One of the most storied lower-level college football teams is celebrating the baptism of more than 30 players. Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, a team with NAIA national championship and NCAA Division II finals appearances, had 31 members of its football team baptized this week in the waters of Mossy Creek, a historic site on campus.
The tradition of baptizing athletes in the creek has been around for years, but this year’s group of 31 was the largest yet. said In the release.
The players were baptized in the stream after practice on August 21st.
We say a big Hallelujah today as 31 student-athletes were baptized at Mossy Creek! 🙌
The Lord continues to work mightily on our campus, and we are so pleased with the students who have made the decision to follow Christ. Thank you very much Follow pic.twitter.com/fQDimyjvTj
— Carson-Newman University (@carson_newman_u) August 21, 2024
“I told the guys today, obviously we want to win a lot of games and we want to win championships, but today was the biggest win we’ve ever had,” first-year head coach Ashley Ingram said. Prior to taking the head coaching job at Carson-Newman, Ingram was an assistant at Navy for 16 years.
“It’s really special this morning to see 31 men give their lives to Christ and make that public confession,” Ingram added.
Carson-Newman University is a Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Missionary Commission.
“Praise Jesus,” the athletic program said on X (formerly Twitter).
Praise Jesus ✝️Follow x #TalonsUp x Carson Newman pic.twitter.com/hQaX3fGWev
— Carson Newman Athletics (@CN_Eagles) August 22, 2024
The Eagles football program won five NAIA national championships before moving to NCAA Division II, finishing as runner-up in the championship game in 1996, 1998 and 1999 and reaching the Division II semifinals in 2009.
When Ingram accepted the role, he said his goal wasn’t just to recruit individuals of faith.
“I said if you bring kids here who don’t know Christ, it could have an eternal impact,” he said. “It’s so good to see that today.”
Ingram was hired as the team’s 20th coach in December after 16 seasons at Navy, where he served as offensive line coach, offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. During his tenure, Navy made 10 bowl appearances and beat Army 10 times. Now he’s looking to bring more championships to Carson-Newman.
“When we search for a new head coach, we look for someone who fits the heart, brains and history of our program,” Carson-Newman President Charles A. Fowler said. said Last December, Coach Ingram accomplished this goal: “Coach Ingram is exactly that. He is experienced and successful in running options. He is someone who has expressed deep faith in Jesus. He has the skills and discipline to build a winning program. He will bring new leadership to a storied program founded on our tradition of excellence and lead the program into an exciting future marked by winning on the field, the impact of the gospel in the lives of young people, and faithfulness to the mission of Carson-Newman University.”
Photo credit: ©X/Carson Newman
Michael Faust He has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years, and his work has appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star and Knoxville News Sentinel.
