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Tressell's faith in Christ evident in Ohio State team
BP News ^ | 12/31/02 | Art Stricklin

Posted on 01/01/2003 9:33:56 AM PST by ohioWfan

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--By each Friday of the 2002 college football season, the complete football game plan for the Ohio State Buckeyes has already been installed, explained and executed many times in practice.

But on Friday morning and again on Friday evening, an even more important game plan is put into place. That's when several Ohio State coaches and later many players meet for a weekly Bible study, share and accountability time.

Looking for an explanation for the Buckeyes' amazing 13-0 record, which has included seven fourth quarter comebacks, and carried them into a national championship match-up with Miami in January 3rd's Fiesta Bowl?

Look no further than the faith head coach Jim Tressel and his players have shown in each other and their own spiritual progress.

"It's certainly not a liability to be a Christian at Ohio State like it is at some places," said Tom Rody, an Athletes' in Action staff member who helps conduct the coaches and players study along with AIA staff member Jim Schmidtke. "The coaches provide a strong umbrella of support which helps undergird the entire program."

Tressel has been the Buckeyes' coach for less than two years but has taken the Scarlet and Gray back to their once familiar place at the top of the college football mountain. He started their faith when his 6-4 team went into bitter rival's Michigan home field last year and won there for the first time since 1987.

The faith continued this year as OSU pulled off one amazing comeback after another including a fourth quarter, fourth-down rally against Illinois and another comeback win against Michigan to propel the Buckeyes into this year's national championship game.

Maybe not so well known is Tressel's declaration of his job at OSU as, "my ministry," and his faithful attendance at the early Friday morning coaches Bible study, held in the Buckeye coaches' meeting room.

"The coach has been nothing short of great to us," said Schmidtke, who counts Tressel as a true Christian brother regardless of the outcome of this week's game. "He is an active proponent of Christianity to all those around him, but even more important is the way he lives his values and his walk with God."

His star players have been quick to pick up on the positive message delivered through the Ohio State program.

"Football is very important to me at Ohio State, but its importance pales in comparison of Jesus Christ in my life," said starting cornerback Dustin Fox. "It helps keep me strong during all what we've been through, to walk straight and stay in the word."

During his 15-year career at Youngstown State, Tressel's teams compiled a record of 142-62-2, including four national titles and two runners-up finishes. More importantly, he and his team established a pattern of visits to the Salvation Army, local hospitals and an active involvement in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"We wanted our fans to be proud of us in the classroom, in the community and the football field," Tressel said.

"What impressed me most in the interview process was Jim Tressel, the person," said Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger, the man responsible for hiring Tressel as head coach. "As impeccable as his record is, it's the other things which make him stand out for this job."

Today, Tressel can be clearly seen on the Ohio State sideline, wearing a gray OSU sweater vest and red tie, much like a hatless Tom Landry, calmly surveying the often-chaotic football situation and plotting his next move.

"He doesn't give in to the world regardless of the circumstances" Schmidtke said. "He lives his faith for all to see and really takes his integrity to heart. That's what makes him a great leader."

Along with his personal building blocks to success with Ohio State's highly publicized program, Tressel said he counts accountability and spiritual advisement as key elements.

Tressel meets with Rody and Schmidtke during the season along with Columbus FCA staff member Brian Hawkins and West Central Ohio area director David Mabry to stay grounded to what is important.

"He has a favorite Bible verse or Christian message he signs on every football he autographs," Mabry said

His legacy of spiritual leadership has also rubbed off on many. Sophomore running back Maurice Hall, who scored the winning touchdowns against both Illinois and Michigan, has recorded statewide radio interviews about his personal faith as have junior tights Ben Hartsock and Jason Caldwell and sophomore cornerback Fox.

"My faith and my belief system has helped drive my competitive fire and my personal walk with Christ," said Hartsock.

All four players along with their head coach will be part of a special Fiesta Bowl breakfast along with Miami players and coaches, sharing their faith beyond football.

"All the players realize they're front page news now, but a month from now, when people forget about the national championship and football, they want to be recognized for their Christian faith," Schmidtke said.

The optional Friday night gathering at the athletic complex plays a big part in strengthening the players for the challenges on and off the football field.

They have a time of sharing and praying, worship and often hear from a former Buckeye great sharing his Christian faith including among others former Buckeyes' All-American Clark Kellogg.

"We've had over two dozen Buckeye players share their faith in churches, and schools," Schmidtke added. "That is thanks to a great coach, great support and great kids."

Maybe Ohio State's amazing runs towards the 2002 national title isn't so amazing when you know the true source of strength for the head coach and his players.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; US: Ohio
KEYWORDS: buckeyes; christianity; football; ohiostate; religion; tressell
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To: ohioWfan
Back atcha! Go Bucks.
21 posted on 01/01/2003 2:54:45 PM PST by snippy_about_it
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To: xzins; fortheDeclaration; Alamo-Girl; RnMomof7
Ping!
22 posted on 01/01/2003 5:16:05 PM PST by maestro
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To: ohioWfan
"It's certainly not a liability to be a Christian at Ohio State like it is at some places," said Tom Rody, an Athletes' in Action staff member who helps conduct the coaches and players study along with AIA staff member Jim Schmidtke. "The coaches provide a strong umbrella of support which helps undergird the entire program."

I understand it can be hard to be a Christian at certain academic institutions... but never for the football players!

23 posted on 01/01/2003 5:17:26 PM PST by xm177e2
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To: Faith
It is a shame that strong, moral adult leadership can sometimes be hard to find.

Unfortunately, it's often hard to find. For some of the guys who play under him, Tressell is the first positive Christian example they've seen.

It's nice that he knows how to win, too! :o)

24 posted on 01/01/2003 6:32:21 PM PST by ohioWfan
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To: maestro
Dana School of Music......one of the finest 'unsung' music schools around.....
25 posted on 01/01/2003 6:33:34 PM PST by ohioWfan
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To: ohioWfan
Dana School of Music......one of the finest 'unsung' music schools around.....

The real,...."old-pro's" all are very well aware of "YSU's" Dana School of Music!

'Go Bucks'

:-)

26 posted on 01/01/2003 6:44:52 PM PST by maestro
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To: maestro
The man who was Chairman of Dana for years happens to be a cousin of mine.......I'm one of the 'old pros' who knows how good the school is! I put it proudly on my resume! :o)
27 posted on 01/01/2003 6:59:17 PM PST by ohioWfan
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To: ohioWfan
It could be a huge Ohio football weekend, with the state's second best team "shocking the world" at the Fiesta Bowl and the best disposing of the black and yellow toxic waste in Pittsburgh. >:)

-Eric

28 posted on 01/01/2003 7:20:27 PM PST by E Rocc
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To: E Rocc
OH.......I am dreaming about such a weekend......especially that glorious playoff game on Sunday!!

GO BROWNS!!!!

29 posted on 01/01/2003 8:18:14 PM PST by ohioWfan
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To: ohioWfan
Thanks! Very uplifting information. Go Bucks, Go Browns!
30 posted on 01/01/2003 8:47:33 PM PST by His_law_is_liberty
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To: His_law_is_liberty
You're welcome! And Go Bucks and Browns back atcha!

(Love your screenname!)

31 posted on 01/01/2003 8:54:21 PM PST by ohioWfan
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To: maestro
Thanks for the heads up!
32 posted on 01/01/2003 9:59:51 PM PST by Alamo-Girl
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To: ohioWfan
I bought over a dozen Ohio State Buckeye shirts for Christmas gifts. Then, as gifts, I received quite a few nice ones myself. On a whim, I bought a bunch of Brown's shirts that were on sale and lawdy, lawdy, they ain't on sale anymore, rather almost sold out! All my sons will be home tonight to ready for the biiiig party tomorrow. I will be watching the game with their kids who happen to have Fiesta Bowl shirts, themselves, compliments of grandma. Have you ever had to buy an Ohio State Shirt size 3-6mos?
33 posted on 01/02/2003 12:40:56 PM PST by Jaidyn
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To: ohioWfan
I work across the street from the cemetary where Wayne Woodrow Hayes and his wife Ann lay in rest. A friend sent this to me. I have many fond memories of Woody. Those that wish to bash Woody - no need to reply and you can go away. He had some problems, but the good he did and the people he impacted far outways the bad. I was a member of TBDBITL (The Best Damn in the Land) during Woody's last three years and grew to respect him. I wish he were still here to see the success of Tressel and his boys. Go Bucks! S ROW-76-80
34 posted on 01/02/2003 1:17:38 PM PST by tang-soo
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To: Jaidyn
LOL! No, but my 4 kids all wore a Browns sweatsuit when they were babies. I think it was a 9 month outfit.......pretty cute! Should I see if I can find it for you? ;o)

Have FUN at your party! We'll all be together here to celebrate the OSU national championship!

How sweet it is!!

35 posted on 01/02/2003 2:29:40 PM PST by ohioWfan
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To: ohioWfan
Sure, you can find me a few Jerseys but I doubt they get here in time! I won't get to join in the fun here because the seven kids are ages 3mos., 1,2,4,6,9and 10. I'll feel like I've been kicked around like a football after a few hours with my rugrats! :)
36 posted on 01/02/2003 3:08:14 PM PST by Jaidyn
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To: tang-soo
You were part of THE Band??? How cool is that??!

What instrument did you play? I used to play a brass instrument and had I gone to OSU undergrad (I went to graduate school there), I would have tried like crazy to get into that BEST band in the land!

37 posted on 01/02/2003 3:26:14 PM PST by ohioWfan
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To: Jaidyn
OH, dear! You have my sympathy!

Nice when they go home, eh Gramma?

38 posted on 01/02/2003 3:28:01 PM PST by ohioWfan
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To: ohioWfan
I suspected that OSU required some form of divine intervention to beat Michigan. Nevertheless, go Buckeyes!

Michigan, class of '93

39 posted on 01/02/2003 3:31:51 PM PST by 1rudeboy
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To: tang-soo
I was at an Ohio State/Wisconsin game when they did a tribute to Woody. It was awesome. I wish I could remember the year but it had to have been the late seventies or early eighties. All the local bands, rock and otherwise, play, 'Hang on Sloopy' at least once to get the crowds going.
40 posted on 01/02/2003 3:40:57 PM PST by Jaidyn
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