Hockey story, Iron Man and Tony Dungy

We don’t post a lot of hockey stories around here, but here ya go!

Ironman achievement
This should be the top story today, if I didn’t slight hockey so much. But huge kudos to Ironman Gary Brasher who did (not the best work, but can’t think of a better one) three triathlons in three days to raise $$$s for FCA! Nice job Mr. Brasher.

Tony Dungy video
This is a nice video from Dungy about how God uses tough times. Thanks to Mike Butcher for posting!

Mike Radar
This Nebraskan was recently honored by the state’s FCA. What impresses me most is the look that this article takes at the organization.

Florida golfer loses fight

This story about a former Florida state champion golfer is heartbreaking. But she kept giving, all the way until the end. This column puts things in perfect perspective, and I agree with this quote 110 percent, like anyone cares. “The real heroes aren’t always the ones at the top of the Sports pages.”

Place-kicking Buckeye
An Athletes in Action rep helped get this former soccer player hooked up with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Fans should be appreciative, since the kicker, Devin Barclay, won the game for them Saturday. The kicker played for three years in the Major League Soccer.

Hunter Smith
The Washington Redskins have had a tough season but their punters’ season has been even more difficult (maybe). Their punter is also a Christian rock star in the offseason, here’s that website. Two reasons to go to the site: 1) video of Smith’s touchdown and 2) if you go down the stories, blog posts, etc. on the left, there is a nice story from the Washington Post about Smith’s album and the ONLY member of the ‘Skins to on it.

Ironman fundraiser
Gary Brasher is taking charitable fundraising to an unprecedented level. Most people find a cause and write a check. Some get a little bit more involved and might organize a pledge drive. A few might even take part in a 10-K race or even a marathon to show their dedication. Brasher, on the other hand, is taking physical exertion to its limits as he takes part in three Ironman Triathlons to raise money for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Brasher, 51, isn’t spreading out these triathlons. He’ll be completing three Ironmans (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, 26.2-mile run) in three days, beginning Friday in Tempe. Here’s his event website.

Lorena Ochoa
For Ochoa, one of the world’s top golfers, she’s cutting out a lot of meetings (FCA) and focusing more on her new family. Does anyone think that’s bad?

Tebow’s Eye Black
So we’re clear, I have no relatives or friends even, except the email variety, who work at Tebow’s Eye Black, however, check their site out. They do a great job of posting, lots and lots of info.

Poor UGA…
Sorry Georgia fans, I feel your pain.

 

 

Arrested Tennessee Vols kneel in prayer

This is the most positive story I’ve seen come out of the University of Tennessee and the arrest of three of their Freshmen. Funny, here’s another story that I read, that says it was an FCA meeting, not AIA. I don’t care what kind of campus ministry, just hope they get things figure out. I think it’s more a matter of poor reporting than campus ministries trying to grab credit.

Wofford College
Nice story from U.S. News and World Report about Wofford College Terriers Head Coach Mike Ayers who credits some of that to his rediscovered Christian faith, which has softened his temper and recast his ideas about the relative importance of the game. “When I accepted Christ, I accepted that life was not just about me,” Ayers says. “That’s a good approach to football as well. When the players learn that the game is not just about them, the team plays better.”

Tommy Bowden
The former Tulane/Clemson head coach said if he gets back into coaching, it’s up to God.

John Wetteland
The former closer, present-day bullpen coach is having a rough time of it regardless of how you cut it. His version is an elevated heart rate, some folks are saying that there was a suicide concern. No matter what the deal is, Wetteland is a class act and dedicated follower of Christ.

Lorenzo Romar and AIA
This weekend’s Athletes in Action Classic holds special meaning for University of Washington basketball coach Lorenzo Romar, who spent seven years with Athletes in Action. Apologies to Seattle Times staff reporter Percy Allen whose lead I stole, but it pretty well summed things up.

Cuban baseball camps
People are being impacted by Christian baseball camps in Cuba.

 High school athlete
A nice story, about a high school student, who has his priorities in order.

Gary Carter, Albert Pujols and lots more

Former Montreal Expos and New York Mets catcher Gary Carter said his new job, managing at Palm Beach Atlantic University, is “spiritually uplifting.”

Sir Albert
The St. Louis Cardinals slugger just keeps out-doing himself, and I’m talking about generous acts off of the field. Mike Coolbaugh was Pujols former teammate and a minor league 1^st base coach who got killed on the field. Friends were having a benefit for his family recently and the dinner’s primary sponsor backed out at the last minute. Pujols once again stepped up, and anted up.

Megan Frazee
Check out the former Liberty University standout’s blog. It gives you a nice insight into life for a professional athlete who is playing overseas. She’s in Turkey right now after playing this past season in the WNBA with San Antonio. After living in Turkey for four years, I read her blog and A) miss some things (the food!) and B) realize she is a courageous young woman who is willing to stand up for her faith wherever she is at.

Tim Tebow
Shocking! Tim Tebow has been nominated by Austin Murphy as the Sportsman of the Year for Sports Illustrated.

Case Keenum
Hey Tebow’s Eye Black, Where’s Keenum’s Eye Black? The University of Houston quarter back and Heisman Trophy contender is putting verses under his eyes as well.

Interesting…
It’s always nice when Christians tear into each other, but these Carl Lewis critics do have a point. But why can’t we call each other up and talk vs a press release? Here is Sir Carl’s website. In checking out Mr. McConkey’s website (Lewis’s critic) I believe he’s angry at just about everyone.

Morgan Shepherd
Tony Stewart took a question about Morgan Shepherd this past weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Here’s the Q and A.

Q. Speaking of Nationwide, you are involved in one team somewhat with Morgan Shepherd. He hasn’t been here the last few years to this track. Why are you involved in his program? What is it about him that inspires you?

TONY STEWART: What inspires us is that he’s so dedicated to what he’s doing. He spends every dime he has to come and support NASCAR and support the Nationwide Series. A lot of times, he’s his own crew chief. His own family is part of his crew. He’s learned how to do a lot with very, very little. You know, it was a situation where Kevin and myself saw the effort he was making, wanted to try to help. It grew larger than what I anticipated doing actually.

You know, it’s hard not to fall in love with Morgan, what he’s doing. He’s one of the most positive people I’ve ever been around. I mean, it doesn’t matter how bad your day is, when Morgan comes around, is talking to you, you kind of forget about how bad your day is and you realize that, you know, you’re helping somebody that truly deserves the help. You know, I’d love to see a good sponsor come along that can help him and help support him, help him get the people that he needs. I mean, he’s got the talent; he’s got the desire, drive, the will to do it. He just needs the support right now. If Kevin and I helping him out this year can help generate some excitement, get some people to come onboard and help out, it would be awesome.

Here’s the link if you want to read the rest of the interview from Motorsports.com.

FAMU Rattlers winning and singing!

Coach Joe Taylor, head football coach at Florida A & M University, knew that it would take more than talent to turn his program around. He would have to rebuild his player’s character and FCA would be part of that, according to this NY Times story. Some of the players have even started a Christian singing group of six players.

Yankee pitchers and Sportsman of Year

Yankee pitchers
According to Baptist Press Sports, faith is the key for Andy Pettitte, who has found turning challenges over to God to be vital, and Mariano Rivera turned his entire life over to Christ when he was a teen.

Tony Dungy
Sports Illustrated’s Phil Taylor has a nomination for the magazine’s Sportsman of the Year and makes a great case for Tony Dungy. The Louisville Cardinals would probably vote for him, after the pep talk he gave them. And for those folks over at Tebow’s Eye Black, Dungy says Timmy T will be a Top 5 pick.

Pierce brothers
These baseball fans and supporters were named to the Troy University Baseball Hall of Fame. One of the two is suffering from MS, but is charging it head on. He said his faith is vital to his efforts: “I am who I am,” Terry said. “I’m not a saint but I am a Christian. God has helped me a lot. I feel the power of prayer. When people tell me they’re praying for me, I thank them because I do feel that. (Motivation comes from) people around me and life in general. It’s the passion and motivation within you. I’ve always had a competitive spirit.”

Didn’t know it…
Manute Bol is suffering a lot right now, but I remembered his taxi accident. What I didn’t know is that he’s a devout Christian who refused to convert to Islam.

Glenn Coffee
The former Alabama running back’s FCA Director came and spent some time with him, helping him in his transition to the NFL, and helping him with grocery shopping.

Marathon man, baseball players leading bikers to Christ, Montenegro, Dave Bliss, Tim Tebow and world’s longest headline

Ryan Hall
The stand-out runner, who has been mentioned here a bunch, finished fourth in the New York Marathon, and people are looking at that as a complete flop.

Story of the day
This baseball player led this biker guy to Christ, and this story details the end result. If you really want to have some fun, read the comments at the end. 

Using his gifts
This coach found himself using his gifts overseas as he ministered to athletes in Montenegro. Here’s his website.

Dave Bliss
Former Baylor coach Dave Bliss is back in Texas after leaving in the wake of a scandal that started with a player’s killing and snared Bliss in a web of lies and financial shenanigans (that was the lead from the NY Times story). This story, about the same event, is very good as well, and from the Dallas Morning News. And here’s the Austin American-Statesman story about the same event.  

Football camp
Still digging in the oldies but goodies file, and came across this one about a North Carolina football camp, where they try and teach a little more than football skills.

Tim Tebow
This is an old story about how Tebow has fans from other teams because of his faith. Wow, the Bible can bring Gator, Bulldog and Tide fans together!

Jonny Diaz
I’m just posting this one because it’s the craziest baseball/Christian music story I’ve ever seen. If you want a somewhat straight interview with Diaz that talks baseball, music and women, check this one out!

Lots-a-links…

Ryan Hall
Ryan Hall, a very outspoken Christian, who’s also a pretty decent runner, is ready to go Sunday.

NFL chaplains
Time magazine did this story about NFL chaplains. There is a photo essay attached with pictures of John 3:16 in different scenarios. It was educational; I didn’t know that In-N-Out burger had the verse on the bottom of their cups.

Chris Coste
Took this blurb from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, about one of my favorite baseball players:

     Among those pulling for the Philadelphia Phillies to win the World Series over the Yankees is Chris Coste. The former Concordia-Moorhead baseball star played catcher for last season’s World Series champion Phillies and this year was optioned to the minor leagues, then claimed by Houston during the season.  Coste, 36, who has a lake home in northern Minnesota, still would get a World Series ring if Philadelphia wins and a nice share of the playoff pool.

Coste doesn’t delve into his faith in his book, but has been known to share it with groups. He’s presently looking for an employer, after being released by the Astros.

Jay Frank
This small college point guard is hoping to close out his career on a high note, but keeps his faith in the center of his life. Here’s about his Athletes in Action trip to Central America.

Sam Bradford
This Baylor columnist doesn’t think much of the University of Oklahoma quarterback’s decision to return to college, and this letter writer says she’s CRAZY! 

Bobby Richardson
Any regular reader of ChristianSportsOnline knows my feelings about the Yankees. However, there are some past greats on that team that are an inspiration. One of them is Bobby Richardson, who is still going strong. 

Albert Pujols
This former prison chaplain holds Albert Pujols up as an example on All Saints Day.

CSO and Tebow…
I’ve been told that CSO is being mentioned at midnight on www.Tebowseyeblack.com! Hope it’s nice.

Pujols sponsors prom, Waino gives $$$s to FCA

Wonderful story from Baptist Press’s Tim Ellsworth on the ‘prom’ sponsored by Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (and logical National League MVP to be announced in the next few days). The prom was for those with Down Syndrome.   This is a blog post from a World Magazine writer who attended the event with him.  Here are photos of the event from the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

Waino
Speaking of Cardinals, Adam “Waino” Wainwright received his peers’ vote as National League Pitcher of the Year, also known as the Players’ Choice Award. With the award, came a $20,000 check that he could give to any charity he wanted. He gave half of his check to the Southeast Georgia FCA. Here’s a Sharing the Victory magazine story about him and his faith.

Frazee
Ever wondered what it’s like to live in Turkey? Well, you could come over to my house and I could tell you long stories about my four fun-filled years there, or you could go to Megan Frazee’s blog, which is fun and insightful, and gives you a look behind the curtain of what it’s like to be a professional basketball player in Turkey (much more interesting than my time there 12 years ago).

Morgan Shepherd starts, finishes Memphis

Kudos to Morgan Shepherd who qualified in the 21^st slot for Saturday’s Nationwide Series race and finished 34th. Anyone who’s not familiar with Shepherd, put him in the little search thingy! We’re big fans here and glad to see his season righting itself. This Racin’ Today story gives background on his program, but doesn’t get into his faith. He’s now on Facebook and Twitter. Despite a litany of on-track challenges, his off-track ministry is flourishing.

I am Second
The website, www.IamSecond.com, have posted several new testimonies from college football quarterbacks and rivals Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford, to go alongwith older videos from NASCAR announcer Darrell Waltrip, baseball feel-good story Josh Hamilton, Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten and former NFL coach and NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs.

Rick Reilly
The former Sports Illustrated, now ESPN.com writer turns out some real gems. Here’s a couple of my favorites that involve faith in some way, shape or form. This is a GREAT, and revealing, piece on Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. The UT signal caller isn’t shy about sharing his faith but didn’t know him and Tebow weren’t big fans of each other. Thanks that make you go hmmmm… Then, there is this video on John Wooden, who was turning 99-years-old and recalled the last time “he used a profanity.” New Orleans point guard Chris Paul will share his story with Reilly on his intermittent show, Homecoming, in the near future where he’ll probably talk about his new book.

Wow…
Saw golfer John Daly on the sidelines at the Arkansas-Ole Miss game. He has dropped a lot of weight.