ALUMNI NEWS

A team of ECS Eagles participated in Life Choices of Memphis Life Walk at the Memphis Zoo and placed second for most participation! We are grateful to support this worthy ministry. We spy ECS alumni! Tracey Henry Bravos (‘82) organized the ECS Eagles team, which also included alumnae Janie Touliatos Peeler (‘84), Natalie Mars Milam (‘12) and Margaret Stevens (‘18).

Recently, more than 130 dads and sons joined us to hear from two pairs of fathers and sons: Rex and Barrett Jones (‘08) and Wright and Morgan Cox (’05). Both ECS alumni, Barrett and Morgan have had remarkable football careers, both collegiately and in the NFL, but their intentionality to use football as a platform to share the gospel of Jesus Christ is what makes them so admirable. It was apparent that both of those sons, who are now fathers themselves, were inspired to follow in their fathers’ footsteps to pursue Jesus and to use their spheres of influence to draw others to Him. We all learned so much from them, and are very thankful that they returned to campus to share their experiences from their years at ECS all the way to the NFL.

We are pleased to announce that Bess Farris has been named Early Childhood Coordinator at the Lower School for the 2024-2025 school year. This move will allow current Director of Admissions and Early Childhood Principal Cathy Boyd to dedicate all of her time to her Director of Admissions role on the Shelby Farms campus.

Mrs. Farris has more than fifteen years of experience in teaching and learning, and more than ten years of classroom experience in various grades and special areas. Until she began working in an administrative role for Admissions and Early Childhood two years ago, Mrs. Farris taught Pre-Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten at ECS. In her new position, Mrs. Farris will oversee the needs of the Early Childhood division under the leadership of Lower School Principal Ashley Colley.

“I am passionate about early childhood education and its long-term benefits for children,” Mrs. Farris said. “A quality program helps develop social, emotional, and academic skills that directly impact a child’s future success.”

Bess Griffin Farris, ECS class of 2000, earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and French and later her Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education, both from the University of Memphis.

Mrs. Farris is married to Daniel, who also graduated from ECS (class of 1999), and they have two children, both at ECS. Mrs. Farris is a fine arts painter, and she enjoys playing tennis and traveling with her family.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Farris in her new role.

We love seeing familiar faces! Bethany Stanfill (2008) and Jordan Carpenter (2005) recently saw each other at the Mississippi State Capitol!

We are so proud of Margaret Stevens (2018), who met with Congressman David Kustoff as a representative of Autism Speaks to advocate for individuals with Autism and their families. This photo appeared in Congressman Kustoff's newsletter.

Congratulations to Hunter Field ('10) who was just selected to be the next editor of Arkansas Business, the weekly statewide business journal! A veteran journalist, Hunter currently serves as the deputy editor of the Arkansas Advocate.

Read more here: https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/.../hunter-field-named.../

We loved this NCAA March Madness ad, featuring "Dance with Everybody" by ECS alum Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors (2000). Click to watch!

We are so proud of our alumni who currently play winter and spring sports in college. Their hard work and dedication in the classroom and on the court or field is admirable, and we wish them the best in their seasons!

Pictured from left to right:

• Kam Jones (2021), Basketball at Marquette University
• Brady Holloway (2021), Baseball at Middle Tennessee State University
• Lucy Benson (2023), Basketball at Covenant College
• Thomas Kizer (2021), Basketball at Samford University
• JD Nichols (2022), Baseball at Hendrix College
• Lawson Aaron (2023), Baseball at Williams Baptist University
• Mason Shropshire (2022), Baseball at Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Boston Currie (2023), Basketball at Tusculum University
• Kenny Cox (2023), Baseball at Walters State Community College
• Zach Baker (2022), Baseball at Lane College
• Dominic Brown (2021), Basketball at Loyola University New Orleans

Congratulations to Thomas Kizer (‘21), Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Champion! His Samford Bulldogs team beat ETSU in the conference championship, earning them a berth into the NCAA Tournament, the first time since 2000!

After meeting at the Birmingham alumni event in February, Thomas and alumnus Ryan Thompson (2001) reconnected at the Selection Sunday event in Homewood. We love to see our alumni make connections!

A sculpture by Clay Enoch ('91) was recently installed at Christ Methodist Day School in memory of two CMDS class of 2009 alumni, Will Threlkeld and ECS alumnus, David Weaver ('15).

Enoch said, "The two boys depict David and Will at about the age they were when they graduated from CMDS. Titled Do You See What I See?, the idea is that the boys have gently trapped one butterfly for closer inspection and study, but the younger girl is seeing the beauty of the swarm flying overhead. I think it is a piece about adventure, wonder, curiosity, and hope while also suggesting the fleeting and fragile quality of life." Each of the butterflies also symbolizes David and Will.

Lily Harding ('20) continues her passion for ballet and is currently on tour with Renovate Ballet. They will be presenting "Make Room" on Sunday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at Christ Methodist Church. The event is open to the public.

Congratulations to Evan Norton (‘04) who was distinguished by the Nashville Business Journal as CFO of the Year in the Small Private Company category!

Allie McDaniel (‘18) continues her passion for dance as a Memphis Showboats cheerleader and a Grizz Girl. Allie graduated from Western Kentucky University where she studied on a dance scholarship. Here she is pictured with ECS students and children of ECS alumni.

Congratulations to Bethany Stanfill (‘08) for being recognized in the 2024 40 Under 40 class by the Ole Miss Alumni Association!  

ECS alumnus and parent Tony Fisher (class of 2000) serves as worship leader for our students’ weekly chapel gatherings. Tony, who is also Worship Pastor at Harvest Church, shares how his experience at ECS prepared the way for him to use music to minister to the body of Christ.

Listen to the full episode at www.ecsequip.com/podcast/138

We were glad to see Alex Smith (‘15) return to campus to visit with Coach Williams after just wrapping up his professional baseball career which included stops with the Kansas City Royals among other independent baseball organizations.

Following the Industrial Revolution, organized sports such as rugby flourished in Europe. Recently, ECS alumni Landon Ray ('15) and Laura Beth Baker ('20) taught AP Euro students how to play rugby.

Igniting science!  Chemistry class got a little hot as Mr. Vander Zwaag (‘88) demonstrated the fiery combustion reaction between methane and oxygen. In learning about chemical equations and reactions, students got to see first-hand how substances change when they interact with one another.  

Kam Jones (‘21) earns Big East Player of the Week again! https://www.facebook.com/MarquetteMensBB

We were so happy to have Emily Baker (‘22) back on campus to share with our students during chapel about her missions experience in North Africa through Fusion Missions and Spurgeon College.

Baseball season is officially here! We had the honor of having MLB All-Star and ECS alum, Brent Rooker ('13), speak to our JV and Varsity teams. We're grateful for our alumni who come back to invest in our student-athletes.

We had such a great time with our alumni from Birmingham on February 9! Which city should we hit next?

Congratulations to PFC Allan P. Bowden III (ECS class of 2019) who graduated from US Army Infantry Training (OSUT) at Ft. Moore in Georgia. He distinguished himself by earning the Soldier of the Cycle award over close to 150 of his peers through demonstrating outstanding training abilities and exceptional skills.

Bowden completed a 22-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Army Values, physical fitness, infantry warfare, combative principles, leadership development and the Warrior Ethos. He was honored with the Soldier of the Cycle award at his graduation ceremony and chosen to recite the Infantry Creed and awarded the Army Achievement Medal.

He was selected and will attend the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) at Ft. Moore for his next assignment.

We salute you, Allan!

Impressive! Way to go, Kam (‘21)!

Drew Holcomb (‘00) performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live on 2.7.2024! Enjoy this clip if you missed it!

https://www.facebook.com/JimmyKimmelLive/videos/1861386994307864

ALSO we loved this NCAA March Madness ad, featuring "Dance with Everybody" by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors!

Way to go, Kam (‘21)!

We are so thankful this 2011 alum is coaching basketball at ECS! 

ECS Head Varsity Girls Basketball coach Steven Kaspar (‘11) discusses the special opportunity athletics present to impact our students. Coach Kaspar joins host Brandon Artiles to share his passion for coaching as it creates pathways for encouragement, growth, and discipleship.

Listen to the full episode at www.ecsequip.com/podcast/136

ECS alumni and friends since grade school, Dr. Andrew Van Hersh ('10, pictured left) and Dr. Christopher Chow ('10, pictured right) find themselves together again, both working as fellows at Virginia Commonwealth in the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Christopher is a second year fellow in Pediatric Cardiology, and Andrew is a first year fellow in Allergy and Immunology.

In a recent #TeacherFeatureTuesday, we focused our spotlight on on our newest senior kindergarten teacher, Reagan Miller, also an ECS alumna, class of 2014! Ms. Miller coaches lower school cross country & track as well as middle school basketball. After earning her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology and Elementary Education, Ms. Miller then earned her Master of Science in Elementary Education, both at the University of Tennessee. In her free time, Ms. Miller serves as a favorite Young Life leader for our high school girls.

• What I Value Most about Working at ECS:
  I value the consistent and inviting community that ECS cultivates. This community desires depth in relationships and celebrates the many stories of how the Lord has worked and is continuing to work in our lives. This community encourages me to steadily draw near to the Lord's unchanging love and grace. It is an honor to have the opportunity to pour into students, as well as be poured into through colleagues. I value that we consistently have our eyes towards the mission of ECS.
• How ECS is a Unique Experience for Students:
  ECS is a unique experience for students because it is a safe place where students are immersed in the Gospel within academics, character, leadership, and service to others. Students are challenged to build a foundation for their faith through Scripture, but also to deepen their desire to reflect the Lord's love within their own hearts.
• Hobbies:
  I enjoy running, as well as spending time with my friends and family. I am a huge Vols and Grizzlies fan!

ECS alumna Joi Taylor ('13) weighs in on the topic of school choice as she shares how attending New Hope Christian Academy and Evangelical Christian School changed the trajectory of her life in her article, "The Power of Opportunity" in The Memphis Flyer.

Joi says of her time at ECS, "For middle and high school, I continued my journey at independent schools and attended Evangelical Christian School, where I learned academic discipline and outside-of-the-box thinking. Advanced classes and extracurricular activities prepared me for college, challenging my worldview and thought process constantly."

Joi is currently the Choose901 alumni director at City Leadership in Memphis and was recognized in the Memphis Flyer’s 20<30 class of 2020.

Read more about her educational journey here: https://www.memphisflyer.com/the-power-of-opportunity

Shelby Farms campus principal Ryan Cummins (‘01), a former History teacher, shared his knowledge of Jamestown with the sixth grade literature classes as part of their study of the historical fiction book, Blood on the River. Learning more about this colonial town helped students gain a better understanding of the characters in the book and the struggles they faced during the 1600s.

There is something special about the ECS community that lasts long after our eagles graduate. Moms from the class of 2021 gathered at a local restaurant recently to catch up with one another and share about their children who are now juniors in college. There were plenty of laughs as fun memories were shared!

Congratulations, Kam (‘21)!

Members from the AP BC Calculus course from the class of 2023 recently reunited with their teacher, Dr. Stevens, to celebrate their outstanding scores on the AP test and to catch up after their fall semester in college.

Congratulations to our pickleball tournament champions Brandon Brackett ('20) and Joseph Lambert ('18). Thanks to all of the teams who came out to compete earlier this month and make this day a success. Be on the lookout for more pickleball tournaments in the future!

Look at all of these ECS alumni who currently serve as faculty or staff members at their alma mater! We are so grateful they are giving back to the school that poured into them as students!⁠

Drew and Ellie Holcomb brought some Christmas cheer to Seacrest Studios ahead of their concert at The Orpheum here in Memphis. As long time supporters of Le Bonheur, it is always a blast to have Drew and Ellie visit with our patients and families. Thank you for taking the time during this busy holiday season to spread joy at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital! View video: https://www.facebook.com/lebonheurchildrens/videos/686940006902584

We were thrilled to spot Gabriella Genereaux ('19) reporting live from a Lady Vols basketball game! So proud to see our graduates making a mark in the world of sports journalism.

Congratulations to Girls Soccer Coach, Jordan Thompson ('06), for being selected as the Commercial Appeal’s Girls Soccer Coach of the Year!

Daily Memphian CEO Eric Barnes writes about the legacy of his friend, ECS alumnus Tommy Pacello ('96) and shares about Tommy's urban planning impact in Memphis and beyond on @dailymemphian The Sidebar podcast.

Tommy, who passed away in 2020, was the original leader of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, which was an expression of his passion for urban planning and redeveloping public spaces for the purpose of creating personal connections. This effort, known as "placemaking" has led to the establishment of a fellowship in his memory awarded to organizations with a similar placemaking vision.

Click to read the article and listen to The Sidebar podcast to learn more about Tommy's influence which continues to impact communities today: http://tinyurl.com/y22226r3

Congratulations to Austin Hill ('20), captain of the Army Football team, for his team win over Navy. Austin, #52, is pictured on the right of the prized Commander-in-Chief's Trophy.

1st credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

We are so proud of our many collegiate athletes who continue to put in the work in the classroom and on the field, court or course. In a previous post, we celebrated our 17 alumni currently playing or coaching college football. Here, we celebrate the following athletes who play other collegiate fall sports. We commend them for their dedication and commitment to their sport and studies. Pictured left to right, these alumni are as follows:

• Branden Rogers ('21), Soccer, Delta State University
• Maddie Halford ('23), Soccer, College of Mount Saint Vincent
• James Nichols ('20), Golf, Christian Brothers University
• Zoe Smith (22), Volleyball, University of Alabama - Huntsville
• Luke Sienkiewicz ('22), Golf, University of Central Arkansas
• Garrett Wilson ('23), Cross Country, Carson-Newman University
• Will Porter ('22), Golf, Mississippi College
• Jay Smith ('23), Soccer, Freed-Hardeman University
• Maggie Porter ('20), Golf, Colorado Christian University
• Tiffany Reed (‘23), Cheer, Trevecca Nazarene University

Congratulations, Zoe!

"The 2023 Academic All-District® Volleyball Teams, selected by CSC, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.

Each of the three honorees appeared in all 28 matches this season and were the top three in kills per set for the Chargers in 2023."

https://uahchargers.com/.../three-uah-volleyball-athletes...

Congratulations to ECS alumni Preston Daniel (‘20) and Preston Brady (‘17), ACC Champs! Pictured here for Florida State Seminoles Football, Preston Daniel, #45, is a tight end and Preston Brady is an assistant coach to the tight ends.

Congrats to Lucy Benson ('23) for earning CCS Rookie of the Week honors

https://athletics.covenant.edu/news/2023/12/4/womens-basketball-benson-named-ccs-rookie-of-the-week.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3W8pJKXKz9G_odZNlmZKPQVLmUEnsmPcNqlAd0nWcaD1OI60c2jFY9iyA

and later for CCS Player of the Week!

https://athletics.covenant.edu/news/2023/12/18/womens-basketball-benson-named-ccs-player-of-the-week.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0u61Cn8LCgYL_EAd_8BRC_Th3p39LmYPnIIFgpujpFjTzhxO4qes5rTQY

ECS grandparents and pioneers joyfully gathered to celebrate the Christmas season at the annual Jingle Mingle breakfast. Longtime friends reconnected and reminisced over ECS memories, and the high school choir sang Christmas carols to bring in the holiday spirit!

Look at all of these ECS 8th grade students pictured with their alumni parents! The students were all dressed up for the Reindeer Rockout to benefit Porter-Leath.

It was a perfect day for the Turkey Bowl! ECS alumni and other members of the ECS community enjoyed a fun flag football game on Legends Field!

The 2023 girls soccer team was a picture of unity, and four-time state champion Coach Jordan Thompson said that made the difference in finishing out the season with 18 straight wins, culminating in a state title, earning the Eagles' girls soccer program their third state championship in the past eight years.

READ MORE at https://tinyurl.com/ECS-Soccer

Congratulations, Kam Jones (‘21), recently namd Big East Player of the Week!

Congratulations to Maddie Halford (‘23) whose soccer team at the College of Mount Saint Vincent’s won the NCAA D3 Skyline Conference Championship, punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history!

Two ECS alumnae, Anna Cox Thompson ('08) and Dare Harcourt ('07), teamed up to write and illustrate The One and Only You, a children's book about God's faithfulness and how He made each of us so special and unique!

Recently, author Anna Thompson read the book to our early childhood students including her daughter who is in the class of 2037!

In a world where only 5.6% of high school baseball players advance to play in college, and a staggering .03% of Little Leaguers make it to the major leagues, Brent Rooker, ECS class of 2013, is living proof that big league dreams do come true!

After three years of trying to get his big break — bouncing back and forth between the majors and minors, getting traded twice and claimed on waivers — Brent continued to work while waiting for his opportunity. In 2023, Brent earned an everyday spot in the lineup with the Oakland A’s and on July 11, 2023, made his MLB All-Star debut!

Read More: https://www.ecseagles.com/alumni

What a milestone! Congrats, Brent (‘13)!

Included on the coaching staff of our UNDEFEATED 8th grade football team are two ECS alumni! Many thanks to Sumner Darlington ('18) and Carson Gagnon ('20) who helped coach our 8th grade boys and share their football knowledge gained from years of playing football at ECS.

The classes of 1983, 2003 and 2013 enjoyed their 40-, 20- and 10-year class reunions as part of Homecoming 2023!

We celebrated a hero on Homecoming night! READ MORE: www.ecseagles.com/about-ecs/blog

Congratulations to Preston Daniel ('20), a National Football Foundation Campbell Trophy nominee! The William V. Campbell Trophy®, also known as the "Academic Heisman," has become the most prestigious and desirable "academic" award in college football. According to the NFF, "The trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership." Past winners have included Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow and ECS alumnus Barrett Jones. Preston, who served as student council president when he was a senior at ECS, has maintained a 4.0 GPA in college while playing tight end for the Florida State Seminoles. Read more about the prestigious award here: www.campbelltrophysummit.org/nff

We recently had the honor of retiring the #53 ECS Eagles football jersey of five-time Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl Champion Morgan Cox ('05)! We are thankful to Morgan and his family and friends for sharing this moment with our ECS family. Read more here: www.ecseagles.com/alumni

As the college football season has kicked off, we are cheering on our ECS football alumni!

Pictured left to right:

• Austin Hill, Army
• Chandler Caughron, UCA
• Dietrick Pennington, Clemson
• Andrew Agapos, Arkansas State
• Nathan Reithemeyer, Hendrix
• Bennett Brady, Tennessee
• Preston Daniel, FSU
• Peter Nearn, Clemson
• Caiden Hill, Wash U
• Xander Carroll, Wheaton
• Jamison Smith, Dordt
• Harris Hagan, Southern Illinois
• Jacob Hatcher, Pikeville
• Preston Brady, FSU
• John Webster, Rhodes
• Josiah Tingley, UT-Martin
• Adam Wicktom, Centre

Congratulations to ECS alum, Tennessee’s 2019 Mr. Football and Army Football team captain Austin Hill ('20) who was named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List! "The Wuerffel Trophy is College Football's Premier Award for Community Service, and one of the most meaningful awards in collegiate sports," according to this article on the Army Football website. We are proud of you, Austin! ⁠

Congratulations to Preston Daniel ('20), a National Football Foundation Campbell Trophy nominee! The William V. Campbell Trophy®, also known as the "Academic Heisman," has become the most prestigious and desirable "academic" award in college football. According to the NFF, "The trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership." Past winners have included Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow and ECS alumnus Barrett Jones. Preston, who served as student council president when he was a senior at ECS, has maintained a 4.0 GPA in college while playing tight end for the Florida State Seminoles. Read more about the prestigious award here: www.campbelltrophysummit.org/nff

Congratulations to Brady Holloway (‘21) who committed to continue his academic and athletic career in baseball at Middle Tennessee State University.

Congratulations to Austin Hill ('20), 2019 Tennessee Mr. Football, who was chosen by his teammates to help lead Army Football in 2023.

When announcing the four captains to the team, Coach Monken said this about this prestigious honor: "They are the guys that you can trust to help with decisions that affect the program... and that are very respected by not only their classmates but everybody in this room."

Getting it done on the field and in the classroom!

Congratulations to Preston Daniel (‘20) for being selected as an FSU SAAS Student-Athlete of the Month for April

Preston was nominated and voted on by SAAS staff and athletic administration for exhibiting tremendous effort and commitment in the classroom.

Congratulations to Brady Holloway (‘21) who has made his mark on the Southwest Tennessee baseball program! He set the school record with 21 career home runs, helped lead his team to an historic 41 season wins, and he was named TCCAA Co-Player of the Week!

We are proud of 2013 ECS alumnus Brent Rooker!

Recently, Coach Jim Heinz was posthumously inducted to the TSSAA Hall of Fame as a part of the 2022 class at a luncheon in Murfreesboro. Coach's impact on many was far-reaching, and includes those ECS connections present at this celebration, pictured here left to right: Justin Payne, Aubrey Boren, David Carter, Jane Heinz, Steve Heinz, Cathy Jobe, Ben Todd, Alan Durham and Blake Butler.

Coach Heinz has previously been inducted into the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the ECS Hall of Fame as well as the Amateur Sports Hall of Fame, the last induction ceremony at which he was also posthumously presented with the Larry Finch Lifetime Achievement Award.

Coach Heinz coached football and baseball at ECS from 1978 to 2010, helping to build our storied athletic history. He was easily one of the most revered coaches in Tennessee. He won seven Tennessee State Championship titles, four in football and three in baseball, and two of those seasons were undefeated (30-0 in the 1989 baseball season; and 13-0 in the 1999 football season). He was distinguished with multiple Coach of the Year honors, awarded from the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association to The Commercial Appeal to Best of the Preps.

Despite all of his achievements, Coach Heinz is remembered by those whom he coached as a great man of God concerned most with discipling his players in Christ and building them into godly men of character. We are so proud of Coach Heinz and his great legacy that continues to inspire our ECS community.

The class of 2023 is one step closer to being #ECSalumni! On April 27, they celebrated with the annual Almost Alumni Brunch hosted by the ECS Alumni Department! It was a deliciously fun time!

JOIN US as ECS alumni, parents and faculty/staff come together for some fun summer basketball, which culminates in a super competitive tournament for the chance to win the big trophy and bragging rights for the year.

Sign up here today: https://www.ecseagles.com/alumni/legacy-league-basketball

• COST: $50 per player
• WHERE: ECS – 7600 Macon Road – Cordova, TN 38018 – Legacy Center Gym
• START/END: Games begin the week of June 5, and championship will be the week of July 31. (We will not have
• games on July 4.)
• PARTICIPANTS: ECS alumni, spouses of alumni, current faculty/staff or spouse, current father of ECS student (Each
• team is allowed 3 players that do not meet these criteria.)
• SIGN-UP DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 17 (Registration must include payment.) First-come basis!

Our football coaches enjoyed an ECS reunion at a coaches clinic at Clemson University recently! They enjoyed spending time with the Clemson staff and reconnecting with former ECS coach Will Gilchrist who is now on the Clemson coaching staff and ECS alumni Peter Nearn and Dietrick Pennington who play for the Tigers.

ECS alumna, teacher and coach Molly Martin ('17) enjoyed the new upgrade to the Shelby Farms campus that opened recently - Sips Tea & Coffee Shop!

ECS alumni and longtime friends reunite at the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament!

Thomas Kizer ('21), longtime friend, classmate and teammate of star Marquette guard Kam Jones ('21), traveled to Columbus, Ohio to cheer on Kam as he played in the basketball tournament. Thomas' dad, Dr. David Kizer, 9th grade ECS boys basketball coach and Kam's former childhood competitive basketball coach, was also there to show his support.

Although the season ended sooner than we wanted, it was a special one for the Marquette basketball program, and Kam played a big role in its success! Kam was selected to the Big East Tournament team and earned NABC All-District honors. In his final game of the season yesterday, Kam made his 100th 3-point shot this season! At ECS, Kam was selected as the Tennessee DII-A Mr. Basketball and is the All-Time Leading Scorer. ECS is proud of you, Kam!

We were so glad to see the Kizer-Jones connection again!

Congratulations to Kam Jones ('21), Marquette basketball guard, for being selected to the Big East tournament team and for earning National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District honors!

Here's what Kam had to say about how his days at ECS prepared him for this moment (taken from a 2021 article)...

"After practicing at Marquette for a few weeks, Kam penned a letter to his ECS basketball teammates. In it, he wrote, 'Playing at ECS prepared me for what I’m going through here, and even attending school there did as well. I had to take constructive criticism, I had to keep my head up after making mistakes, I had to lead, I was held to a high standard, I was held accountable for my actions, my maximum effort was demanded out of me, nothing less.

“Playing at ECS has put me ahead of my classmates, mentally, physically, and most importantly spiritually. Playing basketball for ECS even prepared me for the challenges I’ve already faced off the court at college. How to step away from things, how to approach situations, how to talk to people, get to know people before you judge them. Playing for ECS and attending ECS absolutely prepared me for what I am facing now at Marquette, on and off the court.”

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/3llXfN6

Congratulations to ECS alumnus Tim Johnson (‘06), Furman University assistant basketball coach, who helped lead his Southern Conference championship team to their first NCAA basketball tournament appearance in 43 years.

Photos courtesy of Furman Basketball and Tim Johnson.

The annual Brent Rooker Fellowship of Christian Athletes Diamond Challenge baseball tournament was held recently! Brent is a current MLB player and ECS alumnus (‘13).

Congratulations, Kam Jones (ECS class of 2021), Big East basketball regular season and tournament champion!

We are proud to announce that Coach Jim Heinz will be posthumously inducted to the TSSAA Hall of Fame as a part of the 2022 class at a luncheon on April 15 at 11:00 a.m., at the Embassy Suites and Hotel in Murfreesboro. Tickets are $35 each and must be purchased in advance at tssaa.org beginning Monday, February 27.

Coach Heinz has previously been inducted into the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the ECS Hall of Fame as well as the Amateur Sports Hall of Fame, the last induction ceremony at which he was also posthumously presented with the Larry Finch Lifetime Achievement Award.

Coach Heinz coached football and baseball at ECS from 1978 to 2010, helping to build our storied athletic history. He was easily one of the most revered coaches in Tennessee. He won seven Tennessee State Championship titles, four in football and three in baseball, and two of those seasons were undefeated (30-0 in the 1989 baseball season; and 13-0 in the 1999 football season). He was distinguished with multiple Coach of the Year honors, awarded from the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association to The Commercial Appeal to Best of the Preps.

Despite all of his achievements, Coach Heinz is remembered by those whom he coached as a great man of God concerned most with discipling his players in Christ and building them into godly men of character. We are so proud of Coach Heinz and his great legacy that continues to inspire our ECS community.

ECS alumnus ('08) and photographer Houston Cofield's pictures of the aftermath of the flash flood in Waverly, Tennessee from August 2021 taken for The New York Times are now on exhibit at The Parthenon Museum in Nashville through May 6.

Read more about Houston's impressive photography career in "Through the Lens of Houston Cofield: A Look at American Icons, Southern Culture and Grief" at ecseagles.com/alumni.

It was a fun night celebrating our ECS alumni from the 2011 state championship basketball team! In the photo below, pictured left to right:

• Hunter Herrington
• Steven Kaspar
• Brosnon Armfield
• Coach Terry Tippett
• George Jamison
• Micah Teed
• Walter Weaver
• Coach Garrison (pictured in thumbnail photo on the court)

Also honored but not pictured:

• Alex Armfield
• Chris Armfield
• Kevonte Askew
• Jake Fowler, mgr
• Chase Futrell, mgr
• Samuel Gilles
• Isaac James
• Walker Jones
• Skal Labissiere
• Kip Owens
• David Pearson, mgr
• Nick Wiseman
• Coach Armfield
• Coach Danner
• Coach Taber

A boyhood dream come true! We are proud of Morgan Cox (‘05)!

From an ECS senior road tripping with buddies to watch his favorite pro football team play in Nashville to earning his fifth Pro Bowl bid - now playing for his home state's NFL franchise, Tennessee Titans long snapper Morgan Cox ('05) said, "I've seen God's hands on a lot of things as I kind of reflect on my career. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and the unique experiences I have gotten to have because of this game."

Read more about his remarkable career here: https://www.tennesseetitans.com/.../from-the-pro-bowl...

This photo documenting the memorial service of Lisa Marie Presley at Graceland recently was taken by Houston Cofield (‘08) and published in The New York Times.

As part of the annual Professional Speaker Series, our juniors and seniors learned more about potential career paths. Experts answered students' questions and shared about their careers in the medical, legal, financial, engineering, real estate, law enforcement, veterinary, teaching and consulting professions. Speakers included ECS alumni, parents and other industry leaders. 

We were so glad to have some of our outstanding alumni return to campus to share more about their professions with our students! Many thanks to the following alumni:

• Lynda Wray Black (’82)
• Whitney Prude Thompson (’06)
• Donnie Thetford ('90)
• Barrett Jones (’08)
• Chandler Gagnon (’11)
• Ben Greene (’20)

We began our 2nd semester faculty and staff in-service with praise and worship, then spent time in prayer for our school, families and students.

Many thanks to Tony Fisher (ECS class of 2000), Anna Kelly Pearson (ECS class of 1999) and Emily Waites for leading us in worship.

Three ECS alumni reunited at the 2022 Orange Bowl. Pictured left to right: Dietrick Pennington (‘21), Bennett Brady (‘22) and Peter Nearn (‘21).

Shoutout to Austin Hill (‘20) who forced a fumble on the 1-yard line in double overtime to help secure Army football’s victory over Navy!

Photo courtesy of CBS Sports

It was great to see alumni and parents and grandparents of alumni last week at the annual Jingle Mingle!

From state champions at ECS to ACC champions at Clemson, ECS alumni Dietrick Pennington (‘21) and Peter Nearn (‘21) enjoyed the victory Saturday night, December 3 in Charlotte. 

On Veterans Day 2022, we saluted our many alumni who have served or are currently serving in the United States Military, and we thanked them for their service.

A special thank you to the following alumni who submitted photos and updates to us. 

• Col. Jay Benson ('81), US Army
• Maj. Jonathan Sherrod ('01), US Army
• Capt. Trace Williams ('13), US Army
• 1st Lt. David Boyd ('16), US Marine Corps
• Pfc I Hadden Burgess ('20), US Army National Guard
• E-3 Airman 1st Class Ruthie Burgess ('21), US Air Force National Guard
• Sgt. Austin Cooper ('10), US Army Special Forces
• Ensign Nick Genereaux ('15), US Navy
• Ensign Zack Genereaux ('17), US Navy
• Capt. George Jamison ('11), US Marine Corps
• 2nd Lt. Colin Jones ('18), US Marine Corps
• Capt. Select Ben Lowe ('14), US Marine Corps
• Lt. Austin Marshall ('10) with his wife, Emily, US Navy

(Pictured in the thumbnail is our Alumni in Service plaque which hangs in our chapel lobby inscribed with the names of more ECS alumni who serve or have served our country in the military.)

Congratulations to Fisher Smith, Esq., and Andrew Shorten, Esq., who were inducted to the Tennessee Bar today!

Fisher and Andrew are both from the ECS class of 2015 and are pictured here with their mothers, Kelly Smith and Jenny Shorten, who currently work at ECS.

Congratulations to Morgan Cox (‘05) who recently played in his 200th NFL game! Morgan currently plays long snapper for the Tennessee Titans and was featured on the Mike Vrabel Show. See clip below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMZyftDhnMM

This is a wonderful way to honor the memory of Tommy Pacello (‘96) and continue his legacy of and passion for investing in our city.

https://dailymemphian.com/.../tommy-pacello-fellowship...

ECS alumni worldwide!

While traveling, Mary Beth (Hazelwood, ’99) and Bill Edwards (‘00) met up with Brussels, Belgium residents Daniel (‘99) and Katy Brink.

Three ECS alumni reunited in Tallahassee at the FSU vs Clemson game!

Pictured left to right: Preston Brady (‘17), Florida State Seminoles Football staff; Dietrick Pennington (‘21), Clemson Football player; and Preston Daniel (‘20), FSU football player.

Check out this article in Style Blueprint, announcing plans to open an additional Lower School option at the Shelby Farms campus in 2023-2024, the first time in our school history that all grades will be offered on one campus! Space is limited. Schedule a tour, and apply now at THIS LINK

IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE AN EAGLE!

The class of 2002 had a great time at their recent 20-year reunion!

A record number of golfers participated in this year’s Steve Collums Classic Golf Tournament to benefit the tuition assistance program. It was a beautiful day to play golf, enjoy the ECS community and raise funds for a great cause!

See our complete photo album at https://www.facebook.com/ECSAlumni

Homecoming 2022 was full of fun celebrations for students, teachers, parents and alumni! See our full album on our Facebook page.

The latest issue of "FORWARD ECS: The ECS Alumni Newsletter" was sent via email on Sept. 14 ! Don't miss out on updates on fellow ECS alumni!

If you did not receive FORWARD ECS in your inbox, check your spam mail, then email us at alumni@ecseagles.com.

Congratulations to Ashleigh Young Rainer (’10) who recently won Make-A-Wish Mid-South’s culture award! Ashleigh has been a Volunteer Coordinator with Make-A-Wish Mid-South since April 2019.

The mission of Make-A-Wish Mid-South is to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. ECS has been a part of the Kids for Wish Kids program as a sponsor of wishes.

If you are interested in volunteering with Make-A-Wish, contact Ashleigh at arainer@midsouth.wish.org for more information about upcoming virtual training sessions. #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Congratulations to Austin Cooper (‘10), who completed the qualification course for Army Special Forces this year as an 18 Bravo, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Green Beret.

In his military career, he served in the US Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer from 2014 to 2019. During this time, he deployed as a platoon commander with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. After deployment, he was the only marine that year to attend and graduate the US Army Ranger School. Austin got out of the USMC as a Captain.

Austin joined the US Army in 2019 in order to join US Army Special Forces, and he graduated Airborne school in 2021.

Austin is pictured with his wife, Katie, his parents, Richard (‘88) and Amee, and brother, Hunter Cooper (‘13).

Thank you for your service to our country!     #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Congratulations to ECS class of '01 alumnus Clint Dowdle, who was recently named to The Athletic's College Sports 40 Under 40 list for his impressive work in the sports industry as one of the most influential coaching agents at Creative Arts Agency.

"Dowdle helped negotiate Marcus Freeman’s promotion to head coach at Notre Dame, and his list of clients includes Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, Florida State’s Mike Norvell, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Utah State’s Blake Anderson. CAA is the biggest player in the college coaching agent world, and Dowdle has quickly moved up the ranks."

Read more at https://theathletic.com/.../23/college-sports-40-under-40/                            #ECSeagles #ECSAlumni

Tennessee Titans players wore their high school jerseys into Nissan Stadium recently, so ECS alumnus and Titans long snapper Morgan Cox proudly wore his #53 ECS Eagles jersey. The last time he wore it was also in Nashville at the 2005 State Championship!

#ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Two ECS alumni are now in dental practice together! Patrick Person, DDS (‘81) and Baker Darlington, DDS (‘14).

#ECSeagles #ECSalumni

Congratulations to Team Kaspar (orange), the 2022 Legacy League Champions!
Congrats also to Team Fisher (blue), who placed Runner-Up!

Legacy League 2022 was so much fun! It was great to see so many alumni involved!

#ECSalumni #ECSeagles

The ECS class of 2014 is representing in California! Chase Clack and Austin Cain stopped in for a visit with Ben Lowe, and they enjoyed a little golf today in Monterey.

#ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Coach Terry Tippett stopped by to see his former players compete in the Legacy League Semifinals.

Pictured below, guys who played for Coach Tippett, L to R: Cameron Dobbins ‘15, Peyton Watts ‘15, Conner Graves ‘14, Jake Weatherford ‘16, Coach Tippett, Marcus Lytle ‘15, Noah Teed ‘15, Benton Garrison ‘16

Also pictured below are Hunter Harrington, Micah Teed and Steven Kaspar, who played on Coach Tippett’s 2011 state championship team.

#ECSalumni #ECSeagles

All three Gagnon brothers played in the Legacy League this past summer!

Pictured left to right include Carson (‘20), Cameron (‘22) and Chandler (‘11).

#ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Brent Rooker (‘13) started for his new team, the San Diego Padres, in July, and fellow ECS alum, David Boyd (‘16) was at Petco Park to show his support! #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Check out this great The Daily Memphian article on Morgan Cox (‘05). #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

https://dailymemphian.com/.../tennessee-titan-morgan-cox...

Congratulations to Zack Genereaux (‘17) and Colin Jones (‘18) on their recent graduation from the United States Naval Academy! Thank you for your commitment to serve our country!

Congratulations to Landon Williams ('01) for being selected to the 40 Under 40 List by the Memphis Business Journal.

Williams currently serves as SVP for Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors. During his days as a sports agent, he helped negotiate a $127.5 million contract for pitcher Matt Cain in 2012, the largest in Major League Baseball at the time. On the real estate front, Williams has worked on MAA's build-to-suite headquarters in Germantown, to name just one of the many high-profile deals.

When asked what motivates him, Williams responded, "Strive for excellence in every facet of my life; not to earn God’s grace — of which I cannot earn — but because of God’s grace of which He has freely given me."

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/yady6n67     #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Some former ECS girls soccer players from the classes of 2003-2013 laced up their cleats and played together in a 7 v 7 soccer tournament in May at Mike Rose Soccer Complex to benefit Lebonheur Children's Hospital. #GoEagles #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

So many from the ECS community attended a reception on May 19 to celebrate Mr. Brink's retirement after 49 years of faithful service to ECS. It was a fun afternoon full of catching up and lots of hugs! Check out our full photo album on our @ECSeagles Facebook page. #ECSeagles #ecsalumni