The Fellowships of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Edgewood is a student-run program for religious students and faculty involved. Their goal in FCA is to transform students’ visions in Christ through the influence of coaches and other athletes.
Seniors Luke Halsey and Declan Hitte oversee sermons and different activities every Friday. The purpose of FCA is to spread love and encourage students to get involved with Christianity and Jesus.
There are many activities held by FCA: including worship, group prayer, Bible studies, movies, and games that can help learn about Christianity. Also, guest speakers are welcome to come talk to the students and help teach the gospel. The person giving the sermon will also tie in athletics and certain athletes, and how religion can involve them.
Declan Hitte has been a leader throughout his junior and senior years. Like many students, Declan attends FCA meetings to deepen his understanding of God.
“There are 15 to 20 people in attendance every Friday,” Hitte said. ”It is a great chance for students and athletes to find a relationship with Jesus through doing activities they love.”
Hitte learns more things about the Bible and builds relationships with other athletes who share his religious beliefs.
“FCA is where we learn more about the Bible, and learn to be better people in God’s eyes,” Hitte said.
Luke Halsey has been a member since sophomore year, and a FCA leader since junior year. He attends and hosts weekly meetings with Mr. Gary Clemmons to allow himself to grow closer to Christ, and find how others interpret the Bible themselves.
He has been a part of many FCA-held events, including a 100% student-led annual prayer at the pole huddle, a sock drive, and the Cincinnati FCA banquet.
“Each and every Friday morning, I get to go and have a huddle with friends and worship God, and everything he’s done and in my opinion, we are very blessed to get those opportunities,” Halsey said.
Luke also outlined that every week FCA meets to make students feel connected. “It builds a sense of community and family with others that you don’t always get to see during the school day.”
FCA members get to build relationships with one another and get to know many people that they would have never gotten to meet.
“These relationships are being built through conversations and group discussions about various subjects. Getting to be a part of an amazing group has made such a big difference in my life and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to grow my faith with those around me,” Halsey said.
These activities and relationships built through Christ are exactly what the program was made to do, and as long as it continues to fulfill their mission with student-athletes, the program will benefit everyone interested.
