At the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), we are a community working to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. We seek to make disciples through our strategy of engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to know and grow in Christ and lead others to do the same.

To support these goals, Coach Mark Richt spoke to over 650 people on Sept. 19, 2022 at the Hickory Convention Center. The aim of this event was to present the gospel to athletes & coaches in our area and highlight the reach of FCA locally in the counties of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba & Iredell, as well as, the High Country area of NC.

Coach Richt spoke for 40 minutes while he entertained all in attendance with his college, NFL, and personal stories. His funny and memorable stories were interlaced with serious messages about his heart attack, his recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s, and his comfort while he was experiencing his heart attack that he knew he was going to Heaven and was at peace. Coach Richt says it best in his book “Make the Call”, “I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for the blessings of a full life with Him. It’s only because of what He’s done to make me a new man, a new creation, that I’ve been able to navigate life, and as I now know for sure, be prepared for death. I’m still really excited about getting to see Him someday”.

At FCA, we desire to see every coach and athlete enter into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church, and Coach Richt shares that vision. The event could not have happened without our generous sponsors, and our title sponsor Mike & Jackson Bell of Edward Jones Investments. Because of this support, in attendance we had high school athletes still in football jerseys right from practice, we had girls from volleyball, softball & basketball teams. FCA Staff and Volunteers, and guests of sponsors filled the room. A very memorable evening, with a very memorable speaker that we pray will bear much fruit in the days ahead.