I was born and raised in Turtle Creek Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh.  I grew up in a very religious home.  I went to church every Sunday and said my prayers at every meal and each night before bed.  I knew about God, but I didn’t know him personally.  I began playing football from my youth, and I really came to believe that life was all about football.  In 1972 I signed a scholarship to play football for the West Virginia Mountaineers and Coach Bobby Bowden.  I am eternally grateful and feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to play for Coach Bowden. He has had a tremendous impact on my life.  While at WVU, I made Honorable mention All-American and all East as a player, but the greatest event that that took place in my life was becoming a Christian.

One day during my sophomore year Coach Bowden had the team attend a meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).  The FCA meeting was simple!  A WVU Player stood up a shared his testimony.  This player described what his life was like before he met Christ, how he received Christ into his life and what his life was like now.  He explained to us how he had received forgiveness of sin and eternal life when he dies. As I sat there listening, I realized that this is what I had been longing for my entire life.  I had never heard the Gospel, and that night I understood what the letters of the GOSPEL stood for.  God Offers Sinful People Eternal Life. 

That was what I wanted.  I want you to understand, I knew about God, but I was lost.  I was very religious but if I would have died without realizing my sin, repenting and receiving what CHRIST had done for me on Calvary’s cross, I would have went to hell. I believe God gives us all a chance to receive Him as our personal Lord and Savior.  That was my chance.  I did that back in college and it was the best decision I have ever made.  Life without Christ is a dead end.  There is no meaning or purpose apart from living in obedience to the plan that GOD has for you.  I have been a Christian for over 30 years and I can say 2 things without any doubts.  God loves you and He has a great plan for your life.

After my playing days I returned to WVU and became the head strength coach.  In 1983 I was reunited with Coach Bowden and became the head strength coach for the Florida State Seminoles. I also conducted the FCA meetings on campus for 18 years. I had the awesome privilege of seeing many young lives changed by the preaching of the GOSPEL.

In 2001 my best friend Mark Richt became the head football coach for the University Of Georgia.  Coach Richt asked me if I would accompany him to Athens and help him develop a championship football program.  I had many great relationships and a lot of success in Tallahassee, but after seeking the LORD in prayer I knew that GOD’S plan for me at this point of my life was to step out in faith, and come to Athens Georgia.  Since arriving in Athens, GOD has tremendously blessed me and my family.  Now I have the privilege of working with great, hardworking young men and helping them to understand the GOSPEL.  

 
Learn more about the Gospel and how to live in Christ.