A Legacy Forged in Faith and Athletics: The History of North Greenville University Baseball
North Greenville University (NGU), nestled in Tigerville, South Carolina, boasts a rich history rooted in faith and academic excellence. While the university offers over 115 areas of study across various degree levels, its athletic programs, particularly baseball, have garnered significant attention in recent years. This article delves into the historical development of North Greenville University, with a special focus on the baseball program's journey to national prominence.
The Genesis of North Greenville University
The story begins on October 14, 1891, with a pivotal decision to form a committee. This decision stemmed from a suggestion by John Ballenger of the Tigerville community during an associational meeting. The committee's work culminated in the establishment of what would eventually become North Greenville University. Benjamin F. Neves contributed 10 acres of picturesque land, situated between Glassy Mountain and Paris Mountain.
In 1904, the institution was chartered by the State of South Carolina as North Greenville High School. The following year, the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention assumed control as part of its Mountain Mission School System, a relationship that spanned 25 years.
Evolution and Academic Growth
In 1934, the academy expanded its charter to include a junior college alongside the existing high school. North Greenville College achieved accreditation as a two-year liberal arts college by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1957, simultaneously discontinuing its high school courses.
The institution reaffirmed its commitment to quality education in 1991, seeking approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to offer bachelor's degrees in Christian Studies and church music. Candidacy status was granted the following summer, and the first cohort of upperclassmen enrolled in the fall of 1992. Level II accreditation followed in June 1994. The college continued to expand its bachelor's degree programs and achieved university status in 2006.
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Throughout its history, North Greenville has experienced steady enrollment, academic program enhancements, and improvements to its campus facilities.
A Tour of North Greenville University's Campus
North Greenville University's campus is home to a variety of buildings and facilities that support its academic, athletic, and spiritual missions.
Academic Hubs
- E. F. Averyt / Paul and Mildred Wood Learning Center: This center, originally built in 1973-74, houses the Hester Memorial Library, the Miller Bible Museum, the college archives, and the Art Department. A twelve-classroom annex was added in 1998-99.
- Hester Memorial Library: At the heart of the academic program, the library boasts an extensive collection of over 60,000 print books, 250,000 e-books, and access to over 8000 full-text journal titles, 21,000 academic videos, and 117,000 music recordings.
- Miller Bible Museum: This museum houses a collection of rare printed Bibles, language Bibles, and artifacts that illustrate the historical development of the written Word of God.
- Crain Science Building: Constructed in 1962, this two-story building houses classrooms and laboratories for chemistry, physical science, biology, physics, math, and elementary education.
- J. Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center: Erected in 1954-55, this building houses the College of Business and Entrepreneurship and administrative offices.
- Foster Education Center: Opened in 1965, this building originally served as a student activities center.
- Neves Academic Hall: Located west of the administration building, this hall is a memorial to B.F. Neves, who donated the original site for the school.
- White Hall: The oldest building on campus, named in honor of the Rev. L.B. White.
Arts and Ministry Centers
- Billingsley Theatre: A 250-seat flexible performing arts venue with a spacious lobby, concession stand, dressing rooms, and scenery staging dock.
- Craft-Hemphill Center for Apologetics and Christian Worldview: Completed in August 2011, this high-tech center serves as a training and sending hub for students to share the Gospel.
- Center for Church Revitalization: A training center for reigniting ministry and increasing the effectiveness of existing churches.
- Joe Frank and Eleanor Hayes Christian Fine Arts Center: Completed in 2001, this center provides studios, classrooms, a choir room, a music library, a band rehearsal hall, and the Hamlin Recital Hall.
- Carolyn Gillespie Hamlin Recital Hall: A 250-seat facility that hosts performances by students, faculty, and guest artists.
- Joe Frank and Eleanor Hayes Ministry Center: Houses the Paul E. Moore Hall, the William F. Bishop, and the Thomas C. “Nap” Vandiver Suites, accommodating Admissions and Financial Aid.
- Eddie Runion Creative Arts Center: Formerly the Roe General Store, this renovated building now houses the Office of University Marketing.
- School of Theatre Building: The former Tigerville Elementary School building, moved to its current location in 2006.
- Studio at ‘Ole 414: Built in 2008, this building houses ceramic and sculpture classes and a gallery for the creative art degree program.
- Turner Chapel and Music Building: Built in 1957-58, this building provides studios and practice rooms for music students. The chapel seats approximately 2,060 and hosts chapel services, theatre productions, and commencement activities.
Student Life and Gathering Spaces
- Dr. Barbara McCormick House: A two-story home named in honor of Dr. Barbara McCormick, class of 1955, previously used by the Office of University Marketing and the Office of Communication.
- Elton and Doris Todd Gathering Place/Jack and Deborah Tingle Student Life Center: Completed in 2005, this 52,000 sq. ft. facility seats 1,200 students for dining and includes the Edna Hartness Presidential Dining Room. The lower level houses the Chick-fil-A, The 1892 Place, the George Bomar Mass Communication Department, and the Neb Cline Office Suite for Campus Ministries and Student Engagement.
- Wood’s General Store: Originally Tigerville’s first post office, this restored store now sells NGU gear and houses the Helen R. Cooper Apartments and the Office of Campus Safety and Security.
Athletic Facilities: Training Grounds of the Trailblazers
North Greenville University's athletic complex is a testament to its commitment to its athletic programs. The North Greenville Trailblazers compete in the NCAA Division II as a member of Conference Carolinas.
- Melvin & Dollie Younts Stadium: Home to Fogle Field, surrounded by a 3,500-seat football stadium, the Hewlett and Lucile Sullivan President’s Box, Mitchell visitor’s center, Hendrix field house.
- Pepsi Soccer Stadium: Completed in fall of 2005.
- Joe F. Hayes Gymnasium: Built in 1950, this gymnasium provides facilities for physical education classes and is the center of the athletic program.
- Forrest M. and Marie H. Younts Fitness and Wellness Center: Constructed in 1989.
- Vance Tennis Complex: A significant addition to the athletic facilities, dedicated in 2014.
- Jan McDonald Softball Field: Made possible by the Gary Glenn family.
- Angie and Sam Kelly Strength and Conditioning Center: A 5,000-square foot facility located in the Athletic Complex.
- Ralph and Marion Hendricks Athletic Center: Constructed in 2005, this center houses the Athletic Director's office, the football coaching staff offices, the athletic training room, the football locker rooms, and the Letterman’s Lounge.
- Ray and Bea Dillard Field at Ashmore Park: Built in 1984, this baseball field underwent a significant upgrade in 2018, becoming the only all-turf baseball field at the collegiate level in South Carolina.
- George Bomar Family Stadium: Construction began in 2019, featuring a President’s Box suite, hospitality/media rooms, restrooms, concession stand, entry plaza, and a 300-seat stadium structure directly behind home plate.
The Rise of the Baseball Program
While the provided information does not offer specific details on the historical timeline of the baseball program, it highlights its recent achievements and contributions to the university's athletic success.
The North Greenville baseball team captured the university’s first NCAA Division II National Championship in 2022. In 2023, the team returned with high expectations, led by players like John Michael Faile. Coach Powell expressed his pride in the team's accomplishments and gratitude for the university's support.
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Ray and Bea Dillard Field at Ashmore Park, with its all-turf playing surface, stands as a testament to the university's investment in the baseball program. The construction of the George Bomar Family Stadium further enhances the baseball experience for players and fans alike.
North Greenville University has also seen its players drafted into Major League Baseball (MLB). This demonstrates the program's ability to develop talent and provide opportunities for players to pursue their professional dreams.
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