COLUMBIANA, OH- The Heartland Christian athletic program made a significant leap forward as they officially joined the ranks of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC). During an enlightening conversation on YSN, Athletic Director Josh Scott shared the driving force behind the move and its expected impact.

“The biggest thing, more than anything, was just for our kids to have something to play for, like all the other schools do. They are in a conference,” said Scott, emphasizing the importance of competitive goals for students.

At the heart of this decision is the opportunity for the school’s athletic program to provide meaningful experiences for the students. Joining the OVAC aligns with the school’s goal of offering impactful moments that reach beyond the court or field. The benefits of membership are more than just logistical; they fuel a culture of persistence and recognition.

Scott views the inclusion into the OVAC as a potential stepping stone, possibly laying the groundwork for Heartland Christian to become part of a multi-conference system in the future. “We’re hoping that we can show some stability, some responsibility of being in a league, and then maybe we’d be a little bit more attractive down the road to be in some of these local conferences as well,” he shared.

Travel and logistics are always a consideration for schools when joining new conferences. While acknowledging the challenges, Scott remains positive. “The reward was bigger in the fact that our kids now have a championship to play for, all conference honors, and just more opportunity across the board for our kids,” he pointed out.

Another aspect that Scott is excited about is the potential of “big moment games where, you know, the outcome matters.” Having regular chances to compete for championships and honors provides a different kind of motivation for student-athletes, which can be transformative both in sports and personal development.

Reflecting on Heartland Christian’s journey, Scott is both humbly proud and grateful to be part of this evolutionary step for the school. “I’ve been just, this one called to the whole system here… to see it to come to fruition. I just, I hope that the kids will find a way to enjoy it as much as we hope that they will,” he shared, looking to the future with optimistic anticipation.

Heartland Christian is poised to embark on a thrilling new chapter as a member of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference. Under Josh Scott’s leadership, the school’s athletics are sure to flourish, marking the potential for new legacies built on the foundation of hard work, passion, and community spirit.
Stay tuned to this space as YSN continues to provide coverage on Heartland Christian’s exciting new journey in the OVAC, and perhaps, the crowning of their first conference championship in the near future.