Students come to school more than an hour before the first bell rings. They make the journey from their beds to campus, bringing with them sleepy eyes and hungry stomachs.

These early risers sacrifice precious hours sleep in order to attend meetings of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Students congregate every first and third Thursday of the month at 7 A.M.

“Since most people don’t eat before FCA, FCA provides the breakfast,” Jeremy Ramos, ’07, said. “Most students who get up that early just don’t have the time to eat, so a couple students make breakfast for the other members.”

Ericlee Gilmore, FCA adviser, has led FCA on campus for the past five years.

“It’s imperative to have Gilmore to help us run the group,” Jesse Madsen, ’05, said. “He’s the adult adviser who adds experience to FCA. He is a very wise and very helpful guy.”

Unlike some of this campus’ organizations, FCA is student-led and run by the students. Madsen, who is FCA president, and officers Jessica Berg, ’07, and Ramos lead this year’s FCA group. They work together to bring unity to FCA on campus.

“My position as an officer goes beyond the initial meetings,” Berg said. “It is my job to promote sportsmanship and relationships with God. I do my best to befriend everyone I meet in or out of FCA.”

FCA originated in 1954 in Pittsburgh, PA, the brainchild of Don McClanen. The club
encourages fellowship and growth in the Christian walk. The program targets athletes, but anyone is welcome to attend meetings.

“I think FCA is good because it helps you learn more about God,” Brad Smittcamp, ’06, said. “As an athlete I can always count on Him, win or lose, and keep playing through any challenge.”

FCA brings fellow athletes together to worship their creator and to donate their time to help others in need.

“We apply our Christian walks to real life by going beyond just being an athlete,” Madsen said. “Last year we visited nursing homes and spent time with the elderly.”

Students are influenced to grow in Christ because of the impact of advisers and leaders within FCA.

“My own personal walk in Christ has grown since I started participating in FCA,” Smittcamp said. “I really like the leaders who lead by example, especially Jesse [Madsen]. He has helped me in my Christian walk because his speeches and his actions are the same.”

For more information contact Gilmore at 299-1695, ext. 140 or e-mail him at [email protected]. FCA will meet next on Sept. 16 at 7 A.M. Students and parents can visit FCA online at www.fca.org for more information.