Appreciating Huddle Coaches in the East Metro

It was a perfect idea and one Brent hoped would be a blessing to huddle coaches, board members, and an area business that had been so supportive of FCA in the past. 

“It became apparent by the end of March that because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we were going to have to cancel our 3rd Annual FCA Huddle Coaches Appreciation. At our April board meeting, someone came up with the idea of moving the appreciation event online, buying dinner for each huddle coach at Pizza Ranch, and delivering it to the coaches to enjoy during the online event.”

The day of the event arrived, and East Metro board members, their spouses, three FCA student athletes and one FCA huddle coach picked up the food from Pizza Ranch and delivered it and a gift to all huddle coaches who could “attend.” The huddle coaches enjoyed a meal with their families and then jumped online for a virtual coaches appreciation event. Together, the coaches played a game and spent time building relationships with other huddle coaches. Tom Ness, Minnesota State FCA Director shared words of encouragement, and Brent Voight, East Metro Area Director, led a discussion on what it means to be a huddle coach.

The huddle coaches greatly appreciated the event. “We were very grateful for the dinner and the act of kindness to bring it to us,” said Shannon Riebow from White Bear Lake Area High School. Dave Kahl, huddle coach at Stillwater Area High School, said, “It was a very gracious gesture of gratitude, in a time that to do so is tricky.” Matt Oswald, huddle coach at Mahtomedi High School echoed the sentiment of generosity and was thankful their families were included: “My family enjoyed the meal and it is always a positive for them to see me leading in this way.” 

The coaches enjoyed the camaraderie and the reminder that they are not alone in the work they are doing as huddle coaches in their schools. Todd Wallert, huddle coach at North St. Paul High School, said, “I enjoyed seeing the other coaches via Zoom - knowing that God is at work in and through us as we serve in our schools.” Keith Newman also serves as a huddle coach in Mahtomedi, and for him, “Being able to serve alongside others and fellowship with them, even if for just a short time, was motivating.” Sometimes huddle coaches feel alone in their faith at their schools, and it helps them keep pressing on when they know that others are serving in the same way throughout the East Metro and around the world.

Each of the huddle coaches appreciated the messages that came through Brent and Tom. They were reminded that they are making an impact in the lives of young people. For Dave Kahl, it was great to be reminded that “Differences are made in people's lives, whether they deliver that message to you, or thank you for it now or not.” Other coaches shared the same sentiment. Sometimes they do not see the fruit in the students and wonder whether serving as a huddle coach is worth their time and energy. Tom and Brent affirmed that the huddle coaches can trust that their investments in the lives of young people are making a difference.

An evening that could have easily been canceled altogether was a huge success. It was a small gesture, but it made a deep impact on the huddle coaches who attended the appreciation event. By the time they signed off, huddle coaches felt appreciated, supported, and refreshed to continue the work, even during this time of pandemic. FCA is grateful for each of these huddle coaches and the lasting impact they are making on young people.