Varsity Catholic student-athlete inducted into Sports Faith College Hall of Fame

March 8, 2012

DENVER, Colo., March 7, 2012—Martha Evans, a junior at Benedictine College and a Varsity Catholic student leader, has been inducted into the Sports Faith College Hall of Fame by Sports Faith International. Varsity Catholic (www.varsitycatholic.org) is a division of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), a fast-growing college campus outreach with a presence at nearly 60 universities in the U.S.

As a collegiate student-athlete, Evans has received five letters and been named to All-Conference teams in both cross country and track and field and holds the Benedictine College record in the 3000-meter steeplechase. Academically, she has been on the President’s list, Dean’s list and is a conference scholar-athlete. At Convent of the Visitation High School, Evans graduated with high honors, was an AP Scholar (with honors), earned eight varsity letters, received seven all-conference awards, three most valuable player awards and set the school record in pole vault.

Evans works closely with a Varsity Catholic missionary, meeting with her each week for mentorship and, together with the other student-athlete leaders, seeks to evangelize the athletes on campus through large group outreach events, small group bible studies, and one-on-one mentorship. “As a member of the cross country and track teams, my area of greatest influence is with my teammates,” Evans said. “Along with the time we have together at practice, I lead a weekly Bible study for the women on my team. Additionally, I mentor one of my teammates, helping her to grow spiritually and also equipping her to evangelize others.”

Evans credited Varsity Catholic for helping bring focus to her spiritual life stating, “Varsity Catholic has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, to live radically for Jesus Christ and His Church, and to share the love of Christ both on and off the course.” Through the example and friendship of the missionaries, Evans says she has placed the pursuit of a personal relationship with Christ at the center of her life. “It has helped me integrate faith and sports, recognizing that when I use the gifts He has given me to the best of my ability, I give Him the most glory.”

Evans returned from a study abroad program in Costa Rica to receive the honor at the Chicago Bears’ Halas Hall from co-presenters Patrick McCaskey, chairman of Sports Faith International and senior director of special projects for the Chicago Bears and Thomas Wurtz, director of Varsity Catholic.

About FOCUS
FOCUS is a national outreach that invites college students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization, discipleship and friendships in which they lead others to do the same. www.focus.org.

CONTACT:
Jeremy Rivera
FOCUS
303-551-7388
jrivera@focusonline.org