Christian athletes from across the Valley gathered to participate in the fourth annual Huddle Olympics on Nov. 3. More than 200 students from 20 different schools attended. FC athletes hosted the Huddle Olympics for the first time this year on campus.
“The Huddle Olympics purpose is to bring FCA huddles from around the Valley together,” Joe Broussard, FCA head director, said. “It’s a great time for FCA participants to bring their non-Christian friends to have fun.”
The finalists of the Olympics were Oakdale, East Union and Delano. The first place team won $1,200, second place won $800 and third place won $600. All of the money won went to the winner’s FCA program in their school.
The athletes were not only able to take part in camp-style games such as the crab walk, banana eating rely and pushing football practice sleds on campus but were able to have fellowship with other Christian athletes while attending a Fresno State football game following the Olympics.
“The football game was one of the most fun parts,” Curtis Scott, ’03, said. “I got to have fun with other athletes while watching my favorite sport.”
Each athlete who participated in the Huddle Olympics made a payment of $10 to attend the Olympics. Those who participate in the football game and Olympics paid $20. Many of the athletes feel that the cost for the Huddle Olympics was miniscule to the amount of fun that took place.
“I didn’t mind paying the money because I thought it was a great experience with other Christian athletes from all over the Valley,” Sam Babcock, ’02, said. “The best part of the whole day was the basketball drill even though we got second place.”
“I am really glad that I woke up so early in the morning to be a part of the Huddle Olympics,” Laura Berg, ’04, said. “I saw a lot of my friends from Bullard and met some people that I didn’t know. The best part of the day was when we had to push the suburban.”
To some the best part of the day could have been the worst to others.
“I hated when we did the suburban drill,” Emily Goertzen, ’04, said. “I had to drive it and we wasted a lot of time because I didn’t push the brake at the right time.”
In addition to going to these events, the FCA hosts breakfasts where students can come and enjoy fellowship before school with their peers. The next FCA breakfast will be on Nov. 15 at 7 a.m. in room T-102.
“At many schools around the Valley there is a bible study once a week on campus either before school or during lunch to share the gospel,” Broussard, said. “FCA is the largest youth club in the country and has been around for 47 years.”
On campus FCA hosts many of the same things as other schools around the valley.
“Come and fellowship with athletic friends,” Gilmore said, “and experience how God can work in your life. There are people who need your help. There will be free breakfast, fun games and prizes for attendance too!”
For additional information on upcoming FCA events on campus, contact Gilmore through the office. For information on the national FCA program, go online at www.fca.org.