Former Grace College soccer stand-out and alumnus, John Bratcher, is being honored by the Cornerstone University Athletics Department with induction into its 2017-18 Athletics’ Hall of Honor. He will be formally introduced at end of the year Athletic Banquet on Wednesday, April 25. A description of the honor is below. Click here for more information.
Dr. John Bratcher served as the men’s soccer coach from 1980 through 1989 and compiled an overall record of 119-34-10. He led the Comets of Grand Rapids Baptist to four NCCAA District championships in 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1988 and helped the first ever GRBC to the national tournament where they finished third on three different occasions.
He was recognized as the NCCAA National Coach of the Year in 1982 and 1985 and was the Michigan NAIA Soccer Coach of the Year in 1985.
“Being inducted into the Hall of Honor is very humbling and exciting as the Hall of Honor committee believes that God used me to have a spiritual effect on the former students, athletes, and the Cornerstone community while striving to build an athletic program that was successful on the field or court, in order to have a platform to further God’s kingdom.”
What stood out most to those who were part of the nomination process was the Mission Trips that John led while he was here in Grand Rapids as he took a pair of them to Jamaica in 1980 and 1989.
Bratcher also served as the Athletic Director from 1985-1989 and was also a coach for Track & Field and Wrestling during his time at GRBC. Away from the playing field, John finished his career at GRBC as the Division Chair for Physical Education and Health.
After his time at GRBC, John went on to have Hall of Fame coaching careers at both Indiana Wesleyan and Lee University (Tenn.).
“It is obvious that John’s area of expertise is far more than just the soccer pitch, said Andrew Smith, Professor of Bible at Cornerstone University. “he has been a true mentor and spiritual leader and advisor to his players as the other nomination letters have shown. He was instrumental in taking a team from GRBC and making an impact on both the regional as well as the national scene.”
Cornerstone has inducted 57 individuals to the Hall of Honor since its inception in 2003-04. Last year, Jenna Plewes and Zach Ripley joined the elite list and these two individuals will be formerly introduced at the end of year banquet on the campus of Cornerstone University on Wednesday, April 25.
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