FCA the Focus at Noon Rotary

Print

Published on January 25 2017 2:18 pm
Last Updated on January 25 2017 2:18 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

(FROM LEFT, ROTARY WEEKLY PROGRAM CHAIRMAN RON DIEHL, F-C-A REGIONAL DIRECTOR LUKE HOHLT, AREA DIRECTOR KYLE STORTZUM, AND EFFINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL COACH CHRIS FLEENER)

Fellowship of Christian Athletes was the focus at the Effingham Noon Rotary Club meeting on January 25.

Regional Director Luke Hohlt and Area Director Kyle Stortzum were on hand as the guests of Rotarian Ron Diehl. Effingham High School Baseball Coach Chris Fleener was also in attendance.

Stortzum said FCA is an effort to support coaches in their daily walk. He noted that former athletes might not remember the games in which they played, but they sure remember the coaches for whom they played. He asked, "What if a coach or teacher is the one person your kid will listen to?" It makes it important what that coach or teacher has to say.

Stortzum said coaches face pressure to win, and need to know how to properly handle the members of their teams, their families and the families of their athletes. He said, "We want people who will care for them and love them."

Hohlt said he is more excited about Effingham than any other area downstate. However, he said, "We are missing an entire demographic; we need a female staff member to work with female coaches and athletes."

The highly successful fundraising luncheon last year in Effingham featuring Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny raised money that led to Stortzum's hiring. Another opportunity is approaching that might help with hiring a female staff person.

Former first baseman Lance Berkman will be the guest speaker at this year's FCA Fundraiser. Berkman was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Championship team. He also had a long career with the Houston Astros and played with the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. In addition to speaking, Berkman will participate in a question-and-answer time at the event.

The fundraiser is set for Monday, April 3 at the Thelma Keller Convention Center. Tickets are available at Effingham banks as well as the offices of 979XFM and KJ Country 102.3 and at Martin's IGA+. 

More than 900 people turned out for last year's Matheny appearance.