My name is Drew Wilkerson and I am thrilled to have joined 71Five Ministries as the Coordinator for 71Five Teams program! I am married to my high school sweetheart  (Crater High school, Go Comets!). Tanya is my greatest gem and we’ve been married for 18 years. We are blessed to have 4 kiddos ranging from ages 4-12; two ambitious boys (Isaiah, 12 and Moses, 10) and two spunky girls (Kate Everly, 8 and Lucy Rae, 4). I hold a BA in History from Oregon State University. I also earned a Masters in Ed. Leadership from Concordia University. Our family currently attends Eagle Point Community Bible Church. 

 

I grew up in a conservative church that was very grounded in tradition. But God (the famous words!) lead my family in a different direction and brought us into a relationship with Him. We began reading the entire Bible for ourselves, and I was radically changed. Only the Word of God can change the hearts of Man. My testimony includes a lot of sports, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and numerous coaches that made a tremendous impact in my walk with Christ, beyond the field of competition. I gave my life to Christ after high school graduation, and little did I know the journey Jesus would take me on (even though I would have preferred to know the agenda ahead of time…)!

 

I played football and basketball through high school and after graduation, went to College of the Siskiyous to play football. After a season-ending injury for football, I transferred to Oregon State University and eventually walked on to Men’s Rowing and competed at Nationals, placing in Top 10. I give all the Glory to God! After graduating, the good Lord allowed me to serve a short stint as a Graduate Assistant in NCAA Compliance and Ticketing at Marshall University in West Virginia, before returning to Southern Oregon and jumping into the world of coaching and education. I eventually became a long time Athletic Director, League Scheduler, and President of the SOMSAC League. I combine this experience with years in the Non-Profit sector (Hearts With A Mission and Project Youth +) to serve students and youth. 

 

My ride through life has had numerous set-backs, challenges, always countered with being blessed with a crazy amount of goodness! But God (famous words, again!), has faithfully walked with me, guided me, and prepared me and my amazing family for my future steps, even when I thought I “had it under control”. God’s grace is good enough and I don’t want to do this life on my own! 

 

#CompeteWithPurpose