This week we were reminded again about the important things in life when one of our football players, Matthew Thiede, lost his mother Tuesday to a brain tumor. Linda had been a great teacher at CDA and was loved by one and all.

I am not sure I have ever been more proud of a football team as I was on Tuesday when Matthew showed up, unexpectedly, for practice that afternoon. The first thing I saw was, two of our senior leaders were sitting on the gym steps hugging him and crying with him. Soon after all the boys and coaches came around and joined to show Christ's love to him. It was a moving experience for me to see these young men expressing their sincere love for Matthew during this most difficult of circumstances.

It struck me after we all got together and prayed for Matthew and his family that this is truly what Athletics Coram Deo (In the presence of God) is all about. Here were 20 plus men lifting up and encouraging one of our members who was suffering a terrible loss. All the wins and losses of the season were thrown out the window and God was being glorified by the actions of these players and coaches.

If there is any legacy of the 2008 football team I hope this is it. They came together as a team and showed the love of Christ for all to see. Praise be to God for this blessing!

Donnie Brake