Inspiring Athletes

A conversation with NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett

Chad Bonham — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:42 +0000

In NASCAR’s rough and tumble era of the 1950s and 1960s, Hall of Fame inductee Ned Jarrett stood out due to his understated personality and polite demeanor. Perhaps that’s why the media often referred to him as “Gentlemen Ned” and looked at him as one of the sport’s original statesmen. After winning two Cup championships, Jarrett shocked the racing world by retiring in his prime. He went on to have a stellar broadcasting career and gained additional notoriety as Cup champion...

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A conversation with NASCAR driver Sam Hornish Jr.

Chad Bonham — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:09 +0000

The Nationwide Series isn't the exact place Sam Hornish Jr., wanted to be for the 2013 season, but you won't ever hear the Defiance, Ohio, native complain. As a former Indy Car champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, Hornish Jr., is just happy to be getting a shot at one of NASCAR's premier racing titles. After capturing the aptly named Sam's Town 300 in Las Vegas earlier this season, Hornish Jr., has established himself as a legitimate threat to capture the Nationwide crown. In this...

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A conversation with Minnesota Wild center Matt Cullen

Chad Bonham — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:00:41 +0000

With the NHL Playoffs in full swing, Minnesota Wild center Matt Cullen is feeling right at home. In 16 seasons, Cullen has enjoyed several postseason runs including his 2006 sting with the Carolina Panthers that resulted in the city’s only Stanley Cup championship. In this Inspiring Athletes interview, Cullen talks about the Stanley Cup, his faith journey, the importance of facing fear, and how Christianity is becoming more prevalent within NHL locker rooms across the league: Chad...

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A conversation with five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher

Chad Bonham — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:00:26 +0000

Derek Fisher has never been named to an NBA All-Star team or won any major individual awards. But he has still been one of the most valuable role players to take the court over the past 17 seasons. With five championships to his credit (all with the Los Angeles Lakers), the Oklahoma City Thunder point guard is just as known for his leadership in the locker room and his impeccable character and strong Christian faith. Fisher’s mettle was especially tested in 2007 when his 10-month old...

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A conversation with NASCAR broadcaster Andy Petree

Chad Bonham — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:20 +0000

Andy Petree has experienced NASCAR at just about every level—as a driver, crewmember, crew chief, car owner and most recently as an analyst for ESPN. Some might find it strange that he walked away from one of the greatest race teams in stockcar racing history, but as Petree explains in this Inspiring Athletes interview, it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made: Chad Bonham: How did you first get involved in stockcar racing? Andy Petree: I started at the very bottom of the...

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A conversation with NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison

Chad Bonham — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:00:03 +0000

Bobby Allison’s Hall of Fame career was full of incredible highs like his three Daytona 500 victories and his 1983 Winston (now Sprint) Cup championship. But many still remember Allison for the tragic lows he experienced in 1992 when he lost his son Clifford to a practice session crash and in 1993 when he his son Davey was killed in a helicopter accident. In this Inspiring Athletes interview, Allison talks about his early race days, how his faith helped him deal with the loss of his two...

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Kevin Streelman wins first PGA Tour event in Tampa

Chad Bonham — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:45:46 +0000

Kevin Streelman has been plugging away for the past 12 years on various golf circuits including the last five on the PGA Tour. So when he was in contention to win the Tampa Bay Championship this past weekend, Streelman relied on the same steady patience that allowed him to make it this far in the first place. In his 153rd career start, Streelman finished 10-under par on the Copperhead course at Innisbrook to claim his first PGA Tour victory. Golf has been one of Streelman's passions...

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Sam Hornish Jr. wins Nationwide race in Las Vegas, maintains points lead

Chad Bonham — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:00:51 +0000

Sam Hornish Jr., didn't realize until the morning of the race that the Nationwide Series race in Las Vegas was called the Sam's Town 300. Although Hornish isn't a gambling man, it turns out that betting on him to win a race with a sponsor that bears his name would have been a lucrative choice. His Penske Racing Ford Mustang led 114 of the 200 laps and pulled away from Kyle Busch for his second NASCAR victory. Hornish Jr., entered the third race of the season in a tie with Justin Allgaier...

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A conversation with Carolina Hurricanes goalie Dan Ellis

Chad Bonham — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:00:19 +0000

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Dan Ellis knows a little some about faith. He’s had to rely strongly on his faith in God during an up and down NHL career that has included playing for five different teams, enduring two lockouts and sustaining an unfortunately timed injury. In this Inspiring Athletes interview, Ellis talks about his definition of faith, how it’s sustained him through his professional and personal struggles, and his encouragements to other players and coaches: Chad Bonham:...

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A conversation with Phoenix Suns center Luke Zeller

Chad Bonham — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:00:32 +0000

When the 2013-14 NBA season rolls around, there’s a very good chance that the Zeller brothers will make league history. That’s because youngest brother Cody, although just a sophomore at Indiana, is considered to be good enough to be selected in the 2013 NBA Draft. So whether next season or the season after, he will likely join his older siblings Tyler and Luke in the pro ranks. That would make them just the third trio of brothers to play in the NBA at the same time, along with the...

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