Basketball Team Leads Church Service in Colorado Springs

On a trip down to Colorado Springs this weekend, the boys' basketball teams did more than just play ball; they shared their faith by leading the worship music, praying, giving the children's story, and even preaching for the Sabbath service at Colorado Springs South Church. 

Nolan Eickmann was one of the five team members that shared a testimony during the church service. "It was cool because we are always in the gym together playing basketball, but this gave us a chance to get to grow closer together as a team spiritually. I think the church was able to gain a blessing and we gained a blessing from them."

Athletic director and basketball assistant coach, Randy Ottschofski, planned this opportunity for the team. "Doing sports on a high school level is all about teaching leadership and developing character.  I saw this as an opportunity for the team members to get church leardership experience while helping out a smaller church." 

In the evening, they played against the basketball team from La Veta High School, CO and both the JV and Varsity teams won their games.  Joe Philpott, also co-team captain, appreciated how they came together as a team to do something good for another church before playing. "Helping others helps us become better men and translates to how we play on the court," he reflected.

By Jill Harlow, Communication Director