FCA is proud to induct six new partners and supporters of the world’s largest international sports ministry into its Hall of Champions (HOC).
Jeff Chase, Mike and Lynne Krueger, Jason and Jenny Stein, and Dr. Tom Woodall have worked tirelessly to further the FCA vision: to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. FCA Hall of Champions honorees over the years have consisted of a mix of coaches, athletes and volunteers, including sports greats such as Tony Dungy, Tom Landry, Tom Osborne and Roger Staubach, to name a few.
“These men and women exemplify an unwavering commitment to Christ and unmatched contributions to their communities, the sports they love, and the people and ministry of FCA,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “We are excited to welcome Mike and Lynne Krueger, Tom Woodall, Jason and Jenny Stein, and Jeff Chase to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Hall of Champions Class of 2024.”
Jeff Chase
For the last 12 years since his retirement, Jeff Chase has been a faithful volunteer, coach and FCA donor in the Lake Oswego, Oregon community, where he has lived with his wife, Patti, for more than 30 years. The ministry impact stemming from his personal involvement and generosity is evident — and increasing. He is a 3Dimensional coach, trained in E3 and he serves various teams as a chaplain. In addition to coaching the freshman football team at Lakeridge High School, he is currently serving as the character coach for the school’s boys’ basketball program. His heart is to grow the character coach model beyond this program and into other schools across the Pacific Northwest.
Mike (deceased) and Lynne Krueger
Mike and Lynne Krueger have impacted hundreds of young people for Christ. Their enthusiasm for FCA has led many others to join the mission. An accomplished business leader in his professional career, Mike transferred those valuable experiences to FCA where he served on three ministry boards. Before Mike went to be with the Lord, he was actively serving on the Southern Wisconsin Area Board, the Wisconsin State Board and the FCA Board of Trustees. Mike faithfully served on the Southern Wisconsin Area Board for 12 years, including recently serving as the Board Chair. Mike was passionate about pointing people to Jesus, and he reminded those around him each day that God is good. Mike and Lynne always served as a duo, with individual strengths that complemented each other. Lynne continues to invest her time and talents as a member of the Southern Wisconsin Events Committee.
Jason and Jenny Stein
Jason and Jenny Stein have been serving at Sonora (Calif.) High School as a varsity basketball coach (Jason) and basketball athletic trainer (Jenny) for 26 years, while leading an FCA Huddle on campus for the last 21 years. Under the Steins’ leadership, the Sonora Huddle has a large weekly attendance and a discipleship ethos that truly follows the E3 model. The couple intentionally encourages eighth-grade students from local Christian middle schools to attend Sonora, a large public school, to be a witness there and receive spiritual training through the Sonora FCA Huddle. With a leadership team of 41 high school disciples in all various sports, the Steins are actively sharing the love of Jesus with others as disciples making disciples.
Dr. Tom Woodall
Dr. Tom Woodall has been involved with FCA for more than 60 years, attending the first of at least 15 camps at Estes Park in 1963. Inspired by the public Christian witness of 11-year NBA veteran Bob Pettit, the first recipient of the league’s MVP award in 1956, Woodall has served FCA in just about every way possible — as an Illinois FCA Board Member, national conference attendee and worker, event organizer, Huddle Coach and Coaches Huddle leader. In the 1990s, he was awarded the Illinois FCA Model Servant Leader Award, and he was instrumental in bringing FCA to the campus of Eastern Illinois University, where he worked for 35 years (1965-2000), led the 1977 EIU cross country team to an NCAA Division II championship and holds the distinction of Professor Emeritus in exercise science.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Champions was established in 1991. Including the new 2024 Hall of Champions class, there are now 144 godly coaches and athletes plus board members and volunteers who have received this special tribute. They make up a group of FCA servant-leaders who have faithfully served Christ through the avenue of FCA. Their commitment to the Lord’s work has impacted many millions over the years. They are a body of teammates in Christ who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to the support of FCA, nominated by staff and board members and elected by a selection committee.
Click here to read more about the Class of 2024 and to view a list of previous Hall of Champions inductees.
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