Brewton–Parker College, Women’s Wrestling Program, A Great Enhancement

Small towns in rural settings can inspire idyllic visions of life in order, close knit communities filled with loving family and friends along with gentle rolling hills and mystical forests.

Mostly fiction.

If only they were more often reality than fantasy.

One film captured this vision so well.

Pleasantville is a 1998 comedy-drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Gary Ross, in his feature directorial debut. It stars Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen, William H. Macy, J. T. Walsh, and Reese Witherspoon, with Don Knotts, Paul Walker, and Jane Kaczmarek in supporting roles.

The story centers on two siblings who wind up trapped in a 1950s TV show, set in a small Midwest town, where residents are seemingly perfect.

It has since developed a cult following.

The films music themes include Randy Newman’s hypnotic masterpieces Mural and Real Rain.

The stellar reviewers at rogerebert.com share their thoughts. “In the twilight of the 20th century, here is a comedy to reassure us that there is hope–that the world we see around us represents progress, not decay. “Pleasantville,” which is one of the year’s best and most original films, sneaks up on us. It begins by kidding those old black-and-white sitcoms like “Father Knows Best,” it continues by pretending to be a sitcom itself, and it ends as a social commentary of surprising power.”

Well said.

It inspires us to return to another idyllic rural setting.

fci elite competitor, fciwomenswrestling2.com articles, gobaronsgo.com photo credit

Brewton–Parker College (BPC) is a private, Christian, coeducational college whose main campus is located in Mount Vernon, Georgia, United States.

Mount Vernon is a city in, and the county seat of, Montgomery County, Georgia, United States. The population was 2,451 at the 2010 census.

It is a picturesque town located in an enchanting rural setting.

“I lived an idyllic ‘Huckleberry Finn’ life in a tiny town. Climbing trees. Tagging after brothers. Happy. Barefoot on my pony.”…Sissy Spacek

The mission of the university fits in perfectly.

At their site bpc.edu they educate, “The mission of Brewton-Parker College, a Georgia Baptist college, is to develop the whole student through the application of Biblically-centered truth to a liberal arts curriculum in a community of shared Christian values.”

Additional research indicates that faculty members serve as teacher-scholars promoting intellectual inquiry that develops the mind and spirit.

Students study the traditional liberal arts and sciences, and selected professional and pre-professional programs at the campus in Mount Vernon and designated external locations.

Activities both inside and outside the classroom afford students opportunities for intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual growth that prepare them for meaningful service to their local, regional, and global communities.

The students seem to thrive there and love the learning atmosphere. Here are some independent reviews found at two different organizations.

The well thought out site niche.com shares two student reviews:

“I like the quietness of the campus community. The campus community is small so things can be personable. Being a private Christian College there is church service and for many that is a great benefit. Their financial aid department needs some tweaking, maybe they need some more help. I will say in a crisis there are people, counselors that can help you. There activities that the college hold that are fun and helps the students to interact with one another. The dorms have been updated and security cameras have been installed. This may help deter any thieves that come on campus.”

Here is another.

“Brewton Parker College was not shy at all in extending a warm, firm hand to me. The campus is certainly vibrant, and I could not express my love for it enough! My faith in Christ and passion for music has led me to this culturally diverse school, and I certainly plan to pursue a degree in Music Ministry. I couldn’t change a thing about this college, and I hope it continues to grow.”

At the informative review site cappex.com we found more analysis and insight.

“Brewton-Parker has a caring faculty and staff. They are truly concerned about your future and they help you to reach your goals. The psychology department is top-notch.”

One more.

“Brewton Parker is the perfect place to go to college. It’s in a small city, the campus is nice and everything you need is pretty much in walking distance.”

Sounds wonderful.

So what could enhance a university menu that seems to have it all?

A women’s wrestling program.

The Barons had their inaugural season in 2016-2017. They got off to a terrific start by naming Britney Gadd as their first head coach.

Ms. Gadd completed two years as a volunteer assistant for the women’s wrestling team at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. She previously coached the Pennsylvania National team at the Fargo Junior and Cadet National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota.

She wrestled at the University of the Cumberlands and was a dual sport athlete, earning All-Conference and All-American honors in both women’s soccer and women’s wrestling (2008-2013). She was a two time All-American in the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA).

Doing an exceptional job at BPC made her an ideal candidate for new coaching opportunities around the country.

On November 15, 2017, Britney has since accepted the Women’s Wrestling Head Coaching job at Tiffin University.

After an extensive search on April 6, 2018 at intermatwrestle.com the announcement was made, “Brewton-Parker College Athletic Director Daniel Prevett is excited to announce the hiring of Arelys Valles as women’s wrestling head coach.

She started wrestling at 13 years old on an all-boys team in Clewiston, FL. Arelys had a very successful high school career where she was a three-time Florida girl’s state placer (two-time runner-up) and the first girl in 10 years to qualify for FHSAA Boy’s State Final in 2013.”

Ms. Arelys received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sport Science and Public Health from the University of the Cumberlands in 2017.

She is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Coaching. Arelys is a two-time WCWA All-American for the University of the Cumberlands.

As a result of their collaboration and the school’s support something historic occurred.

On October 13, 2017, BPC hosted the first women’s wrestling duel in school history inviting Lindenwood University-Belleville to compete. It proved to be a very exciting and close event with Lindenwood squeaking a victory by three points.

Meeting Brewer-Parker College was a very satisfying and inspiring experience.

Nestled in an idyllic rural setting, they seem to be making one life-long dream come true, one student at a time.