In a school known for its deep traditions, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Centralia High School has grown into one of the most active student organizations on campus. Meeting each Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. in the library, FCA offers students an opportunity to gather in faith, leadership, and fellowship—and despite its name, it’s not just for athletes.

“We meet before school to hear a message, discuss it in groups, and pray before we start the day,” explained Reed Ashford, a CHS junior and active FCA member. “It’s really a chance to connect with people who share your faith and support each other.”

FCA is part of a nationwide movement, but at CHS, it has taken on a life of its own—growing from a small classroom gathering into a major student-led initiative with more than 50 participants each week.

“We outgrew our original space,” said junior Alaina Mahlandt. “More people started coming, and now we meet in the library because we need more room.”

That kind of growth speaks volumes about FCA’s impact at CHS. Whether through weekly meetings, student-led messages, or community outreach events like Fields of Faith, the organization has given students a space where faith and leadership go hand in hand.

While Fellowship of Christian Athletes is the official title, CHS’s FCA chapter is open to everyone, whether they play a sport or not.

“The name reflects its roots in athletics,” said CHS teacher and FCA sponsor John Fischer, “but the mission is bigger than that. FCA is about empowering students to be leaders in faith—whether in sports, school, or life.”

The organization originally aimed to connect Christian coaches and athletes, recognizing the influence sports can have on leadership and character development. Today, FCA has expanded beyond athletics, focusing on faith-based leadership for all students.

“It’s an environment where students can speak, lead, and learn from each other,” said CHS coach and sponsor Doug Jack. “We’re here to facilitate, but the students really take ownership of it.”

That student-led model is one of the key reasons FCA has thrived at CHS.

Though many FCA members do play sports, their focus extends beyond competition.

Reed Ashford plays golf, track, and tennis, while Alaina Mahlandt plays softball, and Krimsen Thompson is on the soccer team. Each of them sees FCA as something that enhances their experience as student-athletes, but also reaches well beyond it.

“You don’t have to be an athlete to be in FCA,” Krimsen said. “But I do think sports give you a natural opportunity to be a leader—and that’s what FCA is all about.”

For Coach Fischer, who leads the CHS boys’ track and field team, that leadership element is what makes FCA stand out.

“We emphasize servant leadership, just like in sports,” he said. “The goal is to build a culture of faith and support, where students lift each other up and take responsibility for their own spiritual growth.”

That emphasis on support and encouragement is something FCA members say has helped them personally.

“When you go to church, you often hear from adults,” Reed said. “But in FCA, it’s high school students talking to other high school students, and that makes a difference. We know what each other are going through.”

Beyond Wednesday morning meetings, FCA members extend their mission into the community.

One of their biggest annual events is Fields of Faith, an outdoor worship event held on the CHS football field each October.

“We invite the whole community,” Krimsen explained. “There’s worship music, student testimonies, and a chance for people to come together in faith.”

FCA also participates in regional gatherings, working with other schools and the Southern Illinois FCA network, led by regional director Britt Fullerton.

“We’ve had students speak at FCA banquets and other events,” Coach Jack said. “It takes courage to get up in front of a big crowd and share your faith.”

Additionally, FCA has become an integral part of CHS athletics, distributing devotionals and Bibles to every player and coach at the school’s holiday basketball tournament.

“It’s about serving others,” Jack added. “And it’s had a big impact.”

One of the most powerful aspects of FCA at CHS is the way it builds leadership skills in its members.

“I used to think, ‘There’s no way I could get up and speak in front of people,’” Alaina said. “But then I was given the opportunity to speak at Fields of Faith and at an FCA meeting, and I realized I could.”

That confidence boost is something Reed has noticed in himself as well.

“We’re learning how to lead discussions, speak in front of groups, and be role models for younger students,” he said. “It’s more than just a faith group—it’s leadership training.”

For FCA’s sponsors, watching students grow into confident leaders is one of the most rewarding parts of their involvement.

“We’re not just raising strong athletes or students—we’re raising strong leaders of character,” Coach Fischer said.

For many FCA members, the lessons they’ve learned won’t stop after graduation.

“I see myself continuing to serve wherever I go,” Krimsen said. “Faith doesn’t stop when you leave high school.”

Reed echoed that sentiment.

“God calls people into all kinds of careers,” he said. “You don’t have to be a pastor to make an impact—we need Christian teachers, doctors, construction workers, and leaders in every field.”

That idea—that faith is meant to be lived out in every aspect of life—is what FCA at CHS is all about.

“We want our students to carry their faith into the world,” Coach Jack said. “And it’s amazing to see the impact they’re already making.”

As FCA continues to grow and influence students across Centralia, one thing is clear—this is more than just a club. It’s a movement of young leaders ready to make a difference in their school, their community, and beyond.