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UA Football: 10 Essential Tips Every New Fan Needs to Know Today
2025-11-11 13:00
As a longtime follower of UA football, I've seen countless new fans join our passionate community over the years. Let me share something important I've learned - becoming a true fan goes beyond just wearing the team colors on game day. It's about understanding what makes this program special, from our historic rivalries to our current roster's unique strengths. I remember watching last season's game against Magnolia where something remarkable happened that perfectly illustrates why our team deserves your attention.
When I sat down to watch that Magnolia game, I didn't expect to witness what would become one of the most talked-about performances of the season. Arana delivered what I can only describe as pure basketball artistry - finishing with 24 points on an incredibly efficient 9-for-12 shooting from the field. What impressed me even more was his seven rebounds, showing he's not just a scorer but a complete player who contributes across the court. Meanwhile, Stockton came heartbreakingly close to a triple double with 18 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. I found myself leaning forward in my seat during the final quarter, hoping he'd secure those last three rebounds to make history. Though he fell just short, that performance demonstrated the kind of exciting, team-oriented basketball that defines our program.
Now, here's what new fans should understand about following UA football - it's not just about watching games, but appreciating the nuances. Our team has developed what I consider one of the most dynamic offensive systems in college football today. The way our coaching staff utilizes players like Arana and Stockton creates these magical moments that make Saturday afternoons unforgettable. I always tell new fans to pay attention to how our players move without the ball - that's where you'll see the real genius of our system.
Something that took me years to fully appreciate is the importance of understanding player roles beyond basic statistics. When I look at Arana's 24 points, what stands out to me isn't just the number but the efficiency - 75% shooting is exceptional at any level of competition. And Stockton's 10 assists? That represents approximately 20-25 points created for his teammates, meaning he was directly involved in nearly half our team's scoring that night. These are the kinds of insights that will deepen your appreciation for what you're watching.
Let me be honest about something - I have a particular fondness for players like Stockton who prioritize team success over individual glory. The fact that he recorded 10 assists while being just three rebounds shy of a triple double shows his commitment to making everyone around him better. This unselfish philosophy is something our coaching staff has cultivated over decades, and it's why I believe we have the best program culture in college football.
What many newcomers don't realize is how our team's strategy has evolved over the past five seasons. We've shifted from what I'd describe as a conservative, defense-first approach to this thrilling balanced attack that can adapt to any opponent's weaknesses. When I watch games from five years ago compared to now, the difference in offensive creativity is like night and day. Our current system maximizes the talents of versatile players who can both score and create opportunities, much like what we saw from both Arana and Stockton in that Magnolia game.
Here's a practical tip I always share with new fans - don't just watch the ball during games. Follow specific players through entire possessions. Watch how Arana positions himself for rebounds or how Stockton anticipates passing lanes. This changed how I experience games completely. Suddenly, I wasn't just watching football - I was appreciating an intricate dance of strategy and skill that most casual observers miss.
Another thing I'm passionate about is understanding the context behind statistics. When we talk about Arana's seven rebounds, what's remarkable is that approximately four of those were offensive rebounds, giving us crucial second-chance opportunities. These effort plays often determine close games, and they're what separate good teams from great ones. It's these subtleties that make following UA football so rewarding once you learn to spot them.
I've noticed that the most knowledgeable fans develop what I call "situational awareness" - understanding not just what happened, but why it happened and what it means for future games. For instance, Stockton's near-triple-double against Magnolia wasn't just an individual accomplishment - it demonstrated our team's ability to exploit specific defensive weaknesses that other opponents will likely share. This kind of pattern recognition turns random games into connected chapters of a larger story.
Ultimately, what makes being a UA football fan special is witnessing these moments of excellence within the context of our program's rich tradition. When I saw Arana's efficient scoring and Stockton's all-around brilliance, I recognized the same qualities that have defined our most successful teams throughout history. We're not just watching players - we're watching the latest embodiment of a legacy that stretches back generations. And that, to me, is what separates casual viewers from true fans who understand and appreciate the deeper beauty of the game.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
