This Week in Athletics
FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR'S DESK:
Because of Volunteers and Giving Above and Beyond: Faith in Action
Our Lions are developing across all our teams this year...not only in skill and teamwork, but also in Christ-like character.
A great example was last Friday, our football team traveled to West Valley High near Redding. After the game, instead of focusing inward, our players asked to pray for their opponents. The West Valley coach was moved, saying, “This is the first time this has happened. You guys are true champions, and it will show on the field soon.”
The scoreboard may not have gone our way, but the real victory was Christ first—faith, humility, and love shining brighter than the final score.
Get Involved
Your support makes the difference! Volunteer at games, help with team meals, or join our fundraisers—every effort blesses our athletes and coaches. Together, we create lasting memories and a first-class experience for our teams. We are always looking for help on home game days. Thank you!
Scripture of Encouragement
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
We are Lions! I Believe!
Playing in HIS name,
Coach Drew Snelgrove, M.Ed., CAA
Athlete of the Week:
Blake Nelson
Hard work has a way of showing up when it matters most — and for Big Valley Christian’s Blake Nelson, that truth is becoming clear this season. A multi-sport athlete and senior leader, Blake has poured countless hours into his training, and it showed this past Friday against a strong West Valley High School team. While the scoreboard didn’t tilt the Lions’ way, Blake’s effort stood tall, registering some of the highest marks for Big Valley Christian with multiple tackles and energy on every play.
What sets Blake apart isn’t just his size and skill, but his commitment to the little things — in the weight room, in practice, and in the huddle. His consistency has earned him recognition as a Player of the Game this season and the respect of both teammates and coaches, proving that dedication truly makes a difference.
Blake’s determination is a reminder of what it means to compete with heart, character, and perseverance. He’s not only building his own legacy but also helping set the standard for the Lions moving forward. Keep an eye on #75 — Blake Nelson — his best football is still ahead.
#LionsPride #PlayerSpotlight #HardWorkPaysOff
HS GAMES for the Week of Sept 22-27
Sept 22 Monday Girls Volleyball Away @ Sierra HS Frosh 4 pm, JV 5 pm, Var 6:15 pm
Sept 23 Tuesday Girls Volleyball Home @ Summerville HS Frosh 4 pm, JV 5 pm, Var 6 pm
Sept 24 Wednesday No Events
Sept 25 Thursday BOOSTERS TRI TIP DINNER
Girls Volleyball Home @ Riverbank HS Frosh 4 pm, JV 5 pm, Var 6 pm
Sept 26 Friday Football Away vs. Linden HS, JV 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm
Sept 27 Saturday No HS Games
2025-2026 BVCS SPORTING EVENTS
TICKETS & CREDIT CARDS ONLY
We are looking to hire coaches for the following teams. Go to bvcslions.com/jobs to apply:
Assistant Coaches JH and HS
Good Morning Lions. This is John Nance, Football Team Dad again. Do you have a high school student looking for a team? Are they needing some great camaraderie and fun? We still have spots open, however, the window is closing. Even if your boys have never played football or any sport before, or they play another sport later in the year, this is the place for them. There is still time for them to join the Lions football program this year. Practices are in full swing now, but we still have some openings. The boys have received their equipment, and we have had some great practices so far preparing for our upcoming scrimmage in Gustine.
Did you know that there is a state mandated time frame that boys have to wear their helmets and shoulder pads to get used to wearing them. This is done in stages, 3 days for helmets only, 2 days for helmets and pads, then full gear. This is required before any boy can do any contact tackling drills. We follow all rules governed by the CIF, just like this one. The team is currently conducting play walkthroughs, learning drills and working out in the weight room.
Like I said earlier, even if they have never picked up a football in their life, this is their chance. We teach the fundamentals of the game. We teach advanced tactics. We will show the proper way to "take" a hit, and how to give "it". Our boys have a lot of fun together both on and off the field. Our athletes share meals together weekly, and get together throughout the season for different things. Starting next week, with the start of school, practices will be Mon-Thu 3-6pm with most games on Friday nights. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or come out to practice and meet with me and the coaches. We look forward to having your student join us on the field, and play amongst their classmates.
John Nance
(209) 404-4863
john.l.nance@gmail.com
Do you love taking pictures of your athletes and teams? We want your help capturing all of our athletics each week! Please email your pictures to socialmedia@bvcs.org and then keep a look out for them to show up on Big Valley's Friday @ 5:00, Instagram, and Facebook
Follow the Athletics Instagram page @bvcsathletics
Go into your app store and get the new and improved BVCS athletics app! This app will send updates when there are changes, your teams, coaches and athletes can communicate through the app, and there is a a news feed on the app where you can see all the great things in athletics that are happening here @bvcs. You can also advertise your business on the app. We are really excited about this app and we hope you will enjoy it too!
Athletic Sports Clearance
Are you considering coming out for a Spring season sport? Before you can participate in tryouts, you must complete the online clearance at Home Campus. Both parents and athlete will need to finish the online application and upload your current sports physical. Don't delay! We don't want you to miss out on participating in Lions athletics.
F.A.Q. (Frequently asked Questions) about Athletic Clearances
Want to play a sport at BVCS?
Complete online information and signatures on homecampus.com
Upload your current (within 1 year) sports physical onto homecampus.com
You do not need to turn in any paperwork to the office. It is all done online.
You will receive an email from Home Campus notifying you that you are cleared.
Home Campus does not alert the Athletic Office when you complete your portion of the clearance process.
Please note that we are the ones who manually mark student-athletes as “cleared.” If you do not receive an email confirming your clearance, that means you're not cleared yet.
If you have any questions or believe there’s an error, feel free to contact michellec@bvcs.org to check on your athlete's clearance status
Student-athletes will not be allowed to participate in tryouts, practices, or games until this information is complete and you are cleared.
Does the clearance from last year still work the next year?
No, it does not carry over
If the sports physical has not expired yet and I uploaded it last year, do I have to upload it again this year?
Yes, we cannot see the previous year's documentation. Each year is separate. You can upload that same physical from the previous school year if it is still valid.
If the sports physical expires mid-season, do we need a new physical?
Yes, we are alerted when it expires, and the athlete cannot continue to participate in any physical activity until a new one has been uploaded.
All the athletes on this wall have played 12 sports in their high school career: 3 sports per year for all 4 years in high school. This award is recognized with a lifetime Lions pass that gets you into all Lions home games for free for life and we put your name on this wall to celebrate you. Being a 12 sport athlete is no small feat and requires dedication to sport and to academics to manage that intense load. We are proud of all our 12 sport award winners and challenge you to be one too!