Student-athletes are encouraged to play for a higher purpose

LAUREL – To go the distance on or off the court, field, mat or track, you need someone to run interference – to clear the way.

By leaning on God’s guidance, athletes can come to understand how to play for His glory, and demonstrate integrity, service, teamwork and excellence. That’s the basis behind the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization at Laurel-Concord- Coleridge School. The chapter started again this year, under the leadership of Middle School Principal Mark Leonard, after a 13-year hiatus.

The nondenominational Fellowship of Christian Athletes got its start nearly 70 years ago at the University of Oklahoma with the mission of leading every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Christ.

The first local chapter began during the 1995-96 school year under the leadership of Steve and Jodie Thompson, Roxie Nelson and Susie Koranda.

“Their huddle groups initially met at the school for several years, but eventually their meetings moved out to their home,” Leonard said of the Thompsons.

Leonard’s involvement began in 2004 and lasted until 2010, when the group stopped meeting. Leonard continued to feel strongly about the positive impact the FCA can have on a student-athlete’s life.

“Coming to know Christ is the most important decision anyone can make,” he said. “We hope to share the Gospel message with our students through FCA and how it can spread to their athletic venues as they share the message with others.”

Open to all students in grades 7-12, finding a time to meet has been challenging due to a full school activity calendar, Leonard said. But so far, the group has met twice.

In September, 34 students gathered for a kickoff meeting.

Quinn McCafferty, shortstop on the Wayne State College baseball team, talked strategies he uses to help him remain focused on Christ when he plays.

The local FCA chapter also held an event called the Fifth Quarter Party after one of the home football games where about 20 students viewed the movie, “Facing the Giants.”

Next up is the annual Weekend of Champions for high school students, held Nov. 11-12 at Grand Island High School. The event draws about 1,000 students from across the state.

At the Weekend of Champions, students are entertained with worship music and different sport activities and hear the Gospel message from several speakers throughout the weekend, Leonard said.

Future meetings will include learning from the book, “Doing Sports God’s Way” and more Fifth Quarter Parties after home sporting events.

Leonard is assisted by his wife, Deana, and Brian and Amy Gould.

“We always welcome any coach who has a love for the Lord or who just wants to learn more about or be a part of the FCA huddle to join us in helping to reach our youth for Christ,” he said.