Former pastor and current Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich shared a powerful message of faith, family and football at the 51st annual YMCA Good Friday Breakfast in downtown Indianapolis. Before the event, he spoke to us about his own Y experience growing up and his journey in faith and the National Football League.
Loves Indy
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Indianapolis head coach Frank Reich with quarterback Andrew Luck[/caption]
Frank and Linda, his wife of 33 years, lived in Indy previously for four years when he worked with coaches Tony Dungy and Jim Caldwell.
“You end up in a lot of different cities, but Indianapolis has definitely felt more like home than any other city we’ve been in,” said Reich. “It’s very welcoming and a great place to raise a family. We love it here.”
A Y kid
“I love the mission of the YMCA. I started my sports in the YMCA where I grew up in Lebanon, PA, playing basketball. I was at the Y all the time.”
Reich continues to stay involved.
“It’s a great place to meet people and to grow, whether that’s working out or spiritual growth or serving in the community together. Those are all things that the YMCA has been leading the way in. It’s been fun for me, my wife and family, to be a part in some way of the Y’s activities.”
A man of faith
After a 14-year career in the NFL, Reich made the decision to spend time with his family and join the Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, N.C. He graduated from seminary, led RTS for three years and then pastored a local church prior to his 12 years as a coach.
“Everything, all the experiences that I’ve had previously, including being a pastor, going to seminary and all of the study in seminary, it’s all a part of who you are. It comes out in everything you do, from how you communicate in a meeting to how you interact with people. Those things are a vital part of my life that come out in every way.”
An epic first season
In Reich’s first season as head coach for the Colts this year, the team became the third in NFL history to overcome a 1-5 start to make it into the playoffs. In a public letter to fans about how the team overcame such odds, Reich spoke of “trust and belief” and how the team’s “1-0” mantra might help others climb their own mountains.
“It was done with the players together, the whole group. We really found strength in the leadership in the locker room, the guys just believing. We were all accountable and taking ownership of what we were doing, just sticking together and continuing to have a deep conviction. It was really pretty special.”
51 years of community prayer, reflection
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YMCA CEO Derrick Stewart and Fanchon Stinger, Fox59[/caption]
Fanchon Stinger, anchor for FOX59, emceed the event and gave her own spiritual witness as did Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. Many of the 900 guests heard from Derrick Stewart, new CEO for the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, for the first time as he shared scripture and his own faith journey.
For 51 years, the YMCA has hosted the breakfast to bring the community together in prayer, encouragement and reflection on the Good Friday, a holiest of days for Christians worldwide.
Thank you to Frank, Fanchon, Mayor Joe and all who gave witness as we prepare for the Easter celebration.
