Affiliation

National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division II

Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA)

History

In 2009, the board of directors appointed Dr. DL Moody to lead Arlington Baptist College as its president. One of Dr. Moody’s first hires was ABU alumnus, and now ABU President, Dr. Clifton McDaniel. Coming from Cedar Hill ISD, Dr. McDaniel was given the task to resurrect the athletic program.  He started the program with men’s basketball and women’s volleyball. He steered both teams and was also the athletic director.

2011 brought more change when women’s basketball, baseball, and men’s cross country were added.  Dr. McDaniel limited himself to men’s basketball and the athletic director.  Cliff’s wife, Kristi, was inserted into the coaching staff from Midlothian ISD to assume coaching duties of women’s basketball and volleyball.  Two other Cedar Hill coaches joined the ranks of coaches: Barrett Weaver and Jason Covarrubias for baseball and cross country respectively.

The groundwork was laid and success followed. ABU’s cross country team brought Arlington Baptist College its first ever NCCAA National Championship in cross country.  Then, Coach Kristi McDaniel won the ACCA National Championship in volleyball that very same semester.  Changes occurred through the years, but regardless, many championships have been assumed at ABU since 2012. (See Championship Appearances – Arlington Baptist (abpatriots.com))

Arlington Baptist University is continuing to grow, as we now have nine collegiate sports teams.