Early Signing Day Ceremony: November 12, 2020

 

2020 - 2021 Sponsors

 Many thanks to our year-long sponsors:

Pike Liberal Arts Hires Mario White

TROY, AL- Pike Liberal Arts School names Saban’s special assistant Mario White as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach.

The announcement came earlier today at a pep rally where the Patriot varsity basketball teams were
celebrated for their runs in the AISA Class AAA state playoffs. The varsity boys were recognized for
their State Runners-Up finish, and the varsity girls were recognized for their Region Championship and Final Four appearance. PLAS Headmaster Eric Burkett told the students there was more reason to celebrate. After an introduction highlighting his background and success, Coach Mario White entered the gym to a white shaker frenzy, and a background banner painted with “Every Heart Beats True for the Red,WHITE and Blue.”

“I am thankful for the opportunities that God has given me to coach and mentor kids of all ages to not
only to become better athletes but to also become better students and even better young adults,”
White said.

“We are going to work hard and work honest on and off the field. I am excited to play a leadership role in elevating the standard of excellence from classroom to competition. People will know when they come up that hill that THIS IS PIKE!”

Coach White and his family are moving from Tuscaloosa where he was on staff at the University of
Alabama as a strength and conditioning coach under Scott Cochran and a special assistant to Nick
Saban. Coach White coached football at Tuscaloosa Academy and previously coached at Stillman
College. Coach White received his degree from Samford University, where he played baseball on full
scholarship.

PLAS Chairman of the Board of Trustees, John Henderson, explained that the hire came after an
extensive search for not only a champion coach, but also an esteemed man of character.
“During the interview process, it became apparent that Coach White is a man of faith and high
integrity,” Henderson said. “He sets a standard of respect and excellence both on and off the field
and he has an obvious gift for motivating young people. I am confident that Coach White will be a
leader that will inspire our student athletes.”

Festivities to celebrate the announcement include a Meet and Greet with the White family that will be
held at 3:00 p.m. today in the PLAS gym foyer.

“We encourage our entire Pike family to join us for cake and get to know Coach White, his wife Bridget and his three children: Mayes (11th grade) Amity (9th grade) and Ivy (8th grade),” Burkett said. “We are excited to have Coach White and his family here, and are looking forward to success under his leadership.” 

After the informal reception, Coach White will be throwing out the first pitch as the back-to-back Class AAA State Champion Patriots take on defending Class AA State Champion The Lakeside School Chiefs at 4 p.m. The Lady Patriots and Lady Chiefs will also play at 4 p.m.

Founded in 1970, Pike Liberal Arts School is a member of the Alabama Independent School
Association (AISA) that offers competitive Class AAA athletic programs and quality academic,
leadership and cultural arts opportunities for K4-12 grades while using faith-based curriculum and
enrichment.

For more information, visit www.pikelib.com or contact: Eric Burkett, PLAS Headmaster- 334-566-
2023, eburkett@pikelib.com

HELP WANTED: Baseball / Softball Concessions

The Pike Patriots are scheduled to open the 2020  home baseball and softball season on Tuesday, February 18th against Fort Dale. The JV games will be played first again this home season. Both JV games will play five inning games lasting no more than 75 minutes. The varsity games will begin at approximately 6:00 pm. 

Please contact Donna Copeland at copelandd81@gmail.com or 334-268-1691 to claim your shifts on the attached concession schedule.  We need the parent's of each child participating in baseball and softball to work at least two shifts during the regular season. The profit from concessions is a large portion of the Booster Club's annual revenue.
Also, the booster club will be selling a variety of hats and visors at the gate and concession stand this season. All fitted game hats are $25.00 while all adjustable hats and visors are $20.00.

2020 Baseball and Softball Concession Schedule

Job Opening: Athletic Director and Head Varsity Football Coach

Pike Liberal Arts School is currently taking applications for an Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. Resumes will be accepted through the end of the day Wednesday, December 18, 2019. 

This position is to oversee all aspects of the athletic programs, including, but not limited to:

• Managing and supervising athletic activities, contests, and practice sessions to promote individual growth in athletic skills, teamwork, discipline, respect, and good sportsmanship
• Managing athletic budgets
• Ensuring the school's compliance with athletic rules and regulations and monitoring and enforcing student eligibility criteria for extracurricular participation
• Planning fundraising campaigns
• Building community and media relations
• Purchasing athletic equipment
• Creating sporting event schedules
• Collaborating with all coaches in maintaining athletic facilities
• Working with the Headmaster in hiring of staff and coaches
• Promoting events
• Supervising all coaches and sports personnel
• Evaluating each coach at the end of his/her season. These evaluations are to be used as a tool for positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. The AD and the coach will set up an appointment to discuss the past season and strategies for future success of the program. The AD will report on this discussion to the Headmaster. The AD will be evaluated by the Headmaster.
• Creating an environment that is conducive to whole-person development of our student-athletes
• Collaborating with all coaching staff on game days throughout the sports season
• Collaborating with all coaching staff on summer and in-season workout schedules for all sports
• Using a variety of instructional techniques to meet the needs and improve the abilities of student athletes
• Working with other members of school staff to plan and put in place instructional goals and objectives to ensure the overall educational development of student athletes
• Taking all necessary precautions to protect student athletes, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Developing and coordinating a continuing evaluation of the athletic programs and making changes based on findings and the ongoing needs of the program
• Accompanying and supervising student athletes during athletic competitions in assigned sports
• Instructing and advising students on NCAA regulations with regard to academic requirements for scholarships and recruiting practices
• Maintaining, filing, and copying all pertinent materials, eligibility forms, transfer forms, grade reports, and ensuring that AISA guidelines are followed
• Applying and enforcing student discipline during athletic contests, practice sessions, and while on trips off school property in accordance with Student Code of Conduct
• Encouraging sportsmanlike conduct in all phases of athletic participation
• Establishing and maintaining open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, Headmaster, and teachers
• Maintaining a current inventory of all fixed assets within program
• Overseeing the process of cleaning, repairing, and storing all campus athletic equipmen

Skills and Abilities

• Candidate must have excellent skills in planning, organization, and leadership.

All applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and list of references to eburkett@pikelib.com and jhenderson@wjsorrell.com.

2019 Dress Themes for Game Weeks

8/23 - Morgan Senators - Away 

8/30 - Crenshaw Cougars - Home - "Cuff the Cougars"- Cops and Robbers Theme

09/06 - Freeport Bulldogs - Home - "Buzz the Bulldogs" - Bug Theme

9/13 - Northside Knights - Home - "Knock Out the Northside, Make 'Em See Double" - Twin Day

9/20 - Macon East Knights - Away

9/27 - Lee Scott Warriors - Away  

10/04 - Abbeville Generals - Away

10/11 - Fort Dale - HOMECOMING WEEK

10/18 - Monroe Volunteers - Away

10/24 - Success Mustangs - Away

11/01 - Lakeside Chiefs - Home - "Chain the Chiefs" - Ball and Chain Theme

As always, we encourage our Patriots to dress in Patriot (or red, white and blue attire) on all game days, including any away games.

2019 - 2020 Sponsors

Many thanks to our year-long sponsors:

2019 - 2020 Sports Booster Membership

2019 - 2020 Sports Booster Membership Form

Many of the activities and projects at PIKE are supported heavily by the Sports Boosters from funds generated completely outside the school’s General Fund Budget. Virtually all boys and girls sports receive monies from the Sports Boosters to purchase items such as uniforms and equipment. The Booster also fund the cost of officials, utilities, travel expenses, renovation, facility improvement etc.  We want to continue to build on a fine tradition of sports and academics. By joining the Sports Boosters and using our group buying power, we can lower the cost per student for equipment, uniforms and many other items. Every Patriot student and family will benefit.

The Booster Club's Annual Kickoff Meeting is set for Tuesday, August 13th at 6:00 pm in the school's cafetorium. This meeting is mandatory for the parents of all peewee, JV and varsity football players and cheerleaders, as well as those playing JV and varsity volleyball.   

Click the link above to download a membership form for your convenience. Booster Membership is $40.00.  The Patriot Pride Individual Membership Package which is both membership to the Booster Club and one Athletic Pass is $125.00. The Patriot Pride Family Membership Package which is both membership to the Booster Club and Family Passes is $250.00 (this includes immediate family living under one roof). 

2019 Summer Workouts

To download a copy of the summer workout requirements which were distributed to our student-athletes prior to the dismissal of school for the summer, please click the link below:

2019 Summer Workout Package

Football Team Shops

Find items picked out specifically for our football teams. There is also spirit-wear available for your family and friends. Check out the shop details below.

Varsity Football Team Shop

JV Football Team Shop

2019 State Baseball Championship T-Shirt

Please click the link below to download an order form for the 2019 State Baseball Championship T-shirt. These Comfort Color shirts are $20.00 each. Please turn in your order form along with checks made payable to the PLAS Sport Boosters by Thursday, May 16th. Proceeds from the sale of these shirts will help to offset the costs of the championship rings. 

2019 State Baseball Championship T-Shirt Order

Pike Patriots Youth Football Camp

Pike's Football Coaching Staff is hosting a youth football camp for boys this summer on June 24th-June 25th from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM.  All of the details regarding the camp are attached on registration form. Please print registration form and either turn it into the front office or mail it to the address included on the form. We need registration forms turned in by June 12th to guarantee shirts for campers. Please contact Coach Brandon Matthews at bmatthews@pikelib.com or 334-437-3447 with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you!

Pike Liberal Arts Youth Football Camp

2019 AISA Class AAA State Championship Series: Pike v Morgan

The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots will take on the Morgan Academy Senators in the AISA Class AAA State Baseball Championship Series. This best of three series begins with a doubleheader on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:00 am at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. If needed, Game #3 will be played at 11:00 am on Thursday morning. Tickets are $8 for students and adults.

If you are unable to attend the championship series, please note that it will be broadcast live on TroyCable Channel 2 and streamed live  TC2 Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

Allen Ponder Selected to the NAAPS Hall of Fame

Allen Ponder Selected to the NAAPS Hall of Fame

The NAAPS Hall of Fame committee announced today that Coach Allen Ponder would be inducted as the seventh member of the Class of 2019.

The NAAPS Hall of Fame is a division of the National Athletic Association of Private Schools and was formed to recognize people who have made significant contributions to private school athletics and its advancement.

Coach Ponder is a graduate of Lee-Scott Academy in Auburn, Alabama where he excelled as an athlete. In 2002, he became the first player from the AISA to be named Mr. Baseball for the state of Alabama. He would sign at the University of Alabama where he played for three seasons. During his time at Alabama, he earned SEC Pitcher of the Week honors as a freshman after pitching five shutout innings against second-ranked Rice and was a member of the 2005 SEC Championship Team.

After battling shoulder issues, Ponder transferred to Auburn-Montgomery where he became an All-Conference, All-Region and Gold Glove infielder. In 2018, he was inducted into the AUM Hall of Fame.

The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Coach Ponder as a pitcher in the 2008 MLB Draft. He would pitch one season with the State College Spikes of the New York-Pennsylvania League before returning to the University of Alabama to finish his degree.

Although his playing career had ended, his impact on private school athletics was far from over. Coach Ponder has coached at Lee-Scott (Auburn, AL), The Lakeside School (Eufaula, AL) and Pike Liberal Arts Schools (Troy, AL).

2018 was a big year for Coach Ponder as he led the Pike Liberal Art Patriots to a 2018 AISA state championship and NAAPS Division III National Championship while also being named NAAPS Division III National Coach of the Year.

In all, Coach Ponder has earned seven championship rings as either a player or a coach. Three of the seven rings were with AISA, the rest were college conference championships. Coach Ponder lost in the state championship game once in High School and three times as a coach while winning two championships as a coach and one as a player. 

Coach Ponder is married to the former, Mary Vance Ventress of Troy, Alabama. They are expecting their first child, a son, in June.

2019 AISA Class AAA Regional Softball Pairings

The Pike Liberal Arts Lady Patriots will participate in the Regional Softball Tournament which begins on Thursday, April 25th. Please click the link below to download a current bracket.

2019 AISA Class AAA Regional Softball Pairings

Sports Program Ads for 2019-2020

The Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleaders are currently selling sports program advertisements for the 2019-2020 season. You can purchase a business or a personal advertisement to support the PLA Sports Boosters. Half-page and full page program ads can even have pictures of your favorite Patriots. Football program ads are also a great way to celebrate a senior athlete!

If you have purchased an ad in a previous year, a cheerleader should be contacting you. If you are interested in a new ad or a senior ad, please contact a cheerleader or you can contact Carrie Lee Gardner at 334-268-3817. You can download an ad form by clicking the link below. #GoPIKE

Sports Program Ads for 2019-2020

2019 AISA Class AAA State Baseball Tournament

Please click the link below to download a copy of the 2019 AISA Class AAA State Baseball Tournament Pairings. Since Pike Liberal Arts School won the Class AAA Region 1 Area 2 Title, the Patriots have a bye during the first round of the playoffs. Pike will play the winner of the Fort Dale Academy / Kingwood Christian School series.

2019 AISA Class AAA State Baseball Tournament

2019 JV Baseball State Invitational Tournament

2019 JV Baseball State Invitational Tournament

2019 JV Softball State Invitational Tournament

2019 JV Softball State Invitational Tournament

2019 Thunder Chicken Sponsors