Judson FCA raises 10 pounds of food through 'Bracket Challenge'
May 18, 2009

ELGIN, Ill. –– Serving to help the people in the west Elgin area, the Judson University Fellowship of Christian Athletes collected canned goods for the Elgin Christian Development Corporation (ECDC). The Judson FCA group collected two bags of canned goods for ECDC.

From left: Stephen Drew, Kim Peek and Judson FCA President Greg Hanson with the collected food.

"This was an idea that the Huddle Leaders came up with to help the community," said Adam Ledyard, the director of the Judson FCA. "I met with the students about doing something for the NCAA Tournament, and they came up with the Bracket Challenge, and the entry fee was a canned good."

More than 30 students participated in the challenge and raised almost 10 pounds worth of canned goods. The winner of the bracket received some FCA gifts and a $25 gift certificate.

"I was very impressed with how the students and athletes responded with the challenge in our first year for this event," Ledyard said. "I think we will continue the event in the future and that it will grow each year."

The Judson FCA met twice a month and had several speakers speak upon life issues and the Bible in the last year. Speakers included local assistant baseball coach Tom Atamian (St. Edwards H.S.), Jere Johnson (NW Chicago FCA representative), Rich Benjamin (Judson baseball coach), LeStan Hoskins (Judson men's basketball player), Cyle Young (youth pastor and former University of Michigan football player), Randy Curless (Sports Crusaders Camp), Reid Hamblet (Judson assistant baseball coach and former minor league player) and Greg Hanson (Judson FCA president). Judson also hosted its first "Fields of Faith" in October 2008 in conjunction with the Northwest Chicago FCA, as former Ohio State football player Joel Penton spoke and the band "The Least of These" led worship.

"I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for next year," Ledyard said. "We have a lot of great athletes at Judson that are searching and asking questions about their faith. I love to help and watch them grow in their faith."

All information and photos provided by Adam Ledyard, who is the athletic chaplain, assistant chapel director, and sports information director at Judson University.