By GALE CAVNESS
pressbox1.com

DYERSBURG - They’ve yet to play a game, but athletes set to participate in sports during 2007-2008 seasons at Dyersburg State Community College are already receiving accolades for their efforts.

Basketball uniforms, a baseball jersey and a cheer ensemble decorated the walls of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry Center on the DSCC campus Tuesday night for a casual appreciation banquet for all athletes. More than 100 were in attendance, including members of the administration, faculty members and coaches, including Dr. Karen Bowyer, president, Dr. Larry Chapman, dean of student services, and Dr. Carol Feather, professor of music and speech.

Also in attendance were Alan Barnett, athletic director and men’s basketball coach, Elijah Taylor, women’s basketball coach, Chris Livingston, assistant coach, softball coach Randy Hulme and assistant coach Roger Ogden.

Sponsored by the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, the banquet was held to honor the athletes, welcome them to campus and make newcomers more familiar with services available.

Day and evening classes began Aug. 27.

Nastasha Hodges, president of the 2007-2008 BCM Leadership Team, greeted the athletes with information and a prayer before the meal.

The Baptist Collegiate Ministry, according to its web site, is a student-led organization on the DSCC campus. Comprised of students living out the call of scripture to "Experience the Life . . . the new Life in Jesus Christ," the group comes from a variety of backgrounds. Not all are Baptists, not all are Christians. Some just come to the center to see and hear what the Bible has to say that is relevant to their own lives.

The organization’s mission is to welcome all students, appreciate them for who they are and help them discover the plan God has for them. Supported by the 43 Southern Baptist Churches in the Dyer Baptist Association and through a partnership with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the BCM and DSCC work together to help students improve their quality of life.

The BCM campus minister is Stan Cavness.

Dyersburg State will tip off its basketball season Nov. 2 -3 with the annual Dyersburg State Elite Eight Classic. Scheduled to participate in women’s competition are Rend Lake, Shorter, Jackson State and the host Lady Eagles. Coahoma, Shorter, Jackson State and the Eagles will hoop it up in men’s action.

Baseball and softball teams play in the spring.

Go to www.dscc.edu for a full description of academic and athletic programs and other activities on the Dyersburg State Community College. Click on www.dscc.edu/bsu for additional information about the Baptist Collegiate Ministries.