November holds a special allure for gymnastics enthusiasts as the annual Acrofest takes center stage, drawing anywhere from 800 to 1000 participants each year. In 2024, the spotlight shifts to Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU), eagerly gearing up to host this intense weekend.

Acrofest is a harmonious blend of athleticism and faith. For the first two days, teams cycle through clinics where athletes learn and practice skills taught by professionals. Each night, a speaker addresses the teams on a spiritual topic, delving into themes that profoundly impact spiritual, leadership, and sportsmanship growth. Following the night's speaker, teams usually engage in games and miniature competitions. Saturday is dedicated to collective worship and rest, ending with the Acrofest Joint Show after sundown. This spectacular fusion of gymnastics and acrobatics unites student-athletes from diverse universities and high schools, cheering eachother on while watching different styles of performance.

Leading the charge at SWAU is Coach Chad Hutchinson, a seasoned leader and the six-time host of this exciting event. Coach Hutchinson unveils the theme for Acrofest 2024 - "Send Me," a profound inspiration drawn from Mick Moffat, a former SWAU professor and close friend of Coach Hutchinson. This theme reflects Moffat's character and dedication and will serve as a guiding light for this year's event. Coach Hutchinson envisions "Send Me" impacting high school and college students who are trying to navigate their paths, instilling the courage to let Christ guide them.

For Coach Hutchinson, Acrofest is more than a mere showcase of athletic talent, but a symbol of the power of community and faith; a gathering that leaves participants inspired, connected, and uplifted.

Save the date for the second weekend of November 2024, as SWAU welcomes gymnasts from all corners to embrace the thrill of Acrofest. Prepare for a spectacle where athleticism meets faith, and the echoes of Coach Hutchinson's vision resonate through every flip, cheer, and prayer.