Life University Athletic Department
Life University Athletics exists because we believe in the expansive opportunities for growth and mobility that sport and higher education provides. We pursue constant growth through grit and by way of systems performed with integrity
Core Values:
- Accountability
- Communication
- Diversity
- Grit
- Honesty
- Service
Core Intent:
- Support the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Life University students, leading to engaged alumni with the desire to remain connected.
- To enhance the visibility and branding of Life U through nationally competitive athletic programs.
- To maximize the athletic and To academic talent of each and every Life U student-athlete.
- To encourage the pursuit of continuous improvement in one’s character, behavior, and personal success.
- To utilize Athletic Health Care and Sports Performance resources to educate and model health and wellness based on a vitalistic philosophy.
All students must abide by all the rules and policies outlined in the Life University Student Handbook, which outlines personal and academic integrity, the non-discrimination policy, standards of conduct, and student disciplinary procedures. In addition to the University rules and policies, there are additional expectations specific to student-athletes, which are outlined in the Student-Athlete Handbook http://liferunningeagles.com/documents/2021/7/26/LU_StudentAthleteHandbook_0721.pdf
Intercollegiate Sports
Men’s Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Varsity Rugby
- Club Rugby
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Track & Field (Indoor & Outdoor)
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Women’s Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Lacrosse
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Co-ed Sports:
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
As a core value, the Life University Department of Athletics believes in and is committed to diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its student-athletes, coaches and administrators. We strive to always provide equal opportunity to all student-athletes, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, citizenship or veteran status. Diversity and inclusion improve the learning environment for all student-athletes and enhance excellence within the University.
Affiliations
Life University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Additionally, LIFE’s rugby programs are governed by USA Rugby.
Southern States Athletic Conference
In 2022, Life University officially joined the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) as a full member.
Club & Intramural Sports
In addition to intercollegiate sports, students can participate in teams at the club and intramural levels. Club sports and Intramurals are under the direction of Student Affairs.
Facilities
Life U boasts an array of facilities that allow student-athletes to compete at the highest level. The main gym, also known as “The Eagles’ Nest,” houses the Life University basketball games and accommodates 2,200 fans. The upper gym, which was renovated in the summer of 2022 with updated paint, new bleachers, and a video scoreboard is dedicated to men’s and women’s volleyball, and is home to men’s and women’s wrestling competitions.
Also on campus, Life U has two full-sized, multi-purpose turfed fields. The lower field was turfed in 2022 and has been dedicated as the Lupo Family Field, in honor of longtime Life University trustee and supporter Dr. Joseph Lupo.
The upper field, which served as a practice venue during the 1996 Olympics, was turfed in 2022, along with an 8-lane track that was resurfaced in the fall of 2019. A brand new video scoreboard was also added in the fall of 2021. The field house located adjacent to the upper field offers coach’s offices, locker rooms, and an athletic training room.
The Running Eagle Performance (REP) Center was completed in September of 2022 and is the practice facility for men’s and women’s wrestling and also serves as the main strength & conditioning facility. The REP Center also houses locker rooms, public bathrooms, and offices for athletic staff.
Life U also offers three miles of trails that wind through the wooded area of campus and connect two of Marietta’s parks and Life University’s own historic 19th Century Village
Quick Facts
Mascot: Running Eagles
Colors: Green / Black
Website: LifeRunningEagles.com
Director of Athletics: Jayme Pendergast
Sports Information Director: Billy Mangum
Faculty Athletics Representative: Gustavo Duran
Director of Student-Athlete Performance: Tommy Stucky
Director of Athletic Health Care: Chris Markie
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