Graceland Yellowjackets
| Graceland Yellowjackets | |
|---|---|
 | |
| University | Graceland University |
| Association | NAIA |
| Conference | Heart of America Athletic Conference |
| Athletic director | Joe Worlund |
| Location | Lamoni, Iowa |
| Varsity teams | 20 |
| Football stadium | Huntsman Field |
| Basketball arena | Closson Center |
| Baseball stadium | Chase Stadium |
| Softball stadium | HMP Stadium |
| Soccer stadium | John Rasmussen Soccer Complex |
| Mascot | Sting |
| Nickname | Yellowjackets |
| Fight song | Graceland Forever |
| Colors |
Blue and Gold |
| Website |
www |
The Graceland Yellowjackets are the athletic teams that represent Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Graceland competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC). Over 50% of the students on Graceland's Lamoni campus are student athletes.[1]
Sports
The university currently fields 10 intercollegiate sports programs:
|
Men's sports |
Women's sports |
Football
In 2005, just four years after completing a season of 0–10, the Yellowjackets won their first HAAC championship title since 1975 and qualified for the NAIA national championships for the first time in the school's history.[2] The current coach for the Yellowjackets is Jeff Douglas, who has been at the helm since 2011.[3] Herbert Goodman and Jeff Criswell went on to play in the NFL. Jerome Messam went on to play in both the NFL and CFL.
School songs
Fight song
The school's fight song, Graceland Forever, was written by Warren McElwain in 1925.[4]
Graceland Forever, dear Alma Mater
Long may she ever firm keep her stand.
Her sons and daughters carry to others
Her fame throughout the land, Rah, rah, rah.
Graceland, Graceland, we're all for you,
Strong, united, loyal and true.
We'll carry on 'til victory is won,
Oh, Graceland, we're all for you!
Alma Mater
The school's alma mater was written by Roy A. Cheville in 1926.[4]
Come Graceland sons and daughters all,
and join our happy throng.
With loyal voices let us raise
our Alma Mater song.
O hillcrest home of vision wide,
where bonds of love hold sway.
Where all may learn in life and lore
'tis Thee we praise today.
Through memory a thread shall run,
of golden richness made.
Cementing there the treasures rare
in thy foundation laid.
O Alma Mater, guide us on,
thy standard e'er unfold
And call us on with memories
of days 'neath the Blue and Gold.
Through years and decades long to come
thy battlemented tower
Shall rise to call the youth of lands
to answer to the hour.
And while thy work shall carry on,
our benisons are told
In lives of honor, truth and right,
the seal of the Blue and Gold.
Notable alumni
- Jeff Criswell – offensive lineman for Indianapolis Colts (1987), New York Jets (1988–1994) and Kansas City Chiefs (1995–1998)
- Herbert Goodman – running back rushing for over 2,000 yards; current professional mixed martial arts fighter[5]
- Caitlyn Jenner – 1976 Olympic gold medalist (as Bruce Jenner)
- Kevin Souter – Kansas City Wizards in Major League Soccer
- Jerome Messam – running back for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League
References
- ↑ Athletics
- ↑ HAAC Championships by School (Football)
- ↑ Staff directory
- 1 2 Graceland Traditions & Trivia
- ↑ "Herbert Goodman MMA Bio". Retrieved 2014. Check date values in:
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