After a tough loss to Big Ten rival Penn State in an epic defensive struggle the Buckeyes enter a bye week with something other than football to occupy their time. Monday Night at Ohio State’s St. John Arena Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and several players attended “The Main Event.” Yes, even though “The Animal” Joe Laurinaitis was there in face paint this had nothing to do with professional wrestling. Instead, this is a Christian ministry effort by the Buckeye coach and several players to promote faith through celebrity.
The 90-minute event featured players both past and present, the coach, members of the marching band, cheerleaders and of course “The Animal”. Players at the event included Malcom Jenkins, James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman and 2006-graduate-turned-motivational-speaker defensive tackle Joel Penton.
During the course of this Christian pep rally Marcus Freeman was quoted as saying “We’re not football players who are Christians; we are Christians who play football.” Freeman also recounted a story about being down big in a game and he and the other Christian players on the team would remind each other that though things look bleak they’re still going to heaven.
“I admired the fact that they practice their personal relationship with Jesus,” said Tom Skeen, who attended the Monday evening event. “These are guys who are stepping forward using their notoriety to promote Jesus.”
The Buckeyes return to on-field action when they travel to Northwestern on November 8th for a noon kickoff.
The Main Event was promoted with partners such as the Fellowship of Christian athletes, Ohio Christian University and Athletes in Action. www.themaineventonline.org
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