Arise with the Guys 2024

Three thousand men enjoyed a meaningful morning of sports, faith, and inspiration at the annual Arise with the Guys event at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Tony Dungy, NFL Hall of Fame football coach, was the main speaker. He and three other football greats encouraged guests to stay close to God and live a life for Christ:

• Matthew Slater, 2024 Uncommon Award Winner, 3x Super Bowl winner, newly retired longtime Patriots special teams leader, 10 Pro Bowl selections 5 All-Pro team selections, and future Hall of Famer.
• CJ Ham, Minnesota Vikings running back and team captain
• David Tyree, All-pro Super Bowl-winning wide receiver and special teams ace for the New York Giants

Before the main event, Minnesota FCA hosted a breakfast and program for 175 coaches and their sons. Tony Dungy and Matthew Slater reminded coaches about the vital role they play in the lives of their athletes and encouraged them to continue coaching in a way that points their athletes to Jesus. Then FCA staff interviewed several local FCA coaches and athletes:

• Athlete Miles Morris, a freshman engineering student from St. Thomas (baseball pitcher), shared about the impact FCA made in his life as he was surrounded by a group of St. Thomas athletes that encouraged him in his faith.
• Coach Luke Schwandt from Prior Lake High School (track and cross-country) restarted an FCA huddle this past fall after the covid shutdown halted the process. He shared about the group of athletes that faithfully meet to grow in their faith and encourage each other.
• Coach Mike Cross from Elk River (33-year football coach) discussed the value of meeting with other coaches to grow in their faith together. He also shared how his football players have been praying at the 50-yard line after each game, inviting the other team to join them, and sometimes seeing almost all players from both teams praying together.
• Coach Mike Williams from Hopkins (first-year football coach) played football at Bethel University and was part of an FCA mentorship program to high school athletes in North Minneapolis. He shared how that experience gave him a vision for using sports as a ministry tool. Now as he starts his coaching career, he wants to not only coach athletes but also help them grow in their faith.