222 FOOTBALL TACKLING COLLEGE TOGETHER Bison football players’ leadership helps younger players transition into college. The transition from high school to collegiate sports involved adapting to new teammates, coaches and playbooks. On top of that, there was the daunting task of becoming comfortable in a new environment. At Harding University, the Bison football team made an effort to make the players feel comfortable. The Bison football team had the character of being a family, welcoming each other with open arms and pushing each other to be better. This team was built on a legacy of love by former head football coach John Prock and was carried on by head coach Paul Simmons. With 13 senior athletes for the 2020 season, supporting their teammates was a priority. Seniors Michael Cendrick, SamWilson and Grant Fitzhugh were three players who found ways to connect with their teammates during a difficult, game-less fall semester. “It’s been a really cool opportunity, even in the midst of a hard semester, to see what it looks like to be intentional,” Cendrick said. “Life is less about football, [and] it’s more about talking through life with guys who are 19 to 22 years old.” Cendrick, wide receiver, took the opportunity to invest in the men who played his position on the field. “Once a week I just say, ‘Hey guys, we’re going to be getting in the word in the Student Center. If anybody can make it, it’d be awesome,’” Cendrick said. “Different guys have been coming out each week just to get in the word. It’s not anything fancy or super spiritual, we are just honest with each other about struggles, but also victories and what it looks like to be in the word together.” Wilson, offensive lineman, saw the importance of knowing teammates on and off the field. “The hard part is playing football, learning the position and having a guy like me standing behind you telling you everything you’re doing wrong,” Wilson said. “I know that’s hard because I went through it. I wanted to bring those guys over so they can experience who we are as people.” Wilson discovered a way to open the door for a relationship with his fellow offensive linemen. “This year, I have the offensive linemen over, the young guys and everybody in between over to my house,” Wilson said. “We just have story by Sadie Thornton them over, and we cook some steak and get after it. We play some video games and just have a good time.” Fitzhugh, defensive back, and his teammates led football church services on Wednesday nights. Since his freshman year, Fitzhugh saw the group’s attendance grow from about six to as many as 45 people. “We usually start by leading a prayer, followed by singing a few songs and then read a passage, usually about 10 verses or so,” Fitzhugh said. “Then, we talk about application to our lives. We go through that together and really encourage each other, allowing the Lord to encourage us through the word.”
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