This spring, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) FCA hosted its third Coaches and Staff Appreciation Dinner. As a way to give back to coaches for their countless hours of dedication to their athletes and programs, the leadership team and other volunteers brought in coaches and spouses from UNI, as well as coaches from local Cedar Valley high school, middle school, and college coaches. Twenty student-athletes volunteered to connect with these coaches and serve a meal. After dinner, former UNI FCA leader Rick Nielson spoke and encouraged them to continue helping their student athletes to build a championship lifestyle.

“The Cedar Valley has been truly blessed with quality coaches who care about not only helping these young men and women become better athletes, but also to become better people,” Ken Trautmann, Greater Cedar Valley Area Representative, said.

Quotes from attendees and volunteers:

“It was a great event. The FCA dinner is a great time to take a break from the business of life and recharge the battery with great fellowship, great food, and a great message.”           -Noel McMillin (Waverly-Shell Rock Middle school coach) 

“The coaches banquet was a truly wonderful way to put what FCA believes into practice. Not only was it a great opportunity to serve those who inspire us, but it was an incredible way to shine God’s light onto an influence that so drastically affects our athletic programs.”   -Taylor Ostrowski (INU senior swimmer)

“Coaches and players are expected to give blood, sweat and tears for the sport they love. The FCA coaches dinner was a great opportunity for us players to give back to the coaches and show them the love Jesus has extended to all mankind through His blood, sweat and tears."   -Ezra Szczyrbak (INU senior football player)  

“The dinner event was a great time to make connections with others who are serving in the same capacity. I walked away encouraged and ready to make some personal changes also.”    -Tony Morris (Upper Iowa University cheer coach) 


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