In an evening filled with laughter, cheers and some tears, Tabor College Bluejay athletes, coaches and fans were challenged and inspired by former Denver Bronco and Christian motivational speaker Steve Fitzhugh during the Athletic Department's Spring Celebration, held Feb. 10 in the Chapel Auditorium.

An accomplished speaker, poet and rap artist, Fitzhugh has been referred to as "The Chaplain to the Pros" because of his inspiring talks to professional and collegiate athletic teams. He is a national spokesman for The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"It was a blessing to have Steve Fitzhugh on our campus," said Rusty Allen, V.P. for Athletics. "Steve is gifted in his ability to communicate the truths of God's word and what it means to follow Christ."

Fitzhugh, who lives in Washington, D.C., regularly performs concerts in high schools, colleges, juvenile detention centers, national conventions and correctional facilities. Before speaking at Tabor, he presented anti-drug assemblies at Hillsboro USD 410 schools earlier in the day.

According to Allen, the purpose for the Spring Celebration was to highlight the many accomplishments of Tabor athletes and teams this past fall and winter, and to preview the coming spring sports seasons. The focus of the evening was to encourage excellence, both on and off the field, which enhances ministry.

The keynote speaker scored a touchdown, Allen added.

"Steve challenged everyone associated with Bluejays athletics to discern God's plan and gifts, and then use all we've been given to have a positive sphere of influence," Allen said. "His combination of humor, personal testimony and challenging personality really resonated with our athletes."

When an injury ended his playing career after just two seasons in the NFL, Fitzhugh turned his attention toward ministry. He got involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the Washington, DC, area, where he currently resides with his wife, Dr. Karen Broussard-Fitzhugh, and daughters Nicole and Siona.

Fitzhugh's relationship with FCA grew into a partnership, and today he serves as the national spokesman for One Way 2 Play-Drug Free, which spreads a drug-free message to high schools, colleges and juvenile detention centers across America. Fitzhugh is also the founder and executive director of PowerMoves, a national youth organization that uses athletics, academics and the arts to inspire young people to succeed.

In his message to Tabor athletes, Fitzhugh closed the evening and brought down the house by reciting the inspiring Fellowship of Christian Athlete's Competitor's Creed, which he has recorded for the FCA.

The night after hearing Fitzhugh speak, the Tabor College Bluejays men's and women's basketball teams both captured upset victories on the road.