Athletics

During his tenure, Coach Jaicks had the privilege of mentoring Joc Pledger, a standout talent and the only All-American athlete in any sport at Brevard College since 1968. Luke’s accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable; he not only guided but also set records dating back to 1963 within the USA South Conference between the impactful years of 2017 and 2021. Notably, his squads claimed 1st, 3rd, and 8th out of 243 NCAA Division III members from 2019 to 2021, a testament to his coaching prowess and the dedication of his teams.

Luke has coached at all four levels of collegiate sports, including: NAIA (Missouri Valley College), NCAA Division 3 (Brevard College), NCAA Division 2 (Southwestern Oklahoma State University), NCAA Division 1 (Clemson University).

Regarded as an exceptional recruiter, motivator, and coaching luminary, Luke attributes much of his success to his formative education at MIU. He champions a holistic approach to sports, firmly believing that sports constitute 80% mental and 20% physical prowess.

In his own words: “I returned to MIU as Athletic Director because I believe in the people here and the ‘big picture.’ For me, the big picture is about nurturing athletes not just on the court but off the court as well. Athletes require mental, emotional, and spiritual support in addition to physical training. I aspire to be a mentor who extends a helping hand, much like MIU provided for me. My aspiration isn’t merely to be a sports coach; it’s about embodying the values that MIU represents and making a difference in the lives of our athletes.”

“My purpose is to create a StressFreesSports movement that offers another way of understanding and experiencing sports, so suffering is removed and highest personal development, athletic success and pioneer social contribution is globally attained in an easy, natural and effortless way through sports.”

Professor Daley has coached gymnastics at the club and university level. His activity as a gymnastics judge eventually led to an international rating in that sport.

Professor Daley’s area of research and publication has been split between sport science and electronic publication. He has presented over thirty times at the state, national or international level in sport science and seven times at the state or national level on electronic publication. He has authored or edited nine books / manuals, authored twenty-two articles, developed four electronic journals / newsletters, and developed numerous web sites. He has taught courses on basic computer skills and web development and acted as an industry consultant in web development.

He has served in the following capacities:

• Executive Director, Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
• Executive Director, Let’s Go Jeff Co
• Program Director, The Tobacco Prevention Center
• Initiative Organizer, Blue Zone Project for Fairfield
• Council member, Health, and Hyman Services RHEC VII (Heartland)
• Co-Chair, Iowa Partners: Action For Healthy Kids

He has lead adventure sport trips to 10 continental states as well as Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii.

During the last 40 years he has been active in the physical fitness industry both as an educator, administrator, and participant. His preferred personal physical activities have varied over the years but at present his sports of choice are sailing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and white-water kayaking.