Maximum Effort & Maximum Return

(Even though the scoreboard had gone dark, the bittersweet memory of a hard-fought battle still takes its toll on the players.  But it is times like these where real men and real character meet.)  

Martins Ferry 35, Columbus Crusaders 27
September 11, 2010 

On the 9th Anniversary of 9/11, there was a different battle taking place in suburban Columbus.  It was one for honor, for valor and for an Audience of One.  And while emotions ran high afterwards, this team had no reason to hang its head.  They left it all on the field this night, and made an indelible impression on those who attended this game.   

What I witnessed on the field on Saturday was nothing short of amazing.  Down 21-0, with remnants of last year's throttling at the hands of the Purple Riders still fresh in their minds, I saw a group of young men make a game where one was not supposed to be.  They asserted themselves in the trenches, on the sidelines, at skill positions and in the huddle, and began to gnaw away at the lead that the visiting Martins Ferry team had accumulated in the first half.  

They could have given up...but being men of character, they did not. Instead, with a renewed passion for the game, and for their individual and group witness, our Crusaders began to take it to the Purple Riders, frequently silencing the Rider's crowd with explosive plays, including Jack Price's quick slant pass to Micah Harris for an 80 yard touchdown, Dylan Demars gut check down the sideline for a TD and Harold Jones' scramble and juke for another quick score.      

As a looked across the field right after each of those scores, I sensed a degree of uncertainty in the eyes of the Martins Ferry fans.  The seemingly impenetrable wall of support had developed cracks, and each successive score widened them.  After all, taking into account the legendary success of this program, combined with the drubbing we took on their home field last year, this should not have even been a game, right?  After all, they were playing a "club" team, made up of an interesting cross-section of players, who can't earn computer points and won't be going to the playoffs.  Some were probably even wondering why they had even driven to Columbus to see another slaughter.  And yet they they were quiet...eerily quiet, after each of the scores by our Crusaders.    

On our side of the field, our fans were rabid and it was nothing short of an amazing (and sometimes deafening) experience to hear our Crusader faithful rising up in cheers.  Rising to nearly unbearable peaks on critical 3rd down plays, the combined energy on the field, from the sidelines, and in the stands was so incredible, it made me want to strap on a helmet and pads and go hit someone!  

The Crusader Fans were truly the 12th man on the field that night and made their presence known, completely overwhelming our visitors.  As far as I'm concerned, if the choice was mine to make, our fans won their Sword Game that night!    

You see, the outside, unknowing world doesn't understand that a Crusader is a different type of player, followed by a different type of fan.  He plays not only for the love of the game, but out of his love of his Savior.  He does not give up just because the odds seem insurmountable (remember Linsly?)  He buckles up, then hunkers down and gives his all on each and every snap.  And his character and witness grows each time he wears that uniform, win or lose.  And just as Jesus Christ didn't give up and throw in the towel because what was asked of Him seemed like too much, the Crusader leads by example and carries the burden asked of Him.  

I don't know what the rest of the season holds for this team, but just as the teams that have gone on before them, I can say this.  The worth of this program is more than just win-loss records.  In a world where Commitment, Honor, Responsibility, Initiative, Service and Truth can sometimes only be found in the pages of a dictionary, it is lived out on a daily basis by our coaches, volunteers, fans and players in this program.   And the difference is no more obvious than after the game when the teams join hands, Riders and Crusaders, kneeling in prayer, acknowledging Him and thanking Him for the experience.  The prayer this night was that the Riders would have a successful season, and thanks that no one was seriously injured.  God was glorified tonight and properly acknowledged for His provision.  

For a moment, all was right with the world.      

For the true Crusader is on a lifelong journey of growing and maturing in Christ.  Long after the lights get shut off after the final snap of the season, he will carry with him the memories, and life lessons, that his playing time in this program have taught him.  His shared struggles and triumphs as a player, and as a man serve to help guide him as he seeks God's will for his life far beyond this experience.  

I feel very fortunate, as should all the Crusader Faithful, that for 10 weeks in the fall, all of us get to intimately share in this collective experience that we call Crusader Football.  May God continue to lead us through those experiences that He will, to accomplish His will in our lives through this program. 

Good luck Riders...may your encounter here only make you better...and may God bless your program beyond measure as you continue in your season, and in life.   

It's Here! The 2010 Season Kicks Off on Friday, August 27 at Centennial

Welcome to the Crusader Blog!

The 2010 Season is upon us! As I have done for nearly 7 seasons now, I will be prowling the sidelines, trying to capture as much of the Crusader spirit as possible, from those bone-crushing hits to finger tip catches. It has been an honor to be associated with such a fine group of folks who love football, but more importantly, have a passion for the saving work of Jesus Christ.

I have great expectations for this season and hope that we can all take Crusader Football to a new level this year. It all starts with prayer and supplication and ends with watching boys and girls grow into young men and women who Love the Lord and Love the Game. After all, the game of football is a metaphor for life. You prepare and work hard, get tested, reflect and get back on your feet determined to do better. And each week you grow in grace, ability and skill.

So is life for the Christian. As a believer, we are instantly justified by accepting Christ as our Savior. Then the process of becoming like Him starts, as we seek His will and His ways in all we do.

I don't know about you, but sometimes when I get knocked down, it feels like the "two a days" all over again when I was a young Christian. But the Lord is good...and as we continue to trust Him with our very lives, He uses all those "game day situations" from our past to strengthen us so that we may bring Him glory.

Now is the time that those two a day practices start to become a distant memory and we start putting it all on, and off the field. But for a Crusader...the ministry does not end when you leave practice for the day...it is a lifelong endeavor. Once a Crusader, Always a Crusader.

Thanks for your loyal support over the years…here's to a very successful upcoming year for the Crusader ministry.

Be blessed,

Brian S. Bayless
Photographer/Videographer
Bulldog Studios
Email me
740.274.5450

Coumbus Crusaders-The Next Generation

3-0. What a great way to start the season! We’ve gotten a chance to see the 2009 Edition of the Columbus Crusaders on the field of battle and they have been victorious thus far, but a tremendous challenge awaits next week at Martins Ferry.

I am excited about what I've seen so far. The offense has been explosive at times…but other times, the explosion we heard was the sound of it shooting itself in the foot. On the opposite side, the defense, which for the most part, has stifled its opponents, occasionally has what seems to be a bit of an overconfidence that occasionally injects a second wind to its opponent’s psyche. This was no more evident than last week when we let Meadowdale sneak back into the game after coming out with guns blazing and a take no prisoners attitude.

But what is most intriguing about this group is the fact that they have incredible potential. What is critical to their success, in my opinion, is to stay focused on the next play. Not the next game, next quarter or next half…the next play. Because the battle is won, not just between the goal lines, but in the trenches, man vs. man. That is where the intense conditioning, discipline, coaching accumen and simple grit and determination culminates in individual 10 second battles between the whistles. Win the majority of those mini-spats…and you will usually ride the bus home with another “W” in your column.

Every play, every down. 110% Effort. Unyielding dedication and sacrifice. If these young men can focus on the moment…they will not only surprise their opponents, but maybe even, themselves.

End of an Era

Wow...what a Season! On a rain soaked Friday Night in October, it was a night of firsts, and lasts. The Crusaders unleashed a flurry of offensive and defensive weapons on Troy Christian, cruising to a 40-7 victory in probably their finest overall effort of the season. Even after Troy Christian drew first blood, the Crusaders went on to score 40 unanswered points in a rout of the visiting Eagles.

But it was also a night of lasts...it was the last time that a Mike Stanley coached Crusader Team would take the field. As to not be a distraction to the players on their final game of the season, Coach Stanley never hinted at the fact that at the end of this very night, he would sing his last Crusader Fight Song and last "I Will Bless the Lord" worship song in the endzone after a grueling battle on the field.

Instead, he announced the passing of the baton on Saturday morning during the team meeting. Coach Brian Stier will be taking over the head coaching duties for the 2009 Edition of the Columbus Crusaders.

In retrospect, the announcement explains the peculiar behavior of Coach Stanley and Sharlyn during the week leading up to the game. While they have always been very much in love with each other, it seemed to be with a new intensity during those moments in time I was privileged to witness.

I happened to catch glimpses of anticipation...almost a giddiness emanating from Sharlyn during both the Senior tackle and right after the final game. Coach Stanley on the other hand seemed especially intense during the Senior Chapel on Thursday, as if he were trying to make his final mark on the hearts and souls of the young men, coaches and volunteers who had grown to love and respect his example. And the embrace that he and his wife enjoyed right after the prayer huddle at midfield had a special feel to it...almost a sense of "mission accomplished".

But on that night, I was doing what every good photographer attempts to do...capture moments in time that have significance and meaning.

Drenched from the rain and shivering a bit, I turned and fired off a few shots of the two of them together at midfield and didn't give it a second thought that night or the next day when I was reviewing the files.

But now that I look back at all the signs leading up to that moment...I should have known.

During my family's brief tenure with the Crusader Program, I have grown to know and love this Crusader Family. Not just Mike and Sharlyn, but the entire family of players, parents, volunteers, coaches and all of those who have crossed paths with this program. It has served to inspire, to enlighten and to challenge me personally. And it has been my pleasure to capture and archive those special moments in time as a witness and testimony to this world that what we are doing here is worthwhile and meaningful.

The selfish part of me wants things to stay as they are with Coach Stanley at the helm and all things as they were. Yet I know that while this moment is bittersweet with the closing of one chapter, it provides opportunity for the opening of another. It is a new dawn for Crusader Football and this torch will not only continue to burn, but it will burn even more brightly in an ever-darkening world.

We're going to miss you Coach. But I'm sure that you'll be walking where the Lord leads you as you continue to win souls for Christ.

And...if you're not too busy on Friday Nights in the Fall, you have lots of friends here who would love to see you in the stands rooting for our beloved Crusaders. For there can never be too many godly men in and around this program.

Thanks for letting us borrow him, Sharlyn. I know it has been a sacrifice for you as well. But behind every great man, there is a great woman as well and we know that Mike could never have impacted these young (and old) men for Christ without your ongoing love and support.

You are both Crusaders...and we're glad. We love you, and we always will...

Crusaders Roll to 3-0 over the Stars

The Columbus Crusaders rolled to a 3-0 start on the season after scoring early and often against the visiting Centennial Stars. The Crusaders looked sharp and fired up during the first half, grounding out the yardage against the Stars and setting the stage for the remainder of the evening.

Even with the damp conditions served up by the early September weather, the Crusaders looked very sure-footed and confident early in the game, confusing Centennial's defense and pleasing the soggy home field crowd. Despite a late first half interception that put a bit of spark into the Centennial sideline, the Crusaders prevailed in the battle, winning 39-6.

The Crusaders will put their undefeated season on the line next week at home against the Western Reserve Academy Pioneers. Western Reserve, under first year head coach Chris Monfiletto, is expected to open up their offense and throw the ball a bit more compared to years past, directly challenging the Crusader secondary.

It should be another great game, so please plan to join us at 7:30 PM Friday Night on our home field to cheer our Crusaders on to victory!

Crusaders Cruise to 2-0

Following a weather delay brought on by a deluge and a light show the likes that Central Ohio hasn't seen in a while, the Crusaders weathered the storm and moved to 2-0 on the season. After a rocky start, the Crusaders found their bearing and set sail, rolling up 31 points on the night while stifling a scrappy United Academy team.

After a seemingly effortless scoring drive by United Academy early in the first quarter, the Crusaders came back from the early deficit, led by a lightning quick ground attack and a seemingly unending flood of defenders that swarmed the Buccaneers backfield and eventually rattled and sank their offensive flagship. Despite the treacherous footing that was the result of the pre-game cloudburst, the Crusaders were able to shutdown UMA's quick-footed backs, with relentless blitzing pressure and good team tackling.

It was a well-earned victory. But there is little time to celebrate, as the Crusaders host Centennial this Friday at 7:30 PM in what should be another grueling and challenging game! Come join us for a great night of Central Ohio Football!

Crusaders Win in Week One!!!

It's hard to believe that the Week One Edition of the Columbus Crusaders Varsity has already come and gone. The Crusaders, now 1-0 on the season, put on an impressive effort in the second half against Buckeye Trail to pull away and win 25-12, after only leading by a point at the end of the first half.

As many of you may remember, Buckeye Trail dealt the Crusaders a heartbreaking loss on the same field during the 2005 season, coming from behind to win in the 4th quarter. The team played its heart out, but fell short of victory. However, what made the most impact that evening was the conduct and character of our young men and women which was not only observed, but recognized by the local news editorial board who published a very complimentary article on the Crusader program the following week in their local paper.

Such is the legacy of the Crusader program...not only a program to instill morals and character as they encourage each to become more like Christ, but a program in which success is not necessarily measured by the win-loss ratio, rather, it is measured against a heavenly standard and its impact on others for the cause of Christ. I pray that as we move further into the 2008 Season, that we will continue to carry His banner high for all to see.

May God Bless you, Crusaders, as you line it up with your competitors. Keep your eye on the prize, stay focused on the Lord and let Him guide your steps. When we keep our true purpose in perspective, every game is a victory, regardless of what the scoreboard says at the end of the 4th quarter!

Here's to a great season!

Blessings,

Brian S. Bayless
Photographer/Videographer
Bulldog Studios
Email me
614.807.2434

PS...did anyone notice the flashing "8's" on the scoreboard and 25 second clocks after last weeks game? It was almost as if Jered was giving the Crusaders a "thumbs up" for turning the tide on the Warriors and grounding out that victory!