Heart of an Athlete
Jan/Feb 2012
Q&A with Drew Jelinek
Ice Hockey
Hamilton College |
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“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
Hamilton College (NY) hockey forward Drew Jelinek is familiar with 2 Corinthians 12:9, which says that his Savior’s power is made perfect in weaknesses. The Great Falls, Va., native gained that knowledge last year as a sophomore when he spearheaded the effort to bring FCA to Hamilton despite his admitted fear of leading a Huddle. Now in his second year of facing that fear, Jelinek has discovered that the impact God is making on the campus is well worth it.
STV: As a hockey player, is there anyone you try to emulate on the ice?
DJ: I like Alex Ovechkin. He’s a very explosive and fun player to watch. He works hard on the ice and always gives it his all. I’ve also always looked up to my older brother, Jamie. Growing up, he loved hockey, and I wanted to do whatever he did, so we played a lot of hockey in the driveway. That fueled my passion for the game as I got into more organized games with travel teams, prep school and college.
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“…it hurt to know that not all of my teammates had heard about Jesus...” |
STV: How did you first get involved with FCA?
DJ: Through my brother. He knew (FCA Hockey National Director) Rick Randazzo from working FCA Hockey Camps and starting the FCA Huddle at Holy Cross. They invited me to be a Huddle Leader at an FCA Hockey Camp a couple of summers ago, and seeing the way God worked in those kids completely changed my life. We could really feel His presence at the camp. And sharing the gospel daily for a whole week encouraged me to start a Huddle on Hamilton’s campus.
STV: Did you feel prepared to do that, or did it seem overwhelming?
DJ: I never actually thought I would do it. But, with the help of the Lord and Hamilton’s lacrosse coach, Scott Barnard, we were able to get it started last year. It stretched me in so many ways because every week I had to prepare to lead the discussions. It helped me learn how to lead a group and also helped me grow in my faith because I spent so much time studying the Word.
STV: How has your faith impacted your relationship with your teammates?
DJ: I have strong relationships with my teammates, and I want to be an example of a Christian man and share the Word with them. I want them to come to know the same saving knowledge of Christ that I have. Several of my teammates have been at Huddle meetings and support what we’re doing with FCA, so that’s been a real blessing.
STV: Why do you feel it’s important to have FCA on your campus?
DJ: Athletes form a unique crowd at our school. We all have so much in common.Through FCA, we can come together with the shared title of “athlete,” but ultimately learn more about Christ. I wanted to start FCA here because it hurt to know that not all of my teammates had heard about Jesus and why they needed Him. FCA provides the perfect avenue for sharing the truth of Christ in an environment in which athletes feel comfortable. The mission of FCA is to impact the world of sports for Jesus Christ, and that inspires me and keeps me strong because I know there is a bigger reason for what we are doing. 
 ABOUT THE ATHLETE:
School: Hamilton College (N.Y.)
Hometown: Great Falls, Va.
Year: Junior
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 5-8/165 lbs.
FCA Quote:
“It’s been a privilege getting to know Drew over the past two years and seeing his love for the Lord flourish. I’m excited to watch how God continues to transform him into the leader He desires and to see him impact the hockey world for Jesus Christ.”
– Rick Randazzo National Director FCA Hockey |
