FCA Magazine - Sept/Oct 2012 by Fellowship of Christian Athletes

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 • $3.99

Lone Star Leader The Faith Story Of Dallas Cowboys’ Tight End Jason Witten pg. 8

PLUS

Nebraska Running Back Rex Burkhead FIELDS OF FAITH IN WEST TEXAS Syracuse Soccer's Jenna Rickan

pg. 15

p. 18

p. 22

A GIFT TO YOU FROM OUR FCA STAFF • FCA.ORG

Be equipped. Be encouraged. Be ready. In The Sports Bible you’ll hear

first-hand from some of today’s top

coaches and athletes on what it means

for them to live a life for Jesus Christ.

You’ll also find powerful devotions and

sports principles that will equip and

encourage you to make a difference

in whatever arena you compete.

Featuring testimonies from:

Mark Teixeira Allyson Felix Drew Brees Tony Dungy Tamika Catchings Avery Johnson Zach Johnson and many more.

Available at your favorite bookstore.

FCAGear.com BHPublishingGroup.com

contents LONE STAR LEADER

inside stuff

By Clay meyer

e’ve been looking forward to this day for quite some It’s the first issue of FCA Magazine.

As we brainstormed cover story ideas for this historic issue, it

seemed quite apropos that a member of the Dallas Cowboys would grace the cover. After all, 30 years ago, legendary head coach and longtime FCA supporter Tom Landry was featured on the first issue of our previous publication. So when the idea to feature Cowboys veteran tight end Jason Witten came up, the symmetry of it all made him a perfect fit. Witten, who recently served as a co-chairman with another Cowboy legend, Roger Staubach, at the 35th annual Dallas FCA Tom Landry Open, talked with us about his athletic journey, from his childhood to the University of Tennessee to being a captain on “America’s Team.” Plus, he shared with us his true motivation for playing the game—his love for the Lord and the ability to impact lives for the better. But that’s not the only story from the Lone Star State in this issue, as we also turn our focus out to West Texas and the rapid rebirth of FCA in the Lubbock area. Several Fields of Faith events have ignited a spark that has spread like wildfire across the Texas prairie and renewed more ministry activity than the area has seen in years.

COVER STORY

Those stories and many more of faith and sports fill the pages of this first issue of FCA Magazine. And, once again, we’d like to thank you for being a part of this new journey. It’s our prayer that you—the coach, athlete, donor, volunteer, staff, parent, supporter or first-time reader of the magazine—would be inspired as you read how FCA continues to fulfill its now 58-year-old mission: to impact the world for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. In Christ,

Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten's faith journey from childhood to captaining "America's Team." By joshua cooley

Page 8

Clay Meyer Editor

page 6 – ALL ACCESS: FCA sets its sights on NYC, Georgia's Mark Richt steps into the FCA Zone and Green Bay Packer Marshall Newhouse answers our 6 Questions! west texas fire

5 Coach’s Corner 6 All Access 14 Heart of a Coach

FCA returns to Lubbock and the surrounding area through Fields of Faith. By Dave Pond

15 Heart of an Athlete Rex Burkhead University of Nebraska

page 18

16 POSTER 21 REGION REPORT 25 team fca profiles 26 college guide 28 FIT4EVER 29 Home Stretch

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Kristin Steele MidAmerica Nazarene University

Ebony Hoffman Los Angeles Sparks

30 Finish Strong 4 FCA Magazine sep te m be r/O ctobe r 2012

make a joyful noise Syracuse Soccer’s Jenna Rickan has a passion for impacting her campus and the world for Christ that can’t be contained. By Chad Bonham

page 22

page 29 Cover photo courtesy of James D. Smith

Courtesy of James D. Smith, Amy Elrod; Terry Kinard; Syracuse University Athletics; NBAE/Getty Images

time—the day our readers hold a piece of FCA history.

coach's corner Magazine Team

Les Steckel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publisher Nancy Hedrick. . . . . . . . . . . Executive Editor Clay Meyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Samantha Couch. . . . . . . . . Editorial Assistant Matheau Casner. . . . . . . . . Creative Director Regina Casner. . . . . . . . . . . Production Designer Nick Dunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editorial Consultant Susie Magill. . . . . . . . . . . . . Online Content Contractor Contributing Authors: Chad Bonham Ron Brown Joshua Cooley Ebony Hoffman Jimmy Page Dave Pond FCA Magazine is published six times a year by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Subscription: $16.99 per year Copyright 2012, Fellowship of Christian Athletes All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.

By Les Steckel

Eternal Significance

ooking back over the past 58 years that FCA has been influencing coaches and athletes throughout the world for Jesus Christ, I can tell you there has never been a more exciting time for this ministry. I wish I had more time to tell you all about the amazing stories of

what God is doing, and I’m excited to see what he has in store for our future—including this first issue of FCA Magazine! With that excitement, though, comes a challenge inspired by a book I read by Richard E. Simmons III called, “The True Measure of a Man.” The book begins by asking a question we all ask ourselves: “What do people really think of me?” We ask this question because today's world tells us that it's all about what we do, how successful we are and the recognition we receive. I’ve often found we are just chasing power, prominence and possessions, but in the process we’re missing it all. We're all guilty—men and women—of trying to impress and please people,

Freelance writers and photographers should check fca.org for guidelines. FCA is not responsible for unsolicited submissions.

and the question that I would ask you (as I often ask myself) is, who are we trying to please?

sees him. So, is Jesus Christ, whom we as Christians claim to be our Lord and Savior, the most

For advertising information, contact FCA Magazine at 1-800-289-0909 or mag@fca.org. If you need to: • Change your address • Renew your subscription • Send a gift subscription e-mail mag@fca.org. To subscribe or give a gift subscription: Visit fca.org, call 1-800-289-0909 or scan below.

I believe a person gets his identity in life based on how the most important person in his life important person in your life? If He is, that's tremendous. But for most of us—believers and nonbelievers—that’s not the case. And the toll that takes on us by constantly trying to please the people in our lives is causing us a tremendous amount of stress—stress that pulls us from one end to the other. I’ve met countless people who say they're overloaded, overwhelmed or too busy, and the stress of life is just tearing them apart. When this happens, we see divorce, joblessness, family separation, drinking problems, anger, depression… The list goes on and on! Dr. Larry Crabb says the two basic psychological needs in our lives are security and significance. So, where are you finding your security and significance? In your relationships with people and status in this world, or in your relationship with your Heavenly Father and your status in His Kingdom? I pray that you would come to know Jesus in a personal way, and that the Holy Spirit would

If you are receiving multiple copies of FCA Magazine and would like to condense your subscriptions, contact FCA’s support services at 1-800-289-0909. We welcome your comments about FCA Magazine. E-mail us at mag@fca.org or write us at: FCA Magazine 8701 Leeds Road Kansas City, MO 64129

lead, guide and direct you. When you’re faced with the messages and demands of this world from the media, Internet, radio and television, or family, friends, bosses and coworkers, that you wouldn’t forget your ultimate security and significance comes only from Jesus. We all have the capacity to be faithful to those people and things that are most important in our lives. But above all else, are you being faithful to the One who gives you life and has allowed you the opportunity to have eternal life, too? The true measure of a man or woman will never be found in power and possessions, but can

FCA Magazine is on the Web, Facebook and Twitter! fca.org facebook.com/fcamag twitter.com/fcamag

only be found through an intimate, personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

FCA Vision: “To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.”

secure in the loving arms of your Heavenly Father.

FCA Mission: “To present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.”

The freedom to escape the expectations of this world is yours, if you are willing to accept it. No longer will you have to ask what others think of you, because you know your significance is

Model the Master,

FCA Values: Integrity, Serving, Teamwork, Excellence

Les Steckel

FCA would like to thank Chick-fil-A and Russell Athletic for their corporate sponsorship.

FCA President/CEO

Our Gift to You: As a way of appreciating and informing our financial supporters, FCA Magazine is provided by FCA Staff as a complimentary gift to anyone who contributes $50 or more annually to the ministry.

The heart and soul in sports

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FCA Zone:

Now on FCAResources.com:

“The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other organizations like it allow our young people to join together and spend time with other likeminded people to praise and worship their Lord.”

MLB Player Videos With autumn approaching and postseason baseball on the horizon, swing over to fcaresources.com and check out FCA’s latest athlete videos. Watch as current and former MLB All-Stars share their story of Christian faith and what it means to be a Christ-follower in the big leagues. New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and several others touch on faith-related topics that can be discussed at your next FCA Huddle meeting or while waiting between innings of the playoffs. So, what are you waiting for? Go check them out at fcaresources.com!

FCA Embarks Upon NYC Sept. 1 marks the start of a new era for FCA in New York City as Northeast Region VP of Field Ministry Sean McNamara, Executive Director Donnie Dee and other FCA staff around the country team up to recruit volunteers and staff to serve in the NYC metro area. The team is committed to identifying community leaders who will continue the work God is doing in this critical area and expand the ministry to serve more coaches and athletes. “New York City is the ‘capital of the world,’ and we firmly believe the teammates are out there,” McNamara said. “We just have to communicate the opportunity and provide them with the tools and resources to have an impact in their community. We are specifically asking God to lead us to like-minded coaches, volunteers and staff to serve on a full-time basis.” If you know someone who could fill these roles or would like more information, visit northeastfca.org, email McNamara at smcnamara@fca.org or call (800) 289-0909.

FCA Magazine

s ep te m be r/oc tober 2012

- Mark Richt University of Georgia @markricht

Thanks from FCA Magazine! Want to score a copy of Life in the Fairway: What Golf Teaches Us About Integrity by Chad Bonham? One could be yours! Subscribe, purchase a gift subscription or follow us on Twitter (@FCAMag) during September or October. We will randomly select five people to receive the book as a thank-you!

FCA Huddle Idea: Sponsoring a World Vision Child Looking for an activity that could impact both your local community and a child in another country? Try this idea from the Dodge City (Kan.) High School FCA Huddle. The students of the DCHS FCA Huddle wanted to sponsor a child through World Vision, but they needed to figure out how to raise funds. “Our community has an adult soccer league that hosts a championship tournament in the fall,” said Shannon Ralph, an FCA adult sponsor at DCHS. “The league had contacted us about using our school’s stadium to host the tournament, so we agreed that they could use the facilities as long as we were allowed to work the entrance gate and keep the profits from entry fees.” The DCHS Huddle hung posters around town and aired some public service announcements on local radio. “Our posters and PSAs obviously helped get the word out to the

community,” Ralph said, “but I also think word of mouth was a large contributor to the excellent attendance.” The Huddle’s leadership team also provided the announcer, music and a scoreboard operator. In the end, they raised $1,200 to sponsor their child. Want to make an impact through a similar event? Visit fca.org to find stepby-step planning instructions along with helpful tips from Ralph.

“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for,

Courtesy of UGA Sports Communications; New Leaf Publishing Group; Shannon Ralph; Merge PR; Gordon Thiessen; The Media Collective: Green Bay Packers

all access

Magazine

recommends

literature:

FCA & Sports Calendar september 2012

• For a devotional that gives athletes spiritual training for life on and off the field: Heart of an Athlete Playbook from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes

5 NFL regular season begins 20-22 FCA National Board of Trustees Meeting 27 WNBA playoffs begin

• For an inspiring read that explains how teen girls can keep their faith fresh and alive: From Blah to Awe by Jenna Lucado Bishop

october 2012 • For a Bible study series that helps coaches at every level integrate their faith into coaching: Called to Coach by Gordon Thiessen

Tunes: • For an album filled with dance beats, catchy melodies and solid messages of God’s love: Gold by Britt Nicole

1-5 FCA Training Camp 5 MLB playoffs begin 8-11 FCA VP of Field Ministry Meeting 10 Fields of Faith 11 NHL regular season begins NBA regular season begins 30 30-Nov. 2 FCA Camp School

WEB: • For ways to save money on your groceries while donating to your favorite non-profit organizations: www.commonkindness.com

Questions with

marshall Newhouse

Percentage of Americans who say that college has been a good investment for them personally. (Pew Research Center)

Offensive Tackle, Green Bay Packers | twitter: @ MNewhouse74

the unrivaled tradition 1) The best thing about being a Green Bay Packer is ��

and passion of the fan base. There is no other organization like it ��

_______________________________________________________________ in professional sports.

2) _____________ My parents have had the greatest spiritual impact on me because ��

they showed me what it truly means to live out the gospel-especially ��

when words are not enough. _______________________________________________________________

3) The toughest opponent I’ve ever lined up against is my _________________________ teammate Clay

Matthews in practice because he has a relentless motor on top of his _______________________________________________________________

elite athleticism and football skills. _______________________________________________________________ playing with courage because the I intentionally bring Jesus into my game by ________________________________

real battle is already won, and I have nothing to fear. ��

5) If I wasn’t an NFL football player, I would be a

coach, teacher or mentor ��

because I know I have much more to learn, but I also have much to �� offer. Showing wisdom is a cyclical act. ��

Joshua 1:9 because it re-emphasizes obedience 6) My favorite Bible verse is ��

even in trials. God commands us to be courageous and to live knowing �� He is always with us. the proof of what is not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1

The heart and soul in sports

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Lone Star Leader Dallas cowboy jason witten's faith journey from childhood to captaining "america's Team." By JOSHUA COOLEY

here were in fact tranquil days. For the three Witten brothers, family life was once

enjoyable. Growing up in Vienna, Va., a bustling

suburb of Washington, D.C., their childhoods were

filled with rambunctiousness and athletics. Their father, Ed,

Courtesy of James D. Smith

was a huge sports fan, so he signed up Ryan, Shawn and

drugs added to a charged atmosphere. The boys’ father thundered. His touch became something to cringe at. Everyone in the house felt his rage. Eventually, Kim cut anchor and set sail. She put her sons and

Jason for two football leagues—a city league in Vienna and a

the absolute necessities in the car, ditched everything else,

Fairfax County league. He put them in two basketball leagues,

and fled south to refuge. It was a bitter, confusing time for the

too. He taught the boys to run, throw, catch and dribble.

Witten boys. Jason, the youngest, was only 11.

It was a warm slice of Americana. “There were a lot of positives,” says Shawn, the middle brother. “He was involved in our lives.”

But over time the Hallmark moments became less and less frequent. Ed and his wife, Kim, hit financial straits. Alcohol and

FCA Magazine

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“There are probably a lot of things Ryan saw that I didn’t see,” Shawn says, “and there are probably a lot of things I saw that Jason didn’t see.”

But Jason saw enough. And for a time, the memories vexed

him. Questions and doubts gnawed at his soul. Chaos ruled inside him. Now, two decades later, he is a superstar on the third-most

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

valuable sports franchise in the world. He is one of the greatest tight ends of his generation, if not in NFL history. A future place

Elizabethton, Tenn., boasts a 130-year-old covered bridge. The

in Canton is likely. And he is at peace.

town also hosts an annual festival to celebrate this bridge.

This serenity, though, is not a product of worldly success. It’s a

Fishing is big there. Real big. So is squirrel huntin’, turkey huntin’,

result of faith, compassion and charity. To find Witten’s greatest

and, as the locals call them, “pancake feeds” at the neighborhood

legacy, you must look outside the hash marks. You must find the

Kiwanis Club. There’s an annual bluegrass festival and a still-

bruised, battered and helpless in Texas and Tennessee.

operational drive-in movie theater that opened in 1947.

You must find who Jason Witten used to be.

Time doesn’t exactly stand still there, but it might struggle to The heart and soul in sports

fca.org

is sweet, rush hour is a myth, and a bad day means that nothing took the bait. This is where the Wittens’ flight to safety ended in 1993 — a

to read each other’s minds. Each knew when the other was hurting. “We were three brothers who were inseparable,” Shawn says. Still, as Jason grew older, the demons of his divorce- and abusemarred past haunted him. His heart hardened toward God, and he

sleepy Southern town of 14,200 nestled in the heart of Appalachia,

resisted the Spirit’s calling. How, he wondered, could a loving God

400 driving miles from D.C. but a million miles away culturally. Kim

coexist with the nightmares of his youth?

and her sons moved in with her parents, Dave and Deanna Rider, whose 1,416-square-foot, one-story home bulged as it welcomed four more occupants. The living quarters and the budget were tight, but so were the

But his grandparents didn’t give up. They continued to pray and pour out love. In ninth grade, Jason met Michelle, his future wife, at Elizabethton High School. She came from a godly family whose genuine

familial bonds that were formed. Dave Rider mixed compassion

kindness intrigued Jason. The Spirit was stirring. The following year,

with a gentle taboo on self-pity. He filled the male role model

Witten’s heart had softened. While on an FCA retreat in Nashville,

vacuum in his grandsons’ lives by demonstrating true manhood,

he put his faith in Christ.

godly character and a bit of chivalry, teaching them to open doors for ladies and stand up when a woman entered the room. He exhibited Ephesians 5 love for his wife and took his family to the local Baptist church every Sunday.

“That’s when I understood what life is all about,” he says. As Jason’s faith was growing, so were his football skills. He had come to the right place for that. “Football was a way of life for us,” Shawn says of the Rider home. “The conversations in the car, at the dinner table — it was 24/7. Our family lives and eats it.” Dave Rider started the obsession. An All-American high school running back from War, W. Va., he lettered at West Virginia University from 1957 to 1959 and helped the 1958 Mountaineers to a Southern Conference title. The Washington Redskins and the old AFL’s Boston Patriots drafted him, but he never played a professional down, becoming a coach instead. By the time his grandsons arrived, Rider was a local legend, having amassed 200plus career victories at Elizabethton between 1976 and 1999.

"The neatest thing for my wife and I is the lives we're able to impact. ... I hope that legacy lasts long after football is gone."

Rider didn’t have to worry about his grandsons trying to use family bloodlines to their advantage. The boys were self-policing. “One day, Shawn called me Pa-Paw in practice,” Rider recalls, “and Jason said, ‘You can’t call him Pa-Paw!’ So then they never called me anything. They just talked to other coaches.” Ryan set the bar for his brothers, starting for three years on varsity and earning all-conference

honors as a free safety. But Elizabethton, which only had one playoff win since 1938 before the younger brothers’ arrival, didn’t truly begin buzzing until Shawn and Jason donned the Cyclones’ black and orange. Starting in 1997 — with Shawn then a junior and Jason a sophomore — the Rider-Witten family connection “They were great role models for me to see how to live life,” Jason says. Jason also found refuge in his brothers. They were typical

nights. With Jason on the receiving end of Shawn’s passes and both

red-blooded American males, all three. Between football,

players wreaking havoc on defense, the Cyclones reached the Class

basketball, baseball and track, life was one big, testosterone-fueled

4A state semifinals in 1997 and 1998. Businesses shut down early on

competition.

game nights. The grandstands teemed with spectators. Everybody,

As the youngest, Jason occasionally took his lumps. Just typical brother stuff. But love was woven into every argument and wrestling match. The brothers went everywhere and did everything together.

transformed Elizabethton’s stadium into the place to be on Friday

it seemed, wanted to witness the Witten brothers and Pa-Paw—er, Coach Rider—in Elizabethon’s version of “Friday Night Lights.” “My grandfather showed us the way to be successful — that if you want to be special, here’s what you have to do,” says Shawn,

Jason and Shawn became particularly close. They shared a

who is now Elizabethton’s head coach. “Jason pushed me, and I

bedroom and later an old black Geo Metro hatchback. They learned

pushed him.”

SC F TV A Magazine au g us t/ s epte m s ebe prte2010 m be r/oc sharingthevictory.com tober 2012

Courtesy of James D. Smith and Bob Almond/Almond Tree Studio

beat a three-legged tortoise in a footrace. In Elizabethton, the tea

where he played for four years and

trajectory. By 2004, his second year in the

FCA in "Big D"

experienced the Michael Vick-led run to

league, the 6-foot-6, 261-pound bruiser had

The Greater Dallas FCA staff once again

the 1999 national championship game as a

become an elite playmaker, earning the first

celebrated the life and legacy of Hall of

freshman, Jason led the Cyclones to a third

of seven straight Pro Bowl nominations.

Fame coach Tom Landry earlier this year at

While Shawn headed to Virginia Tech,

straight state semifinal appearance in 1999,

Witten, meanwhile, is on a Hall of Fame

Now entering his 10th season, the two-

the 35th annual Tom Landry Open.

earning consensus All-America and USA

time first-team All-Pro has to be mentioned

Today’s Tennessee Player of the Year honors

in any conversation about the greatest

a new wrinkle, with the Tom Landry

as a tight end and linebacker.

This year’s edition of the event featured

tight ends in NFL history. Last year, Witten

Excellence of Character Award being

“Everything came easy to him,” says

passed Cleveland Browns Hall of Famer

presented the night before the golf

Rider, now 74 years old. “When he was in

Ozzie Newsome for third on the all-time

tournament during a special dinner for

ninth grade, we played for the [district]

pass receptions list among tight ends,

sponsors and local FCA supporters. Dallas

championship and he had 20 tackles. When

trailing only future Hall of Famer Tony

Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback Roger

he became a tight end, he caught 30 to 40

Gonzalez of Atlanta (1,149) and Denver

Staubach and current tight end Jason

passes a year. He could always run real well.

Broncos Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe (815).

Witten served as honorary co-chairmen

He had great speed where smaller people couldn’t bring him down.”

Witten’s 7,909 career receiving yards

for the two-day event, and former NFL

ranks fifth all-time among tight ends,

player and coach Dan Reeves was honored

behind Gonzalez (13,338), Sharpe (10,060),

with the award. Also on hand for a special

Elizabethton renamed its field Dave Rider

Newsome (7,980) and Hall of Famer Jackie

question and answer portion of the

Field, and the road that the school sits on —

Smith (7,918) of the old St. Louis Cardinals.

program with Witten was Cowboys tight

the same one that Jason used to run brutal

With one good game this season, he’ll move

ends coach John Garrett.

August practice sprints on — is now Jason

into third place, and he can surpass Sharpe

Witten Way.

in a few years. Pretty heady stuff.

To honor its greatest football era,

“It was special,” Jason says of playing for

Dallas coaches rave about his ability to

“It was just an incredible event,” Dallas FCA Executive Director Rick Bowles said. “Having professionals like Roger, John, Jason and

his grandfather. “A lot of people talk it, and

catch any type of pass, his skills as a run

Coach Reeves involved — all of whom have

very few people walk it to back it up. That

blocker and pass protector, his dedication

solid character and leadership qualities —

man walks it. Bringing your daughter and

to the film and weight rooms, his all-around

really makes people feel good about being a

her three boys into your house when you’re

smarts and the leadership he exhibits. He’s

part of an organization like FCA.”

later in life—that’s a daunting task. But he

the total package.

was a God-fearing man. He taught us how

Along with this annual event and

“He loves to play,” says Cowboys tight

numerous others, Dallas FCA continues

to treat women, go to church, look people in

ends coach John Garrett, who is involved

to minister in the local area through its

the eye, and say, ‘Yes sir, no sir.’ Football was

with Dallas FCA. “He wants to honor God

Character & Leadership Initiative, in which

almost secondary.”

with his play. All the great ones have that

they develop values in student-athletes and

Jason opted to attend the University of

trait — they all love football. They do all the

coaches through Scripture-based teaching

Tennessee, where he started out as an elite

stuff that defines loving football. They love

and mentoring programs.

defensive prospect. But because of the

the hard work, watching tape, practice, all

Volunteers’ roster needs, he soon switched

the situations, all the meetings, all the stuff

into the mission of FCA through our 4 C’s —

to tight end.

about it.”

coaches, campus, camps and community,”

It was a serendipitous move. During his junior (and final) year, he set

Even though his Pro Bowl streak came

“It’s an initiative that's actually woven

Bowles said, “and it’s only going to

to an end last year, Witten still produced

continue to grow as we look for ways to

single-season school records at the position

another typically stellar season, catching 79

support ‘culture-changers’ who want to

in catches (39) and receiving yards (493),

balls for 942 yards and five touchdowns as

impact their community.”

earning All-SEC recognition and All-America

quarterback Tony Romo’s most sure-handed

honors from The Sporting News.

option. He hasn’t missed a start since 2006

other activities in the Greater Dallas area,

and has led the Cowboys in receptions for five

visit fcadallas.org.

Next stop: the Lone Star State.

N “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”— James 4:10

For more information about these and

straight years. In September 2011, he signed a contract extension that runs through 2017 for $37 million, including $19 million guaranteed. “We recognize his value and ability,” Garrett says. “We want him to be a Cowboy for

Entering the 2003 NFL draft, Witten was

life. He’s a great example for veterans and

rated by some observers as the top tight

rookies on how to prepare. He stays in such

end prospect available. But his patience

great shape and prepares physically and

was tested as four other tight ends were

mentally for each season. His durability is not

selected before the Dallas Cowboys chose

a surprise.”

Witten in the third round (69th overall). Of those who preceded Witten, Dallas

About the only thing Witten’s career is lacking is a deep playoff run. He’s been to the

Clark (24th overall pick) has enjoyed a solid

postseason four times (not since 2009), but

career, but Bennie Joppru (Houston, 41st

the once-vaunted franchise has gone just 1-4

pick) never caught an NFL pass, L.J. Smith

in those games.

(Philadelphia, 61st pick) played his final

“In my 10th year, it’s not so much about

game in 2009, and Teyo Johnson (Oakland,

me,” Witten says. “It’s about my team and

63rd) totaled 26 receptions in three seasons

holding up the Lombardi Trophy at the end of

before retiring.

the year.”

Greater Dallas FCA Executive Leadership Board member David Shivers (left) led the question and answer portion of the 2012 Tom Landry Excellence of Character Award Dinner with Cowboys’ tight ends coach John Garrett (center) and Jason Witten.

The heart and soul in sports

fca.org

“You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.” — Genesis 50:20 Father and son don’t see each other much anymore. Oh, sure, Ed Witten attends several Cowboys games a year to watch his son plow over poor, hapless cornerbacks. He typically shows up to Jason’s football camp in Elizabethton each summer. And they occasionally talk on the phone. But Ed lives in southwest Virginia, a thousand miles from Jason’s home in Southlake, Texas. There’s the physical distance, but there’s emotional distance, too. Still, Jason says he isn’t letting the acidic memories of his past corrode his soul. “There’s no bitterness on my end,” he says. There is instead a heavenly paradox. Out of the smoldering ashes of domestic violence, hope has bloomed. Like Joseph, the ancient Hebrew patriarch whose banishment to Egypt turned into Israel’s salvation, Witten can look back and see divine fingerprints all over his life. God has sovereignly redeemed the darkness and turned it into good. Witten is now one of the leading advocates among all U.S. professional athletes for domestic abuse victims. In December 2007, he started his SCORE Foundation, which has launched a variety of initiatives throughout Texas to end domestic violence and care for its victims. The foundation has placed male mentors in six battered women shelters throughout the state to provide positive male role models to the young children there. Witten invests heavily in Boys & Girls Clubs in Dallas and Elizabethton, and he’s also involved with the Salvation Army, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the United Way. Each year, he presents two $5,000 scholarships to a pair of deserving high

If you, or someone you know, is in danger of domestic violence, contact the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

school athletes in east Tennessee and southwest Virginia. And his annual football camp in Elizabethton is one of the largest free football camps in the country. In 2009, he and Michelle, an emergency room nurse at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, personally funded a kid-friendly waiting area at the Johnson City (Tenn.) Medical Center’s children’s emergency room. He’s still involved with FCA, too. In April, he spoke at Dallas FCA’s 2012 Tom Landry Excellence of Character Award Dinner. The list goes on and on. “Jason is a solid, well-grounded, godly man,” says David Shivers, a pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, and friend of the Witten's. “He loves people and loves the Lord and has the desire to honor Jesus with his skills on and off the field.” Provoked by his past, Witten also seeks to model Christ-like love to his own family. Jason and Michelle, who got married shortly after he was drafted in 2003, have two young boys, C.J. and Cooper, and are expecting a third child in late October. He adores Michelle and dotes on his boys. When Witten travels for corporate obligations, he often chooses to fly home late on the night he’s finished, rather than opting for a more-relaxed, next-day flight, to be home earlier for his family. “There’s a joy in the way he loves his wife and serves his children,” Shivers says. “When he’s in town, he loves being around them. He wants to be the best dad he can be, based on his experiences.” Once, Witten’s life was marked by pain, suffering and confusion. Now, having been forged on the fiery anvil of adversity, he has become a blessing to others. “The neatest thing for my wife and I is the lives we’re able to impact,” he says. “It’s definitely something I’m proud of and want to continue. I hope that legacy lasts long after football is gone.”

FCA

For more information on Jason Witten and his SCORE Foundation, visit jasonwitten82.com.

Bringing It Home: Our Heavenly Father’s Love

ason Witten faced a difficult early childhood, lacking in many

Sin has broken relationships and families and separated us from our

ways the fatherly love that every child needs.

Creator. It’s left us longing for Him and His love—the only thing that

When Witten’s mother moved him and his brothers in with

her parents in Tennessee, Witten discovered what a father’s nurturing,

can truly satisfy us. But here is the best news of all. Because He loves us so much,

unconditional love felt like under the care of his grandfather. Dave

He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sins once

Rider’s model of compassion, true manhood and character was

and for all. Through His blood shed on the cross more than 2,000

rooted in his Christian faith, something Witten embraced as his own

years ago, our sins are forgiven and we can be saved from eternal

at an FCA retreat during his freshman year in high school. Now a

separation from Him. All we have to do is receive His death in our

father himself, Witten is impacting his family history for generations

place, celebrate His victory through the resurrection, and accept His

to come through his relationship with his Heavenly Father.

personal invitation into a relationship with Him.

Regardless of our individual home lives, we all long for the unconditional love that Witten now finds in God. It’s a love that isn’t contingent upon anything we do in this world— success, good grades, athletic achievements or business endeavors. He loves us that much because He created us in His perfect image, as His sons and daughters who were meant to be shining lights of His glory. But through our inherited sin from our original parents, Adam and Eve, we are no longer the perfect creations God intended us to be.

FCA Magazine

s e p te m be r/oc tober 2012

Your past or present reality is irrelevant. The love of the Heavenly Father is waiting for you. All you have to do is accept it. Run into His open, loving arms and allow Him to embrace you and give you eternal life and peace. If you have questions about a relationship with Christ or what it means to be saved, call FCA’s National Support Center at (800) 289-0909 or visit morethanwinning.org.

Courtesy of Leah O’Brien-Amico

FCA is partnering with RB&Co. to assist FCA donors across the country with philanthropic strategies, planned giving, and estate planning needs. Please connect with your FCA contact or RB&Co. directly (info@ronblue.com) to learn more.

heart of a coach ®

Kristin Steele

VOLLEYBALL HEAD Coach midAmerica Nazarene University

By Clay meyer

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) By Clay Meyer

FCA:

After a successful playing career, was coaching the next natural step?

KS:

Honestly, coaching was not the direction I thought my life would go. But when I was offered the head coaching position of a completely new volleyball program at Redlands Community College in Oklahoma in 1997, I accepted and have been a coach ever since.

It was difficult getting started because coaching was something brand new

to me. I thought there was only one way to do everything—the way I had been taught. It took me a couple years before I was able to branch out into my own

FCA: How did you draw on your faith during those years? KS:

When I started at Redlands—which is a public school—I said I was a Christian, but I wasn’t walking with the Lord. My athletic director began talking to me about having a relationship with Christ and the responsibility of being a Christ-following

MidAmerica Nazarene University

coach. Through those conversations I developed that relationship, and in turn

volleyball coach Kristin Steele’s favorite

the rigidness of my coaching faded away. I was able to lean on the Lord and

verse from Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, in

understand that nobody is perfect, and I don't have to be. I can present myself to

which the Lord declares, “For I know the

my team as an imperfect human who relies on her faith.

plans I have for you…” She’s living proof, as she followed His guiding, not her own,

FCA: You’ve experienced success in the NAIA

from standout collegiate volleyball player

ranks in your few years at MNU. What has

to collegiate volleyball coach years ago. Now in her third season at MNU, Steele is pushing her Pioneers to new levels

that success meant to you?

KS:

It’s meant that my kids have worked really hard. I know there have been difficult times.

of success on the court and deeper

They’ve had to get used to me and my

relationships with the Lord away from it.

system, and sometimes that’s been met with resistance, but I know that we’ve had a goal to raise the program to places it’s never

About the COACH:

been. I give all the credit to the kids for making that happen.

Family: Husband - Kevin

Collegiate Playing Career:

FCA: What do you feel is your ultimate responsibility as a coach?

University of Central Oklahoma—1991-95

KS: Collegiate Coaching Career:

First and foremost, I want my girls to become Christ-followers and to deepen their relationship with Him. But I also want them to live grounded, honest lives, to be

Redlands Community College (OK) —1997-2009

“As coaches, we have a great responsibility to mentor the kids who are entrusted to us— to be the hands and feet of Christ.”

selfless servants, and to know that it’s better to give than to receive.

MidAmerica Nazarene University (KS)

As coaches, we have a great responsibility to mentor the kids who are

entrusted to us—to be the hands and feet of Christ. To me, that’s being real

—2010-Present

with people just as Christ was with His disciples and being transparent with one another, knowing that we are living in His grace.

FCA Staff Quote: “Coach Steele gives all the glory to God

FCA:

and makes it a priority to have team Bible studies, challenging the team

campuses today?

KS:

FCA puts the saving message of Christ into a language that every athlete

spiritually. She displays her faith boldly

can understand, regardless of where they are on their faith journey. Kids who

on and off the court and has a heart

haven’t been raised in the church can be overwhelmed when they are faced with

for the Lord, giving thanks to Him for

Christianity and what it means to be a Christ-follower. But FCA is an incredible way

everything.”

for athletes to get to know one another and to be able to open up about what’s – Dana Webb Area Representative

Greater Kansas City FCA

Given your experience with FCA, why do you feel it is important to have it on

FCA Magazine

truly important.

FCA

s ep te m be r/oc tober 2012

Courtesy of MidAmerica Nazarene University and Sam Soliday

ideas of how the game should be taught and how a team should be run.

heart of an athlete

Rex burkhead footbALL university of Nebraska

“Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24 By Clay Meyer

fca: What’s it been like to play at the University of Nebraska? rb:

Nebraskans and Husker fans are the greatest in the country. They love Nebraska football. That's what it is all about in this state. Their energy really gets us going each week, and we make sure we're focused and ready to go out and perform for them.

They’re also a reminder that I’m playing for something that's much greater than myself. I’m playing for my team, but also to glorify God. He's blessed me with the opportunity to play at a great university and at a high level of competition. I try to reflect His glory in whatever I do. Courtesy of Gordon Thiessen and Nebraska Media Relations

fca:

What’s something you’ve learned during your collegiate career?

rb:

I've learned a lot about playing for God—how to focus on Him and put distractions like selfish desires aside. I still get caught up in them sometimes, but ever since I’ve been here, I've grown.

I’d also never had a major injury until my freshman year when I broke my

foot in practice. That held me out for about six weeks. I was really down at that point, questioning everything and getting into the false narratives: “Why,

Without professional sports in their state,

God? Why now? Why are You doing this to me?” What I really should’ve

the citizens of Nebraska have elevated

been saying was: “This is what You have in store for me. This is all in Your

their Cornhusker football team to pro

hands. This is the plan You have for me, and I’m going to learn from this.” I’ve

status—living for each Saturday in the

developed that mindset now thanks to my brothers on the team and people

fall. This fact isn’t lost on senior running

involved with FCA and our weekly Bible studies.

back Rex Burkhead, who has used his four years in front of Big Red Nation to

fca:

How does your faith impact your life outside of football?

rb:

It’s my goal to be Christ-like in whatever I do. Playing football is just a part of me, and life away from it is much more meaningful. God wants us to reflect His glory in every area of our lives, and that's a huge motivation when it comes to balancing my time

spread the saving message of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

“It’s my goal to be Christ-like in whatever I do.”

About the ATHLETE: School: University of Nebraska Hometown: Plano, Texas Year: Senior

between football, schoolwork and all

Position: Running Back

the other opportunities in my life.

Notes: —Honorable Mention All-Big 12 and First

fca:

What has your involvement with FCA meant to you?

rb:

It’s been huge in helping me grow in ways I never would have without it. It’s

Team Academic All-Big 12 (2010) —First Team All-Big Ten and Academic

given me opportunities to share my testimony, speak at events, and be able

All-Big Ten (2011)

to show the people of Nebraska that there's another side to us besides just being college football players. Nebraska fans look up to us, so I hope to use my platform to relay another message to them—that of my spiritual life and

FCA staff Quote:

the message of the gospel.

“Rex has always been more than willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to share

fca:

his faith and to be a witness on and off

What do you want your legacy to be when your collegiate career comes to

the field. His desire and focus to please

a close?

rb:

Christ is seen wherever he goes as he

I’d like to be remembered as a person who was not just a football player, but

carries himself with grace, poise and

someone who loved to help out in the community and was an ambassador

kindness as he interacts with all those

for Christ. I hope that’s reflected in my attitude and in the way I come to work every day and work as hard as I can.

FCA

involved with Nebraska football.” – Gordon Thiessen Director of Training and Resources Nebraska FCA

The heart and soul in sports

fca.org

By Dave Pond

FIRE FCA returns to Lubbock and the surrounding area through Fields of Faith. By Dave Pond

n Oct. 10, students across the nation will pack

purpose,” Kinard said. “FCA has been welcomed back in the

shoulder on a cool fall night. The crowds won’t be

community with open arms.”

drawn in for matchups against big rivals, but for a

FCA began to flourish, and Kinard and other leaders noticed

far more powerful and important cause—to stand

how popular Fields of Faith was in nearby Abilene, Texas, so they began to plan their own event for 2011.

as one at Fields of Faith. “The impact of Fields of Faith has been incredible in just these

“Coach Tuberville and [Texas Tech] women’s basketball coach

past few years,” said Les Steckel, FCA president and a former NFL

Kristy Curry invited area pastors and youth ministers to meet

coach. “It’s all about young people in these communities coming

on campus,” Kinard said. “We were able to explain what Fields

together on their school’s athletic field and challenging each

of Faith is and made many great contacts. Eventually, 34 area

other to go back to the fundamentals of reading God’s Word and

churches and close to 400 volunteers got involved.”

coming to faith in Jesus Christ.” In the past two years, the Lubbock/Greater South Plains FCA

Home to four local high schools, Lowrey Field proved to be an ideal location capable of holding a crowd expected to range

in Texas has expanded from 18 to 93 Huddles in local schools and

anywhere from 500 to 5,000. Organizers booked Branch, a

has seen about 200 local coaches get involved with FCA, one of

nationally known praise and worship band, and invited a speaker

whom is fairly recognizable.

and local students to share about their relationships with Christ.

When Texas Tech football coach Tommy Tuberville arrived in

“It’s interesting how God brings people together for His

their local football stadiums, standing shoulder to

On the night of the event, students spilled out of buses coming

Lubbock two seasons ago, area director Terry Kinard witnessed

from across the region, and the crowd quickly swelled to around

him bring FCA “back to the area after a 15-year break.”

3,500 youth and a few hundred other adult visitors and volunteers.

FCA Magazine

s e p te m be r/oc tober 2012

Courtesy of Terry Kinard

west texas

"[God] is bringing FCA, schools, churches and communities together for His glory and kingdom, and lives are being changed as the power of the Holy Spirit moves." -David Thetford, lubbock FCA Executive Board Chairman

"It didn’t matter how many students were

adventure of receiving Jesus Christ into their

up there [in the stands],” Kinard said. “What

lives. Thetford said he was blessed with the

mattered was how many of them would be

opportunity to speak with three young men

down on the field at the end.

about Christ and crouch in the end zone

“Jon Randles brought the gospel message

with them in prayer.

and made it very clear that he was only

“Everywhere you looked, volunteers

talking to those who had never made a

and kids were talking and praying on the

personal commitment to Jesus when he

field, and the ones who did not make a

asked people to come down and stand in

decision that night stood in the bleachers

front of him. When that group of more than

and worshipped our Heavenly Father,” said

350 students came down, I quickly realized

Thetford, whose father, David, is the current

that we did not have enough volunteers.”

chair of the Lubbock FCA Executive Board.

Like loaves of bread and fish, God made it work. “Eventually we had more than 1,100 making a decision to follow Christ for the first time, to renew their commitment to

“I’m not sure God’s ever seemed more real to me than right then, as the kid in my group who already knew the Lord led his two buddies to pray that prayer of salvation.” Fields of Faith has always been a student-

Him or to read the Bible daily,” Kinard said.

led event, originally inspired by Josiah, the

“There were kids all over the field, and tears

young Israelite king who at age 16 saw his

flowed everywhere as the Holy Spirit moved.

people turning away from God. He gathered

Somehow, we had enough volunteers to

them together and challenged them to

take care of everyone.”

return to Him. A revolution followed, and the

West Texas A&M freshman tight end Tanner Moore, one of the student speakers, wrote about the experience in his 2012 Texas Scholar Award-winning essay. “God gave me words to say, and after it was over the reaction from the crowd was

around the nation for FCA’s annual Fields of Faith, listening to fellow students sharing testimonies and challenging one another to read the Word and come to faith in Jesus. For more information about Fields of Faith, or to locate an event in your area, visit fieldsoffaith.com.

Israelite culture was changed for as long as Josiah reigned. It’s estimated that four out of five kids who attend church today will turn away, leaving between seventh and 12th grade. In 2002, Jeff Martin was frustrated with

more than I could have expected,” said

the temptations and spiritual battles facing

Moore, who battled through brain and knee

today’s youth and looked to God for an

surgeries during his senior year of high

answer. Martin, then an Oklahoma FCA area

school to earn an athletic scholarship and

director, now FCA’s Executive Vice President

valedictorian honors. “I will never forget any

of Ministry Programs and Resources, found his

of those bad things that happened to me,

answer in Josiah’s actions in 2 Chronicles 34.

but I will also never forget the 14-year-old

It took two years of planning, but more

girl who came up to me in tears [at Fields

than 6,000 students gathered on Oklahoma,

of Faith]. She told me that she was ready to

Texas and Kansas football fields for the first

commit suicide, but after hearing me speak,

Fields of Faith in 2004, and more than 100

she didn't want to anymore.”

gave their lives to Christ.

For Tanner Thetford, Coronado High

On Oct. 10, students like those in Lubbock, Texas, will gather at stadiums

Year after year, the events continue to

School’s FCA Huddle president in 2004-05,

spread across the nation. In 2011, more than

who volunteered at the 2011 Lubbock Fields

160,000 attended the nearly 500 Fields of

of Faith, the event helped confirm and

Faith events. And since its inception more

strengthen FCA’s overall mission to present

than 500,000 have attended.

coaches and athletes with the challenge and The heart and soul in sports

fca.org

nature compared to Christ and His victory over sin and death,”

their teams.” With a passion for Christ continuing to develop across the

said Andy Penney, a Lubbock/Great South Plains Leadership

Great South Plains, Fields of Faith organizers say they’ve had

Board member. “In an environment where athletes and coaches

no problem finding Christian adults willing to participate in this

are conditioned to win, Fields of Faith provides the perfect

year’s event.

environment for them to begin or continue their understanding of the greatest victory ever won. “It was a truly amazing sight to see the number of lives changed for Christ at our Fields of Faith event last year, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in 2012.” More than 6,000 students are expected to pack Lubbock’s

“Getting volunteers as on-field ‘encouragers’ is so simple,” Kinard said. “I just ask, ‘When is the last time a teenager you’d never seen before asked you to help them meet Jesus?’ That melts any committed Christian's heart.” David Thetford, Tanner’s father, is convinced Fields of Faith helps draw more students in and gives FCA the opportunity

Lowrey Field on Oct. 10, along with at least 1,000 volunteers.

to reach people for Christ in ways its leaders might never have

Church representatives will be on hand from nearby Seminole,

thought possible.

Plainview and Muleshoe, as Lubbock-area leaders are exploring

“The ripple effect of Fields of Faith and FCA goes far

the idea of launching concurrent Fields of Faith events in those

beyond measure,” he said. “God is at work through FCA and

towns in 2013.

Fields of Faith. He is bringing FCA, schools, churches and

“We are continually amazed at how God goes before us and has coaches and adults in place to get new huddles started,” said Ron Reeves, who helps lead a weekly coaches' Bible study at Lubbock Monterey High School. “Texas Tech has a very large number of Christian coaches across a number of sports and

has really welcomed us as a viable partner in the building of

STV se p t e m b e r/oc tober 2012 sharingthevictory.com

communities together for His glory and kingdom, and lives are being changed as the power of the Holy Spirit moves. “My prayer is that every community could experience the blessing of Fields of Faith.”

FCA

Courtesy of Terry Kinard

“Fields of Faith is a great reminder that the athletic battles we engage in with each other on the field are so minor in

fca region report

mid-Atlantic Region Field VP Jimmy Page

Tyler Lucas DE

TX VA

Scott Myers Western Maryland FCA Clear Spring, Md.

By Scott Myers

My FCA story:

Favorite local meeting place:

In October 2008 I was listening to a

You can almost always find me at Panera

missionary speak in church about how God

Bread in Hagerstown, Md., meeting with

can use whatever you are passionate about

volunteers, pastors and others who love the

to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. God

ministry of FCA.

spoke to my heart at that very moment that Courtesy of Scott Myers

I needed to leave my comfortable job and

what i love about fca:

salary to be a local missionary with FCA. I’d

It allows athletes to experience and

never realized I could use my passion for

understand how they can use their passion

sports, coaching and developing leaders for

for sports and competition for God’s glory.

God’s glory. I am so thankful to be called to serve in this ministry. Best thing about my job: My kids love FCA Power Camp. For at least one week every year I am a "cool" dad because I direct the camp they love. Most challenging part of my job:

Region Staff spotlight

3 Prayer Requests: 1. That God would humble me daily, and I would grow to know Him more intimately. 2. That my family would grow to know and love the Lord through my example.

Myers Family: Scott and Stacy Myers have been married for 13 years and have four children: Javan, Dallis, Blace and Dalton Title: Area Director years on staff: 3 Number of Campuses Covered: 23 Area WEbsite: www.westernmdfca.org staff quote: “Scott is a great young leader who understands the secret to ministry growth and impact is in giving it away. He connects, engages and mobilizes volunteers in the community for greater influence for Christ.

3. That many lives would be saved through FCA as a result of my obedience to Him.

Managing the growth of the local ministry

His community will never be the same as generations of athletes and coaches are being transformed.”

while maintaining a high level of excellence.

– Field VP Jimmy Page

Recent ministry highlight: Nearly 400 young athletes (ages 8 to 13) attended our FCA Power Camp in June. On the final day of an amazing week, 123 athletes made new and renewed commitments to following Jesus as their personal Savior. We also had coaches, Huddle leaders and other volunteers renew their hearts as well. Nearly 400 youth attended the Hagerstown, Md., FCA Power Camp in June.

The heart and soul in sports

fca.org

Syracuse soccer’s Jenna Rickan has a passion for impacting her campus and the world for Christ that can’t be contained. By Chad Bonham

ang around the Syracuse campus long enough, and you’ll likely run into a young lady in Orange athletic gear hanging up fliers, chatting it up with fellow athletes and, if around a big crowd, letting out an occasional shout. “FCA tonight!” A year earlier, Jenna Rickan would have cringed at the thought of sharing her faith so visibly. Back then, the Syracuse soccer player was living out the beginning stages of her Christian walk. “I wouldn’t have thought I’d be carrying a Bible around or talking about God in public because it was embarrassing,” Rickan says. “Now, God has made me courageous in Him. I’m still learning, of course, but He’s transformed my heart.” FCA Syracuse director Nate Bliss didn’t know Rickan when she was too timid to share her newfound faith. Bliss’ first interaction with her came shortly after he took his role at the university, and he immediately noticed Rickan’s exuberance and visible leadership skills. “There was this player running around the field, loudly encouraging her teammates, and having the time of her life,” he recalls. “Normally, when someone who is as competitive and highly skilled as Jenna is, I often wonder if they're actually enjoying their sport. But watching Jenna play reminds me of watching my 3-year-old splash in mud puddles.” A life-saving injury Two years earlier, during Rickan’s freshman season, the same joy was not to be found. She played in Syracuse’s first seven games, starting six, before tearing her ACL and meniscus and ending her season. “It was devastating,” Rickan says. “I’d never been hurt. I’d never sat out a game in my life. Having soccer taken away from me was a really hard thing for me to deal with. I was really mad at God. I was thinking, ‘Why did You let this happen to me? I’m a good person!’”

FCA Magazine

s e p te m be r/oc tober 2012

Rickan wasn’t a very religious person at the time but had attended church occasionally with her family growing up. The injury, along with the anger towards God she was experiencing, caused her to steer further away from religious activities. She had finally fulfilled her dream as a Division I soccer player, but now it was gone. That’s when the soul-searching began. While rehabbing with trainer India Trotter and former 'Cuse assistant coach Abby Minihan, Rickan sensed there was something different about them. “They were both so encouraging to me and so loving, and I never knew why they were so happy all the time,” she says. Not only was Rickan struggling to recover from her injury, she was also dealing with a long-term relationship that she now describes as increasingly “unhealthy” and knew she needed to make a change. “My relationship fell apart, soccer was falling apart, and here India was telling me who God is and what Jesus has done for her,” Rickan says. “And I thought, ‘That sounds cool. I want that.’ We talked about it more and more, and a couple months after training with her I told her, ‘I want what you have. I want to live for a bigger purpose.’” In the eternal sense, Rickan’s injury saved her life and set her on the fast track to significant change. After experiencing steady spiritual growth throughout that year, she worked with the Chicago Eagles Soccer Club, a division of Missionary Athletes International (MAI), during the summer and started to catch a glimpse of her newfound purpose. “It was the most life-changing experience I’ve ever had,” Rickan says. “I really understood who God was in my life and what he wanted for me, what I was living for. I realized I didn’t have to give up soccer to glorify God. I could glorify God through soccer.” But Rickan was admittedly still nervous going back in the fall of 2011 for her junior season. She didn’t have many fellow believers to lean on and FCA at Syracuse was small. Rickan assumed she would feel uncomfortable in a setting that only had a handful of regular attendees. That assumption was false. Rickan collided with a passionate group of 20 or so fellow athletes, and she was emboldened by the worship and the relevant Bible study. By the end of the first semester, Rickan says God was calling

Courtesy of Syracuse University Athletics and Jenna Rickan

Make A Joyful Noise

her to get more involved. Bliss, still in his first few months on the job, recognized that calling and asked her to join five other athletes as the ministry’s core leadership group. “Because her faith is so authentic and she lives it out so joyfully, the other athletes on campus are drawn to her,” Bliss says. “For Jenna, FCA is about creating a safe place for students to ask tough questions and get honest answers; fellowship around worship and the Word; and, most importantly, develop such a deep relationship with Jesus Christ that their identity is in Him, not in their sport.” A shrinking comfort zone During the second half of her junior season, Rickan says the FCA group effectively “changed the entire atmosphere at Syracuse.” “It’s taking over people,” she says. “They can’t deny truth. They can’t deny that their abilities are from the Lord. FCA has literally transformed people.” Rickan helped organize three women's Bible studies while the guys established one of their own as the FCA group grew to more than 100 people with about 50 salvation experiences and subsequent baptisms. But nothing could prepare Rickan for just how small her comfort zone would shrink this past summer when she traveled to Brazil with MAI. “That was a life-changing experience,” she says. “I was able to see how big God is. He can break any barrier, no matter what language you speak. Most of us didn’t speak Portuguese, but they still understood why we were there. It was just Jesus. His love can break any boundaries.” Rickan saw that principle play out before her eyes one night when 40 sports missionaries went into the streets of Sao Paulo. “We brought out a soccer ball and started playing, and these kids came out of the woodworks to see what we were up to,” she says. “We ended up praying for two kids that night who were involved with drug gangs and had been doing drugs even before they came out to play soccer. Through our prayer, they were really broken down, and we were able to share God’s love with them.” Bliss is continually amazed at the speedy work that God has done in Rickan’s life. When FCA partnered with a local ministry to assist several student-athletes who had received Christ or recommitted their lives to the Lord, Rickan sat through the water baptism class with them and watched every single one get baptized, even though she had two finals the next day. It was that display of selflessness that led Bliss to appoint Rickan as Syracuse’s FCA President for the 2012-13 academic year. “Jenna is the consummate servantleader, a term that gets thrown around a lot but is seldom actualized,” he says. Rickan’s commitment to Christ has not only changed her outlook on life, but also her perspective on soccer. At first, it was challenging to reconcile an aggressive style of play with her desire to live righteously. But it all came together when she discovered Colossians 3:23, where Paul famously writes, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men...” “I’m still learning, but after you get a grasp of who Jesus is and you know why you’re playing, you realize that it’s about glorifying God,” Rickan says. “If you’re a Christian, you should play the hardest, compete the hardest and practice the hardest. We play for the Lord. We serve the most powerful, amazing, loving, caring God. If you understand that and know that, you’ll never want to play harder for anything else.”

"God has made me courageous in Him. ... He's transformed my heart."

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uphold a positive testimony.”

“It helped me discover the importance of following and walking with Christ.

Best thing about FCA: “Through it God reveals to athletes and coaches that they can compete and live

Nancy Cruz Best thing about FCA: “It helps student-athletes become better teammates while teaching about God’s love for us.”

FCA offers a platform for

for an Audience of One,

Favorite biblical story:

athletes and coaches to

having complete freedom in

“The rich young ruler asking

share God's love, grace

Jesus Christ.”

Jesus how to have eternal

and hope so that others

life (Matthew 19:16-30) is a

may come to know Jesus

Favorite biblical story:

yourself. Instead, build

reminder for everyone that

Christ.”

“The story of Job is

up your teammates. And

incredible because in

encourage one another to

we are to not settle for this

Faith on the field: “Don’t try to glorify

earth as our final destination.

Favorite biblical story:

the eyes of the world

honor and glorify God with

If we live for Jesus Christ

“The story of Job and his

he lost everything and

the talents He’s given us.”

we will gain our riches in

testament of faith and

yet remained faithful to

heaven.”

trust in the Lord. Through

God, trusting that He was

the most difficult times in

enough.”

Faith on the field:

his life, Job kept his faith

“Always compete to the best

and God blessed him.”

Student-athlete • Eastland, TX

to lead by example and

Best thing about FCA:

Justin Neally

Area Representative • Urbana, IL

“It has held me accountable

Kelly Herron

FCA Huddle Leader • Knoxville, TN

Best thing about FCA:

Campus Coach • La Habra, CA

Gil Garcia

Favorite thing about FCA Magazine: “The stories of athletes

Spiritual advice:

glorifying God through

“Surrender your life fully to

their talents and using

Spiritual advice: “Even

Christ, seeking God with all

the platform He’s given them.

though we are not perfect,

of you, and His truth will be

They remind us that we should

Jesus is awesome because:

we must strive to emulate and

written on your heart: You are

be doing the same in our

“He saved me and gave me a

honor Christ in all things and

beautiful. You are worthy. You

everyday lives.”

second chance!”

show His love to everyone.”

are loved.”

Jesus is awesome because:

“He loves us unconditionally,

“He gives us His identity.

forgives us no matter what

When we surrender our lives

we've done in the past, and

to Christ, the old is gone

has an awesome plan for our

and the new has come, and

lives.”

we can walk boldly as the

of your ability and respect both your opponent and the game.”

Jesus is awesome because: “He loves us for who we are!"

hands and feet of God on this earth. ”

faves Revelation 21:4, college football, pancakes, Hot Tamales, Madison Square Garden, Disneyland, winter

f aves Romans 8:28, basketball, summer, Facing the Giants, homemade peach ice cream, family lake gatherings

fa v e s

Jeremiah 29:11, football, cookie dough ice cream, Busch Stadium, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups family cookouts, fall

Daniel 2:22, tennis, To Save a Life, strawberry swirl, family time, Snickers, spring

The heart and soul in sports

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FALL 2012

College Guide fca.org/collegeguide

College Guide

| fca.org/collegeguide

or many students, the quest to find the right college is a stressful process. Why not let FCA help you out? These two pages feature a collection of Christian colleges that want to enhance your faith and strengthen your mind. If you find something you like, simply fill out the response card between pages 24 and 25 and drop it in the mail, visit fca.org/collegeguide or scan the code to request more information.

FCA Magazine

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Division II (MEN’S)

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fit4ever

Live a Fit Life!

Fit Life Follow-Up Which of the “7 Keys” could you implement for maximum benefit to your health?

By Jimmy page

“…Take your everyday, ordinary life... And place it before God as an offering... Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out…” – Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)

friend of mine has a huge sign on his

3. Train Your Brain. If your thoughts contain

office door that quotes a saying his

more trash than truth, you need an extreme

father lived out: “Life is God’s gift to

mind makeover. It’s estimated that 80

you… What you do with it is your gift back to

percent of our illnesses begin in our brains.

God.” It serves as a constant reminder that

God says our life is transformed when we

every day and every decision really matters —

renew our mind. That means we need to take

even the small stuff. But most of us have bought

out the trash and take in the truth (2 Cor. 10:5

into the “everything in moderation” lie. I’m not

and Phil. 4:8).

sure where that phrase came from, but we should bury it once and for all. When it comes

List three changes below that you will make this week.

4. Clean House. If you have foods in your

to living a life worthy of the Lord and pleasing

house causing you to crash and burn in your

Him in every way (Col. 1:10), moderation fails.

pursuit of a healthy life, it’s time to get rid of

On one of the walls at the Olympic Training

them! Clean out your pantry and refrigerator.

Center in Colorado Springs, it says, “Enter

Romans 13:14 (NKJV) tells us to “make no

these doors with an unrelenting sense of

provision for [the cravings of] the flesh.”

urgency.” The best athletes in the world seem to

When temptation surrounds you, you’re

understand that all-out effort is required. In our

bound to fall.

daily walk with the Lord — our eating, sleeping, working and talking — an “extreme” approach

5. Don’t Eat Dead Things. If you regularly

is much more effective. It’s easy to do life like

eat heavily processed foods, you’re ingesting

everybody else, but that’s not what we are

dead things that probably have very little

called to do.

positive nutritional value. God created living

It doesn’t please God, either.

things for food. Daniel knew he should eat

Below are 7 Keys to a Fit Life — some may

living foods, so he avoided what was served

seem “extreme,” but I am certain that they

from the king’s table (Daniel 1).

work. If you want what everybody else has, then keep doing what everybody else does. But

6. Beat Your Body. If you find yourself

if you want the kind of life that pleases God,

avoiding exercise, it’s time to get off the

follow these guidelines.

couch. Our body craves comfort and pleasure, but it functions best when it’s

1. Go Against the Flow. If your health

pushed beyond its comfort zone. Paul trained

looks like everybody else, you’re probably

like an athlete in all areas of life. He knew

just going with the flow. Take a look around

physical training helped crush the cravings of

you. Most of our neighbors are unhealthy.

his flesh (1 Cor. 9:24-27 and 1 Tim. 4:7).

About the Author:

Many have given up on living a healthy life.

For nearly 20 years, Jimmy Page was involved in various leadership roles in the medical fitness industry. As the former national director of FCA’s Health and Fitness Ministry, Page now serves as one of FCA’s 12 vice presidents of field ministry and is the co-author of the books WisdomWalks and WisdomWalks SPORTS. He and his wife, Ivelisse, reside in Reisterstown, Md., with their four children.

You may have conformed to the flow of our

7. Call Timeout. If you are controlled by

culture by eating fast food, surrendering to

busyness or worn out by keeping all the plates

cravings, and giving into sedentary laziness.

spinning, you’re probably out of balance.

Romans 12:1-2 says to do life differently.

God designed regular rhythms of rest and refreshment into the creative order. He gives

2. Stop Making Excuses. If you use time,

us daily sleep and weekly Sabbath. Getting

money or age as a reason for making

up early and going to bed late robs us of

unhealthy choices, you are an excuse-

energy and dishonors God (Psalm 127:1-2 and

maker. Ben Franklin once said, “He who is

Hebrews 4:9-10). Practice the discipline of rest.

good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” He was right, and we all

God gives us everything we need to live a

should feel convicted here. We’re all good at

fit life. It’s time to put His truth into practice.

manufacturing reasons why our health is not

Moderation is a failed prescription for good

a priority, but none of our reasons are good.

health. Treat every day as an opportunity to

If it’s important we’ll find a way. If not, we’ll

give God the gift of a life well lived.

find an excuse.

Live a fit life! C’mon, you can do this!

FCA 28

FCA Magazine

s e p te m be r/oc tober 2012

home stretch

my story By Ebony Hoffman forward, Los Angeles Sparks Twitter: @ebonyhoffman16 “… ‘For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” – Matthew 17:20

he city of Los Angeles is where my faith

and other athletes on campus whom I met

story began years ago and where it

through FCA and weekly Bible studies.

continues to this day.

As the youngest of three kids, I remember

Following college, my dreams of playing professional basketball were realized when I

going to several different private elementary

was drafted ninth overall by the Indiana Fever

and middle schools, and in each I was exposed

in the 2004 WNBA Draft. All the hard work

to different denominational beliefs that all

and sacrifices I’d made along the way came to

helped develop my ideas of God and faith.

fruition that day.

Our family regularly attended church, and,

I’ve had a blessed career, and now, in my

when I was 12 years old, I began a relationship

eighth season in the league, I’m back where

with Jesus Christ, accepting Him as my Lord

my story began, in Los Angeles with the

and Savior. As I grew older, my knowledge of

Sparks. And my faith and relationship with the

the Lord grew as well. Through my exposure

Lord are still the highest priorities in my life.

to different belief systems at school, I was able to understand what truth was and who Jesus truly was in my life. During those formative years, I also fell in love with the game of basketball. My brother, Elliot, who is six years older than me, was the “high flyer” of our neighborhood. He was the best basketball player we knew, and he and his friends played all the time. Wanting to protect me, he wouldn’t let me play until he felt I was Courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images

good enough to hang with them. It took a few

“...my faith and relationship with the Lord are still the highest priorities in my life.”

years of his instruction – learning how to shoot and the nuances of the game – but eventually

This game is so emotional. It takes

I got to play against him and his friends, and

everything you’ve got to overcome both the

I was actually able to hold my own. He was

mental and physical challenges from one day

always my inspiration to play the game, and he

to the next. My pastor and his wife have helped

made me as tough as I am on the court today.

me through those challenges by teaching

My love for the game grew even more

me that God has equipped me for this. He

when I started playing organized basketball.

wouldn't have put me exactly where He has if

I knew I wanted to play professionally when I

He hadn’t equipped me for it.

got older, and I even remember as a middle-

Part of my spiritual armor is weekly chapel

schooler, before the WNBA existed, asking my

services where my teammates and I come

mom to write the President to ask that he start

together in a setting where we can be honest

a women’s NBA.

and transparent with one another. After all,

My skills progressed, and, when my high

we're all going through similar problems. It’s a

school career came to an end, I chose to play

blessing for us to share and be there for one

college ball close to home at the University

another as sisters in Christ.

of Southern California. I had a lot of offers to

Throughout my life, I’ve learned that all my

some great schools around the country, but

abilities come from the Lord. He’s blessed me

I trusted that staying close to home was the

abundantly, and I believe my role is to share

place God wanted me to be.

what He’s done in my life and not hide it. This

During my time at USC, I excelled on

is the platform the Lord has given me—to

the court but grew even more away from it.

show young girls and anyone else watching or

College was all about prioritizing the things

listening that they can be themselves and be

that are of most importance and avoiding

what God has made them to be—children of

distractions. I was able to center my life around

the King.

Christ with the help of Christian teammates

ebony hoffman #16 Team: Los Angeles Sparks Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif. born: Aug. 27, 1982 College: University of Southern California Position: Forward Notes: • Drafted ninth overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2004 WNBA Draft. • Named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player in 2008. • Visit her personal website at ebonyhoffman.com

FCA

The heart and soul in sports

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finish strong

rowing up in an African-American home and culture, I became very familiar with the word “mojo.” Its root, from my understanding, was African and had to do with some magic and some prayer. My dad used to play a Jimmy Smith jazz song all the time called, “Got My Mojo Working”. But now that I’ve grown up, I realize that mojo isn’t really about magic. Instead, mojo refers to having nerve. Audacity, Risk, Authority. Powerful confidence within. Mojo has an edge to it. A sharp edge. In the early '90s I watched a freshman quarterback who had an edge to him take over our Nebraska football team—mojo! Tommy Frazier became one of the greatest competitors in college football history, helping his team to three straight national championship games, winning two of them. Believe me, Frazier’s mojo wasn’t very likeable or friendly. He didn’t aim to please everyone or win any popularity contests. Even though it would seem like a no-brainer for an All-America quarterback to be captain of his own team, Frazier never was. Frazier’s mojo was so intense it often offended our players on a personal level, even though that wasn’t the intention. Despite that, Frazier was undoubtedly the leader of those teams, and his teammates followed him passionately. Mission accomplished! Why? Well, feelings and popularity don’t meet high standards. It takes mission. It takes mojo! When I began following Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, I recognized He was on a mission. It wasn’t about His feelings or popularity. Jesus has mojo! Going to the cross took mojo, and saving you and me took mojo.

If you don’t believe me, read Matthew 16:21-23. Right after Jesus commissioned Peter to lead the church when He was gone, He explained that the mission required Him to die and be raised again. Peter rebuked Jesus, and that’s when we see Jesus’ mojo!

“Mojo is the outside-thebox thinking, believing and living with conviction found in Christ alone.”

“But He turned and told Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns, but man’s.’” The mojo of Jesus should be seen all over His followers, inside and out. It happened to Paul. In Acts 21:10-12, we see the prophet Agabus warning Paul to stay out of Jerusalem because his life would be threatened there. We get to see Paul’s mojo in verse 13: “Then Paul replied, ‘What are you doing, weeping and

About the Author: After serving as FCA State Director in Nebraska, Ron Brown is currently the running backs coach at the University of Nebraska. He and his wife, Molvina, have two daughters: Sojourner and Bronwyn.

FCA Magazine

evictory.com

s e pte m be r /o cto be r 2 0 1 2 sharingth-

By Ron Brown

breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” Have we, as Christians in America, lost our mojo in Christ? I’m not talking about our relationship, but our fellowship, our mojo, our nerve and audacity for Jesus, our confidence to be radical and take risks in His name. Mojo is our guts and courage. Mojo comes from depth, not shallow waters. Mojo isn’t safe. It doesn’t always make sense. It’s not reliant on a pep talk every Sunday morning. Mojo is the outside-the-box thinking, believing and living with conviction found in Christ alone. Mojo isn’t circumstance-based. It’s not politically correct, but rather anywhere and any time! Mojo doesn’t need a certain number of votes to proceed or succeed. Mojo stands alone often. Sometimes it’s painful, dangerous and lonely, and yet it stands! Mojo has no trick or treat. No magic. It’s wise, strong, brave and full of grace and truth. Mojo doesn’t hide. It kicks fear out the door, while ushering its love and fullness into the arena. Mojo begins in a private place and unleashes into the public square. Mojo is the place where greatness is made (an empty stadium) and where that same greatness is revealed (in front of thousands). Mojo isn’t playing a home game in the safe confines of acceptance and familiarity. Nope, mojo is the “swag” on a road trip faced with hostility, when you’re asking all those who oppose your expression of God, “I got Jesus; who you got!?” Have you lost your mojo? If you need to get it workin’ again, Jesus is ready when you are.

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Courtesy of Gordon Thiessen

Have You Lost Your Mojo?

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