Armando Rodriguez
Apr 25, 2022
Edited by Matthew Risher
Kansas City, Mo. – The Spurgeon Knights Men's Basketball team is heading into the next chapter of their program. The Knights have recently hired Head Coach, Billy Livezey. Livezey has spent the last 7 years in college athletics and has been a part of 6 conference championships and 4 NCAA national tournament appearances. Coach Livezey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management and Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College (LBC). Coach Livezey also earned a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Cairn University.
Early Years
Coach Livezey grew up in the state of Maine where he grew up playing football, baseball, and basketball. Livezey went on to play college basketball at Lancaster Bible College where he was a part of a 27-0 season that had his team nationally and regionally ranked while also appearing in three straight NEAC championship appearances.
Coaching Pedigree
Coach Livezey started his coaching career under Coach Jason O'Connell at Cairn University as an assistant coach. While at Cairn University Livezey was a part of the most historic run in school history. He helped lead the Highlanders to their first CSAC regular season champions, first CSAC conference champions, first NCAA national tournament appearance, and the most wins in the universities history. After Cairn, Livezey became the assistant at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. At OPSU, Livezey helped lead the Aggies to the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament playoff as well as helped run one of the most efficient teams in the SAC. Last year, the Aggies led the SAC in turnovers, forced steals, steals per game offensive rebounds per game and turnover margin.
Faith & Coaching Go Hand-in-Hand
Growing up in Maine, Coach Livezey was raised in a Christian home by his parents. Livezey believes that this environment would later help him come to a clear understanding of the gospel. "I was saved early in my childhood years, but it wasn't until I went to Lancaster Bible College where I really started to grow my faith," Livezey said. "I began to truly see the depravity of my heart and why I needed Jesus so much."
Livezey went on to discuss how much his faith has shaped the way he coaches. He sees an opportunity for guys not only to come play basketball but to grow as young men, church members, and future husbands. "Being able to not only coach the game of basketball but also disciple the players in their faith, is one of the things I am most passionate about," said Livezey. "I want my players after being here for 4 years to be strong witnesses for Christ, to be leaders in their communities, and to ultimately glorify God in all they do in the future."
Resetting the Standard
Matthew Risher, the Knights athletic director, sees an optimistic future commenting, "Coach Livezey is a proven winner on and off the court. He is the perfect person to grow Spurgeon basketball into one of the best programs in the NCCAA." Coach Livezey recognizes that things have got to change. "I want to play my role as the head coach in making this program a winning one," Livezey said. "We all want to see the players come here and grow as young Christians but there is no reason why winning can't be a part of that experience."
Livezey is looking forward to starting his tenure as a Head Coach of the Knights. "Our core values a team are going to be trust, humility, and gratitude," said Livezey. "Not everyone gets a chance play college basketball, so it is important for our team to appreciate and capitalize on being a part of this program."
Final Word from Coach Livezey
"I want to thank the entire leadership here at Spurgeon College and honored that they are entrusting me to move the men's basketball program forward. I want to specifically show my gratitude towards Athletic Director Matt Risher, Dean Samuel Bierig, and President Allen for believing in me, believing in my mission, and vision to lead this men's basketball program. My wife, Eliana Livezey, and I are super excited to invest our lives into the Spurgeon College community. God has been so kind to us, and we want to bring Him all the glory through this basketball program."
The Knights open their season on October 26 at Central Christian College of the Bible.
