Several people with Greenville University connections participated in the annual banquet of the South-Central Illinois Fellowship of Christian Athletes on Sunday, March 13, at the Greenville Free Methodist Church. The event included participants from Bond, Fayette, Montgomery, and Macoupin counties, as well as the Pana and Carlyle school districts.
Former Clemson University Football Coach Tommy Bowden was the keynote speaker for the event, which also included awarding two college scholarships and honoring a coach and a volunteer.
FCA Area Representative Phil Reedy (pictured above), GU class of 2017 and current assistant coach for GU’s baseball team, said the banquet is an important opportunity to present the past year’s highlights and give participants an opportunity to support the ministry going forward.
Receiving $1,000 Ish Smith Scholarships were Alison Ridens of Greenville High School and Aiden Potts of Red Hill High School.
GU Assistant Football Coach Trey Stille (pictured above) was honored with the Hall Huddle Coach of the Year award. In addition to his FCA leadership, Stille serves as linebacker coach, special teams coordinator, and recruiting coordinator for the Panthers. The award is named for longtime area coach Keith Hall.
Receiving the Jenner Donor of the Year award were Spencer and Jiletta Patton of Farina. Spencer, now pitching for the Texas Rangers, couldn’t attend the banquet because of spring training. The award is named for longtime area FCA supporter Marion Jenner.
Also during the program, Greenville University President Suzanne Davis (pictured above), GU class of 2000, presented a tribute to the late Robert “Ish” Smith (GU class of 1957 and former GU president) who was instrumental in establishing FCA in this part of the state in his retirement years.
To conclude the evening, Bowden (pictured below) spoke to banquet participants about the importance of character and faith in the athletic world. After retiring from Clemson in 2008, he has been a motivational speaker and a football analyst. He also has authored a book titled “Winning Character.”
Several faculty, staff, and administrators from Greenville University were present in support of the FCA program, including GU’s first man Phil Davis, class of 1996, who serves on FCA’s regional leadership board. Throughout its 130-year history, GU has championed character development through athletics.
Alerts Sign-up