Slippery Rock University football coach is grateful for CCO ministry
Most athletic programs put so much emphasis on academic support for student athletes, and physical support in terms of weight training, that sometimes you overlook the spiritual aspect. That’s what we had done for many years at Slippery Rock University.
Then Josh came along, and he has done a great job connecting with the players on a very positive level. Tom Rapchak initially approached us a few years ago to work with the players, and we established a good relationship. When Josh showed up, he hit the ground running.
We have a 15- to 20-minute football team “huddle” prior to every game, which is a social time for the players. It started out small, but each year we’re gaining numbers. About 20 of the 80 players on the team are involved now, and some participate in the larger FCA group that Josh and Julie lead.
I personally have found Josh’s messages to our players extremely beneficial and valuable. Josh always has a great message from a Scripture reading and attempts to relate it to the sports world and life in general. He amazes me with his ability to connect Scripture to life. I find it very rewarding spiritually as I share in the huddle.
We also see Josh throughout the week—he’ll stop by practice and interact with the guys, and we’ll see him in the football office. The players are getting to know him as an individual, as a human being, not just a guy who comes in to pray with them once a week. I’ve seen it make a difference with the guys.
I’ve been head coach at Slippery Rock for 21 years now, and we’ve been associated with FCA and the CCO for the past five years or so. That was the missing link in our program. I’m glad we found it. Josh has been a ray of sunshine at the Rock.
—George Mihalik, Head Football Coach, Slippery Rock University
to develop men and women who live out their Christian faith in every area of life.
