NICK MERSCH
SPORTS EDITOR
“This is the proving ground for us as athletes to prepare ourselves for what God has in store for us. He may use championships, he may use wins, and he will definitely use losses in order to do that,” said Scott Greve, new Franciscan University of Steubenville athletic director, describing what is in store for the future of Baron athletics.
Scott Greve is a well-known name around the campus of Franciscan University. He was named the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference’s tennis coach of the year four times, has served as the interim executive director of management and, as of this fall semester, is the university’s newest athletic director.
Greve grew up in Van Wert, Ohio, and attended the University of Dayton. He started dating his wife at Dayton and truly began diving into his faith.
“It was through her questions that I really started to learn my faith,” said Greve.
This was only the beginning of the long process that eventually led Greve to Franciscan University.
For about 10 years after college, Greve ran a car dealership, where his father and brothers also worked. One night, Greve discerned through his 3 a.m. holy hour that he was being called to teach at a university. After earning his master’s in theology in two years, he found himself working at a high school as the director of development, and he ended up at Franciscan shortly after.
“As soon as I got here,” said Greve. “I knew that this is where I wanted my kids to go to school. I never thought in a million years that I would work here.”
Greve then accepted a job in development at the university. Six months later, the athletic director at the time asked if he would get involved with the tennis team as a volunteer assistant. This led to Greve taking on the head coaching position two years later. Now, Greve is in his fourth season as the university’s head tennis coach.
With years of coaching experience behind him and the divine Coach leading the way, Greve is taking a Spirit-led approach to the growth of the department.
“We’ll continue to work as a staff and as a team in order to pray and discern what God is calling us to do as far as expansion,” said Greve. “The number one priority for me is to grow closer to Jesus, period. This department is called to more than sports. Sports are an avenue for us to help us discern what God is calling us to in our lives.”
Greve said, “If we simply take care of what we’ve been given, all these other things will be added. I’m a firm believer that God wants to give us a platform to shine his light to the world. He’s given us the platform of sports that, if properly placed, can lead us closer to God.”
Greve’s experiences with running a business, being a coach and earning his master’s in theology equip him well for this job, but he made it evident that he does not see it that way.
“I am a true believer that my strengths lie in my weaknesses,” said Greve.
The new athletic director’s approach is one that follows the mission of the school and makes Franciscan athletics respected and competitive. Thanks to Greve’s dedication to the faith and to following God’s will, athletes and fans can expect great things for the Baron athletic department in the years to come.