Cheering for the Underdog

Posted on January 8, 2009
Filed Under Community |

Speaking of football, as a kid growing up in a small town, I remember the excitement that preceded our high school’s home football games. I recall the sense of “oneness” within our community as all the store owners would display “spirit” banners and posters that said “Go Broncos” or “Beat Bonneville” in their windows urging support for “our team” on Friday night. It seemed the whole town would turn out for the game. I dreamed of what it would be like to be one of the players on the field with the whole town cheering you on. And, I experienced it.

High school football is big in America.

But I suppose there is no place where it is bigger than in Texas. Friday nights there are legend.

The fans scream; the stands are packed; cheerleaders with pom-poms jump and sway to the beat of the school band; parents yell encouragement (mostly); mom’s turn their eyes away when their little boys are crunched by the “bullies on the other team who didn’t really have to hit him that hard, did he?” and everybody joins in the chants and stomps their feet on the metal stands until you are sure they will collapse.

This is the frenzy of Texas high school football.

However, there is a football team in Texas that is a little different. When they play on Friday night, their stands are pretty much empty, no band, no cheerleaders, no mass of parents or townsfolk wearing the school colors and waving banners and flags. They take the field without anyone cheering them on. When they get a first down, there is no deafening surge from the stands. When they score a touchdown, which rarely happens, there is no wild celebration behind them…only the individual shouts of satisfaction that come from the 14 players and their coach and the 20 or so people that are sitting on their side of the field. All of it seems hollow and muffled in contrast to the tidal wave of roars and drums and chants that come from the opposing side.

They are the Tornadoes of the Gainesville State School, a fenced, maximum-security facility of the Texas Youth Commission. The young men who go to Gainesville State are there because they have made some major mistakes in their lives. But the players who are on the team are there because they have worked hard and have disciplined themselves to meet the “criteria” that gives them the privilege to leave the facility and play football on Friday nights—always an away game for them—always a home game for their opponents—and almost always a loss. They don’t have a weight program or training equipment or high-paid coaches and assistants. They don’t have a large pool of players to draw from. The school has 275 boys, but many are too old or too young or can’t or don’t meet the “criteria” to play. And they don’t have the support of a town and a mass of parents and family and reporters and bands and cheerleaders.

That is, until November 7th. Something changed. They played Grapevine Faith Christian School.

The way the Gainesville coach, Mark Williams, recounted it for me, it went something like this: Earlier in the week, he had received a call from Faith Christian coach, Kris Hogan, asking him if it would be okay if Faith formed a “spirit” line for his team when they ran on the field. Mark said, “Sure, that would be a real encouragement to the kids.” He thought that the line would consist of a couple of the JV cheerleaders, but when they took the field, there were a hundred people in it and it stretched to the 40-yard line, filled with Faith parents, fans and varsity cheerleaders, complete with a banner at the end for them to burst through that read “Go Tornadoes!”. And then, those parents and fans sat in the stands behind the Gainesville players and when the Tornadoes broke the huddle and went up to the line they could hear people cheering for them, by name. When they got a first down, “their” fans erupted.

You see, coach Hogan had sent an email out to the Faith Christian family asking them to consider doing something kind for these young men, many who didn’t know what it meant to have a mom and dad who cared, many who felt the world was against them, not for them. Hogan asked that they simply send a message that these boys were “just as valuable as any other person on earth.”

So half of the Faith Christian fans were now sitting on the visitor’s side of the field, cheering for the Gainesville team, and in some cases, against their own sons.
–Cheering for a team decked out in old uniforms and helmets.
–Cheering for boys who wouldn’t go home that night and have a smiling dad slap him on the back and feel his mom put her arms around him and say “I’m so proud of you son!”
–Cheering for the underdog.

Though the score was familiar (down 33-0 at half-time), this was a Friday night like no other for the Tornadoes. In the locker room, the players were confused.
“Why are they cheerin’ for us, coach?”
“Because, men, they want to encourage you. They want you to know that they care about you…that you have value.”
Coach Williams said the boys were stunned. For many of these kids, it may have been the first time that anyone had shown them, so visibly, unconditional love.

Williams then encouraged them to set a goal for the second half: to score a touchdown. And when they took the field again, with their fans cheering them on, they did. Williams said, “Everything started to click in the second half. Our passes started to click. Our sweeps and counters started to click.” And they did score. Two touchdowns.

And the fans went wild.

I asked Coach Williams what the bus ride was like on the way home and he laughed and told me that they were all asleep—their bellies were full. After the game, the parents brought a whole bunch of food over to the guys: hamburgers, fries, candy, sodas…and included in the meal sack was a Bible and a letter of encouragement from a Faith Christian player. But then, he said, they formed a line for us out to the bus. And the parents patted them on the back and said, “Nice game” and “Look forward to seeing you guys next time.”

The phone went dead at this point. I think Coach Williams was choking back some tears. And so was I.

I asked him one final question: “If you could tell other people one thing about your kids, what would it be?” He said, “Don’t be scared of them. Treat them with respect. Yes, they’ve made some mistakes, but they are trying their best to turn their life around. Give ‘em a shot at it.”

As they left the field that night, Coach Williams grabbed Coach Hogan and said to him: “You’ll never know what your people did for these kids tonight. You’ll never, ever know.”

When the world looks at a Christian, the number one thing they should see is what was shown on a high school football field last fall in Texas.

Jesus said: “Let your light shine among men is such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Let us do so.

Thanks to Coach Hogan for caring and sending that email.
Thanks to Coach Williams for his dedication and love for his guys.

Thanks to Rick Reilly for his excellent ESPN article where I first read about this. Some of the quotes above were drawn from him. And Melinda Wright for her photo.

Comments

87 Responses to “Cheering for the Underdog”

  1. John on January 9th, 2009 5:48 am

    You talk about crying! . . . I had tears pouring long before you got to talking about such behavior! :-)

    Thanks for sharing such an amazing story.

  2. Loann on January 9th, 2009 10:53 am

    Wow…I can’t even begin to put words to what this meant to me, Del. Granted, I grew up in Ohio, not Texas. ;-) But high school football is huge where I grew up….and all the farmers, and those who live in the small villages came out on Friday night to watch the home team play.

    But the twist to this story is what grabbed me….oh, if only we all would reach out consistently to the least of these and meet their need. That is Christ in action.

    Thank you for sharing…a good reminder that none of this thing called life is about us. It’s about being Him to them.

  3. Jane on January 11th, 2009 4:39 pm

    If reading about this was tearful, you should have been there. My husband and I follow these football games when we can and we were at this particular one. The most confusing part of the night was the cheerleaders from Faith Christian cheering on the GSS side of the field. The most GSS ever has are a few adults shaking milk jugs containing gravel as noise makers. To see actual cheerleaders on their “side” was amazing.
    Faith Christian deserves much credit for the kindness they showed and for being examples to this community of how Christians should truly be towards those who need to be loved.

  4. Al on January 11th, 2009 7:13 pm

    I too had to dry off my keyboard before typing this response. Truly (Amen) this is the spirit of What Would Jesus Do (WWJD). We need to pray that these kind of insights will come to us and that we will have the boldness to act upon it. The gift given the Tornadoes cost the benefactors almost nothing but will NEVER be forgotten by the recipients. Thanks coach for letting the Holy Spirit guide you into this act of service.

  5. David on January 11th, 2009 7:20 pm

    Del,
    I too was crying by the time I was half way through this story, however, it was for dual reasons. I was never in trouble with the law when I was a child, I waited until I was in my 30’s to get put in jail and then prison due to my drug use. I met so many young men in there who didn’t have families or anyone offering them support and encouragement. After God got my attention and I turned back to Him, I started leading a bible study while I was incarcerated. God has put it in my heart to have a ministry for these men who have noone else in their lives who will love and encourage them and offer them another chance and the forgiveness that entails. This story hilights the incredible difference that each one of us can make in a persons life if we just let Christ’s light shine out through us. We need to look out not only to those we feel comfortable with, but also to those most in need who we might feel uncomfortable reaching out to. That might be as simple as someone on the street, someone a little rough around the edges, someone who makes less money than you, someone less educated and maybe even someone who has made bad decisions in their life and is paying the consequences for it. May we all “take the ball” that the wonderful people in this story handed to us and run with it!! God bless you all!

  6. Eula on January 12th, 2009 9:01 am

    Thank God for good news. Christians being Christians. I too teared up reading the story and I WAS THERE!!!! I work at Gainesville State School and we have received well at other Christian school but not like we were at Faith Christian. I was speechless when I realized what these wonderful people were planning for our students. It was life changing for the boys as well as those in attendance and even reading the event changes lives. Thank you.

  7. Rebecca on January 12th, 2009 12:25 pm

    Yeah I had to hold back the tears on that one. What an incredible way to encourage those who need it more than us. So cool…

  8. Paul on January 12th, 2009 2:02 pm

    Thanks Del for the incredible story!
    I “happened” upon your website through a link on the Truth Project.
    The story about the compassion and care by Coach Hogan, his players, and the parents was moving. What a picture of grace undeserved! What a story of giving love to those who need it most!

  9. Stacy on January 12th, 2009 8:12 pm

    This is what being a Christian is all about. Taking the love of Christ to those whom the rest of the world has already counted out. Christ is their only hope.

    Thanks for the story Del….what an inspiration.

  10. Molly on January 13th, 2009 2:34 pm

    It’s been a really long time since reading something like this made me really cry. What is it about something as simple as loving kindness that melts the hardest heart? To the parents at Faith Christian: It’s not just those boys you touched—you’ve reached many, many more of us who get a little jaded or discouraged, who forget sometimes what a great meal for hungry people God will make from the little bit that’s in our lunchboxes if we’ll give it up. Thanks for doing this, and thanks for letting us know about it, Del. I want to go find someone to cheer for now.

  11. Jan on January 13th, 2009 3:55 pm

    So good to hear Christians being Christians (Christ-like). To sit and cheer for the visiting team. Fantastic! I especially liked how the parents had food for them and then of all things… formed a line and gave them their “pats on the back” to go back to the bus. Good to hear “good stuff” happening!

  12. Robert on January 16th, 2009 8:30 am

    I was there too. All I can say is - it was an awesome night. I was amazed that you really could not tell that the fans were not uncles, brothers and moms of those boys. By the end of the game the Tornadoes were looking to the stands and raising their hands for support. It changed more than just the lives of the boys. It affected us all.

  13. Michael on January 16th, 2009 4:33 pm

    that was a great story what a way to connecting Jesus to one another

  14. Janey on January 17th, 2009 12:48 am

    What an inspiring and touching story! Hopefully it will encourage others to get involved and reach out to other troubled young men. It is amazing what an impression it can make on the life of a person who is blessed by the encouragement of another.

  15. Traci on January 17th, 2009 8:13 pm

    Thanks for posting this story so others can be encouraged it really takes so little to help someone that may otherwise never have been helped.
    I was there that night with my middle school children and it was great to see them experience
    the sparkle that was shining from those young men
    as they left our field, compared to the almost downtrodden slump when the young men first came out of the fieldhouse. I pray everyone has the opportunity in their lives to experience such a life changing event.

  16. doug on January 19th, 2009 8:57 am

    This is a movie Hollywood would never make.
    I was crying as I reached the half way point….tears of thank God…and what a great story.

    Doug

  17. gary on January 19th, 2009 2:51 pm

    I was there that night and it was incredible. However, my wife put a new spin on it for me that was even more awesome. On the Gainesville side that night there was one “Gainesville fan” in particular who took his role as an encourager very seriously. He did not have a son on the field but is a fan of Faith Christian School. He yelled more for the Gainesville players than anyone else in the stands. He was very intentional about yelling their name and an encouraging word. “Go ______. Hit ‘em hard.” Go ____, great run.” Go ___, great effort.” It was constant. It was personal. It was encouraging. My wife reminded me later that this is exactly what Jesus does for me if I will listen. “Go Gary, I’m for you!” “Go Gary, I’m proud of you!” “Go Gary, i’m on your side.” Wow, looking at it from that perspective has been a great inspriation from which i can envision Jesus as my greatest advocate in life. It’s true! Thanks for shaing the story. Gary

  18. Dionne on January 19th, 2009 3:37 pm

    Wow! No words can express what I am feeling after reading this story. One thing is for sure, with tears welling up in my eyes, this story shows, that our Light is very important in this world. God gave it to us and now we need to use it.
    Thank you for this story.

  19. TONY on January 20th, 2009 7:00 pm

    I myself have been were these young fellows are. Sometimes people,look,and say,their not worth dirt.But, I disagree with that. Everybody has a past, I don’t care what they say. Their not (” JESUS CHRIST “)!!!

  20. Charlotte on January 20th, 2009 7:38 pm

    What a testimony it is to the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents that taught morals and values to their children. Christ’s unconditional love can only be given by those who have been shown it. Thank you to the staff and Faith family that gave a life changing gift to those boys who needed them. What an awesome testimony. A mission trip right in their back yard! I’m sure the fans received life changing moments too.

  21. Sherry on January 20th, 2009 8:38 pm

    I loved this story! What it made me think of was the wonderful bunch of people who came alongside ME when I began my faithwalk! Isn’t that true of all of us? We were the outsiders on the losing team when all of the sudden we’re being cheered on from the sidelines by people we didn’t know even cared about us. This is a wonderful metaphor of the Christian life. Thanks, Dr. Tackett, for passing it on. It makes me thank God for the encouragers in my life and reminds me of the need to encourage and love others!

  22. Ed on January 20th, 2009 9:05 pm

    I too have been in the shoes of these young boys at a later time in my life. Having done 2 prison terms myself I needed not only God to help me become what I am today but obedient loving Christians who helped me feel the love of the Lord through them. To make a long story short, I am now an ordained minister, a house manager for a Christian/Sobrer Living home set up to help parolees develope a relaationship with our Lord and Savior and am blessed to be the youth pastor at the church I attend. I ask you all, if you call yourself a Christian, then love the unlovable and show them how much they are loved by the Lord through your love. God choose to use us to help change the world. Lets let God do what He does best through our loving obedience. All glory goes to the Lord for who HE made me through Christ Jesus. Amen

  23. Ken on January 20th, 2009 9:13 pm

    Del,
    Thought enough had happened to me in the last couple weeks to wring every tear from my eyes but this story came close to making me cry again,except this time tears of joy. How wonderful is the God that helps us LOVE people we do not yet know

  24. Kathy on January 20th, 2009 9:25 pm

    Now isn’t that what Jesus would have done, and what he has taught us to do, through out His scriptures. My prayers and gratefulness to Faith Christian in their loving outreach for our Savior.

  25. Pat on January 20th, 2009 9:30 pm

    We have been discussing how we, as a small group, can reach out beyond our group. The football story is a great encouragement to remember that outreach does not need to be complicated, just simply from the heart. Thanks for sharing this amazing story of what can be done when we truly let His light shine through us.

  26. Laurel on January 20th, 2009 9:42 pm

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. This is a gift to share with others to remind us how we need to be Jesus here on earth. I plan to forward this to my friends, that they might be encouraged by this like I am to share the Light with others. Just like we talked about in last weeks Truth Project group. Blessings for all you’re doing to be light too.

  27. Jeff on January 20th, 2009 9:43 pm

    Thanks for sharing an amazing story of God’s people being the hands and feet of Christ. I can understand what the young men from GSS felt that night. I am a volunteer with a prison ministry at the Department of Juvenile Justice, and have met many young men who also feel like the world is against them.
    To Coach Hogan and the players, cheerleaders and fans of Faith Christian, thanks for letting your light shine!!

  28. John on January 20th, 2009 9:44 pm

    Del,

    Thank you for this very touching story. I, too, was crying unabashedly mi-way through it. That was awesome of the Faith Christian School spirit. That was an awesome work of God.

    John

  29. Aggie on January 21st, 2009 2:19 am

    It was great to read the story of real people that are doing what Jesus would do.
    I don’t know any of them but I am proud of them and ask the Lord to bless both groups.
    Parents, would that we have more like you. Living the Christian life and spreading it around to give joy and acceptance to others. God Bless you all for being Christ with skin on.

  30. Dylan on January 21st, 2009 5:01 am

    WOW.

    It really does reflect the story of the good samaritan.

    Dylan

  31. Terri on January 21st, 2009 5:56 am

    “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 A verse the Lord has me pondering and taking to heart this week. I am thanking God for setting me free to love as He loves and for the blessing of prompting you, Del, to share this story of love and encouragement and prompting me to answer an email,to my husband and I, calling us to step out in faith,to mentor a homeless teen. I’ve been praying for direction and the Lord has spoken to me through the Truth Project Newsletter and His yielded servant and my brother in Christ. Blessings, Terri

  32. Laura on January 21st, 2009 6:57 am

    Tears are running down my face. I used to work in juvenile corrections. I was at a male facility and I can relate - all too well - to this story. So many times we felt heartbroken that we were releasing these boys to the same rotten conditions that taught them (and supported) their poor behavior to begin with. Treating them with respect - which included expectations of respect and self-respect from them - would cause such a confused reaction in many of them at first. But it was beautiful to have a boy come to you and ask, “Why do you see me differently than others do?”

  33. Wayne on January 21st, 2009 7:05 am

    What a true showing of love and grace. Jesus would be proud. As I read this, tears streamed down my face. What joy these young people must have felt. Thank you Faith Christian for showing Jesus’ love to these young people.

  34. Michelle on January 21st, 2009 7:22 am

    What an inspiration, whether you’re in the position of the Gainesville players or the people from Faith Christian. This story is important on so many levels. I’m amazed at the attention to detail they paid. Every act was intentional right down to calling the players by name. Loved it, thank you.

    Michelle

  35. Tim on January 21st, 2009 7:34 am

    What a great story. Although the things we do for others may forever go unrecognized by man, keep this in mind. As we continue to humbly serve the needy, our audience is but one.
    Countless blessing will be yours as you make a difference in the lives of others.

  36. Mike on January 21st, 2009 7:56 am

    WOW!! God is so good. If we would only let our hearts lead us. Instead we are usually led by what we hear and see. This is a wonderful example of unconditional love. Thanks to the kids and parents of Faith Christian. They are a fine example to all of us. Get up everyone and share the love of Christ with others. My prayers will be with all the young men at Gainsville.

  37. Jan on January 21st, 2009 8:04 am

    To God be the Glory!
    Amen

  38. Debbie on January 21st, 2009 9:31 am

    As others on the blog commented, I too was in tears midway in the story. I asked myself, why were we all in tears. I guess because in this day and age it is rare to see that kind of unconditional love given to others. The world,even in Christian circles, has become a tense, scared and worried people. Everyone seems to be looking out for themselves. This truly is an example and an encouragement on how we as Christians can show the love of Christ to those around us,there are a lot of hurting folks in our own neighborhoods and communities. Just think how wonderful it would be if we would “Pay Forward” this story to someone we knew today! God Bless You

  39. Faye Ann on January 21st, 2009 9:54 am

    WOW.
    With tears rolling down my cheeks and thanks being prayed for such a wonderful example of Christ-like love from the people of Grapevine Faith Christian school to Gainsville State School players and coaches.
    May God bless one and all.

  40. Ralph on January 21st, 2009 10:08 am

    Dear Dr. Tackett:
    As a judge who sends many young people to the pen I want you to know how moved I was by this story. I am, at this moment, in recess from an aggravated robbery trial of a 19-year-old gang member who robbed four people at gun point and fird several shots. Perhaps if this young man had received the type of encouragement portrayed in this story, he would not be in the position he is in now, and I would not be struggling what kind of sentence to mete out. I am a law and order type of judge, but as a Christian I understand mercy and forgiveness. I also lunderstand how much those who are imprisoned need salvation, and I pray for those I sentence. Thank you for sharing this wonderful expample of Christianity at work.

  41. Chaplain LB on January 21st, 2009 10:18 am

    As chaplain at a youth correction facility, this story really hit the mark. I tell the residents (nearly 100 both male and female) that they have value and worth to God. I may read this in place of a message at a chapel service in the near future. Only God can change lives. For that I am especially grateful!
    I am currently doing the Truth Project with residents requesting the project and who profess Jesus Christ as LORD.

  42. sonny on January 21st, 2009 10:24 am

    Thank you coach for demonstrating the love of GOD in working with these young people.May God richly bless you as you continue to press on toward the mark of the higher calling which is in Christ Jesus.

  43. joyce on January 21st, 2009 10:54 am

    I just want to add my thanks to Coach Hogan for caring and sending that email, to Coach Williams for his dedication and love for his guys and to Focus On the Family Truth project.
    It reminds me of what I need to be - Jesus’s compassionate representative to hurting people in this world

  44. Scarlett on January 21st, 2009 11:52 am

    Del, thank you for sharing this heart warming account of Christians ministering to the young men from Gainsville!

    I was so pleased to see your newsletter in my inbox today. Thank you for standing firm for the faith, and promoting truth. God Bless You!

  45. Karl on January 21st, 2009 12:08 pm

    So this is how I am to live in this world if I say “I live for Christ.” I do believe that faith without works is dead. Thanks for a great example of what “works” looks like.

  46. Amy on January 21st, 2009 12:34 pm

    What a great story! With the nature of my work I get to come in contact with the youth of our city. Most adults would consider these young people as outcasts because they have been in trouble at school or in the community. Many of these youths have been in juvenile detention for their actions. When they come across my path I give them whatever brief words of love and encouragement I can. It is my small way of showing them the love of Christ. That’s what it’s all about… the love Christ has for us all.

  47. Linda on January 21st, 2009 12:35 pm

    Thank you so much for this uplifting truth. We should never give up on the underdog. As christians it is our love and acceptance that can transform lives. May your story spur us all on to reach out to others.

  48. Bob on January 21st, 2009 1:03 pm

    Aha, Just as I expected, Jesus does participate in the sport of high school football. I’m glad he found a bunch of arms, legs, voices, eyes and hearts to live in among the people in Texas….hope the same thing will happen here in Illinois.

  49. Rosina on January 21st, 2009 1:56 pm

    Though I live in England my church works for the local borough council with Keystage 4 kids aged around 14. These are youth who have been removed from the school system - some are violent, on drugs, aggressive etc etc. The work has been recognised, not only by the council but by the Government and has won awards. The difference? Jesus. He uses our workers to show love, encouragement, faithfulness etc to each of these youth. Their pasts are horrendous and the cause of the way they have become. Not all of the youth who pass through have changed lives for the better but many have. Some are back in the school system. Some have become Christians. Many have settled into being fostered whereas they hadn’t before. They are never treated by our workers with anything but the love of God. Some of the the workers have at time come under physical attack and God has always protected them and not a finger has been raised against the youth/s concerned. This has resulted in some breaking down in tears and then sharing their lives, others have actually run out being unable to know how to respond to encouragement, love and the knowledge that they are cared about and have worth. I would encourage all who read the wonderful posted article above to allow God to show them where and how they can make a difference themselves for God’s glory and those who don’t yet know Him. All the glory is due to our wonderful God and Saviour as His Word never returns void. Not by might, not by power But by His Spirit.

  50. Martha on January 21st, 2009 2:57 pm

    Wouldn’t it be great if we as Christians would be a cheerleading team for those who are really trying to walk in the truth but keep stumbling? Maybe that would truly increase the body of Christ.

  51. Ruthann on January 21st, 2009 3:18 pm

    Thanks to everyone for sharing! My husband and I volunteered in a juvenile detention facility for many years and trusted God for miracles. We were changed as the kids were. Prayers, tears and lots of love took place, like in Texas in November. Partner with God in doing it more and more and the next story will be yours. They’ll ask, “Why are you here, you don’t know us?” so tell them and keep showing up to let them know what Jesus looks like.

  52. Johnna on January 21st, 2009 3:30 pm

    WOW! What an incredibly powerful example of Community! My first Truth Project group just finished our last lesson on(Community)and if this story doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what else does. My prayer is, as we continue to impact one life at at time for the cause of Christ, the church will regain it’s credibility, and God will be glorified.
    Many Blessings.

  53. Kevin on January 21st, 2009 4:02 pm

    All I can say is this, I can just hear Jesus say to Coach Hogan and Coach William and all the Faith Christian Fans “Well Done!!!,Good and Faithful Servant.”

  54. jack on January 21st, 2009 5:27 pm

    Right On!

  55. Ken on January 21st, 2009 6:13 pm

    What an encouraging story! I started sending cards to a friend who was in prison last year to simply encourage him. I am now sending the Sunday School lessons that I teach on Sunday to him and another prisoner and also send a card each week to them encouraging them. Most of the time this is the only contact many of these prisoners have with the outside world. The wife of one of the prisoners told me that her husband looks forward to the Sunday school lesson and the card each week.
    Each of us can make an impact on people around us just as the parents from the Christian School did, we just need to be responsive to what the Holy Spirit lays on our heart.
    Thanks for the great story and the reminder.

  56. Lora on January 21st, 2009 6:34 pm

    All I can say is how wonderful it was to read and know that God is doing a good work. He is faithful and His people are steping up to do His calling. Well done and thank you for sharing. God bless and keep you all.

  57. Roland C on January 21st, 2009 6:43 pm

    How unlike the world. How contrary it is to the way we compete these days. It is often “dog eat dog” and at any price. I have coached athletics for 25 years and I’m sure others out there have coached many more. We know what it is like to be on the losing end of things often because of poor training, talent or poor execution of a game plan but this night the plan was followed exactly as written. Word for Word. My prayer is that the young men from Gainesville respond when the Head coach knocks. Go Jesus and thanks coach!

  58. Alan on January 22nd, 2009 7:50 am

    I choked up as I was finishing reading that article. What would happen if we all started cheering for the underdog - for those young people around us who may have made mistakes, but are trying to follow the Lord? God, forgive us for our critical spirits and give us hearts of love and compassion for those less fortunate than us!

  59. Pam S on January 22nd, 2009 9:31 am

    Wow, Thanks for truly being Jesus! That is what the team, family, friends did. If Jesus was here today, that is what he would have done! We all need to have the heart of the people from TX that did show the love of Christ to a hurting, hungry group of young man. AMEN!
    (and yes, tears are flowing)

  60. Elaine on January 22nd, 2009 10:52 am

    Dr. Tacket - Thank you for sharing this story. Johnna on the 21st said it all. I only got half way through reading and with the flood of tears I continued. I am a child of the sixties, Martin Luther King Jr. was one of my heros at the time. I always knew if the “underdogs” had a hand to lift them and cheer them on, they would respond in a positive way. The last “Truth Project - Community” humbly brought us to our knees, we were speechless, in awe of our wonderful Savior and his love for all of us. I will teach my Sunday Scool lessen this week using this amazing story of what ture love, only found in the Lord, can do. Praise the Lord this group of Christians took a step of faith and obedience. We need to hear more of this.
    In His matchless Grace,
    Elaine

  61. Laura on January 22nd, 2009 11:55 am

    What a moving story of Christian kindness. It was a light in my day. I know God was pleased and heaven was cheering them on. Would be a blessing to see this kind of story be on the front page of the newspaper instead of all the negative stuff.

  62. Chaplain Jim on January 22nd, 2009 1:54 pm

    AWESOME!!!
    For the past several years I have refused to use this word, except in reference to God, the only truly awesome person in the entire universe. I feel it is well-deserved to describe this story. Like so many others, the tears rolled down my cheeks, dripping on my keyboard. as I read it.
    Thank you, Del, for publishing this remarkable account, and I pray special blessings on the coaches, families and friends of both of these teams and schools.
    Praise God and His Only Begotten Son, for such and AWESOME experience.

  63. jack on January 22nd, 2009 1:54 pm

    Right On!

  64. Georgette on January 23rd, 2009 10:39 am

    The number of people who are like these boys in some way is huge. They are the invisable people, people who don’t get noticed or encouraged except when they make a mistake.

    On the field that day those “invisable” boys became real people with value. I think Jesus spent much of His life turning “invisable” people into real people with value.

    What an amazing real life example of truth and love.

  65. John on January 23rd, 2009 7:44 pm

    I love this story!

  66. Jossie on January 23rd, 2009 9:44 pm

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. I am still teary eyed while I am typing this. I will share your blog with my friends on Facebook.

    Jossie

  67. Lucinda on January 26th, 2009 9:48 am

    Lead us Lord, lead us in Your righteousness. Make it plain before us what You desire we do “for the least of these” Your children. Lead us Lord. We are here.

  68. Jay on January 26th, 2009 12:35 pm

    I have stopped bye from time to time, hoping that I will be able to get in one of the seminars for the truth project. This was the first time I looked at the blog, and bye the end of it, my pain was washed away by the tears that fell onto my hands. Life should be simple, and caring for people is a natural thing. I am a new christian,(although he has always been at my side) and it’s nice to see people to the work of the Lord.

  69. Marilyn on January 26th, 2009 4:45 pm

    Thank God, thank God for this wonderful story of Christ’s love in action. I wish I could have been there to have been a part of it. I will pray for those boys in Gainsville. Thank you, Faith Christian, for your Christ-like example-may you be blessed as you have blessed those boys.

  70. Neil on January 26th, 2009 6:54 pm

    Del, thank you for your inspiring visit to our church this past weekend. I’m sure Pastor Mark will give you a follow up note on those who signed up for the Truth Project. Your story reminded me of an occurrence when I was in medical school in New York many years ago. We had a basketball team with some pretty good players, and played other med schools, the Merchant Marine Academy and the prisoners at SingSing in Ossining, NY. Unlike the team you menetioned, it was always a home game for them. The spectators were other prisoners, who always cheered the visiting team, for the prisoner players were cooperating with the authorities, and hence were anethma to the others. Not much encouragment there, and no Christian influence at all. The referee was called “doc’ for he was in prison for performing abortions. Of course nowadays he’d be a rich hero. Times were different, and I think better. God bless you for your spreading His Truth. Neil, MD

  71. Lisa on January 27th, 2009 8:13 pm

    Thank you, Coach Hogan and your team, for showing the face of Jesus to all of us. I thank you for the example you are presenting to your players…and thank you for showing God’s precious love to those who need it most! I know your example will change these boys lives…your boys and their boys!
    God Bless you!

  72. Marnie on January 29th, 2009 5:12 pm

    What a wonderful story of true Christianity. I would love to see a movie made of this story!!!
    I think it would make a difference in the hearts of a lot of people! We often hear of “religious fanatics” doing very destructive things; what a testimony to hear of true Christians in action.

  73. Bill on January 29th, 2009 10:13 pm

    This is a wonderful story of faith, hope and most importantly, Love! I have never been in prison, however, I have been in the military and when you are far from home as these young men were, someone reaching out and letting them know that someone cares is just what they need. Christ took to the streets among the scum and down trodden. He did not hesitate to converse with the woman at the well, nor to rub shoulders with tax collectors.
    I know that some of the kids may seem scary, but deep inside them, they cry out for love and affection; unfortunatly they made wrong choices, but it is not too late for them or any of us. Reach for the one that pulled Peter up from the waves, the one that made the blind see, the deaf hear, crippled walk! These kids and many more people like them need to see Jesus with skin (us), we may be the only Bible some people read.
    Because of Christ,
    Humbled in Missouri

  74. Tiffany on January 31st, 2009 2:29 pm

    What an awesome story! It brought me to tears. It is an encouragement to hear a story about christians coming together and showing love to “the least of these”

  75. André on January 31st, 2009 11:00 pm

    How far reaching the ripples of even a minor event (compared to the “big games”) can be felt when we do things for God and with God. I sit here in Canada and marvel at the mysterious ways that God uses to change people. A simple email and some simple responses and lives are incontrovertibly altered in concentrically growing circles of time and distance. Who knew that these simple acts of respect and love would be a blessing to so many people. (I wish I had the option to post this on my facebook site and show even more people how good God is to the underdogs in life.) Thank you to all the Christians who act like these Christians did. It makes a huge difference in the world…and in eternity.

  76. elizabeth on February 2nd, 2009 6:57 pm

    i was at the game and i can tell u first hand that God’s love was evident. i knew something special was happening that night.
    our Mom’s In Touch group had prayed for each boy by name before the game and it was awesome to see their faces and yell for them. it choked me up at the time and still does as i type this.
    my continued prayer is that each boy saw Jesus in a real way that will stay with them for the rest of their life.
    if just one decided to give Jesus a chance and give Him control of their life (or turn back to Him), then we accomplished the type of impact we were praying for.
    God’s Word says in Isaiah 44:3-5,
    “I will pour out water on a thirsty land and streams on dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit…One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’ and still another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s’”.
    still praying for His impact….

  77. Steve on February 5th, 2009 12:11 pm

    When we obey the Word, and serve others, prior to serving ourselves, it is amazing what happens.
    Lives are changed.

    Luke 9:23-26 (CEV)
    23Then Jesus said to all the people:

    If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me. 24If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me, you will save it. 25What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself or waste your life? 26If you are ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in his glory and in the glory of his Father and the holy angels.

    What a message indeed! What a lesson for all of us to duplicate in our towns. To His name be the glory! (Psalm 115:1)

  78. Jim on February 14th, 2009 11:28 pm

    This story touched me deeply.While there are those in this world who are removing Jesus Christ from Schools,and elsewhere, the can never remove him from inside us.From inside our hearts.we can and do make a difference,one day at a time,one person at a time.Thank you for sharing this and God bless all of those who that night showed the Light of Jesus.

  79. Ann on February 15th, 2009 12:06 pm

    This is my first time to read your blog. This story impacts me because the coach knew and could tell the boys what was motivating the people who cheered for them. I wish someone had told me when I came to Christ as a teen. I didn’t know what was going on, so thought my “good/approved” behavior earned support from the church people. Watching The Truth Project series at church is finally correcting my thinking.

  80. Barbara on February 22nd, 2009 9:49 am

    This story was moving to me. I first heard it in church a few weeks ago. All I could think of is my son who currently in a rehab center for drug addictions. I was thinking that my son was just like one of those boys on the other team. I cried and cried in church when the pastor read the story. I am so thankful Grapevine Christian had such compassion. These kids need people who are going to fight for them and be on their side. They need cheer leaders to cheer them on. Thanks for sharing this great story.

  81. Angela on February 27th, 2009 9:49 am

    All glory goes to God. Praise God, as he has shown himself to us through strangers.

  82. Student on June 5th, 2009 10:13 pm

    I was at that game along with everyone else cheering for Gainesville. It was pretty emotional at the game. Just to see the kids reactions at what we were doing for them. It took my breath away for sure.

  83. Arbie on October 10th, 2009 9:10 am

    To:
    Coach Williams, Coach Hogan, everybody from Faith Christian family and all the supporters of Tornadoes. And also, to Mr. D. Tackett and Star 99.1 FM. Most especially to the Tornadoes. GOD BLESS YOU A THOUSANDFOLD!

  84. Tim on October 11th, 2009 3:00 pm

    I heard this story on a Weekend broadcast today.
    (Oct 11, 2009). I VERY rarely cry (which my wife has much trouble understanding), but this story had tears on my cheeks as I drove. I am SO glad to find the transcript (from last January) online, and I’m early waiting for the next time I’m asked to share during our Sunday worship service…this true story will the be heart of what I share.

  85. Catherine on October 17th, 2009 8:03 pm

    I had the pleasure of hearing Del read this story last Sunday, October 11, as I was driving to church. I frequently cry DURING church…not before…but I stayed in my car once I got to the parking lot to hear the entire reading. How utterly moving! I, too, am glad I found the printed version just a moment ago…something I intended to look for since last Sunday. I can only imagine how many lives were touched, on both sides of the field, that evening in a way that will never be forgotten.

  86. Eric on October 17th, 2009 8:50 pm

    I heard this story as I was driving to work this past Sunday morning. I’m a prison chaplain at a maximum security state facility in upstate New York.
    I had to pull over and clean my glasses which had fogged up from my tears. That morning, I opened the worship service by recounting as much of the story as I could remember. I did the same for the medium security jail I cover in the afternoon. I found the story so inspiring a testimonial of what a Christian should be and how Christian ought to act to encourage others. I got on line to find a copy of the article so it could be included in next month news letter to the Christian faith groups I service. Way to go Coach Hogan. Your ministry and foresight is having great impact in a jail on the other side of the country. God Bless you. I can assure you that our guy are will be praying for and rooting for the Gainsville Tornados this year. Please keep us informed of the outcome.

    Rev. Eric

  87. William T. on October 29th, 2009 6:05 am

    AMAZING!

    The next game will be NEXT Friday, November 6th at Faith Christian School in Grapevine, TX.

    Please turn out to support the Tornadoes.

    I wish I could attend, but am living in
    Budapest, Hungary.

    Sincerely, William T.

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