By: Hannah Miller

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see things from an athlete’s perspective? Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the places and things that they do? How about actually meeting those athletes we so admire? These are the things the Belleville Mennonite School’s middle school students were privileged in experiencing.

At the start of the school year the BMS middle school planned to make a visit to Penn State. Middle school teacher and Penn State graduate, Christine Baker, was looking for an opportunity in which she could provide her students with some experience at the college they hear so much about. She was determined to somehow get them an interview with a few of the PSU football players. When asked why she wanted to make the trip, Baker stated, “I thought that it would be great for the students to experience Penn State, and to see that there are athletes out there serving the Lord.”

Her wish came true when she contacted Athletes in Action, an organization of Christian athletes who go out into the community to share their testimonies. It was through this organization and the PSU Team Chaplin that Baker set up the appointment for her students’ visit.

When the day came for their long awaited excursion, the BMS sixth, seventh and eighth graders and their teachers all got decked out in their Penn State gear. Spirits were high as they made their way from Belleville to the university. But this was nothing compared to their excitement when they arrived.

The students were first led through the museum, where they got to view all the impressive memorabilia. After the tour, they were met with the coordinator of their visit who led them to the stadium. The group got to experience walking through the tunnel of their admired athletes and onto the field.

“The students were just in awe as they walked out onto the field. The looks on their faces made the trip worth it,” remarks Baker. Once on the field, the students were met by the PSU football staff who took time to talk with the kids and take pictures. When asked about the staff’s response to the kids, Baker said, “They were so friendly and accommodating. They took time to take pictures with each of the students’ cameras.” This welcoming and warm greeting was only the beginning.

After each student got their pictures, they were taken into the locker room where they got to see, among other things, where Joe Paterno sits while making his pep talks to his players. Two of these players, #76, Gerald Cadogan, and #61, Stefen Wisniewski, made their entrance soon after the group got into the locker rooms. The two both shared with the students their testimony as well as how they had to work together with other players to reach their full potential. Both Cadogan and Wisniewski spent over an hour with the students talking and signing autographs. Baker and Glenna Young, another teacher that accompanied the visit, were mutually impressed with how the players talked deeply about their relationship with Jesus Christ. After the meeting with the two players, the middle school students continued to explore the campus. This included a visit to the Lion Shrine and finished off with a treat at the creamery.

The students showed a positive reaction to the day and were at an all-time high for many days after. In response to the trip, seventh grader Samuel Morgan said, “I liked going in the locker rooms and talking to the players.” Another seventh grader, Elizabeth Eddy added, “I enjoyed the museum and seeing all the neat stuff in it.”

All in all, the entire event was a positive experience in which the students and teachers were able to enjoy themselves together.