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July 11, 2008

By Jonathan Zobrist

With summer heating up and school ending, college students often find themselves with free time they're not accustomed during the semester. For 10 University of Illinois student-athletes, this was a great time to grow spiritually by attending the first-ever national college conference for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

The four-day camp was held atop Lookout Mountain, Ga., over Memorial Day weekend. Campers had a full schedule with two chapel sessions a day, individual and group Bible study along with some friendly games in between. Chapels offered the athletes the opportunity to listen and learn the importance of God in a way relevant to college life. Bible study allowed campers to better understand what the word of God means to all people as well as them individually. The games let the athletes burn off some energy and do what they love, compete. Often waking up at 8 a.m. and not going to bed until midnight, 124 athletes from 34 schools immersed themselves in their faith.

Speakers addressed the campers about a variety of topics related to spiritual health. Former Illini athlete and NFL defensive back Scott Turner told stories and gave advice about how to keep a close relationship with the Lord throughout life.

"It was special for the Illinois athletes to learn from someone who has walked their campus and faced similar challenges," Marcellus Casey, FCA organizer said. "I think they really learned and embraced the importance of having a close relationship with Jesus Christ."

"His speech really hit me hard," senior football player Ryan McDonald said. " The experiences he has been through really motivated me to walk with Christ every day." Gathering top athletes from across the nation all interested in spreading the glory of God helped unite the conference.

"I didn't know what to expect," senior basketball player Trent Meachem said. "I ended up making great friends in such a short amount of time. I know they will help me through my journey and solidify the boldness of our faith." Building relationships that will last beyond athletics was a major goal of the FCA conference.

"The conference challenged participants spiritually and relationships are crucial to meet those challenges throughout the course of life," Casey said.

The most important relationship remained each individual's bond with Jesus Christ. For some campers, the retreat was a life-changing event.

"I have so much enthusiasm for spreading the word of God," junior wrestler Partick Bond said. "I felt God's presence that weekend and it helped me realize I have a great opportunity to teach others about Christ. It really helped me see the bigger picture."

Bond is quickly becoming a positive role model for the younger generation. He is spending part of his summer working at three Bible camps for children around Central Illinois.

"It is important to reach kids early," Bond said. "The older they get, the tougher the temptation can become and having the strength of God can keep them on the right path."

With athletes at such a transitional point in life, the conference showed a path to move through adulthood with God. Sometimes growing up can be a scary proposition, but the campers are ready for what life has to offer.

"I can walk confidently, knowing that I am His beloved child and appreciate how He has already worked in my life," junior soccer player Courtney Bell said. Participants learned how to move beyond the social norms and find out what is really important.

"Living for God is totally worth it," Bell said. "I came away with a different mindset of what it means to honor God and the mentality with which I approach playing soccer."

As the summer continues and training intensity increases, the 10 Illini athletes who spent four days atop a mountain in Georgia know the trials they face in athletics are preparing them for the rest of their lives.