Running Head: APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 1 Group Project: Azusa Pacific University Men’s Baseball Mentoring Program Andrew Evans - Jordan Paopao - Bob Johanson - Ezett Smith - Brittany Heal Azusa Pacific University Lawanson January 21, 2011 APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 2 Abstract The mentoring program introduced in this paper is designed to meet the needs for Azusa Pacific University Men’s Baseball team. By creating this relational psychosocial mentoring program based upon Azusa Pacific Universities 4 Cornerstones, Christ, Community, Scholarship and Service, we hope to increase freshman retention, develop player’s in their spiritual journey, increase eligibility rates, create a sense of community, and aid in the recruitment of potential student athletes. In developing this program we hope that it will be a point of growth for all involved. Introduction We have designed and created a mentorship program specifically tailored to the needs of the Azusa Pacific University Baseball Program. Azusa Pacific was founded in 1899 and it was created to be a training school for Christian workers. The University’s motto, God First, is a declaration that Azusa Pacific University is a thriving Christian Community and that no matter what venue one encounters the University, God would be the foremost thought of every action taken. Through God provision Azusa has grown from 6 students into the largest evangelical Christian University on the West Coast and second largest in the nation. Azusa Pacific’s student population is now over 9,000 total students. Azusa Pacific University’s mission statement reads, “Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian community of disciples and scholarship who seek to advance the work of God in the world through academic excellence in liberal arts and professional programs of higher education that encourages students to develop a Christian perspective of truth and life” (APU, 2010). Part of the mission of Azusa is build upon four cornerstones, Christ, community, scholarship and service. Each cornerstone guides an area of growth for all who encounter this community. APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 3 As Azusa has developed over time, the University has become multifaceted, providing students a quality education but also with opportunities to grow themselves in a variety of venues. We have chosen to focus on one venue in particular, the men’s baseball team. As one of Azusa’s 17 varsity sports our baseball team plays in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes) and is a part of the GSAC(Golden State Athletic Conference). Azusa’s athletic programs are one of the top ranked athletic programs in the CCCU (Council for Christian Colleges and Universities). APU plays competitive baseball in the NAIA, which has a national playoff system. APU is a charter member of the Golden State Athletic Conference and has won a record nine GSAC championships, including the 2007 crown. APU has produced five Major League Baseball players with ten alumni drafted or signed since 2006. APU has appeared in four NAIA World Series, including in 2008 where the Cougars finished fifth in the nation. The cougars have compiled a total record of 177-96 in the past five seasons. Current Situation There are currently 31 players in the program. These players range in age from 18 to 24 years old. Broken down by class, there are 9 freshman, 6 sophomores, 8 juniors, and 8 seniors. Research indicates that there is a strong need for spiritual, academic, community, and service within the program. We believe the mentorship program we have designed addresses these areas. Why Mentorship? The transition from high school to college is often times a difficult one for many incoming freshman baseball players. During this time many players drop out of the program based on a variety of challenges. These challenges include increased academic work load, new social environment, spiritual challenges, and increased time commitment to baseball. For many APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 4 of these players, it is their first experience away from home and their first exposure to a variety of new challenges. We believe that a peer mentorship program will help ease incoming freshman baseball into their new environment. According to Appendix 1, all past and present coaches saw a value and a need in a structured mentorship program. There were four major themes that arose throughout these surveys. These four major themes included academics, spirituality, community, and service. One of the main benefits coaches saw in a mentorship program is the development of relationships and the building of community. Assistant coach Sean Mccorry said, “First and foremost it would allow the new player to feel comfortable around his teammates”. This statement is also backed up by coach Matt Venegas who said, “Some benefits to of a mentoring program would be that incoming players would be able to develop a relationship quickly with an upperclassman”. The second theme echoed by coaches was service through personal skill development. Incoming freshman are in the midst of personal development, and coaches believed a mentorship program would aide in this development. This would give the upper class players an opportunity to display service through outreach to younger players. According to head coach Paul Svagdis, “The greatest benefit to a mentoring program would provide our younger athletes the necessary skill development of reading a syllabus, taking notes, building study habits etc.” This statement was also backed up by former assistant coach Grant Beyer. The third theme that showed up throughout the coaches’ survey was academic development. Academics are extremely important to the coaching staff and to the baseball program as a whole. Head coach Paul Svagdis believes that a structured mentorship program would aide in, “teaching them how to become self regulated and self motivated to succeed in the APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 5 classroom...and lastly...teaching them what eligibility looks like and what standards the athletes need to meet in order to retain their eligibility while a collegiate athlete.” The fourth theme that was echoed by the coaching survey was revolved around the spiritual growth of players. Former assistant coach Grant Beyer felt strongly that a mentorship program would be able to help in the spiritual development of players. Coach Beyer said, “In my eyes, I believe the main goals or outcomes of a mentoring program should be the pursuit and effort to get closer to God, and for those kids who don't know God the main goal would be for these kids to be saved.” Defining Expectations Base on the results of the coaching survey (Appendix 1), and the results of the current and former player survey (Appendix 2) we formed the vision, mission, and goals for our mentoring program. In addition to forming our program around the results of the survey, we also wanted to integrate the four cornerstones of the University which are Christ, scholarship, community, and service. In alignment with university values we have created a program is focused around four main areas which include Christ, scholarship, community, and service. Vision The vision of the APU baseball mentorship program is to develop well-rounded young men who are able to excel on and off the field through Christ, scholarship, service, and community. Mission APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 6 The mission of APU baseball mentorship program is to provide a structured and guided format that allows mentors and mentees to meet on monthly basis to discuss Christ, community, service, and scholarship. Goals Throughout the creation of the program we have had five main goals in mind. These goals include increase freshman retention, develop player’s in their spiritual journey, increase eligibility rates, create a sense of community, and aid in the recruitment of potential student athletes. Goal 1 – Retention As stated earlier, research has shown that many incoming freshman do not remain involved as a member of the baseball program throughout their four years at APU. Appendix #3 shows that freshman retention rates from 2004-present are 34%. Our goal is for the program to raise that percentage to 50% over a player’s four year career. Goal 2 – Eligibility Freshman year of college is a very trying time academically. This is the time when many factors may contribute to a lack of success in the classroom. One of the main goals of our mentorship program is to increase eligibility rates among freshman. We want our players to excel in the classroom as well as on the athletic playing field. Goal 3- Spiritual Journey Research indicates that approximately half of the Azusa Pacific Baseball team has made a commitment to a personal relationship with Christ. For many incoming freshman APU is the first time in which they have been exposed to the Gospel. A schedule that requires chapel APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 7 attendance three times a week, alongside a classroom curriculum that incorporates evangelical Christian beliefs can be an overwhelming experience for incoming freshman. We believe a peer mentoring program that matches up upper class players, who are familiar with this journey, with incoming freshman may help ease the transition into this environment. Goal 4 - Recruitment of Potential Student Athletes As a collegiate athletic program, one of APU baseball’s main agendas is recruit high level athletes. Recruiting high level talented players is a very competitive process. Many programs have much to offer players. We believe that the successful implementation of a mentoring program would be a great tool in the recruiting process. It will help players and parents understand that APU values and cares about creating well rounded young men. In the end this mentorship program may give APU baseball a leg up on the competition. Goal 5 - Community One of the biggest areas of transition from high school to college comes in the area of social life. Many players often move away to college and are completely on their own socially. We believe that this program would provide an opportunity for players to build relationships with one another thus creating a greater sense of community on the team. It is easy for players to go along the wayside socially their freshman year, and avoid engaging in meaningful relationships. However, the implementation of this program would help players to get plugged into a positive social network. Seeking Organizational Support/Approval Due to the nature of the University, seeking support and approval was not a difficult piece for us. In being a Christian University that is centered around four corner stone: Christ, APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 8 community, scholarship and service, the leadership of the University desires that students encounter all of these pieces during their time at APU. Creating a holistic environment for the students is ideal, so that each student leaves having grown in all these areas. Mentoring is something that can be an asset in all of these areas providing a sounding board for students as they journey through their time at APU. In speaking with Gary Pine, the Athletic Director for APU, he shared this about mentoring in an athletic setting: “Today’s college coaches are expected to successfully recruit in a highly competitive field, teach with effective communication methods, and then keep their student-athletes in school. Yet one of life’s most challenging adjustments is a student leaving home for college, and oftentimes a coach loses a student-athlete because of his/her inability to adjust to the dramatic changes in their young life. A mentoring program in which the coach can call and depend on the juniors and seniors who have already traveled that path of transition is vital and absolutely necessary for a successful retention program. Stability and consistency are core foundational pieces of a championship program, and peers who can effectively guide one another are an immeasurable asset to a coach.” His thoughts were also echoed by Terry Franson, the Dean of Student Life at APU. “Beyond our relationship with Christ, there is nothing more important than having a spiritual mentor. Someone who really knows us and can speak truth into our lives. Someone in which we can be real with, who loves right where we are at.” Mentoring is something that is valued in APU’s environment and will be supported as implemented in the coming months. Implementation The Men’s Baseball Mentoring Program will begin in Fall of 2011. This timeline will allow for and aid in creating immediate relationships and a place of significance for the participants. As the incoming players are beginning a new school year at APU, the mentors can APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 9 help ease the mentees into the culture and surroundings of this new transition. As the mentors and mentees will begin meeting in the fall prior to the baseball season beginning, time for monthly meetings will allow camaraderie to be build prior to the season beginning. As our gathered data and analysis supports, the time line for the Men’s Baseball Mentoring programs is as follows: · December 2010: Data Collection and Analysis · July 2011: Official Presentation to Athletic Director and Coaching Staff · August 2011: Expected Approval · September 2011: Training for mentors. Program Introduction Event and contract signed for mentoring relationships. · October 2011: First mentoring meeting · November 2011: Second mentoring meeting · December 2011: Third mentoring meeting · January 2012: Kick off for season, special speaker and training session for all members. · February 2012: Fourth mentoring meeting · March 2012: Fifth mentoring meeting · April 2012: Final Event and evaluation. Identifying Potential Mentors and Mentees APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 10 Due to the nature of the program and also the size of the team the mentees will be any incoming players (including transfer students) and the mentors will be upperclassman. We found that the incoming players needed a connecting point, to not only the team but also the University, thus the need for the mentors to be seasoned players at APU. Publicizing Program In preparation for the mentoring program the coaches will publicize the program to the team in several ways. First, the upperclassmen will be informed of their new roles on the team as mentors. This is a mandatory program that they have been selected to lead. As a result of their leadership role on the team and maturity gained through their years at APU, they will be assigned a mentee. From there, the coaches will send out a letter to the incoming players (Appendix 5). The letter will share the excitement for the new season and for the new mentoring program. The players will then have the chance to prepare for the program over the summer and the coaches will be available for guidance during the process. Orientation and Training for Mentors and Mentees For the all of the players and members involved in the mentoring program, we will host the following events: a training event for the mentors, an orientation event for all parties involved, a Baseball Season kick-off and training event for all parties and a final evaluation meeting for all participants. As the program begins the coaches will send an email out to all of the mentors. This will serve as a training session via PowerPoint (Appendix 2). The mentors are to walk through the PowerPoint and complete it online prior to the orientation event. They will be expected to also attend a training session that will take place an hour prior to the orientation event for all the APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 11 parties involved. At the training event, the coaches will walk the mentors through the expectation of the program and answer any questions the mentors may have prior to the event. The orientation event will be a time of introduction and also a time for the mentees to meet their mentors, which have been previously assigned. At the orientation event the coaches will share the expectation for the mentoring program, the vision, mission and purpose of the program. The mentors and mentees will set up their first meeting together as well. All of the parties involved, mentees and mentors, will fill out a contract and turn in prior to leaving (Appendix 3). As the mentors and mentees meet several times after the orientation event, working through their workbooks, the next event they will attend will be the Kick-Off for the Baseball Season (Appendix 4). At this event Coaches will share updates goals for the season, special announcements and then there will be a guest speaker. The speaker will share his personal story, baseball journey, and then share on the importance of mentoring within that journey. This will serve as a training event for all players to regroup and refocus as the season begins and as their mentoring program continues. The final event of the mentoring program will take place at the end of the school year. This will be a time where the parties involved can share reflections and critiques. All mentors and mentee will then fill out an evaluation of the program (Appendix 6). As the first mentoring program concludes, we will reassess the program through the evaluation results, to better the program for future implementations. Monitoring Evaluation APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 12 In implementing this program we have developed a workbook for the mentors and mentees to work through. During the introduction meeting, the workbooks will be dispersed to all participating members. After the initial meeting the mentors and mentees will work through the guiding questions in the workbook. There are 5 sessions designed for this workbook. In keeping with the mission and goals of the program we implemented the 4 cornerstones throughout the sessions. The first meeting is an introduction for the mentor and mentee, the relationship builder. The second is scholarship. This is to get them talking about school, experience, how they are feeling about being away from home, etc. Third, community, how is APU? The goal would be for them to process what they are learning and the people that are impacting their experience, in the classroom and on and off the field. Fourth, service, this will lead them through “passion” based questions. What are you passionate about? The ultimate goal of the conversation would be for them to find a place to use their passion to serve. The final cornerstone is Christ. We left this for the last week because many of the players on the team are not Christians, thus making some of these questions very uncomfortable for them. We decided that in placing it towards the end of their journey together the mentee might be willing to open up about their faith/religious views. We want this to be a healthy conversation not one that divides them. The questions are gentle and can be taken to a deeper lever if desired. This workbook will be something that will help guide the mentors and mentees experience together, hopefully making it as growth filled experience for all involved. Conclusion The growth produced through the psychosocial relational mentoring program developed for the Azusa Pacific Baseball team, we trust, it will impact the entire baseball program as a whole. We trust that students lives will be influenced and changed, thus creating a lasting APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 13 impression for seasons to come. We trust that by allowing the 4 Cornerstones of the University to guide the program, student’s lives will reflect development in each area: spiritually, relationally, emotionally, physically and intellectually. In developing the players as a whole they will begin to work better as a whole. As many coaches say, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” (n.d.). As players develop, each of the members the team will become stronger. As it says in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Bible gateway, 2010). We created a program for every player to be part of something bigger than themselves; created endless opportunity for growth. Freshman will feel a part, thus impacting retention. In giving and praying and challenging each other the players will develop spiritually. When players have purpose in their lives a motivation is sparked and an increase in eligibility rates will occur. Drawing together under one purpose, one goal, one notion community will be instilled. People are drawn to growth, to purpose. Students and families will find rest in knowing that they are not just going somewhere to play baseball, but they are going somewhere to become a better them. Holistic development is has arrived for the APU Baseball team! APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 14 Appendix 1: Coaches Survey Current Assistant Coach Sean McCorry on Mentoring 1) What do you think are some of the potential benefits of mentoring program that would match up upperclass players with freshman players? This would allow the freshman to feel like they are part of the team right away. I also feel like the seniors can give the young guys a heads up on the expectations of practice and baseball meetings. How to act - How to dress - What does it look like to be active at practice etc. 2) Do you believe a structured mentoring program could be used a recruiting tool? Yes, I feel that the program can help in recruiting. I feel like it would be beneficial is selling the recruit on the value we place in our seniors in the program and also give the parents a APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 15 feeling of comfort knowing that their young man will be mentored by an upper classmen. Good all the way around!! 3) What do you believe the main goals or outcomes of a mentoring program should be? First and foremost it would allow the new player to feel comfortable around his teammates. Gives the young player a person to go to when he is struggling on the field or in the classroom. Gives them a chain of command if they have an issue with something a coach has told them or another player. Gives them an idea of what it will be like when he is a senior and a mentor to another young player. Former Assistant Coach Grant Beyer on Mentoring 1) What do you think are some of the potential benefits of mentoring program that would match up upper-class players with freshman players? I think one of the biggest potential benefits of a mentoring program that would match up upper-class players with freshmen players is developing TEAM chemistry. Team chemistry plays a huge role when talking about success on the baseball field, but I believe a mentor program can go so much farther than success on the field but even to success in life. I believe this mentoring program can provides an opportunity for both players to share their faiths and really get to know each other which stems back to overall team chemistry. 2) Do you believe a structured mentoring program could be used as a recruiting tool? APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 16 I do indeed believe a structured mentoring program could be used as a recruiting tool. I believe, if structured correctly, it can show to the parents of the kids that not only is the program trying to develop their kid into better ball players on the field but better men off the field. 3) What do you believe the main goals or outcomes of a mentoring program should be? In my eyes, I believe the main goals or outcomes of a mentoring program should be the pursuit and effort to get closer to God, and for those kids who don't know God the main goal would be for these kids to be saved. It's a great opportunity to shape and develop these kids into men and hopefully develop them into better men when they leave the program then when they first started. When it comes down to it baseball is just a game that we play here on earth for such a short period of time, but life with God can be lived for eternity. Current Assistant Coach Matt Venegas on Mentoring 1) What do you think are some of the potential benefits of mentoring Program that would match up upper class players with freshman players? Some benefits to of a mentoring program would be that incoming players would be able to develop a relationship quickly with an upperclassman. This would create a comfortable environment for an incoming player. A young player could look to their mentor for advice on and off the field. 2) Do you believe a structured mentoring program could be used a recruiting tool? I think it could be looked at as a positive element within the program. I think some people would be drawn to the idea of a mentoring program. So, yes. 3) What do you believe the main goals or outcomes of a mentoring program APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 17 should be? The main goals should be for the upper classmen to show the underclassmen the expectations of the baseball program. Another goal is for the upper classmen to be there for their underclassmen when they have questions or other problems. It gives the players somewhere to go when they are not comfortable talking to the coaches about a problem. Current Head Coach Paul Svagdis on Mentoring 1) What do you think are some of the potential benefits of mentoring program that would match up upper class players with freshman players? The greatest benefit to a mentoring program would provide our younger athletes the necessary skill development of reading a syllabus, taking notes, building study habits etc... 2) Do you believe a structured mentoring program could be used a recruiting tool? I think in this day and age, parents are much more involved in the recruiting process...to be able to present to parents a detailed and structured mentoring plan that provides athletes the necessary tools to succeed academically and socially at the collegiate level would be a very valuable. 3) What do you believe the main goals or outcomes of a mentoring program APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 18 should be? Primarily this program should be University skills based...I would be less concerned with helping athletes negotiate the athletic environment...that almost comes natural to our incoming players...I would be more excited about teaching the older athletes how to mentor these young players in developing University success skills...i.e. teaching the athletes successful study habits and techniques...the art of note taking in class...how to meet and ask questions of your professors...class selection...so the athletes are prepared prior to meeting with their advisors...teaching them how to become self regulated and self motivated to succeed in the classroom...and lastly...teaching them what eligibility looks like and what standards the athletes need to meet in order to retain their eligibility while a collegiate athlete... Appendix 2: “Baseball Team” Mentoring Covenant/Agreement: The APU baseball leadership values developing the whole person, not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well, so they believe that a mentoring program will provide learning and developing environment for the players and coaches. The goals of the mentoring relationship are to provide personal development as it relates to all the students athletes growth at APU. Each mentee (incoming players) will create goals for the upcoming school year, the mentor (upperclassmen) will help hold the mentees accountable for their continual growth in seeking to achieve their goals. As part of the process both the mentor and mentee agree upon the following: · I commit to meet 5 times throughout the semester at the following location and time: · I commit to contact you if I cannot make the appointment and I use the following method to reschedule: · I commit to strive for honesty and openness in all of our interactions. APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 19 · I commit to approaching our time with integrity. I will honor you by keeping our conversations confidential. · We jointly agree on the goal of our mentorship relationship. We will work through the mentoring handbook, seeking growth through sharing our thoughts and experiences. Mentor:________________________________Email:______________________________ Cell #:_________________ Mentee:_________________________________Email:______________________________ Cell #:_________________ Mentor Signature:_______________________________________________ Date:______________________________ Mentee Signature:_______________________________________________ Date:______________________________ APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 20 Appendix 4: AZUSA PACIFIC BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM INTRODUCTION (LOCATION/DATE) The APU baseball leadership program values developing the whole person, not only physically but mentally and spiritually. The purpose of the mentoring program will provide learning and developing environment for the players and coaches. These mentoring/mentee sessions will assist them in their development and transition into the workforce. Registration (Everyone receives folders with Mentoring workbooks) Meet and Greet Opening Prayer Introduction of the mentoring program Head Coach Introduction of Mentors Introduction of Mentees Break out session Questions Closing Prayer Mentor/Mentor APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 21 AZUSA PACIFIC BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM SEASON KICK-OFF (LOCATION/DATE) The APU baseball leadership program values developing the whole person, not only physically but mentally and spiritually. The purpose of the mentoring program will provide learning and developing environment for the players and coaches. These mentoring/mentee sessions will assist them in their development and transition into the workforce. Meet and Greet Opening Prayer Head Coach Introduction and Purpose of Event Head Coach Testimony (retired professional baseball player) Motivational Speaker Alumni Speaker Break out session Questions Closing Prayer Mentor/Mentor APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 22 AZUSA PACIFIC BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM FINAL EVENT (LOCATION/DATE) The APU baseball leadership program values developing the whole person, not only physically but mentally and spiritually. The purpose of the mentoring program will provide learning and developing environment for the players and coaches. These mentoring/mentee sessions will assist them in their development and transition into the workforce. Meet and Greet Opening Prayer Head Coach Closing words for season Head Coach Evaluations Questions Closing Prayer Mentor/Mentor APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 23 Appendix 5: Dear Future Cougar, First and foremost I want to thank you for your interest in the Azusa Pacific Baseball Program. I want this letter to serve as a proper introduction to the many possibilities available for you at Azusa Pacific University. I am excited about your ability as a baseball player, but most importantly your potential to develop as a transformational leader, a self-sufficient young man and successful contributor to society. This letter identifies one of our more recently instituted programs to the APU Baseball program. In an effort to make APU Baseball a learning organization it is important to create programs that constantly challenge, promote and engage you and your teammates. Within the APU Baseball program we have created a mentoring program to in an effort to emphasize the development of all of our incoming players. We feel this program to be very beneficial for helping you to adjust to the different facets of collegiate life. You will be screened and then partnered with an upperclassman on our team. These upperclassmen will serve to be another wealth of knowledge to aid in making the transition from your previous academic institution as seamless as possible. They will guide, instruct, correct and support you as you begin to develop your own understanding and appreciation for the culture and community here at APU. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you in person about this and many other opportunities available to you as a Baseball player in our program. Sincerely, Paul Svagdis Head Coach Azusa Pacific Baseball APU MEN’S BASEBALL MENTORING PROGRAM 24 References Azusa Pacific University. 2010. Azusa Pacific University General Information Brochure. Guptan, Sunil Unny. (2006). Mentoring: A practitioner’s guide to touching lives. Thousand Oaks, CA: Response Books, a Division of SAGE Publications. Bible Gateway. (n.d). Retrieved January10, 2011, from biblegateway.com: http//www.biblgateway.com Second Base · Protocol