Top 10 Lists and Memorable MSU FCA Moments

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany and Justin wrap up the year by leaning into one of sports fans' favorite formats—top 10 lists. From iconic ESPN countdowns to unforgettable sports moments, they talk about why highlights matter and how they shape the way fans remember a season.

Then, the conversation shifts to what really made this year special: memorable MSU FCA moments. From spiritual growth and powerful testimonies to game nights, staff milestones, team connections, and the fulfillment of a long-held vision to serve every team on campus, this episode is a celebration of what God has been doing in and through FCA in Mississippi State Athletics.

These moments aren’t ranked—but they are worth remembering. Join Bethany and Justin as they reflect, give thanks, and close out the year with gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead.

Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email mississippistatefca@gmail.com.

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Transcript

SPEAKER_04 0:00

You know, we talked about Josh Gilreath when we were here, and he started his vision was to actually have a staff person cover every team here. He never got to see that happen when he was here. Now we have eight and we're able to cover every team. Right. So we're getting to kind of fulfill the vision that Josh had, which is pretty cool.

SPEAKER_01 0:21

Welcome to the Created to Be podcast. We're back for our final week in 2025. We are wrapping up the year, Justin. So sad. This is also episode 10, which is the most in a season, if you would call it a season. We're gonna keep going for Tuesdays, but uh it's a mile marker for us.

SPEAKER_04 0:39

It's also your favorite number.

SPEAKER_01 0:41

Yeah, 10 is my favorite number. Yeah, so we've done in previous seasons, we've we definitely changed up this podcast this year, but in previous seasons we did six episodes of fall, and that was it. Justin's cheesing at me right now. I'm not sure why.

SPEAKER_04 0:54

No, you're just so happy.

SPEAKER_01 0:55

We're sitting across we're sitting across from each other instead of next to each other today.

SPEAKER_04 0:59

So anyway, no, I don't know how this is gonna go.

SPEAKER_01 1:01

Yeah, we'll see.

SPEAKER_04 1:02

A lot of eye contact.

SPEAKER_01 1:03

We'll see. I smiles.

unknown 1:04

No gosh.

SPEAKER_04 1:06

They don't know what eye smiles are.

SPEAKER_01 1:08

Yeah, they might. I don't know. All right. So, anyways, yeah, so 10th episode, final of 2025. It seems right and fitting that we would do an episode on kind of like the greatest moments of the semester. Yeah. Yeah. It's fitting. Call like, you know. Uh, and so we're gonna get to that as far as like FCA highlights, some of the moments that we want to reflect back on and just want to say we are gonna talk about like how we have these top top 10 lists or whatever in various, you know, mostly we're familiar with it in sports, but even on other TV shows and stuff like that. So when we get to the FCA list, it's not in any particular order. We're not ranking them because it's kind of hard to do that whenever you're in a relational ministry. Not one thing was necessarily greater than other.

SPEAKER_03 1:52

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 1:53

Um, so our list will be a little different, but we are gonna highlight some things that we remember. Um, on the last podcast, just want to shout out Taylor Pitts again. She did a great job. We talked about hometowns, uh, sprinkled in a little bit about traditions and talked about Detroit. And that was a lot of fun. I hope that y'all tuned in and learned about Detroit. We uh she we even talked about some things that she was like, oh, I didn't know that. I learned about that today. Um, so that was a lot of fun. This is a slower time on campus. Um, so we do have basketball around. Taylor is the athletic trainer for basketball. So we're familiar with basketball being around, but there's some other sports that have shortened breaks that we might not think about. So football for sure, a lot of people might know because we made the uh Duke's Mayo bowl. So they are around, they will be around fighting for some mayonnaise. Yeah. And then we have track, which might be one that people aren't as familiar with because their season is pretty unique. So they have an indoor season and an outdoor season in the spring.

SPEAKER_04 2:55

Yeah. Let's start right up.

SPEAKER_01 2:56

When they come back, they got to be ready to go.

SPEAKER_04 2:58

Yes.

The Stretch: Top 10 Lists

SPEAKER_01 2:59

Uh so anyway, that's uh happening. And then one that maybe people really don't think about is cheer and dance. We were at the basketball game over the break and they're here, you know? So there's just a lot of people still here, which is great. Um, but hopefully they'll get enough time, you know, they get short breaks over the holidays and then they'll be back. So that's really all the updates we have as far as like who's still here on campus, what athletes and coaches are still around. Uh, so we see them from time to time. But we're gonna record this podcast and talk about top 10 highlights in the stretch time today. Justin, I know that you were an avid ESPN watcher.

SPEAKER_04 3:39

Oh yeah. Sports Center. Sports Center. Okay. The uh, you know, Stuart Scott, Scott Van Pelt, Rich Isan, you know, Keith Olberman, um, before he went crazy. He's a little out there now. But like uh yeah, those guys, Dan Patrick, Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick were a great combo. And just all the phrases, the bringing the highlights to life, um, the fun phrases of putting the biscuit basket or cooler than the other side of the pillow, or um oh guy Kenny Main used to do some funny, funny stuff. Um Kenny Main, goodness gracious. Uh yeah, all those all those characters that you see on TV bring those things to life, man. It just there's nothing like a top ten list. Like that was the highlight of the show. And then you'd 30 minutes later you'd watch it again because it would just replay.

SPEAKER_00 4:26

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 4:27

Um, and then I also grew up with top ten lists. Uh my dad really liked David Letterman. And uh so watching that shenanigans for a top 10 list is still gold.

SPEAKER_01 4:38

I wish I had well and that that concept of a top 10 is very I mean, it's common in a lot of different places, but our kids like Dude Perfect, and Dude Perfect often has things like that, whether it's top 10 serials or top 10 superheroes or something, you know, like it's just a concept that we get used to hearing and, you know, have those times where we can be like, no, it's not right. And again, we're not gonna rate these FCA moments like that. Um, but one thing that I found really interesting is that I have always associated like top 10 in sports with ESPN and their top 10. Um, but it's not necessarily that concept is not necessarily associated with like one specific show. Um, I wish that Darius and Brandy were able to be with us today to hear about like their, you know, con like that concept. Uh Darius is out not feeling the best, and then Brandy couldn't join us today. So we'll try to do our best uh to rehash these moments um with FCA. But before we do that, I just thought this was interesting. The concept of ranking sports moments or teams like AP polls started in 1936 for college football. And then that evolved. So it started from like ranking sports to these dedicated top 10 lists becoming popular in sports magazines like Sports Illustrated, um, and they would highlight specific events or achievements so that fans would engage. And so I would think that that's like what we like to it's short and sweet, which is probably what makes it so easy to engage with, like a top 10 list or whatever. Yeah. You know, it's not a full story, it's just like recap, you know, and like look at this awesome thing. It's like when we talked about in a several episodes ago, like at the very beginning, those highlights where you don't have to watch a whole game. It's just this short attention span, really awesome, like play and it's exciting. You don't have to wait for it, and it's a compilation of that.

SPEAKER_04 6:32

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 6:32

Like that's kind of fun.

SPEAKER_04 6:33

Yeah, it is fun. It is fun too when they get like the uh smaller schools involved.

SPEAKER_01 6:38

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_04 6:38

And so these and and different sports.

SPEAKER_01 6:40

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 6:41

In, you know, um I think some of the most of the season.

SPEAKER_01 6:44

Yeah, I think some of the most amazing top ten that I've seen is soccer. Like some of the things that they do in soccer is wild.

SPEAKER_04 6:51

Yeah. So I like those. Yeah. And even some hockey stuff. You know, we don't we obviously get any hockey here in I like postseason hockey. That's about the time that I would watch it. But man, some of the plays that they can make um pretty impressive. And you just don't see that in the South. So it's nice to kind of get that.

SPEAKER_01 7:09

Did you ever get into like sports illustrating their magazines and stuff?

SPEAKER_04 7:14

No, I didn't read. I didn't I didn't read that much at all. If they had Michael Jordan on the cover, I would look at it. Um or if somebody that I was like a favorite, we didn't get a copy of it. I think we went through a period where we did, but then we um maybe my dad's office or something.

SPEAKER_01 7:31

Yeah, because it says that that that concept of like top ten years in sports or top ten became like a recognized format because of Sports Illustrated.

SPEAKER_02 7:41

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 7:42

Also, obviously, and then with sports broadcasting like ESPN, top ten countdowns became a staple. So anyway, do you remember any like top 10? You mentioned Michael Jordan already, and obviously we're that era where we would probably he would be we've already mentioned some of his great moments on other episodes of our podcast. But what um do you remember any growing up of like incredible plays that you saw on the top 10 list?

SPEAKER_04 8:09

Oh gosh, dear. I mean, we got the any World Series or NBA finals, any Jordan highlight. I had so many top tens for just watching that guy.

SPEAKER_01 8:18

Was Randy Johnson on there with the bird?

SPEAKER_04 8:21

Yeah, that's a funny moment. So if you know this, uh I don't know if you've seen this. Look up Randy Johnson bird, and you would see him mid as he's throwing the ball to the plate, a bird crosses the path and catches a hundred miles an hour, and that bird just goes poof. You just see feathers.

SPEAKER_01 8:37

I don't know if we should endorse that on the podcast, but I mean the timing of that. Right.

SPEAKER_04 8:42

Sorry, bird, but I mean that that moment just unreal.

SPEAKER_01 8:47

What constitutes in your mind like a highlight they could would make? Like what are your qualifications to make? Because I that, for instance, I don't know what happened after that, but to me, that should be a top 10 play because of what you just said, like the timing, like the improbability of this thing happening. Like you, you know, you're like, we gotta show the people what happened if they missed this.

SPEAKER_04 9:06

I don't know, it's memorable moments. Like if you look at like one of them is Nolan Ryan and Robin Ventura, that's a moment that you always think about. So Robin Ventura got Nolan kind of threw one up and in at him, and Robin didn't like it, and he was a young player at the time, and Nolan was like the old veteran. Robin decides to, as he got hit, run to run right up to Nolan and attack him, like try to hit him. Nolan put him in the headlock and got 10 hits in. Wow, you know, and and it was like Was that on the top 10? No, but it was just I mean it's a moment. You're like what defines a top 10 moment that I've seen in my sports time was that moment.

SPEAKER_02 9:42

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 9:43

I think I s I actually saw that one, you know.

SPEAKER_02 9:45

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 9:46

Um Jordan's final shot against the Jazz, you know, that's a moment for me that I remember. Um and then he came out of retirement again and played for the Wizards. But besides the point, it was the moment. Like there's just moments that you see and that you remember.

SPEAKER_01 10:00

Um I think a lot of incredible plays too that they show on those types of things is like over the like whatever the baseball players will catch, an outfielder will catch over the wall, or something like that. Oh, yeah. Like run into the wall and see how they come up with it or the diving catch. Like I think that those are always so like timing, I think makes a great play or makes a great moment that you would want to show again, because uh so many things like have to line up for somebody to be able to like make all this come together at this time. So I think I've seen a lot of clips like that. It has to do with like, or even in basketball, like a good alley oop or something like that, or you know, it's like two people are involved, and so there's this timing involved, and that's I think really interesting to see as a fan. It's like how all these things came together to make this play.

SPEAKER_04 10:46

Yeah, I mean, it could be the bigness of the game. Um, it could be the craziness of maybe an upset, it could be just an off-the-wall thing that never happens in a sport before that happens, i.e. Randy Johnson hitting a bird, right? You know, or an ultimate meltdown that you never see. You know, I think of George Brett getting thrown out of baseball, he the baseball game because he had pine tar too high on his bat, he went absolutely nuts on the ref and you know, and bumped him and everything. I'm sure he got fined and suspended for it, but it was just crazy. So there's moments that we all remember that are for a lot of different reasons, not just clutch performances or the flu game from Jordan, you know, whatever it may be.

SPEAKER_01 11:30

Why do you think people are so engaged with the top 10 thing? Like, why are we fascinated with putting things in lists and ranking things? Like the I mean, even our son Eli, mom, can I look at ESPN? I want to see the rankings. You know? Like why do we get so obsessed with rankings, lists?

SPEAKER_04 11:48

We've been wired to do that. We measure everything. I mean, that's just what we do.

SPEAKER_00 11:53

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 11:53

Um, in our jobs, most of our jobs require measuring something. Like you mentioned, the difference in our jobs. To go through a top ten list for these things and to try to like put them in exact order.

SPEAKER_02 12:05

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 12:05

Um, that seems pretty silly. That would kind of defeat the purpose. You know, how do you go? Well, we had five salvations. How's that not number one? You know, that should be the best, you know. And we all have those emphasis. But I think with our jobs and the great debate of sports, what it's become, it's always about it's the one thing to debate. We're always debating who's the goat.

SPEAKER_00 12:26

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 12:27

That's the best. And so we have the one, and then we're all talking about the following list or debating who's number one because apparently that makes good TV. I don't think it produces great things necessarily because we see the world and see others from a lens of a ranking system. Yeah. Um, so yeah, that's I think it's just one of the way we're wired because we're we've been taught that. I think I think SportsCenter got on something early, top plays, all that stuff. They saw how much it was great, and then it just continued to evolve into these debate shows.

SPEAKER_01 12:59

Yeah, true.

SPEAKER_04 13:00

And um, and so yeah, now everything's about a debate because people want to see people just debate and share talking points of the same stuff over and over again.

SPEAKER_02 13:08

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 13:08

Um I don't really know why. It can be kind of exhausting.

SPEAKER_01 13:13

Yeah, it can be exhausting. I will say though, somewhat rewarding, a lot rewarding when you see your team at the top. We were not in school at the time when Dak Prescott was here, but I do remember wherever we were living at the time, really enjoying asking Siri, hey Siri, who's at the top of the AP pole in college football? And seeing Mississippi State next to that number one. It was pretty nice.

SPEAKER_04 13:37

So, Bethany, what did you do tonight?

SPEAKER_01 13:39

Well, I kept asking Siri who's number one from the How many times can I see Siri answer this question before she changes? Yeah, I so I mean, I don't know. I mean, I've been there for sure where it's like it something about it feels really good, you know, to be up there.

SPEAKER_04 13:55

Yeah, I mean, if it did kind of produce something in us that we liked, we wouldn't be doing care. There is a pride that comes with being in a certain number, right? Being up there and being relevant, right? Right, based on whatever they say is relevant.

SPEAKER_00 14:11

Right.

SPEAKER_04 14:11

You know? Um, and so yeah, it does kind of scratch the itch a little bit there. And so we do enjoy it. Um, we also don't enjoy it when we're not anywhere near any kind of top anything.

SPEAKER_00 14:23

Right.

SPEAKER_04 14:23

Which is, you know, the heartache of being a bulldog fan at times. But yeah.

SPEAKER_01 14:28

Um we love this place.

SPEAKER_04 14:29

Oh, yeah. It's just where it is.

Memorable MSU FCA Moments | Fall 2025

SPEAKER_01 14:31

Yeah. So top 10, kind of like just chatting about that today for the stretch, but we'll get into these moments with FCA again, not in any particular order, but just some memorable highlights from the year that we wanted to rehash because they were just it's been a really cool year as we came into this semester. We knew some things would be different uh just with our approach collectively as a staff. Um, so we did. We changed a lot of things. We actually changed a lot of what the huddle feels like in the experience for the athletes and for the leaders too, the student leaders, they do a great job of, you know, their their schedules are so busy that we've changed a lot of how we've structured what it looks like to invest in leaders. And they have just rolled with it. And one of the things that we've done is changed how the huddle, you know, we used to have a lot more teaching, I guess, on the front end with some engagement individually. Um, just we would prompt them to do individual exercises or things like that, and sometimes like in the room, but then sometimes we would do small groups, but we went all in on small groups this semester. And I would say that that's a highlight for me thinking about this semester is how the leaders engage with that because we'd come in and we would split people up in groups. And I was kind of nervous about how the general, you know, group coming in would feel about having a different group every time. Uh, but the leaders were like, no, we like it that way. And it seemed not to deter anybody, which was great. Like people knew that that's kind of what the feel would be like at the huddles. And so most of the huddles were like that. And that's just our weekly meeting on Mondays on campus that's open to any student and all the athletes. And so um, you know, that was a really cool thing. So we would do like the message portion would be 10 to 15 minutes of a message, but then the leaders would really take on that last part of the huddle and lead small groups. And I think from that, I've saw a lot of growth and development from not only the leaders, because it gave them a place to serve, which it's really hard with their limited capacity to find those places where they can exercise those gifts that of those leadership abilities that are in this space of walking with the Lord. And so that was really cool because they just don't really have a ton of extra time to do a ton, you know, other things. Some athletes can get out there and speak at local high schools or do more stuff like that. But this gave them a consistent place to plug in. So that would be a highlight for me. Um, what would be a highlight for you that comes to mind?

SPEAKER_04 17:00

Well, in you know, sticking to the the huddle, I think one of the moments we had was the the game night, which was a blast.

SPEAKER_01 17:07

In Shira.

SPEAKER_04 17:08

In Shira. Yeah, combo. The combo game night. I think you orchestrated the multiple events, and then we had staff running different games, and it was fire. I mean it was intense. There was a lot of sweat going on, a lot of athleticism, safe athleticism being shown. Um, yeah, it was just a lot of fun, and it got heated in it in a good way and very competitive. And so it was just good to see them have fun and compete. Um, and it was just a variety of people in the room. I mean, there was probably every team represented in there, yeah. Minus football, I think. And it was just uh it was a special time.

SPEAKER_01 17:45

And shout out to Mary Ashley, our intern. She did a great job making a post. She makes post huddle um, you know, posts on Instagram all the time. But that one, she got a lot of the groups in the pictures. And that was, I think, the same night that was another highlight for us, which was one of the athletes was gonna have surgery the next day, and we just took a moment to pray for her. And so that was, I believe, at the end of game night because it was Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 18:09

So that was a I just asked the group, I was like, who else has had a surgery before in like half the room? Right. You know, significant surgery. And so um, I think it kind of shocked her. But we had a great time then to come around her. Everybody came around her, but a few people, a few of the students led a prayer. Yeah. It was really, a really good time. Really blessed her a lot. And uh just I think it was a big culture builder. It was like a big culture moment um from what this group this year is gonna be about and what they're gonna kind of build for. And it was like a changing of the guard, a lot of new people this year, and so it was uh that was a really um pillar like moment for the year.

SPEAKER_01 18:48

Yeah, and one thing that has changed that we've talked a lot about as a staff is just that, you know, the there's so much turnover and transition for these athletes coming in and out with a portal and everything. And so it's really made us think about like what are those dynamics, what are the dynamics supposed to be from staff to athlete relationship, you know? And some of them, you know, can be go deeper and form those one-on-one relationships to where, you know, you might end up doing their wedding one day or, you know, but others, you you just can't guarantee they'll even be your past one semester. And so one of the things that we feel like that we can provide in this space is to help them connect with each other as much as possible to grow in with their peers in this space. And so I think things like that, showing them, you know, modeling for them in those moments, like y'all can pray for each other, let's do that now. We can have fun together, let's do that now. And it doesn't mean that a staff, again, can't be as intentional. We can do that, but there's this other component that this will probably stick with them longer is these moments of sharing with their friends that they're gonna probably have beyond this place. And so that's been really fun to watch. I do have a funny story from that night. A couple of the basketball players came, women's basketball, and I knew that they had had a hard practice and they can't always make FCA. And so I was really pumped that they came. But I just kind of grimaced through my smile as they walked through the doors and I apologized as I'm handing their name tag, saying, Y'all, I'm so sorry, but it's a game night tonight. Because it we've done game nights before, and some of those you could be kind of like chill because we just said, Hey, who wants to play kickball? Who wants to do this? But that night we were splitting people up on teams and we had not this day. Yeah. So we had like a football game going on that was tailored to the night, like it wasn't straight up football. And then we had um yeah, I was gonna say hopscotch, but anyways, a hula hoop.

SPEAKER_04 20:47

Rock, paper, scissors, hula hoop game.

SPEAKER_01 20:49

And then we did have a trivia spot spot, you know, like game. So that was, you know, kind of time that they could uh catch their breath. But anyways, it's funny. They were great sports about it, but I was just like, oh my gosh, I maybe come next week. No, but they um they had a great time. And I think that those events are always helpful for people uh just to come. We had a lot of people there that came that might not have come to a lot of other things, but they can make them feel kind of comfortable, you know? Um, another highlight I would say are just the testimonies that we've had. Um, Manny Meivo from the track team, she shared her testimony. Mia from tennis, she shared her testimony, and then Garrick um from baseball, he shared his testimony. And then Matthew Mackey, who is not an athlete, but he he is athletic. Matthew, shout out to you out there. We do have some non-Missippi State athletes that come to the huddle, and Matthew is a staple.

SPEAKER_04 21:46

Serving the last year and a half, two years.

SPEAKER_01 21:49

Yeah, he helps on the worship team, but he's also on the leadership team. And now he helps Taylor Troutman, who is on the softball team, lead the access group, which is another highlight we'll talk about here in a minute. But anyways, those students have done great just to share their testimonies and get up in front of the group just to share wherever they're what they've journeyed through. And I think it's always, you know, and then at the end of the year, we had spotlight, I not spotlight, um, open mic. And that is not as formal, but you know, as far as like prepping for testimony and then then coming up to share for two to five minutes. But they did a great job with that. You know, there was a lot, like there was seven, so it's hard to like name all those people. But um, yeah, I think those are always highlights, just testimonies, people getting up, taking a chance to share about the work that God's doing in their hearts.

SPEAKER_04 22:38

So uh man, another one that has come up is Brandy coming on full time. Let's go Brandy Morgan, um game changer. Choosing to step away from teaching and to come back on full time. Yeah. Man, we have had a hole to fill since she left, and what a gift. And then she has raised the funds, the support has come in, and so she's been full-time for a couple months now. And uh man, talking about like dynamite like just helped us a ton, brought so much organization, rebuilding and and continuing to grow those relationships with soccer and softball, and she just she's tremendous.

SPEAKER_01 23:16

One of the things that I love about having other peers on staff is just the ideas that you can get from each other because there's gifts and abilities, you know, across our staff. And when we have people that have all that life experience, and then it's and then some and some FCA experience, there's ways that she interacts with other coaches or athletes that I have never even thought to. She is really good at being intentional with knowing when someone is about to have a surgery or they have this going on or that going on. And I struggle, I struggle uh with that. And so she's just giving just by watching her, she may not even know, but just by watching her be intentional with like what's going on in people's lives, it's made me a little bit better for sure in that area. I say little bit because yeah, I'm not perfect, but I have gotten ideas, and so I love that that we can share that together. And she will be, I think, adding a huge part of community involvement whenever we get the pickleball tournament up and going in the spring. I think that that's gonna open up a whole new avenue of way people ways people can connect with FCA and get to know the athletes and stuff like that. So we're gonna come on that. But um, I would say a couple of highlights from me that are sports related. I know you might have a few on your list, Justin, but the Arizona State football win was really special at the beginning of the year. Yeah. Like it felt like Startville was thirsty and we were given water that night. Like it, you could feel in the atmosphere at that game, like we are desperate. We want this so bad. And we did not stay till the end. We definitely watched it when we got home, the the last part of it.

SPEAKER_04 24:59

It was a late game.

SPEAKER_01 24:59

It was late, yeah. Three kids, yeah. But to see how the fans stormed the field and just really soaked in that win was really cool to see. And in addition to that win, Joel Coleman, shout out to Joel and Logan Lowry, who do a great job of two of the best covering all the sports. They talked about, I know Joel did, about how this was the best start in fall sports in school history. And I know that we kind of hit a wall at some point and things started to somewhat kind of fall apart, but it was the best start. Like it was really cool to watch across all these fall sports how strong we started those seasons. So those were two sports-related highlights that I'm thinking about.

SPEAKER_04 25:40

Yeah. Um keeping in all the sports-related highlights, Allie Perry.

SPEAKER_01 25:45

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 25:46

Goodness, Allie Perry. Uh a couple goals with like two minutes left.

SPEAKER_02 25:52

Two minutes left.

SPEAKER_04 25:53

Um, maybe even less than that, you know, and clutch time. One won a game for us at home and the other got us a tie. Um, wow, talking about somebody that just always has a chance and will you give her any space late in the game, it's gonna go in the goal.

SPEAKER_01 26:08

Yeah. It's so special. I remember that game against Tennessee and just losing my mind. Like it's like soccer can get, at least for me, and no offense to those who play soccer, but it kind of gets you in a lull, like you're just kind of you're watching, you're watching. And so whenever something explosive like that happens, I feel like the explosiveness comes out of me too, at the same time. Cause I'm just like over here, like, uh, and then I'm like, oh my gosh, that just happened. And I'm like grabbing my cowbell going crazy.

SPEAKER_04 26:37

We would probably be immature soccer fans.

SPEAKER_01 26:39

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We're not seasoned at all.

SPEAKER_04 26:41

No.

SPEAKER_01 26:42

We're we're learning though. Um, okay, another highlight before we move on to I got a few staff highlights, but the access involvement. So there's a program at Mississippi State with access, it's called Access. And in an uh FCA world, we would call this group of people um all ability. So they're ones that have just different learning disabilities and things like that. And um, there's more and physical disabilities, yeah. Yeah. And they play sports, which is awesome here at Mississippi State. They have a group that goes and they play like a club sport type situation where they go and play at O'Miss or Alabama, or I think they're even going to Florida for a tournament of some sort. So, like flag football, what else do they play? Basketball. Basketball. Yeah, they've got some other things.

SPEAKER_04 27:30

There's probably some more too. Yeah. So uh just the two that we know. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 27:33

So a small group. So about like seven to eight of those come to FCA. And it's just been really cool to see how that group has been consistent. And then Natalie and Chase Smith have come and helped and stepped in to help us be a consistent leader with this, these groups, this group. And then Matthew, like I said, Mackie and then Taylor Troutman also have a passion just for that group and um meeting their needs. And so Matthew and Taylor have been also really huge. So, like we did something this year we've never done, um, which I we don't have on our list in front of us, but another highlight would be the team meals that we've had, which kind of goes into one of the ones about staff here in a second. Um, but we had access, the group over, we kind of called it their pregame because they were gonna go play the next day. I think which who are they playing? Alabama.

SPEAKER_03 28:20

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 28:21

Yeah. And so anyway, uh, it was just really fun to have them over.

SPEAKER_04 28:24

Carbload.

SPEAKER_01 28:25

Yeah, that's what we were like, eat all this pasta, get rid of your game. Uh, but anyway, that's been like a new thing. And I love that FCA is doing what they can to resource um that group, just in all abilities, um, and that arm of FCA. And so we love that we have the opportunity to minister um to that group.

SPEAKER_04 28:44

Big start, big person growing that ministry that was a part of starting it across FCA was Josh Gilreese. He's the former FCA director here at Mississippi State, the one who really kind of started this as a full-time staff.

Shout Out to MSU FCA Staff

SPEAKER_01 28:57

Yeah, he married us. He was our FCA director. So anyway, shout out to Josh. He's awesome, obviously. Um, but transitioning a little bit to staff highlights, one is having Jason Stoker on the staff. And a lot of what we are talking about are new things that are developing, that are growing, that having staff that are, I mean, we range from full-time to part-time to very part-time. And then we have our intern, Mary Ashley. Uh, so we have varying degrees of commitment that we can make with our time to certain places and things. And having Jason, you know, this area with golf and tennis was an area that you have been really passionate about, Justin, that I've watched. Like you really desiring to see someone who can dedicate more time and attention to those teams. And in the same way that you were passionate about having somebody for football. Like you just get in these areas as you've observed ministry opportunities and be like, man, I really want someone to be able to spend time with this team more intentionally. And thank goodness, you know, we found Scott uh Nicholson, and so you got that role filled a few years ago. And then golf and tennis has been kind of the same. So you can talk more about Jason.

SPEAKER_04 30:05

Yeah, no, Jason has plowed some ground really in some areas, and we have some amazing golf coaches here. Amazing, and they have been nothing but great for Jason. And this year I feel like it's finally like taken off for him. We had a put together a dinner, had a family host it for us uh for them, had put a great time together, um, really worked to get both teams there. He's got an opportunity to serve that team in different ways in this next semester, and he's amped up. He's a former golfer at William Carey, and uh just loves getting to taught golf and but really just getting to love these guys and support these girls in any way that he can. He's that pastor, pastor's heart in him, and so it's really been great to see that come to pass. And those two coaches are tremendous. Um, Charlie and Dusty um are the best. And uh I I just love the golf program.

SPEAKER_01 30:54

And he has Jason has so many relationships and connections. One thing that I love is his ability to, if he can't do it, he can find someone who can. So even incorporating the people from First Baptist to be able to host this meal, come alongside, get involved in that way. Like that's another thing, just even talking about Brandy earlier, like with some of the things she's able to create in her own ministry. That's the opportunity that we all have. Is that yes, we come under this umbrella, but we all have these specific ways that we can engage people different. And that just expands what you know God is doing here.

SPEAKER_04 31:26

And Jason's even got what uh PGA golfer relationships. He had a guy do a video for the team and send it to him. So he's getting real creative. Yeah. It's cool to see the creativity come out. He really just wants to to be a great support for them in this time. And so it's good to have somebody commit that time.

SPEAKER_01 31:44

Right. Yeah. Things that you couldn't do.

SPEAKER_04 31:45

No, no, he's helped with church partnerships as well and and other fundraising efforts. And so it's again, it's a guy that knows a lot of people, um, but will go above and beyond to try to get other people involved.

SPEAKER_01 31:57

Yeah. All right, and then another highlight you had was that Scott Nicholson.

SPEAKER_04 32:00

Yeah, so Scott got breakthrough this year. Um, apparently in the past, the history was that the FCA person would travel. And uh when I got here, that kind of changed. Didn't happen. I went to one game for my one season with Coach Leach. And then with the transition, we just hadn't had anybody travel for a good two seasons. And this year, Scott got a chance to go on his first road trip, and I think it was to Florida. And uh so that was a big deal for for us. We don't do this to travel. Right. I think I want to communicate that. I don't we don't do it for the stuff, uh, we don't do it to travel, but if we get asked to and it's a value to the team, um, it's a sacrifice. I mean, it's not really it it is a sacrifice because take away from time. Um, but you know, thankfully football trips are a little bit shorter, but Scott loves the opportunity to connect with the guys and the coaches and see them in that space and support them, and they see him as a value, and so he's gone on every trip since. So it's pretty, pretty awesome. Pretty awesome opportunity. But it's also just a testament to Scott and like the time he's put in. I mean, it's fun to watch him at practice. I mean, he is the first guy they see when they come out of the locker room onto the practice field, hugging, high fibing, um, praying. Some guys need prayer before practice. I mean, it's just a it's he does so much, so much over there.

SPEAKER_03 33:20

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 33:20

He's always in that that building over there, spending time with coaches and even other staff that are not coaches. I mean, he's he's in it.

SPEAKER_01 33:28

Yeah, and speaking of staff highlights, Shay and Jeremiah Pierce, they have been great to just invest consistently at track, and they we've talked about growth room that they've created, and you know, as part of this podcast, we've mentioned it a few times before, and that's just a track only gathering. And it was just once a month. The track was like, we want more. And and they are a fun bunch, um, competitive bunch. And we learned more about that when we played Jeopardy with them, which is in another podcast episode. So feel free to go look at that one. We won't rehash all that here. Uh, it was a good time, but it was pretty wild. And we are like, Shay and Jeremiah are perfect for this job. They understand the track world because they participated in track here. We're athletes here, but then they also just the dynamics and everything, they they know how to to navigate that space really well and lead them well. And so I know that they said that the last growth room was a huge success, just and they've had consistent people coming the whole time. And I think that's really cool that those people are consistently coming. It's part of their schedule, and it's just what's happening there is a huge testament to what Jeremiah and Shayla put in time and you know, every day. Um, is there anything you want to say about that?

SPEAKER_04 34:41

Nah, track is normally the forgotten sport, but not with FCA.

SPEAKER_01 34:44

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 34:45

It's been great. Um, Jeremiah coming on staff three years ago, which is crazy to think about, like just over three years ago. Yeah. And to build that and then having Shay come on the following year. It's really cool to see them grow in their leadership and what they want to build and create in that track culture. And um, really been special this year with this crop of of leaders.

SPEAKER_01 35:06

Yeah. And then we got to say Darius. Darius has been, I mean, just in general, I'm just saying a highlight is Darius. His personality and his wit, we appreciate it. I'll I'll lump this together with the podcast as been a highlight. He said on the last podcast, he said, Man, every time I come, I learn something. I don't expect that. And then I learn something. So that's good. Um, but Darius really has been a faithful, consistent presence with men's basketball to take, you know, take that step behind Tyson Cunningham, who did a phenomenal job for 10 years here. Those are some big shoes to fill. And Darius stepping in, you know, it's pretty wild that Darius was had the you know ability to be a chaplain, but then also, I mean, Tyson led worship at the huddle. To have someone who could do that is really unique and such a blessing to us. So that's why I say Darius in general, him just is is a highlight. You have anything you want to add to that, Justin?

SPEAKER_04 36:02

No, you nailed it. He's awesome.

SPEAKER_01 36:05

He is the highlight, and he's not here to argue with us about it. So there you go. Um, any other highlights? I I wrote on here board members because oftentimes, you know, we don't maybe mention as much incredible people that are outside, you know, they're not coming to Mississippi State every day to work with us, but they are supporting this ministry. And I know, I mean, I'm not gonna say names, but you have also donors. And there's been, you have, you know, consistent people who are monthly partners who might listen to this podcast who we want to say thank you. Huge shout out to the people that have just, I mean, we I know that we've had people that have supported us at Mississippi College, University of Texas, and still support us here at Mississippi State. That is incredible.

SPEAKER_03 36:50

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 36:51

So that's a major highlight. And then also there have been people who have just out of the blue, just donated that has substantially made impact in our dip various orgs because we all individually raise funds. So sometimes Justin will get those emails and we're like, what the heck? I gotta get this person a call. Like, what are they doing?

SPEAKER_03 37:11

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 37:12

And that is, I mean, an incredible thing to open up and see. So thank you to all those people. That's always a highlight and a huge encouragement because when we see that, you know, we can thankfully we do have a big staff team here, but you and I have served at other places where it was just us two. We might have an intern, maybe two interns, but it can be sometimes you're just in this and you don't get all the support and encouragement and all that. And so to see a donation come through or sit down to write notes to people who are monthly donors who are, you know, it's just coming into the account. Like you remember and you appreciate, oh, there are people, even though that they're not here with me, I don't have a staff, more extra staff or whatever. You can see I have people supporting this. They believe in what I'm doing. And so thankfully now we have both. Like we have incredible people that are still supporting and donors and board members, but now we also have a staff team. So I feel like we stay pretty encouraged here at Mississippi State. Yeah. And we have a great place to work and the coaches and athletes, like it's a really sweet spot. I would say Mississippi State is a highlight. Yeah. I would say Mississippi State Athletics is also a highlight. But yeah, any um notable or you know, events that you remember just happening this year with board members, support, anything in that category.

SPEAKER_04 38:29

I mean, when we do the luncheon, they put so much time and effort um to get that event going and to run first class. And I feel like they did that this year. And we went to a new place in my event, had the president come and check out the ship. Sorry, he's I mean, it was May. It was like right there on the brink.

SPEAKER_01 38:49

I'm giving him a hard time because before we started today and said only this semester. I can't I can't my brain can't handle highlights from the whole year.

SPEAKER_04 38:57

I mean board meetings are a hoot. The stories that are shared are a blast. Um we've had a change where we've had a lot of a a group of our board members that we when I first got here that were established and a part of it have moved on. Um they have kind of rotated off. And so now we have a new group in, and so and we're still trying to grow it back, and so it's different. So as we're getting to grow more together, we're kind of figuring out who we are as a team and as a group. Yeah, another highlight too is having board members host host gatherings at their homes or in different spaces, uh, or just a connection with uh somebody over lunch. It's really impactful, really important. And that connection leads to another connection, next thing you know, somebody's more involved and awareness is spreading about what's happening. And so it's it's pretty fun. It's uh we can't do it alone. It's a whole team. And that's the thing about the board and the don and like donors out there like this is a whole team. It's one big unit heading to the masses at Mississippi State. It's not just the eight staff.

SPEAKER_00 39:56

Right.

SPEAKER_04 39:56

Yeah, it's like it's an army. And so y'all aren't here day to day. But you are in a different way. Through prayer, through support, you're allowing us to be here. Um, you know, we talked about Josh Gilreath when we were here, and he started his vision was to actually have a staff person cover every team here. He never got to see that happen. It was just him and one other staff when he was here as before he left. Now we have eight. We're able to cover every team. Right. So we're getting to kind of fulfill the vision that Josh had, which is pretty cool.

SPEAKER_01 40:30

Yeah. The board events, I would say one of the highlights we talked about on another episode, but was definitely the athletes getting share, specifically in that context, was really special when we had three track athletes share. And again, anytime that they can get in front of people and just share the impact of what is happening.

SPEAKER_04 40:46

At the Ford's house, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 40:48

Yeah. Um, is definitely a highlight. And I would be remiss if I did not mention Rune Six with First Baptist Church. A great group of people that'll come over and help and provide just sometimes snacks, or most of the time they do bring food. So if they're coming, we know that there's some food coming. But the students really love it whenever they come and they get to know them too through that. Uh, and we've had some other just businesses in the community donate things for the huddle. That's been a highlight. But also say the new staff groups that I know both of us have had. Coach Darty with volleyball, she really wanted a group for ladies. And so we talked over the uh over the summer about that. And then the ironic thing was her schedule was so packed she couldn't come. But we did get something rolling on Mondays this fall, and then as a result of that, um, a strength coach knew of a female strength coach that came to our thing and approached Justin and said, Hey, can we do something for the guys? And so I that was really cool. The other day I met with Coach Darty and I got to share that story with her that even though she wasn't able to come, and hopefully she will in the spring, but you know, it was cool that that just getting the ball rolling. And that's what I feel about all these areas, which would be really cool that we can update about, you know, the new things that are happening because that's what it feels like. There's a lot of, you know, sometimes you feel like you're planting seeds that are under the ground. This feels like we're just barely above the ground with some of these things, you know, like things have kind of sprouted and are coming forth. Uh, and we get to just watch how they grow. And sometimes the hardest thing is just to get it started.

SPEAKER_04 42:20

Yeah, especially with coaches too. And I think we've we've found kind of that little spot, these younger coaches really. Nothing against the older ones. It's just this younger group, especially on the guy side. My whole group is 20s.

SPEAKER_00 42:33

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 42:34

And uh you know, seven or eight guys in their 20s.

SPEAKER_01 42:37

And sometimes those those coaches that are support role type people.

SPEAKER_03 42:41

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 42:42

Their schedules, I mean, they still travel with the team a lot of them, but their schedules allow for something like this to happen that you can do in person. They're not, you know.

SPEAKER_04 42:51

Yeah, they're not out recruiting.

SPEAKER_01 42:53

Right.

SPEAKER_04 42:53

They're not having to do a lot of other things. They have plenty of other things they're doing. Sure.

SPEAKER_01 42:56

But yeah, they're always busy, but it doesn't seem like their schedule is as fluid, like where it's just like every day could look different, or you could get a call that's like, I gotta go deal with this right now. And so anyway, that's been a major highlight because that has also been something I've wanted to start the past couple of years. Just make something available. And that's oftentimes the hardest thing is just finding like the time and place to do it. And so now that we've done that, it's like if we need to adjust it, like it's just something that people can count on. And then if you need to change the time or place, that's not a big deal. But it's like you got the people.

SPEAKER_04 43:30

Yeah. And then you have like a list of four or five that are like, if it worked, you know, we'll find out what next year's schedule looks like. But that's a whole new group that could jump in.

SPEAKER_01 43:38

Yeah. So that's really the highlights that came to mind. I'm sure we missed some for the year. Do you have any other ones?

SPEAKER_04 43:44

Yeah, I mean, watching the baseball coaches transition, um, that whole deal was challenging. But uh to watch uh get to know Coach O'Connor and that staff and bringing two teams together um has been pretty pretty special.

SPEAKER_01 43:57

What do you mean by two teams?

SPEAKER_04 43:59

Uh Virginia. Uh players came. Fair amount of guys that transitioned from there, um, recruits and guys that had played. But then also, you know, you have the returners for our team, and then you have a freshman class that is here. So it's uh seeing that form, seeing the culture being built, seeing um the intentional effort to build relationships by the coaching staff. Very, very intentional. Uh was really, really encouraging. Really encouraging. Um thankful for Coach O'Connor and just what he has done so quickly here in bringing this group together and uh just the coach and staff and just how much they care. They're they the gratitude of being here. This is gonna be uh be fun.

SPEAKER_01 44:43

Yeah, I think I heard one of the coaches on another podcast say something like, Um, you just wake up, you come to this place every day, and it's just like, what in the world? This is wild to be here and just what baseball means to Mississippi State and this community.

SPEAKER_04 44:59

Oh god. Highlight alumni game.

SPEAKER_01 45:01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 45:02

10,000 people at an alumni game. What a special time as an alumni for me. Um, but also I can imagine the people that just came that were around for different eras of players or fans or students, like to to watch that. I know it had to be pretty cool. It was special for me as a former player. Yeah. Um, it'll be a that's a moment I'm not gonna forget.

SPEAKER_01 45:26

Yeah, very, very special. Also, I have to shout out Mary Ashley. We talked about all of our other staff, and I kind of mentioned her already, but I will say this it was a goal of ours to change kind of like the look of uh social media. And she has done a great job. We had a great intern before Mary Ashley, Caitlin Guthrie, when we were first here, we got here. Caitlin got us on the right path of a lot of things.

SPEAKER_02 45:54

She did.

SPEAKER_01 45:54

She was so patient too. And so, you know, there's different seasons where when you're leading a staff, it's like, especially at the beginning, it's like you're still trying to figure things out, and you really need people on your team who can just be creative, take initiative, roll with the punches. And Caitlin did that. And I'm so grateful because she really did. I mean that she kind of like set a course and had to make some decisions that I was like, I don't know, like you just do it, you know? And after Caitlin transitioned off the staff and Mary Ashley came, it was really nice because I kind of had something to work with, you know? And Mary Ashley has honed in on what we feel like we want our look to be on social media and what our posts need to be looking and how they need to feel. And we've had some crazy, what what we think are crazy numbers of the amount of views on our social media. And a huge part of that is Mary Ashley and her what she's doing with design and engagement in that. So if you haven't looked at our Instagram, it's hillstatefca underscore. And then also just the engagement from leaders to repost, reshare. And if you do follow us, that also helps like with the traffic and what people are seeing. If you will, you know, repost and share. It's a great way to do that. All that's on our website too. Like everything's on our website, msufca.org. The podcast is on there, events are on there, Hill State FCA, how to give to any individual staff or just the development fund. We try to keep that up so that people have one place to go. Um, but uh our Instagram and social media and all that looks really great because of Mary Ashley. So highlight there, because we were pretty pumped to see some of those numbers. We were like, what does this even mean? We don't know, but it's cool.

SPEAKER_03 47:34

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 47:34

Um, and she's just doing a really great job. She takes those pictures too. Oh, right. Right, right, right. Yeah, she does a great job. So that kind of wraps up this episode. We just wanted to end the year with a fun, uh, not necessarily we talked about way more than 10 highlights. Um, but just as we close out 2025, just super grateful for all the people that are involved and that make these moments happen. Um, thankful for staff, thankful for their intentionality and the way that they all work uh here. And anything else you want to say as we close out the year, Justin?

SPEAKER_04 48:08

No, it's just important to reflect on these things um and take a break.

SPEAKER_01 48:12

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 48:12

You know, we uh we've been doing this long enough to where we really need to take these breaks for real. Yeah. And get some rest so we can really hit the ground running in the spring.

SPEAKER_01 48:22

Yeah, the the pace is very fast.

SPEAKER_04 48:25

Yeah, spring's crazy too. Yeah. Spring's crazy.

SPEAKER_01 48:27

Sometimes I think that fall is crazy. Like I'll think that, and then we get in the spring, and I'm like, this is way worse.

SPEAKER_04 48:33

Well, then you look at me and you're like, another baseball game. Another. And I'm like, yes, yes, it is. I can't wait.

SPEAKER_01 48:39

Oh man. Yeah, baseball. But the kids are a little, you know, Ben is a little older than that.

SPEAKER_04 48:44

You're about to get in the thick of basketball, so that's your special place.

SPEAKER_01 48:47

SEC, yes. So we'll close out this year, 2025, and we look forward to the Created to Be podcast looks forward to seeing you in 2026.

SPEAKER_04 48:56

Let's go.

SPEAKER_01 48:58

Thanks for listening to the Created to Be Podcast. To learn more about FCA at Mississippi State, visit www.msdufca.org and follow us on Instagram at Hale StateFCA underscore. If you would like to become a financial partner, visit www.fca.org slash donate to sew into the work God is doing through FCA at Mississippi State.