Published: November 15, 2009 11:24 pm      

Local FCA kicks off fundraising campaign

On Saturday, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes from the Huntsville area held a rally at Sam Houston State’s Don Sanders Stadium to kick off a fundraising effort. Organizers hope to hire a full-time staff member to help extend the FCA’s reach to more schools across Walker County.

Students from schools around the area, including Grapeland, Iola, Coldspring and Navasota, took part in the gameday event, which included a concert and free admission into the Sam Houston State football game against Central Arkansas.

“This is just our first fundraiser,” said former SHSU football coach and current FCA board member Ron Randleman. “We’re hoping to raise $50,000 so we can hire a full-time FCA staff member, who will work with the Brazos Valley FCA.

“Right now, it’s just volunteers doing the work. With a full-time person, they can work with sponsors and help with leadership of these student-led activities. We’re hoping to reach out to all the schools in Huntsville and Walker County. Right now, there’s not a great presence and we want to reach as many as possible.”

With a full-time staff member, Huntsville board president Gordon Brown feels that much more can be done in the community.

“We really need it,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of work involved. There’s a void right now with no staff member to work the 400 to 600 athletes at Sam Houston and at the high schools.”

If enough funds can be raised, the future staff member would work directly under FCA Brazos Valley director Bill Johnston, helping to coordinate events.

“We’re looking for someone who can minister to coaches at the university, high school and junior high levels,” Johnston said. “That person would also work to lead Bible studies, pregame chapels like this one today, and help develop leadership at SHSU and work with college athletes so they could speak at high schools and junior high schools.

“We’re hoping to have a deeper impact in the community. To have more stronger, eager leaders, we need someone here more often.”