Before they did battle on the football field in the 2006 Victory Bowl Nov. 18, North Greenville University and Malone College volunteered together in the community.
Cameron Hughes, a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Neeses, pushes a child around the Meyer Center playground.The National Christian College Athletic Association sponsors the annual bowl game between the top two teams in the final poll. What separates the NCCAA from other athletic associations is that a Christian service project is a part of every championship in every sport. “It’s a great thing that the NCCAA uses to make its championships unique,” said NGU athletic director Jan McDonald. “It gives the student athletes a chance to give back to our community.”
Friday morning, the NGU Crusaders and Malone Pioneers traveled together to serve those in need and fellowship with each other. “The community service projects were a great opportunity for both teams to model Christian unity off the field,” said NGU associate campus minister Jim Bates, who worked with the two teams, the NCCAA and the ministry locations in organizing the projects.
NGU player Justin Jones (13) of Northside Baptist Church, Orangeburg, and two Malone College players assemble Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes at Joshua’s Way.Players from each team were part of six groups that volunteered. Two groups visited with patients at Shriner’s Hospital and Greenville Children’s Hospital. Others sorted donations at Miracle Hill, while another group helped assemble Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes at Joshua’s Way.
“My group went to Joshua’s Way,” said Crusader head coach Mike Taylor. “It was great for our players to get out in the community. It was a really good thing for our kids.”
At the Meyer Center, Travis Talbert of Greenwood reads a book to a child.Meanwhile, another group collected money for cancer research in conjunction with the Crusaders for a Cure campaign at Wal-Mart in Travelers Rest. Still another group spent the morning with special needs preschoolers at the Meyer Center in Greenville. While watching several of his players rolling around on the floor with students at the Meyer Center, NGU offensive line coach Todd Jackson simply said, “This is special.”
At the three locations where players interacted with children, they were able to hand out plastic footballs designed especially for the Victory Bowl.
Many of the players were excited about the chance to serve together in the Upstate area, while others were somewhat apprehensive about what they might encounter at the various locations. However, after the players spent time serving those less fortunate, playing with children and engaging in hands-on ministry, many did not want to leave. Several of the children held a player’s hand until the very last moment. “Whenever we get out of our comfort zone, it stretches our faith,” said Bates. “I am pretty sure that many of the guys had their faith stretched at least a little.”
While NGU won the Victory Bowl on Saturday, 56-28, both teams were able to enjoy their Friday morning together. “The players got to see kids and folks who are less fortunate than them, therefore realizing how blessed they are with talents they got to use on Saturday in the game, ” said NGU defensive coordinator Chip Bailey. “It was a good thing to volunteer to serve the community because the community, has certainly embraced us this year.”
Because of the success of these projects, Bates sees an avenue for additional service. “I believe it was a great day overall, and I think it has opened up some opportunities for ministry in the future,” said Bates. “I would like to see us do something like this throughout the year with our own athletes.”