February 29-March 2, thirty SAGU athletes participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Weekend of Champions at Sky Ranch in Van, Texas.  Out of all the colleges involved in the Weekend of Champions, SAGU had the greatest representation.  College athletes served as huddle leaders and recreation leaders for the weekend camp that hosted 700 Junior High athletes, running games and team building activities as well as interacting with the campers.

The FCA Weekend of Champions is an annual event that is focused on Junior High students from the greater Dallas area.  In addition to the games, there is “huddle time” of mentorship as well as worship.  The camp is a great platform to reach students in the Dallas area.  Over 150 campers committed their lives to the Lord for the very first time during the Weekend of Champions.

According to Senior soccer player Haley Plunk, “I really enjoyed my time. We were busy and had tons of stuff to do with the kids. My favorite part was just getting to hang out with the girls and pouring into their lives.”  Junior JoAnna O’Connor also enjoyed her participation:  “I loved how the environment allowed the huddles to bond forming close friendships in only a day.  I think my favorite time was the huddle times with the girls where we helped them through the devotions and got to spend time, listen to their stories, and answer questions that they had.  I had 5 girls in my huddle respond to the salvation message.  I am thankful that FCA is taking the time to make an impact on these students.”

Football coach Frank Tristan, who served as a huddle leader coordinator, was impressed with how smoothly things ran with 700 Junior Highers.  “The best part of the camp was to hear the kids’ testimonies and how they experienced the power of the Lord at the camp,” said Tristan.  “In addition, the staff gave me an opportunity to share a little bit with the boys in a forum type atmosphere and it was a great experience.  It was truly a dynamic weekend where the Lord showed up in a major way; and once again Southwestern students rose to the occasion to allow the Holy Spirit to work through them.”

The Southwestern Athletes Outreach regularly works with the FCA in various events.  Through this partnership, SAGU athletes are able to share their testimonies from a leadership platform to local Junior High and High School student athletes.