Athletics

Experience Berean Athletics

Berean Athletics is about creating an experience that shapes student-athletes in Christlikeness. Going into this school year, we are driving the concept of 'experience' within the athletic department. Experience is the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation. According to the mission of BCS we are driven to affect others. We should model and instruct in such a way to affect discipleship and we should work together to “impact”/affect our city and world.

From an academic and extracurricular/athletic perspective, it is our desire to produce environments and conduct events that create a shaping experience for all of our students and our community. We work to make a positive Christian affect. It is our prayer that intentional affect will 'spur on' [the families of BCS] ‘to love and good works' (Heb 10:24). Since we want the best for and from our families, we hope to practice Matthew 5:16 in everything that we do. By keeping Christ first (discipleship), offering thoughtful platforms (Teams), and facilitating excellent environments (games, banquets, awards, etc), we can better shape the gifts of individuals. We put in this effort so that our players grow in Christlikeness and in skill, so that... "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

So whether you are an athlete seeking a starting position on the team, or a student seeking a seat in a standing room only gym, or a parent seeking a partner in the shaping of your child, we hope you will experience Berean Athletics.

Go Eagles!

Eric Palmer

Title: Athletic Director

Education: BS University of Tennessee History/Geography

Education: Master

Email: ericpalmer@berean.me

Bio: Eric held the same Athletic Director position in 2008-2011. He brings a wealth of experience back to Berean Christian School. Eric worked at YOKE ministry full/part-time staff, was a summer director, and led a backpacking ministry during college. He studied history and education at the University of Tennessee. He interned at Fulton High School from 1998-1999 and began teaching and coaching in Knox County Schools in 1999 at Northwest Middle. While there he worked with the track, volleyball, and coached girls’ basketball, in addition, joined the baseball coaching staff at West High School. In 2004 he moved to teach and coach full time at West High School in baseball, golf, and boys’ basketball. In 2008 he came to Berean Christian School as head boys’ basketball coach and Athletic Director, while still teaching and coaching golf at WHS. In 2011 he made the move when God called him into a full-time Church ministry at Sevier Heights Baptist Church. Eric will teach in the high school in addition to his position as Athletic Director. Eric has a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Geography from the University of Tennessee and holds a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of Tennessee. Favorite Verse or Quote: All people will know if you are my followers if you love one another. (John 13:35)

Berean Christian School offers athletic opportunities for all children from kindergarten through high school. Whether it’s learning the basics of soccer in Coach Mike’s elementary soccer camp, or competing against area schools in varsity basketball, we offer a wide range of sports.

Mike McDonald

Title: Physical Education/ Soccer Coach

Education: West Herts, UK

Education: Liberty University

Phone: (865) 521-6054 ext.106

Email: mikemcdonald@berean.me

Bio: Mike McDonald (Coach Mike) attended John F. Kennedy School in Hernel, Hempstead, England and West Herts College in Watford, England. As a former professional soccer player, he has worked at Pendley Manor, River Island Football and even done some television commercials. He moved from England to Morristown, Tennessee, in 1996. Shortly thereafter he felt the tug of the Holy Spirit, and in 1999, he found the Lord’s salvation. That same year Mr. McDonald married his wife Lori. They have three children, Ellie Ann, Livy Lea and Maxwell. In addition, to serving as the PE teacher, Head HS Boys soccer coach at BCS, McDonald also coaches soccer in Morristown and around Tennessee. His interests include soccer, travel, spending time with God, family and church.