Since 1954, the largest Christian sports organization in America has taken strides in promoting friendship and the positive role that athletes have as leaders in their communities.

“It’s nice because meetings are later in the week, when you’re drained out,” Fellowship of Christian Athletes president, sophomore Tyler Utecht said. “They help you become more focused and let you know that someone is watching over you and guiding you.”

According to the FCA organization Web site, “The FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ.”

The FCA sponsors the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddles. The Huddles meet every Thursday at noon in the Pioneer Student Center for free pizza and bible study in the Mining Room.

The group is advised by Ralph Bjork.

Joshua Melby, senior civil engineering major, is the FCA’s longest member. Melby has seen the group grow in size over the years from two to three members to now close to 12 members.

“Not only have the new members been friends but they are underclassmen,” Melby said. “So I’m not afraid that it will disappear after I’m gone.”

The FCA also offers relief to caretakers of the disabled. The FCA provides security and other services for Christian music artists, such as FFH, which they bring to the campus.

Both Utecht and Melby stressed the impact that the FCA and weekly meetings have had on their everyday life.

“It has really encouraged my beliefs,” Melby said. “It is hard at times to find someone with the same beliefs but it is nice to find a group where everyone enjoys a lot of the same things.”

“I really want to stress it’s not only for athletes. Anyone is welcome to attend,” Utecht said. “It’s nice to talk to people and hear what people are doing to succeed and how the FCA has helped them accomplish that.”