In an age where athletes compete and sportsmanship sometimes takes a backseat to winning, a national and local group, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), meet to promote values other than just who wins and loses.

FCA combines an enthusiasm for Christ and a passion for sports and is the biggest Christian sports organization in America.

The next FCA lunch will be on Oct. 13 when Jamal Jones will be speaking. Jones is a former FSU football player who is now the chaplin for the team. He will speak about being a Christian first and giving your best despite all circumstances.

FCA inspires many athletes to portray the values of Jesus Christ on and off the playing field. When athletes from competing schools get together, they may find out they have common interests beyond the playing field like working together on community projects.

The FCA organization wants to impact the world for Jesus using the influence of coaches and athletes. Former FC football coach, David Barton, who now coaches at McLane High, first introduced FCA on campus in 1994. It is one of two campus clubs, the other being the California Scholastic Federation.

Pup Nelson, a local youth pastor, spoke on “How to be an example for Christ on the field/court”. Pizza was sold for $3 for three slices.

Nelson spoke about communicating Christ?s message with words and as an example. He encouraged athletes to watch their language on the field, respond well to bad officiating, and take every opportunity to tell the Good News. He used Colossians 4:2-8 to back up this message.

Don McClanen originated FCA in 1954. FCA works all across the country to communicate a Christian message to athletes everywhere.

?I think it?s important to see other Christian athletes come together on and off the field,? Jessica Berg, ’07, campus FCA president said.

One of the ways FCA members encourage each other is through meetings. Athletes attend meetings every other Friday at lunch. They eat pizza, listen to a speaker, and have a round table discussion.

?It?s a time of encouraging, a time to discuss issues dealing with sportsmanship and volunteering in the community,? adviser Ericlee Gilmore said. “Last year we helped clean up a neighborhood in South Fresno.”

Gilmore went on to say he said the campus meeting is also focused on encouraging new students, helping them become a part of the team.

?I want a chance to meet other kids and Christian athletes around the community,? Nick Methgen, ’10, said.

Gilmore also is promoting the Huddle Olympics, an event to be held at Velocity Sports Performance in Fresno on Sept. 30. Senior captain Jeremy Ramos, ’07, will lead the FC campus’ FCA team. Athletes come from all over the valley to enjoy lunch, activities, and a speaker. If enough people sign up, five students on campus will participate.

?It gives athletes an opportunity to connect with student athletes from other schools and it strengthens FCA leaders,? Faythe Brussard, a Huddle Olympics coordinator said.

The Olympic activities include games, watching the sports movie, Facing the Giants, and a chance for one school to win a scholarship to go FCA camp at UCSB. The cost will be $10. It is a great chance to compete with friends and hear a relevant message.