Valley College's school spirit isn't based on wins and losses. Spirit can be defined as the effort given or one's attention to detail. While Valley's win-loss record may be sub-par for now, the athletic staff at Valley has and always will make school spirit a top priority
"I think we have a great athletics department and hopefully a great team soon. We just won a (football) game and probably will win more," Valley Student Javon Prince said.
With a 2-3 record in Monarch football and a 3-3-1 record in soccer, hope is the resounding voice at valley for students and coaches alike, believing that Valley has winning teams. Though heavily focused on the transition from the "L" column to the win column, the idea that education comes first isn't lost in desperate times, particularly by the coaches.
"[School spirit] isn't something that can be controlled…Our goals are to help the kids become full time students, take transferrable classes and transfer to a four-year school, that's our number one priority," 36-year-veteran Football Coach Jim Fenwick said.
Many students involved in Valley College's sports teams have had successful transfer rates to accredited four-year universities, some on scholarship. With 36 scholarships awarded to Valley athletes last year and an 80 percent transfer success rate, the Valley athletics department is proud of what our sports players have to offer and hope to keep the good transfer record up.
"I feel confident that I will receive an athletic scholarship with my abilities, as long as I keep my grades up," sophomore quarterback Robert Robinson said. "We have great coaches; playing football at Valley is always fun."
In a recent meeting with Valley Athletic Director Diedra Stark, she recalled two young ladies who spoke at the funeral of James Harvey, a beloved Valley coach who passed away recently, "The two spoke of how he had changed their lives, he helped them believe in themselves, apply for scholarships and even get jobs, sometimes driving them to work," she continued saying, "When you hear stories like these, you know what we're all about. Our kids; our coaches have spirit!"
Coach James Harvey is just one example of how many Valley Coaches who, on any given day, are willing to go above and far beyond to help their students and athletes. The dedication of Valley's coaches can be seen by their late hours, early mornings and how well the student athletes at Valley succeed.
With the Monarch spirit unbroken, priorities in balance and seasoned coaches on the field, winning is just a matter of time, at least to the hopefuls here on campus.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now