Stone Hood And Antonia Martin Named 2014 FCA Christian Athletes Of The Year

Silverdale Baptist Academy’s Stone Hood and Richard Hardy Memorial School’s Antonia Martin were named FCA Christian Athletes of the Year Monday evening at the Chattanooga FCA’s Annual Night of Champions Banquet.  This is the 51st consecutive year of the award and marked the first winner for each of the respective schools. 

Mr. Hood was a team leader for the SBA’s football and soccer teams throughout his career and has exhibited Christ-like character on and off the field. Miss Martin has been a starter or key contributor on the Hawk’s girls’ basketball team since her eight grade year. She has been instrumental in growing the small Marion County School’s FCA huddle over the last several years and has led the planning of numerous community outreach projects through FCA. Mr.  Hood plans to attend UTC or Chattanooga State while Miss Martin has chosen Tennessee Wesleyan and plans to major in Child Psychology.  The two will split a partial scholarship given by FCA.

East Hamilton senior baseball player Matty Henshaw, was chosen as the runner-up and will also receive some scholarship support. The ‘Canes three-year starting pitcher attended several FCA summer camps-as did Mr. Hood and Miss Martin and has been very involved in leading the ministry both on his school’s campus and at area-wide events. Mr. Henshaw hasn’t finalized his college plans, but hopes to play baseball at the next level.

Also announced at the banquet were several other awards that the FCA presents annually including the Gerry Stephens Influence Award which was presented to UTC boosters, Sam and Pam Henry.  The Henry’s have taken the lead for the last three years in serving and supporting  the growing UTC FCA Huddle in a variety of ways including assistance with snacks at weekly meetings.

Mary Dennis, from East Hamilton Middle School, was presented the Jim Sattler Leadership Award.  Dennis has led the EHMS FCA for all five years since the school started and has exhibited servant leadership in a number of ways to her students. EHMS FCA is very well attended and they participate in multiple area wide events each year through Mrs. Dennis’s leadership.

SBA baseball coach Jonathon Adcock won the Legacy Builder Coaches Award. The Seahawks team made a strong run to finish as runner’s up in the state tournament last year. Mr. Adcock is known for his consistent, steadfast faith as he not only coaches one of the area’s top squads but also serves as huddle coach at the school.

The FCA Church Partner of the Year Award went to City Church.  City Church initiated multiple outreaches on the campus of Tyner Academy in partnership with FCA including an outreach on Sunday nights in the month of March called “Hoops”.  A nearby neighbor of Tyner, City Church’s Danny Hesterly felt burdened to reach out to the campus though few in his Youth Group attend Tyner. Basketball locker rooms were refurbished through the church, pre-game meals provided, and dozens of Tyner students participated in “Hoops”. 

Candidates for the 2014 Christian Athlete of the Year were:

Baylor School – Trey Foshee

CSAS- Anna Hunley

East Hamilton – Matty Henshaw

Franklin County – Blake Shaw

GPS – Katie Morgan

Grace Academy – Maddy Horton

Marion County – Emily Simmons

McCallie – Winston Whitener

Rhea County – Abby Davis

Richard Hardy – Antonia Martin

Sale Creek – Brooke Welch

Silverdale Baptist Academy – Stone Hood

Soddy Daisy – Hannah Harris