Football Kicks Off Season with Person of Influence Prayer Walk

Parents, coaches, and administration gathered in Carson Stadium yesterday morning, August 25, for the annual Football Person of Influence Prayer Walk. The morning was spent in prayer for our Cavalier coaches and student-athletes from the MS to the Varsity level – prayers for growth, character development, success, and health for both the individuals and the teams.

 

Head Football Coach, Quin Hatfield, spoke about the challenges his players go through on and off the field, but emphasized the love and support they receive from teammates and the coaching staff. He stressed the importance of being a good teammate as well as knowing where their identities lay. Hatfield shared that they altered the design of CCES football helmets this year to reflect our Episcopal identity as well as the school spirit that makes this community a special place.

 

“From the moment I met Quin, his vision has been clear – to create a positive team culture – and he has more than done that,” said Head of School, David Padilla. He remarked on their journey together, both starting in the midst of the global pandemic, and reflected on the normalcy and hope that athletics provided during that time.

 

Each year, a parent of an alum and a parent of a current player speaks to the group before starting the prayer walk. John Jennings ’84, father of Thomas ’18 and Will ’22, spoke about the impact the program has had on his two sons. “They were poured into by countless coaches who taught them the lesson of showing up and working hard. They committed to doing that on the field and I have seen it serve them well in life.”

 

Chris Mikesell, father of senior Joseph ’23, shared that each year the prayer walk makes him emotional – hearing the names of each player, watching fathers say “got him” to pray for their own son or for players whose parents couldn’t be here, and walking the length of field in prayer for the players, the coaches, and the program. Mikesell remembers his first prayer walk five years ago and wondering if anyone would have prayed for Joseph if he hadn’t been there, especially with their family being new to town. “By the time I reached the other goal line, amazed by this show of love, there was no doubt in my mind. It is beautiful that others will respond ‘got him’ if I am away.”

 

Mikesell noted the range of emotions he has watched his son endure through his time on the football team – the joy of beating St. Joseph’s in the playoffs and the sorrow of losing to Newberry. But what he has witnessed off the field this past year has been even more inspiring. “The sorrow of holding vigil in a hospital after his friend [Benji Horton '23] was in a terrible car accident unsure of what might be the outcome. And the joy of getting to watch that same friend walk out to midfield, suited up with his brothers in arms, as a captain of this year’s team.” There was not a dry eye present as the group reflected on the love and support that are embedded into the team and the program as a whole.

 

This event is special tradition for the CCES football program and has taken place for over ten years. CCES is grateful for coaches who have committed to developing character first and foremost. The Cavaliers kick off their season tonight at Southside High School and while the team hopes for success on the field, there is much to celebrate regarding the culture of support and accountability that is being built off the field too.