Liz Bayless

A lot of people would say that I am not the cheerleading type. A few years ago, they would have been correct. But after cheering for C.C.F., God has shown me that anything is possible with Him. I am so thankful for the opportunity to witness in this way and I am grateful for the love and support of the coaches. As an encouragement to those of you who feel overwhelmed by life’s struggles, give it all to the Lord; He is the only one who will love you where you are, no matter what the circumstance.

Jason Blake

The four years I have spent with the Crusader program have been amazing. This team has truly been a blessing in my life. Not only has it given me the opportunity to play the game I love, but it has taught me how to Honor Jesus in all I do. I will carry the lessons I have learned here, with me as I walk along life’s road. This program is something special, and I am thankful that I have been blessed with being a part of it. To the coaches and all the people who make this program possible, Thank You. I have had the time of my life.

Robert Dove

I'm Robert Dove and this is my first year with the Crusaders and my first year playing football. I was a little worried about how I would be received being a senior who had never played before, but as soon as I came to the first pre-season weightlifting session I was accepted as "one of the guys". Everybody welcomed me and answered any questions I had.
Along with the brotherhood within the Crusaders I also appreciate the spiritual emphasis--it is unparalleled. The Crusaders' staff has already taught me so much, and these lessons & values will remain with me. This program/ministry is one that I will highly recommend. I wish I had known about it sooner myself.

Kellen Hayes

Crusader Football is without a doubt one of the biggest influences in my life. Ever since I began playing as a 56er, the whole experience has helped me learn what it means to be a Biblical man, which is something I could not learn at a normal football program. The coaches here have really had an impact on my life with how they willingly give up time from their day to help us learn Biblical manhood. Their influence has left a big impression on me.

I love football, and I believe that there is no better way for high school boys to bond and grow together. The football field is a place where you can often see the true character of a young man. The most important thing about the Crusader experience, though, is being able to Honor Jesus through how you play, which the coaches emphasize repeatedly.

I have had eight years to watch this program grow, and I have seen many lives changed by it. God has definitely used the program to work His Will and I know that He will continue to in the future.

Owen Kessler

The Crusader program has meant a lot to me over the last four years. I never thought I would have the opportunity to play football in high school. I think that it is awesome that this program teaches young men how to live as men of Christ, and at the same time teach them to play football. I have learned a lot from the coaches and am very thankful for this team. I would also like to thank the coaches, my family, my friends, especially Earl, and all those who encouraged me along the way. Most of all, I thank Jesus Christ for making this program possible.

Jonathan Lee

It was half way through my freshman year when I heard about the Columbus Crusaders. When I started checking out the Thomas Worthington club rugby team, Coach Cheeseman called me. I had heard little of the program and was curious when he told me they had not only a football team but also a rugby team. After going to one practice, I decided to commit to the Columbus Crusaders and was so affected by the rugby program that my sophomore year I decided to play football for the Columbus Crusaders. Seeing a program where coaches care about you, not number 33, but Jonathan Lee, was what immediately stuck out to me. The coaches are convicted and moved to not just coach football but also pour into our lives helping shape our developing manhood with Christ at the center. This program also provided me the opportunity to look up to and develop relationships with upperclassmen, something I had never really experienced in public schools athletics. I am a part of a team where Christ’s love binds us together, not trying to make playoffs or having a perfect season. This program has brought and revealed the inner conflicts I have of pride and selfishness that can not only deeply devastate me in athletics, but also, and more importantly, in life. To see selfless coaches, selfless players, and learn about the perfect selfless life Jesus lived is what has moved me to desire something more than pride and making a name for myself. I now ultimately realize that Jesus is involved with every aspect of my life including football, and the time I spend in this program as with all other activities in life should be all out for Jesus, honoring Him.

Ryan Means

The Crusader Football Program has been one of the most positive influences on my life. This will be my seventh year in the Crusader Football Program and it will also be my last year playing for this team. Throughout the past seven years of playing for the Crusaders I have been able to overcome numerous difficult and challenging life situations. There were times when I wanted to give up and quit, but many different people and coaches with the Crusaders helped me get through those rough times. They helped me to keep my focus on Jesus and realize that my strength comes from my relationship with Christ. The coaches also helped me to grasp the fact that I should do all I could to overcome these trials and not to become a victim of them. Through practices, chapels, coaches, players, and all others who are affiliated with the Crusader Football Program, I have been able to start my journey down the road toward becoming a biblical man, a man of Christ.

Elizabeth Parent

The Crusader program has been such an incredible opportunity for me. Being home schooled, I never thought I would have the chance to cheer, but the Crusaders made that possible. The cheerleading program has helped me meet some amazing people. The coaches, who give so much time and energy to the program, have been excellent role models for us all. I am so thankful to the Crusader program for giving me the opportunity to cheer.

Derek Reighard

I have no words that will truly express what I feel about having another chance to play football. My father told me that if you trust God he will not let you down. When the OSHAA turned me down for another year of eligibility, my dad asked me to be patient, saying that when a door closes, that gives God the opportunity to work for you and open another door. That’s why I believe that the Columbus Crusaders is a blessing from God.

I have not been with the Crusaders long, but I want to write what I know. With only two weeks with the coaches and team, I can truly say that this will be a blessing for me this year. The coaches are not only leaders in football; they are also leaders of young men. I am sure this year will have a positive influence on me for the rest of my life. I know without a doubt that the coaches care for me and my development as a young man. My teammates have accepted me from the start, also. I know now that God has a plan for my life and the Columbus Crusaders will be a part of this plan.

Just four weeks ago I gave my life to Christ at summer camp. My coaches this year will help me by reinforcing the commitment to Christ that I made. I want to thank Coaches Stanley and Cheeseman and all the other staff members for letting me be a member of the Columbus Crusaders. Thanks!!!

Liz Shields

My family has been going to church as long as I can remember. But when I was 12 I felt God calling me to commit my life to Him. I remember an amazing sense of relief and peace. And ever since then God has been showing me how amazing He is, I know I can trust God with anything and He’ll take care of me. God has been preparing and leading me to live my life for God as the one main focus. One day, everything else will fail and be gone, but God will be here forever!

Jessica Ware

This is my 7th year cheerleading and I have never been involved in a program like this. Crusader Cheerleading has been an amazing 2 year experience for me. The coaches and the girls are very close knit group and I love the never ending support system and caring attitude we all share. My coaches and team have helped boost my faith to new extremes and I'm looking forward to everything God has in store for this season.