The key point behind the concept of being a student-athlete is ensuring that proper attention is given to both terms equally. In the ideal scenario, participants are shown just as much guidance in the classroom as they are on their respective field, court, or other venue.
Created in 2013, the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association strives to do just that. Under the leadership of President Todd Hannon, the GICAA focuses on maintaining a God-honoring league that promotes fair play and sportsmanship. More importantly, it prides itself on ensuring that their student-athletes are well prepared for the future, in sports as well as in life.
“We began developing the concept in January 2013; by the time we got things started in August we already had 38 schools committed for the 2013-14 year,” Hannon said. “What we are here for is to complement the work that the schools are already putting forth.”
The GICAA is unique in a few key areas. For starters, the association is split into three separate divisions that specifically accommodate students and schools with particular needs.
Division I is comprised of the typical 5-day-a-week schools. Division II also houses some schools that could potentially fit into the D-I ranking; however, due to school size, D-II institutions are also able to include students that are home-schooled in their athletic activities. Finally, there is Division III, which is comprised solely of home-schooled students.
“Sportsmanship and healthy competition are major components of what we are doing here,” Hannon said. “During our state basketball tournament in Macon last season, we had 14 schools compete, and there was not a single technical foul called the entire tournament. That makes us proud. Our athletes can still compete while being respectful of the game and their opponents.”
A big part of the success of the organization is leadership. The GICAA understands that any positive influence bestowed on the children must come from
the examples set by the coaches and administration.
“We hold a meeting every year prior to each season for our coaches so that we can let everyone meet each other and exchange ideas,” Hannon said. “We want to make it clear that we promote healthy rivalries and competition, but at the end of the day, our main focus is doing the right thing for the children.”
The GICAA extends beyond athletics as well. Their arts and academics branch is steadily expanding and includes full-literary programs, chorus, robotics, one-act plays, and more.
“Our ultimate goal is to have activities, no matter the field, that can reach every student’s interest,” Hannon said. “We want the students to understand that there are always methods to put your individual talent to full use.”
In just a short amount of time, the message is certainly reaching the masses. In only their first year and a half, the association has grown to include 100 schools across their three divisions, second in the state behind the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). It is also the only association in the state that includes middle schools along with high school enrollment and participation.
Another major contribution comes in the form of sponsors. The GICAA is steadily expanding, and has already secured the Wilson Sporting Goods Company and the Georgia Farm Bureau as corporate sponsors.
“We are trying to do everything possible to minimize costs for our schools,” Hannon said. “Many schools are struggling with funding. Having sponsors helps greatly; it assists in reducing league overhead.”
Since its inception last year, the GICAA has tremendously fulfilled its obligation to advancement. By the end of its inaugural season, the association had nearly 30 students commit to colleges for athletics.
“We make sure that our kids understand that this is about more than sports,” Hannon said. “They are going to be leaders in this country one day, and we focus on helping them take advantage of their full potential. Our message resonates, no matter the activity.”
South Georgia/November
Special Feature: GICAA
James Washington
10/13/2013
