The joy and companionship I have experienced in the short time that I have been involved with this program is amazing. I remember looking through the newspaper last year and wondering who exactly the Columbus Crusaders were. I have come to learn that this program is not just an opportunity to play football, but an opportunity to learn from life-experienced coaches and one another. I entered this program with only football in mind, but in the time that I have spent with my teammates and coaches, I have learned that I am here to grow closer to God and develop a lasting and trusting relationship with Him. The mission trips and volunteer work I have participated in have been great, but the time I have spent here has taught me so much more about myself and how I can better my relationship with Christ. Being a man of Christ is something I only though I knew how to do. I have since learned that I need to change a lot of parts of my life in order to truly be a man of Christ. Everything I have learned about myself and the Lord in the past couple months I owe to this program and its participants. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to truly play in the name of the Lord.

I have spent five years cheering for the Crusaders. In that time I have met seven coaches and over 60 young women. I feel that God has truly blessed me this year. The Crusader program has taught me a lot about extending grace toward others. I think of the Crusaders as a family where “everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.”

I have been cheering for the Crusaders for three years. It has been a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and share God’s love with others. I grew up in a Christian home and became part of the “family” when I was in Chums at AWANA. I’ve always tried to live my life according to what God wants for me even if it is nothing that I want. I have had the privilege of cheering with my girls, who are like sisters to me, for a wonderful team full of godly Christian men. I have made so many new friends and I know because of the Crusader program I have better equipped myself for new experiences. I love all my Coaches from the past years, Coach Price, Coach Nann, Coach Janeen, Coach Miller and my new Coach Lehman. I will miss Mrs. Cheeseman, who has been like a cheer mom to all of us, always cheering us on! Thanks to the Crusader program for being there for those of us who would be unable to do this otherwise.

There are no real words I can say that can accurately describe my feelings towards the Crusader program. This program has meant so, so much to me in every aspect of my life. I am extremely grateful for this program and Coaches Stanley, Cheeseman, Dwyer, Stier and all the other people who work so hard to make this program such a great thing for God’s Kingdom. I have mostly very fond memories of my experiences with the Crusaders, although there have been trials along the way. My junior year I broke my ankle in three places very early in the year and had to miss the remainder of the season, then had to undergo four months of physical therapy. But, looking back on it, I believe God used that experience to make me more of a man according to His definition of the word. God used that incident and the struggles that went along with it to mold me into a man after His calling. But for the most part, my experiences with the Crusaders have been wonderful. I have loved playing the game, and plan to continue to play on the college level.
I have developed great friendships with my teammates, and I hope to continue my relationships with these brothers in Christ after high school, however, if God does not deem that to happen, I am sure there will be plenty of time to catch up in heaven. I have learned so much spiritually from the teachings from the various coaches and pastors who have talked to us. I believe the most important thing I have learned is the dangers of passivity from men in our society today. Before my freshman year, I have believed that passivity was a good thing from a Christian man, but I have learned that God wants quite the opposite, and that He wants me to have the ability to defend my family, faith and friends. I have loved being a part of this program, and would encourage those thinking of becoming a part of this great program to join. The things I have learned here will be with me for the rest of my life and will make me a better man. For that I am grateful. Freshmen; keep working hard, and Earl, keep playing hard, baby. Lastly, I would like to dedicate this season personally to my friend and teammate, Jered Pyles, the most aggravating but at the same time lovable guy I have ever known. How he combined the two amazes me to this day. He just got to the party a little earlier than we did, but we will meet up eventually. Thank you again to this entire program, Crusaders will always be a near and dear memory.

Crusaders football has been a major part of my life for the past five years. I attend a small private Christian school that does not have the ability to field a football team. If the Columbus Crusaders did not exist, I would not have had the opportunity to play high school football. This program has been such an amazing blessing in my life and I thank God every day for allowing me to be a part of it. I love the sport of football and I love God, and the Crusaders provides a way for me to put those two interests together in a way that no other program does. It has allowed me to play great football and also be a part of a ministry. All of the coaches are Christians and most of the players are as well. Because of that, there is an atmosphere of love and encouragement and challenge that is created that drives me on to become a better football player and a better man of Christ. The main point at which I saw this was when one of our captains, Jered, drowned this year. We were able to come together as a team, and as a body of believers, and celebrate his life and rejoice over the fact that he now lives with the Lord in heaven. Even with that it was still a very difficult time, but I knew I always had someone to call who would be there for me. Coaches and players prayed with me and for me, as I did for them. Through it God came down and made us even stronger. This program has taught me numerous things. I have learned that there are going to be many times in life where you will be knocked down but you have to get back up and keep fighting. There are the sword games in which everyone outside our program says that we cannot win, but we do. Through those I have learned to never doubt because I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I have learned that life is a team game. You need to trust your coach, God, and rely on your other teammates, believers, to get through and win. What has the Crusaders been to me? It has been a gift from God and a challenge that has enabled me to become a man of Commitment, Honor, Responsibility, Initiative, Service, and Truth. I will always treasure my years as a Crusader and I now look forward to even greater things that God has in store for me. I want to say thank you to all of the people who make this program a reality and to my parents for helping me be a part of it. Thank you God. You are always there for me and I love you. May my life be an endless praise to you and may I always bring Glory to your name.

I had first heard about the Columbus Crusaders through a friend who had asked me to come check out one of his games. I came and watched and I thought, you know, it looked like fun and all, but I didn’t know the true purpose of the Crusader program. I later checked into it further after checking out the Crusader web page. I heard they had great coaches that not only cared about the number on the jersey, but the player himself. I have always been told that I have looked like a football player and now I have finally had the chance to use the body God has given me to put to use. This is my second year with the Crusader football program. I have gotten stronger and have been surrounded by a Christian atmosphere to grow spiritually throughout my life. This is a program that I highly recommend to individuals who are not only looking to play the game, but meet loving friends and coaches.

"What has God done for me through the Crusader program? Serving. If it wasn’t for the Crusaders, I don’t think I would’ve learned how to serve God in everything I do. Every practice, game, pasta dinner, meeting, or pre-game dinner, gives me another opportunity to put the needs of others before myself. During my time with the Crusaders, I’ve also learned that cheerleading doesn’t just stop once the uniform is turned in, or once practice is over, but it’s used all the time, at home, church, and school. I’m truly thankful that once this season, my last season here is over, that doesn’t mean that my serving God and encouraging others ends too."

Thank you

This will be my second year cheering for the Crusaders. Last year, I was pretty nervous about being new to the program, but I left it in Gods hands and by the last day of camp I was best friends with everyone. The coaches have been very patient and encouraging to all of us, and not only are they coaches, but spiritual leaders. With so much love and prayer I know I have increased my faith, and the phrase "with God all things are possible" has never meant more to me after being a part of the Columbus Crusaders. I have seen God move in some amazing ways through this program, and I can only imagine what he holds for this season. I only wish I knew about the Crusaders sooner, but I was so blessed to be a part of it, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for my future.

I wanted to play football since I was in elementary school, but I was never able to. I went to high school and found out that there was a place to play for kids who are home schooled or go to schools without football teams. I started playing my sophomore year and loved it. The Columbus Crusaders football team has taught me a lot about growing up and being a man of Christ. The coaches have helped me through problems. The thing about this team is the coaches really care for you, not only as a coach does a player, but as a person.

Four years ago, the door was shut on me for public high school cheerleading because I was a woman of Christ. But, just as that door closed, a new door was opened, the Crusaders. These past four years have completely changed my life, mental, spiritual, and physical. I have made so many close friends, and have learned so much about life. But more importantly, I am thankful for the all of my coaches and Mrs. Cheeseman, for helping me through all of my struggles, and for always being there. Christ has used each and every person in this program to make me a better woman for Him. I am thankful for all of the opportunities that have been given to me; everything from serving others, coaching, and being a captain this year. I am proud to say that when the season ends and I look back on what the Crusaders have taught me, I know I am leaving with a blessing, and that I am a woman of Contentment, Hospitality, Respect, Inspiration, Selflessness, and Truth. I will miss everyone deeply, but through Christ and our Father, we will always be together.

The first time I heard about the Columbus Crusaders I was really interested about the program. I was not completely sure if I wanted to play, but after watching my brother and friends play, I finally wanted to give it a shot. The thing that stuck out to me the most was the fact that the coaches not only taught us football, but also taught us how to become biblical men. I thought that was cool because on a public school team the coaches never do anything like that. I hope that I can take everything I’ve learned and apply it to my life. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to play for the Crusaders. Thank you, coaches and everybody who helped with this Crusader Program.

I started cheering for the Crusaders eight years ago after my brother began playing football on the team. Cheering for the Crusaders has been an amazing experience. I have met several spectacular coaches, cheerleaders, and football players.
Two of the most important things the program has taught me are leadership and respect. Through the years, God has blessed me with great leaders who have shown me how to be a better role model. They have helped me lead other girls in not only becoming better cheerleaders but also becoming closer to God. Also through the years, I have learned the true meaning of respect. Sometimes it has been difficult for me to listen to those in authority, but I have learned that God has placed them over me for a reason. Their wise words and instructions have changed my life.
It amazes me how our cheerleading team becomes so close during each season. We are almost like sisters. Whenever someone on the team is hurting physically or emotionally, we immediately pray for them. Caring for each other’s burdens binds us together.
I have had a tremendous amount of fun since starting back in the fifth grade. I will miss seeing all of the great girls and terrific coaches that are so very special to me. I am looking forward to the new football season and the exciting things to come.

My name is Jon Patton. I’m home schooled and have played for the Crusaders since 7th grade. I have learned so much as a football player and as a man of Christ. The Crusaders have played a huge part in my life. When I question whether or not I am being a man of Christ, I think of the acrostic and go from there. Who knows where I would have ended up if it weren’t for Jesus, my parents, my church, and my coaches. Mom has always told me that God has this program just for me. Well, He has it for all the Crusaders, but I know what she meant. God has this program for every Crusader that has ever played and will ever play. A lot of people come and go, but they will never find anything like what we have here. I have been blessed and honored to be a part of the Columbus Crusaders. Thank you.

During these last two years I have spent with the Columbus Crusaders, I have met many people who have made an impact in my life and on my Christian walk. These people have shown me that following Christ’s example on how we should live is very simple, but just because it is simple does not mean that it is an easy task.
Being here gave me an opportunity to learn more about my walk with God. It has also given me an arena to apply what I have learned from these people that surround me while I am here.

To me the Crusaders are a family. Everyone works together all week in preparation and we become very close. We also have chapel together and learn what a biblical man really is, some of which I did not know before.
I also see the Crusaders as an opportunity for those who do not have a school program to play real high school football. If it wasn’t for the Crusaders I myself would not have a chance to experience high school football. I am really appreciative of and grateful for this program.

We found this in Jered’s journal that he wrote in while in Peru last year on the missions trip with the church youth group and wanted to share his testimony.

Lord, your glory is amazing and I feel myself growing closer and closer to you. I ask you to break me and mold me into a vessel that you can use for your glory. I’ve spent so much of my walk with you as just a title for myself, “I’m a Christian.” It’s so much more than a title; You’re so much more than a name to hide behind. You’re a healer, a comforter, and a friend. I want my worship for You to be so much more than words; I want it to be a declaration of my love for you and my will to let you take me over. I want to be baptized in your Holy grace, I want to be used to spread your Word and show your love. This, my Lord, is the cry of my heart.

Proverbs 24:10 “If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place,” Lord, I don’t want to fall to pieces during trouble, I want to stand up proud and face them head on. I can do this because I know you are on my side, you are the only strength I need.

Click here to learn more about Jered.

Playing for the Crusaders has been a great experience for me. All of the coaches really care about not only making us better football players, but also teaching us how to be men of Christ. The two years I’ve been with the program has really meant a lot to me. I’m just so thankful for the opportunity to play football even though my school doesn’t offer it. I would like to close by saying thank you to all the coaches for putting so much time into making me a better person and thanks to my family for making the sacrifice of helping me travel from Zanesville to be a part of this program.

The Crusader program has meant more to me than I could ever have imagined. I would be playing football for Gahanna right now if the Crusaders weren’t here. The coaches are great examples of real men of Christ and they really care about your life. I felt a lot of love from the program when Jered died and especially from Coach Stanley when he showed up at my house the night of the accident. He offered me his wisdom and helped me through the worst point of my life. I would definitely be on a different path right now if it weren’t for these men investing in my life. So, I would definitely have to say thanks to the Crusader program for helping me become a real man of God and for leading the way through example.

I started playing Crusader football when I was in sixth grade. The experiences I have had in the past seven years are some things I will never forget. One of my favorite memories from middle school is when we played Centerburg in seventh grade. After the games we prayed with their team in the middle of the field. One of their players asked us to pray for his father who had cancer. After praying with their players our team spent the next few days collecting money, which the coaches drove to Centerburg and presented to the player’s family. It’s experiences like this that show what the Crusader program is all about. Ministering to people through how we play football. I played for Crusaders in middle school because I was home schooled, but once high school came around I decided to attend Westerville South. I was faced with a big decision - play for my school or play for Crusaders. I finally realized that the spiritual aspect of the Crusaders team was far greater than anything I could experience at Westerville South. Playing Crusader football has truly challenged me spiritually, mentally and physically. I would like to thank the coaches for all their hard work. I also want to thank my parents for coming to games. And finally I want to thank God for blessing me with these talents which I can use to glorify him.

There are so many great things that can be said about the Crusader program. The program contains fantastic coaches and teammates alike that love the Lord and are striving to tell other people about Him.
The coaches always have our best interests in mind. It is through their encouragement, and through their constant pushing that we become better football players and are encouraged to grow into biblical men. I will always be thankful to the Crusader program and to the coaches for allowing me to join them my freshman year even though the season had already started. I was a little chubby, I had allergies, I had asthma… but still they took me. I will never forget my first game in JV; it was one of my very first plays from scrimmage. I was playing defensive line; I busted through the line into the backfield and put the running back DOWN. It was a great tackle. Too bad he didn’t have the ball...
Coach Stanley, a man who loves the Lord, and to all of the other coaches, your hard work does not go unappreciated. I will always listen to what you have to say, because I know that it comes with love and wisdom. I trust and respect you. And to find a person in life that you can trust is something you can’t put a price on. I am forever grateful, and I will always remember these years as some of the best of my life.
The Christian environment I have found in the Crusader program has been an awesome experience. To think that we can Honor Jesus on the football field reinforces the fact that we can Honor Jesus in everything we do. Everything!
This year has been tougher than the rest. We lost Jared, one of our captains, and one of my best friends. He was funny. He was smart. The girls loved him, and, you know, we loved him too. He was our quarterback. He was our leader. We are better people for having known him, and we will carry his memory throughout each of our lives. I know that I am not alone when I say that I miss him. I miss him a lot.
I have learned two important life lessons this year. First you never know how much you love someone, until they’re gone. And second, God is always with you and he’ll never leave you. Never!

The Crusader program has been such a wonderful experience for me. I've met so many awesome poeple, and have made some great friends. I'm so thankful for all the coaches and all the time they have put into the program. They have taught me so much, not only in cheering but in my walk with Christ. I'm so happy that I had this oppurtunity to cheer, and I want to thank all the people who made it possible.

Crusader Football has been one of my favorite parts of high school. I joined the Crusaders my sophomore year, at a time when I needed the Godly example that the coaches and team provided. Through the Crusaders, I have learned what it means to be a man of Christ. One of the things the coaches best demonstrated for me was the difference between understanding the traits of biblical manhood, and living them. The experiences of playing football and fellowshipping with brothers in Christ are very fond memories of mine. As I look ahead to college, and to the rest of my life, I will always be thankful for the Crusader ministry and the impact it has had on my life.