Former NFL Coach Les Steckel speaks at Breakfast of Champions

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Students may have been out of school this Good Friday, but hundreds of middle school and high school athletes and coaches got an early start to their holiday at a “Breakfast of Champions.”

Les Steckel knows the vital role coaches play in the lives of student-athletes.

“Coaches have the influence on young people like no other,” Steckel told the capacity crowd at the Tupelo Furniture Market.

The 72-year-old former NFL coach was the guest speaker at the District One Fellowship of Christian Athletes ‘Breakfast of Champions’

Steckel served as a Marine infantryman during the Vietnam War, then coached with several NFL teams, before serving as FCA president for 12 years.

Steckel said FCA is able to make a positive impact in schools throughout the nation.

“We see superintendents, parents, politicians, leaders in the community, invite the FCA on campus, because they know, as a majority, athletes are the leaders ,  and when they get involved in FCA, it makes a difference in their lives, moves them in a relationship with Christ and they learn about integrity, teamwork, serving and excellence,” said Steckel.

The breakfast is also an opportunity for FCA to honor 38 students as “Champions of Character.” Students lead weekly groups called “huddles” that meet for prayer and bible study on each campus.

“It encourages me because I see the impact it has on everyone’s life and it really allows me to step out of my comfort zone to reach others,” said Hatley High School student Marley Edwards.

FCA District One Director Mark Boren said FCA helps students live out their faith in their schools and communities.

“There’s like one point three billion kids playing sports, and we are just wanting to impact that area, sports is our platform, but Jesus is our message, if we can use a ball or anything that would lead someone to Christ, that’s our ultimate goal.  That’s our win,” said Boren.

Coaches of the Year for District One were also recognized at the Breakfast of Champions.

FCA is currently in 60 schools throughout Northeast Mississippi, with 4,000 attending student-led “huddles” each week.