Cumberlite - 2012 Winter

While we often equate service with selfless acts
for causes far from home, many of our alumni find
ways to serve in their local communities, churches
and neighborhoods.
Three local alumni have found ways to make a
difference in the lives of young people by volunteering
their services at GCA.
Travis Epperson (Class of 1999), and Clint and
Shannon (Courey) Higginbotham (Classes of 1999
and 1997, respectively) have been volunteering with
GCA sports programs for
several years now and
their service is greatly
appreciated by both staff
and students.
Coach Wally Fox,
long-time athletic
director at GCA, taught
Travis, Clint and Shannon
when they were students
in his P.E. classes and
now enjoys working with
them as peers. Coach Fox
knows that we couldn’t
offer the range of sports
opportunities for the kids
if it weren’t for volunteers.
Recently he reflected on
the impact these three
individuals are having.
“Travis Epperson has
spent many hours working
with the gymnastics team.
For the Love of Kids
Shannon (Courey) Higginbotham
loves volunteering at GCA because
of the relationships she is able to
build with kids.
He was head coach of the team for some years and has
assisted for a few more years, volunteering his time to
help us produce a quality gymnastics program.
Clint and Shannon Higginbotham have both given
an unbelievable amount of time to the sports programs
at GCA. Clint has served as head coach for our soccer
team for several years and has also been assistant coach
of the gymnastics team, while Shannon has assisted
with the gymnastics team. Their volunteer work shows
an amazing dedication to the young people at GCA
and I am greatly appreciative of their help!”
When asked why they give their time and energy
to help out with gymnastics and soccer, Clint and
Shannon replied, “Shortly after getting married in
2003 we offered to volunteer with the gymnastics
team. Following the death of Brandon Moor (a former
task force chaplain who was killed in a car accident
while on the staff at GCA), who organized the soccer
team in 2004, I (Clint) received the invitation from
Coach Fox and some of the players to become the
new soccer coach—an invitation I eagerly accepted.”
Recalling the influence of young adults on their
own lives when teenagers, Shannon and Clint agreed
they would like to be that influence in kids’ lives, too.
“After we were married we agreed that this was a
mission we wanted to do. Working with
the kids has been such a great blessing for
both of us.” They love the relationships
they build with kids that lasts through the
years. Shannon says, “I love the way the
team becomes part of our family every
year!” Clint loves how the kids keep him
on his game and make him feel younger.
“Who doesn’t love that?!”
Travis Epperson, who has worked with
the gymnastics team almost continually
since 2000, gives of his time because, “First
and foremost I love coaching! I started
because I loved Acrosports, but quickly
realized that my true love was coaching.
The excitement that the students get when
they learn something new or do well in a
performance is catching and I love every
minute of it. I also
love the interaction
with the students.
Those relationships
often last long after
they leave GCA…
and it’s an amazing
thing to be able to be
a part of their lives
and to have helped
them grow in some
way. I am blessed by
the opportunity that
I have in being able
to help out at GCA.”
Travis Epperson volunteers his time and
Bruce Boggess,
expertise with the GCA gymnastics GCA teacher and
team because of his love of coaching and gymnastic head coach
the relationships he is able to build with
young people. Continued on page 8
4 the Cumberlite Winter 2012