Rix attended Emmanuel from 1971-73 where he was a dynamic point guard for the Lions. He played one season with his brother, James and earning the starting spot his sophomore year. In his sophomore year, Phil was named the co MVP of the team. His biggest accomplishment, however, came off the court as he became the first African American student-athlete to graduate from Emmanuel in 1973. Following his time at Emmanuel, Phil served as a successful high school basketball coach in Tennessee. Upon his retirement from coaching, the school's gymnasium was named in honor of him, the Phil C. Rix Gymnasium.
2013 Men's Cross Country Team –
The 2013 Men's Cross-Country team defied the odds by placing 3
rd out of 32 teams at the NAIA National Championship, edging out several top ranked teams. Although the Lions had won 3 SSAC Championships, they were not considered favorites to place; in fact, they entered the championship with only the #16 ranking. On that 22-degree morning at the University of Kansas's historic Rim Rock Farm, the Lions made history. Leonel Ayala led the pack with an 18
th place individual finish in the 8K (25:00.11) with Jonah Holbert finishing 27
th. The Lions placed five runners in the top 60. Head Coach,
Ben Hall had the Lions sharp, hungry, and fit. Most importantly, this team ran for the glory of Jesus. They competed freely knowing who they belonged to and who they were competing for.
2013-14 Men's Basketball Team -
The 2013 Emmanuel Men's Basketball team finished the season 33-4 overall, 17-0 at home and 16-2 in conference action. The Lions went onto the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, MO where they defeated #16 ranked Cumberlands, #1 ranked Cal State San Marcos, and #19 Mid America Nazarene on their way to a National Championship game appearance. In the Championship game, the Lions fell to Vanguard 70-65. Michael Stanley led the Lions, averaging 16.9 points and 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Defensively, Lions finished the season ranked nationally in multiple categories including #1 in 3pt percentage defense at 28%, #2 in FG percentage defense at 39% and #3 in total rebound margin at 9.7 per game.
Congratulations, Lions on this incredible honor!
