Richt talks a little football, a lot of faith at FCA banquet

GAINESVILLE - More than 600 people gathered Thursday night at First Baptist Church to hear from Mark Richt, but they didn't come to hear about next season's Bulldog schedule; they came to hear a message of faith from the head football coach for the University of Georgia.

Richt was in Gainesville for the annual Home Team Banquet for the Gainesville-Hall County Fellowship of Christian Athletes(FCA).

Richt told the audience about a website called "The Coaches Hot Seat." And he said he was front and center on the "hot seat" after the 2010 season. While he said he avoided checking the site himself, he always knew how he was ranked by the reaction he got at church.

"We start the season last year, 2011, 0 and 2. So, you're already on the 'hot seat' and then you go 0 and 2...then you go to church. And they come up to you and say 'Brother, I'm fasting for you,'" joked Richt.

He related the "hot seat" to situtations that all Christians face.

"It represents tough times. It represents adversity in our lives," said Richt. "I think every single one of us here at one time or another...or maybe at this very moment, you're on the 'hot seat' in some way."

Richt encouraged attendees to stay strong in their Christian walk and to be prepared when they encounter their own moments in the "hot seat." He also shared his story of coming to faith in Christ while a graduate assistant coach under Bobby Bowden at Florida State University.

Before hearing from Coach Richt, attendees viewed video testimonies from Gainesville High School's Rebecca Webster and West Hall High School's Jarlissa Latimore, both varsity basketball players. Both young women shared with the audience the ways FCA has impacted their high school playing careers and their interaction with teammates.

In addition, North Hall High School football player Imani Cross and Chestatee High School cross country runner Paige Williams spoke from the stage about their FCA experiences in a Q&A format with FCA area leaders Jason Lester and Clint Fair.

Lakeview Academy football coach Matthew Gruhn spoke to the audience about the impact FCA has had on his family, both in and out of the coaching arena.

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal offered the opening prayer for the annual banquet.