Chris Cannon posted on November 01, 2011 14:37
University of Alabama great John Croyle to speak at FCA Champions of Character Luncheon
Rome, GA - For the past three years, the two teams playing for the NAIA Football National Championship in Rome have heard inspiring words and messages from those who have served as guest speakers at a game-week gathering that kicks off their run for a crown.
This year, the annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes Champions of Character Luncheon will provide a testimonial that may top them all when former University of Alabama great John Croyle, who instead of choosing a career in the NFL decided to help children in need, will be the featured FCA event speaker on Thursday, Dec. 15, at noon at The Forum.
"We are thrilled to be able to have John Croyle as our speaker this year," Bob Berry, co-chairman of the NAIA Football National Championship Host Committee, said of Croyle's appearance at the event that is sponsored by the FCA and Chick-fil-A Dwarf House. "To know what he has done - bypassing what I'm sure would have been a great professional career to start a home for boys and later girls - is truly inspirational."
As a young man growing up in Gadsden, Ala., Croyle emerged as an athletic star on the rise as he was named a high school All-American in both football and basketball.
Not surprisingly, the legendary Alabama head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant was not about to let such a star leave the state. Croyle signed a scholarship to play for the Crimson Tide and immediately made his mark.
As a defensive end, Croyle went on to earn All-Southeastern Conference honors, helped Bryant and the Tide win a national championship and during his career at Alabama lost just one game.
But when Alabama played Notre Dame in the 1973 Sugar Bowl, one of history's greatest clashes that has been dubbed the "Game of the Century," it wound up being Croyle's final game.
On the advice of Bryant, one that reaffirmed what he felt was a gift to work with young people, Croyle hung up his helmet to pursue his dream on establishing the best Christian children's home in America and in 1974 started Big Oak Ranch.
Since then, Big Oak Ranch has been the Christian home for more than 1,800 young men and women and continues to grow to help those young people needing a chance to make the most of the lives God has given them.
"I know that the players, the coaches and all of those who will be at the FCA luncheon," said Berry, "will be blessed upon hearing his story - and his dedication through a strong faith - that has helped others."
Tickets for the FCA Champions of Character Luncheon are $25 each or $250 for a sponsor's table of 10. The luncheon will also include the presentation of the 2nd annual Greene's Jewelers Champions of Character Scholarship Award, which will be presented to one male and one female high school athlete from the Greater Rome area.
Also on sale are tickets for the NAIA Banquet of Champions that will be held Friday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at The Forum ($30 per person or $300 sponsor's table for 10) and for the NAIA Football National Championship game that will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at 4:30 p.m. at Historic Barron Stadium at the special price of $15 between now and Dec. 1.