The Favor of God & the Keys to the Complex
“With athletic teams, you just have to act like you belong.”
That was my comment to Vince Ruta, ENC’s lead campus minister as he and I first walked onto the Austin Peay State University (APSU) football field in Clarksville, TN APSU. As a former starting quarterback at the University of Hawaii, that level of audacity is probably easier for me than most, and it's a step of faith I’ve taken hundreds of times. I have been working with and mentoring Vince for years, and while he has made many inroads for Christ on campus, he had not yet gained access to the APSU football team. As we boldly walked on the field that day, one of the coaches told me that the practice was closed and we were not allowed on the field. I told him who I was and that my intention was to serve and be a spiritual resource to the team. Within ten minutes, the head coach, Scott Walden, approached us, thanked us for coming, and said he would love for us to help the team in any way we could. It's like he’s giving us the hearts of these men and the keys to the complex (not literally, but you know what I mean).
When I offered to bring in Hall of Fame cornerback, Darrell Green, to speak to the team on the first day of spring practice, Coach Walden immediately replied, “Are you kidding me? I'll make it a mandatory team meeting. Darrell and your team can do whatever you want.”
“It’s a deal,” I said. “Darrell, Vince, and I will be there.”
Vince was astounded and asked, “How do you do this? I've been trying for eight years to gain access to the football team. Everywhere you go, you have a favor that simply opens doors.”
The only way I can explain it is “an abundance of grace working through bold and audacious faith.”
COMING ALONGSIDE
Instead of leading with a request of what we wanted the coach to do for us, we began by asking what we could do for him. I have found this to be the most effective strategy; learn what the coach is doing and come alongside them and help them reiterate their message. For example, we learned that Coach Walden’s mission statement is to “recruit and develop men of character.” So, currently, we are conducting a weekly 15-minute meeting in the end zone after Tuesday practices for all players and coaches that we call “Gov Development” where we focus on the inner man or character.
Darrell Green (2 Super Bowl rings and Hall of Fame ring and a jacket) spoke to team
Another great character moment this month was when Darrell Green came to speak to the team on the first day of spring practice. He met with the defensive-backs coach and even spent some time working with the APSU cornerbacks. After about an hour, we were introduced to the team. Darrell brought along his two Super Bowl rings and his Hall of Fame ring and spoke to the team about things that really matter. “These awards have never mattered,” He said. “What has meant the most to me is being a dad, a grandfather, and a faithful husband for 38 years.” Then he told his story about growing up and no one believing in him, but how he overcame it. After praying for the team, Darrell said, “What you guys have here is special.” Coach Scotty told me the next day, “It was perfect! One of the best things we’ve ever done for APSU football. Anything you want to do for the team in the future, just let me know.”
FROM APSU TO THE NATIONS
I told Coach Scotty that we had members of five athletic teams from Huntington University and Antelope Valley University that had committed to being on the trip to Baja, Mexico. I shared some stories that illustrate how a One Week Mission Experience will motivate young men to get off the bench and into the game, and that I’d love to have a group of APSU players join us on that team.
“You know Gregg,” he said, “I’ve never been on a short-term mission trip, and I want to be on that trip too.” Not only did the head coach commit to going, but APSU Football is also providing scholarships and financial assistance for players wanting to go with us on future trips to Baja, Mexico.