Hall of Fame
Joe Harding grew up in Gambier, Ohio, where his father served as Athletic Trainer at Kenyon College while his
mom worked in the campus food service area. Joe took every opportunity to follow in his father’s steps as he served
as the unofficial Assistant Trainer for Kenyon’s athletic programs. Joe attended Malone College (University) on an athletic training scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Serving as the trainer for Malone’s programs as a student, he was hired as the school’s first full time athletic trainer upon graduation in 1972. Sports ministry was immediately placed upon Joe as he served as the trainer for 60 Track & Field athletes on a trip to ten African countries, as well as Israel, in the summer of 1972. This trip was a collaborative effort between Wheaton College and the State Department. God brought Coach Don Church into Joe’s life through that ministry trip and this proved to be pivotal in Joe’s life. Don hired Joe to be the Athletic Trainer at Wheaton College and allowed him to teach Physical Education classes and handle the Special Education recreation classes. In 1978, Joe took a leave of absence to complete his Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology at George Williams College. During this time, Joe met Carol, affectionately known as “Q”. They have been happily married for 34 years and Joe attributes much of that happiness to those early summers spent at Wheaton College’s Honey Rock Camp in northern Wisconsin. Joe has served as Head Men’s Soccer Coach and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Montreat Anderson Junior College (1979), and Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Moody Bible College (Institute) (1980-84/1991-2010), as well as at Huntington College (University) (1984-1991). He has served as a Professor, Department Chairman, Athletic Trainer, and Athletic Director. He takes pride in having championed the adoption of the Sports Ministry major at Moody Bible Institute. Other highlights are 2 NCCAA National Championships, 6 Final Four appearances, 17 Coach of the Year honors, the NISOA Honor Award (2006), and the NCCAA Frank Jewell Merit Award (2009). He has served as NCCAA Regional Chair and National Sports Chair. In 2011, Joe plans to travel to France on his 13th sports ministry endeavor. This shows the true character of a man who knows the value of using sport to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Joe has always cared more about the soul of a student-athlete, opposing coach, colleague, or stranger somewhere around the world, than his winning percentage or honors. Former Moody team member and Assistant Coach, Marco Castillo sums up Joe’s impact on those with whom he came in contact by sharing, “His influence is great because it is substantial, that is, it has substance to it. He taught me to live a life of commitment to Christ and those He places in my path.” The National Christian College Athletic Association is proud to induct Joe Harding into its Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2010.