The Waltonian

Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a global non-profit organization that reaches people across 115 countries. FCA has been operating for more than 60 years with the sole purpose of uniting athletics with faith. FCA has over twenty-thousand certified huddles (groups) worldwide, one of which meets right here at Eastern University. FCA has existed on Eastern’s campus since the early 2000s and has been led by field hockey alum Lisa Catton for over a decade.

Eastern FCA meets every Monday at 8 p.m. in the Gough Great Room. Like many on-campus ministries at Eastern, the Lord’s presence is evident in this ministry. FCA Mondays consist of fellowship, games, devotions, small groups, prayer and more. Because of the diversity of attendees, FCA presents a unique space on Eastern’s campus. Eastern’s campus is made up of many sub-groups and communities, however, FCA provides an intimate space for members of all different communities of campus to enjoy fellowship and grow in faith week after week.

The number one most asked question about the club is, “Do I have to be an athlete to attend?” Absolutely not. FCA has served as a wonderful space for all students to unite despite all having different passions and interests. In Galatians 3:28, we are assured that we are “all one in Christ Jesus”, and it is beautiful to see members of different teams and groups unite weekly to grow in faith, which is the most important relationship students will ever have.

Huddle leader stationed at Eastern, Tone Nichols, has been involved with Eastern FCA for three years.

“We have more athletes voicing their faith and proclaiming Jesus more than we ever have had in mainstream sports,” Nichols said.“FCA is a powerful vehicle that gets into places that churches and pastors may never have the opportunity to enter.”

This is a really crucial aspect that makes FCA so valuable in faith formation. FCA reaches students and student-athletes where they are in their walk with Christ. FCA provides a non-judgmental space for students to learn more about God despite their previous understanding. This environment has led to fellowship with a variety of people on campus.

Gracie Youakim is a senior at Eastern and has attended FCA for three years. “FCA has been not only a social event for me but also a way for me to work on my relationship with God,” said Youakim.

Christian Slaton, a leader for FCA and offensive lineman for Eastern Football, emphasized that he has seen FCA bring together many different groups, creating a supportive environment. Slaton explained that it has been exciting to see members of all different teams and students who don’t play sports meet together to learn more about the Lord and apply it to their daily lives.

Catton, mentioned earlier in the article, has been running FCA on-campus since 2011. Catton served on FCA’s staff for fourteen years and then revived the club on Eastern’s campus. Catton explained FCA benefitted her greatly as a field hockey player here at Eastern.

“It was nice to connect with athletes from other sports that I may not see casually throughout campus. I was able to develop friendships with upperclassmen I may not have otherwise if I didn’t attend FCA.” Catton said as a leader of FCA now as an alumni, “It has been great to see how FCA has allowed athletes to grow significantly in their faith and challenge them too.”

FCA is a great time for everyone on Eastern’s campus to come together as members of different clubs and activities, said Paul McConell, a regular attendant at FCA who does not play a sport on campus. “Having great brownies and Chick-fil-A nuggets while enjoying fellowship with learning how athletes worship Christ in their sport.”

FCA has made a profound impact on Eastern’s campus through fellowship and growing in faith together. Attending clubs such as FCA and building relationships are aspects of Eastern’s campus that are so special.

The roaring voice booms, “Now introducing your Eastern Eagles,” and sounds of cheering crowds set in after. This is a familiar scene in various locations across Eastern’s campus. Sports at Eastern are heightened with the energy that comes from the announcing booth. That’s where you’ll find Will Cunningham, the voice of Eastern Athletics for nearly four years.

Announcers like Cunningham make sports into more than a game; they make sports come to life. As an announcer, Cunningham excites the crowd, fosters team camaraderie, and brings passion to the game. Cunningham, a senior Communication Studies major, has helped to propel Eastern Athletics to prominence to build the close community that it is today. Junior Jason Karch, Cunningham’s understudy, said, “Will as an announcer is the face of EU Athletics. All around campus if you hear the loud voice on the field, you know who it is.”

Cunningham’s passion and drive for sports is a large part of his identity. His rise to becoming a skilled and beloved announcer at Eastern started long ago when Cunningham was just a boy in Chester County Pennsylvania. His love of sports began at seven when his dad exposed him to the world of sports. Cunningham’s dad would write game notes summarizing games when Will was too young to stay up and watch. Cunningham was known by his peers as someone who loved sports. His love of sports opened a door into a path that would impact Cunningham’s life forever.

It all began in senior year of high school. “Up until I started announcing, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life,” Cunningham said. “I was lost, confused and overwhelmed by looming adulthood with no plans nor dreams to make it fulfilling.” However, a door opened when Cunningham’s school was searching for a sports announcer. Cunningham was approached because of his known love of sports. He accepted the job for the sake of trying something new.

Cunningham quickly adapted to the job, and it came to him naturally. Cunningham’s co-announcers encouraged him, and he began to work more games.

“Emotionally, I became more confident in talking to people with so many people complimenting my announcing. I felt a sense of belonging, [and my] self-confidence soared,” Cunningham said.

Once high school came to a close, Cunningham stepped onto Eastern’s campus with hopes of being involved in sports media. He was given the chance to announce within his first few weeks at school.

“I felt exhilarated and mortified,” Cunningham said. “I had an insane dopamine rush from announcing in front of a college crowd. The screams and rants from the stand definitely distracted me a bit from my job and it was tough to adjust.”

With hard work and determination, Cunningham became more skilled as a sports announcer. Cunningham describes this process of becoming the lead announcer at Eastern University as a “work of God.” Cunningham gives the glory to God for how his career fell together so effortlessly.

Cunningham has set himself apart from other college announcers with his unwavering passion and endless dedication to his craft. He has become emotionally attached to the role by cheering for his friends and by having a connection to Eastern as a student. Cunningham has found an identity and formed a community through his career at Eastern. “My announcing career has given me a sense of identity and belonging not just at Eastern, but in life,” he said. Cunningham said announcers have a “unique ability to captivate an audience with their voice.”

Part of what makes Cunningham such an accomplished announcer is his knowledge of the teams he covers. He does extensive research and cares deeply about the teams. Cunningham has a photographic memory of plays and player information. His attention to detail and passion for game play are two factors that enable him to excel as a sports announcer.

What’s more, Cunningham announces every game like he has just won the lottery. His energy is infectious, and it has made an impact on the Eastern community.

From high school to college, Cunningham has built something special just with his voice. It is clear that when Cunningham graduates, he will be leaving a significant legacy at Eastern.

“I’ve discovered that my love for sports and days of talking to myself about them can be more than just a hobby, but a career. I channeled that love into something that middle school me wouldn’t dare dream about,” Cunningham said. “I’m full of confidence in myself and my skills as I head off into the world. I’ve been trained incredibly well these last four years, and for once, I truly believe that I can make a positive impact on whatever community God puts me in.”

An abundance of youth aspire to play sports at the collegiate level. Many youths set this goal and hope to one day fulfill this dream. Trinity Gruber, a senior at Eastern, has accomplished this and then some. Gruber is a dual athlete, excelling in both volleyball and tennis. Gruber has contributed to three MAC Commonwealth championships as a defensive specialist for Women’s Volleyball. Gruber also plays first singles and first doubles on the Women’s tennis team. Gruber is a soft-spoken, humble, and an incredibly kind individual. Gruber is very relaxed, but her play on both the volleyball and tennis courts is dominant.

Gruber was inspired to play volleyball because both of her parents played the sport. She jumpstarted her volleyball career in seventh grade in an unexpected way. Though she did not make any of the four school volleyball teams in her seventh-grade year, Gruber did not give up on the sport immediately, as she went and played for an alternative league that season and improved exponentially. When school tryouts were on the horizon the following year, Gruber contemplated if it was even worth trying out again. Gruber decided to give it another try, and she amazingly made her school’s A team.

Trinity met an impactful coach in her life this year named Gary. He saw that Gruber had astounding potential, and committed to helping her develop further. Gruber’s high school career came with a lot of big games and successful seasons. Every single year of her high school career, her team made states.

Gruber’s junior season in high school was complicated due to COVID-19. However, Eastern’s head women’s volleyball coach Mark Birtwistle saw her play in person before the pandemic. Gruber was recruited to play at Eastern and came in as a freshman and started. The team was very young that year, and they exceeded expectations making it to the first round of the NCAA finals. They made this incredible run despite having no seniors and only two juniors. This was one of four exceptional seasons Gruber was a part of with the women’s volleyball team.

Trinity also dominates on the tennis court. Gruber is now atop the ladder of the Eastern Women’s tennis team and does it all while only playing half the year (volleyball causes her to miss all fall practices and matches).

Gruber’s success in tennis–despite having limited practice–is even more impressive considering she had not played any tennis before her freshman year at Eastern. She decided to join the team with two classmates upon hearing the women’s team was short on players. Gruber essentially taught herself to play tennis her freshman year and did so while playing third singles and second doubles. In her sophomore year, new coach Harrison Bitzberger worked with Gruber to take her game to the next level. She has now played first singles in the last two seasons.

“Trinity works extremely hard to excel at everything she does,” Head tennis coach Bitzberger said. “Picking up a new sport is not easy but watching Trinity you would think she has been playing for over 10 years. Not only does she impress other coaches and opponents with her relentless effort in matches but inspires her teammates to work as hard as her and makes our job as coaches easier to do.”

Gruber has certainly contributed greatly to the success of both women’s volleyball and women’s tennis here at Eastern. However, Gruber has contributed even more to the Eastern community as a whole. Gruber is beloved by her teammates and fellow Eastern students. Gruber is universally loved for her warm presence, thoughtfulness, and caring nature. Teammate Anisah Smith said Gruber is, “Literally the best,” and that she is the “nicest person ever.” Smith also spoke of Gruber as a teammate saying she is “committed, hard-working, and reliable.” Gruber has recently earned CSC Academic All-district honors for her work on the court and in the classroom.

Gruber has left a lasting impression of positivity and kindness on this campus. She will be graduating in the spring with a degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology. She plans to pursue a master’s career and eventually partake in research and fieldwork. Gruber wants to research conservation along with discovering new things about the world around us. Gruber is passionate about conservation, wildlife, and entomology. Gruber is one of the many amazing individuals that makes this campus great.

Concussions have been a hot topic of discussion in American Football over the past thirty years. Recently, the issue has become even more prevalent with new research being discussed. Raised concern surrounding concussions has resulted from more former NFL players being diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The Mayo Clinic defines it as a “brain disorder likely caused by repeated head injuries. It causes the death of nerve cells in the brain, known as degeneration. CTE gets worse over time. The only way to definitively diagnose CTE is after death during an autopsy of the brain.” More than three hundred former NFL players have been diagnosed with the disease.

Concussions have continued to be a cause of concern for the NFL. Regular-season concussions increased by 18% in 2022. With more research, the risks of suffering brain damage due to football activities continue to rise. The NFL is well aware of this undeniable hazard of the game. In response, they have changed rules by penalizing players making tackles by leading with their helmets. In addition, the NFL has changed the format for kickoffs at the start of this season. This decision was based on data emphasizing the danger of kickoffs. Research showed, “That over the course of all games during the 2015-2017 seasons, the kickoff represented only six percent of plays but 12 percent of concussions.” The NFL has shown a commitment to reducing concussions with these rule changes.

A large effort by the league to reduce concussions has been evident with the implementation of Guardian Caps. “Guardian Caps are large, soft-shelled pads worn over football helmets, to reduce the risk of concussions and other head injuries during play,” (ESPN). These caps can reportedly reduce 10% of the force of a hit in football. NFL chief medical officer Dr. Sills stated, “Guardian Caps were created in 2010 and have been used in practice since 2015, resulting in a 50% reduction in concussions during practice, compared to the league’s three-year average.” While these caps are required for players to wear during training camp (not including kickers, punters, and quarterbacks), no requirements exist for players to wear them in-game. This is the first NFL season where wearing the caps in-game has been authorized. A handful of NFL players have been wearing the Guardian Cap this season, but they are in the definite minority.

Should the NFL require players to wear these caps? Additionally, should college athletes, middle school players, and youth be required to wear these caps? The evidence suggests that this is currently the best equipment to wear on one’s helmet to reduce the impact of tackles. The cost of a Guardian Cap worn by NFL athletes is $125. With the known positives of wearing the caps, it is interesting to see how few NFL players wear the cap in-game action.

Guardian Caps are beginning to be worn by college athletes. Eastern football wore these same caps throughout their training camp this summer. Because they wore these caps in practice, would players wear them in a game? After interviewing five Eastern football players, two said they would wear the cap, and three said they would not.

With the known dangers of head injuries as a by-product of playing football, it is interesting to see in-depth what is being done to make the beloved game safer. There are always going to be health risks in the sport, but could the Guardian Cap be the start of a breakthrough in player safety? With so few NFL players wearing these caps in games, and such a small number of younger players wearing them, it is clear that this movement has a long way to go.

The Philadelphia Flyers are currently Blank and Blank, sitting just outside of a wildcard playoff spot. This playoff push was not expected entering the season. The Flyers have been disappointing for the last three seasons and have not made the playoffs since 2020. They have won only one playoff series in the last eleven seasons. Fans have been calling for a rebuild for a couple years now, and prior to this season, the Flyers made front office changes. They hired former player and analyst Keith Jones to be the team’s president of Hockey Operations. Former player and acting GM Danny Briere was promoted from interim general manager to the full GM.

There was optimism with the new front office changes, but the expectations were that the 2023-24 season would be one step into a franchise rebuild. Even Jones was reminding fans during his introductory press conference that rebuilds take time and he discussed overall patience in rebuilding the holes that the former management group had put the team in. Jones emphasized prior to the season that he wanted the Flyers to be a difficult team to play against, but he did not offer any optimism that they could actually compete for something major. This belief that the Flyers would once again be a bottom-feeder team in the NHL was the general consensus among fans and media. Prior to the season, Bleacher Report ranked the Flyers the thirtieth team out of thirty-two total.

Despite all of these pessimistic predictions, the Flyers are right in the middle of a race for a playoff berth with only a few games remaining. Second-year head coach John Tortorella has instilled a tough and gritty character into this team. Tortorella is known for being fiery and over the top in handling his team. His coaching methods have been questioned over the years, but it seems the Flyers have bought into his philosophy. Many players on the roster have stepped up considerably and had good enough spurts to help win games. Leading the charge for success this season is team cornerstone and lone all-star Travis Konecny. The twenty-seven-year old RW has had his best season with more than thirty goals and currently has totaled sixty-five points. Konecny leads the team in points, goals and assists. Defensemen Sanheim and York have both positively contributed to the team’s defense. Young players in Frost, Tippett and Foerster have stepped up adding to the team’s scoring. Veteran center Sean Couturier was named team captain in February, making him the first Flyer captain since Claude Giroux was traded in 2022. Couturier has played more games this season than he has since the 2018-19 season. He has provided the young Flyers team with a veteran presence and thirty-six points on the season. Contributions from other longer tenured Flyers such as Scott Laughton has also helped the team enter the playoff mix. One of the wild bumps of the season came when star goalie Carter Hart was suspended indefinitely until further notice due to a court case dating back to 2018. Backup goalie Sam Ersson has stepped up very nicely in his absence, and is a big part of team success. Ersson has played in forty-seven of the team’s seventy-eight games, which is drastically more games played than anyone would have thought being he was the back-up entering the year. Tortorella spoke on Errson’s impact saying, “We don’t have a sniff of having an opportunity with six games left to get in if Sam Ersson doesn’t play the way he has played.”

The pressure is intensifying as the Flyers try to cling onto a wild card spot. Tortorella would be the first to call out the team for recent struggles, and he did so after a devastating overtime loss to the Islanders on April 1. Tortorella harshly bashed his team saying, “There are certain people that they don’t have a clue how to play or just don’t have it in them to play in these type of situations.” This intense rant publicly calling out his team sparked lots of attention. This Flyers team was not expected to be in a tight race to claim a playoff berth this late in the season. However, they are here now, but are squandering their playoff hopes with a late season slump. There are lots of opinions on why the team is slipping despite an encouraging season overall. Many speculate it is player fatigue from Tortorella’s intense style of coaching and overall lack of experience.

The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2023-24 NFL season with massive expectations. After a heartbreaking three-point loss in Super Bowl LVII, the expectation was that in another year, the team would be back to finish what they started. Eleven weeks into the season, that outcome appeared to be in reach. The Eagles improved to 10-1 in late November after quarterback Jalen Hurts led the Eagles to a thrilling overtime win over the Buffalo Bills coming back from down ten points at halftime. This excitement that was felt from fans after this week would not last. To the disgust of Eagles fans across the world, they fell short. They Not only fell short but had one of the worst mid-season collapses in recent memory. The Eagles lost six of their last seven games to cap off potentially their most highly anticipated season ever. In that dreaded stretch, the Eagles lost games in embarrassing fashion. They were completely outclassed by San Francisco and Dallas in back-to-back weeks, and they followed that up with a fourth quarter collapse against an inferior Seahawks team. The Eagles’ struggles continued in what would be the last win of the season vs New York. Despite the win on paper, this was not a huge step in the right direction. The Eagles led 20-3 entering the second half, but immediately turned the ball over on the kickoff at the start of the third quarter. The kick returner Boston Scott simply ran into teammate Zaccheaus which forced the ball out, leading to a quick New York touchdown. Attempting to respond, Hurts was picked on a play where Eagles’ tight end Goedert slipped leading to a near wide open catch and pick-six. These miscues and simple mistakes riddled the Eagles through the season. The Eagles managed to still pull out a win in this game, but it would be the last of this nightmare of a season.

In spite of these struggles, the NFC East was still in the Eagles’ control. To win the division giving them an automatic home playoff game, all they needed to do was defeat the 3-12 Cardinals at home and beat the same Giants team. All hopes of winning the division and salvaging the season was squandered after the Eagles got beat at home vs the lowly Cardinals.. Disaster struck, and the Eagles went on to lose the following week in New York. Quarterback Jalen Hurts dislocated his throwing-hand middle finger, and star wide receiver A.J Brown suffered a knee injury which sidelined him for the playoffs. They went on to get demolished in the first round of the playoffs versus a Buccaneers team that they had beaten in week three. The offense was shut-out in the second half, and the defense got picked apart allowing four-hundred twenty-six total yards and three touchdowns. The Eagles simply went out in the saddest way possible.Who’s to blame? With as much talent as the Eagles have, the way this season unfolded is simply unacceptable. The offense, defense, and coaching failed completely on all levels down the stretch of the season. Defensive Coordinator Sean Desai was demoted after the 49ers loss, and the replacement calling the defense, Matt Patricia did not produce better results. On top of that, the offense became completely stagnant and lifeless by the end of the season. There is a large coaching problem that the team has already addressed. They have let go of both the defensive and offensive coordinators. Head coach Nick Sirianni is here to stay for now, but much of the other coaching personnel at the top is already gone. Although poor coaching and play-calling likely played a large role in the downfall of the season, players should not be left off the hook. It is hard to say anyone outside of wide receivers Devonta Smith, A.J Brown, and kicker Jake Elliot had a successful season. Big money players and unproven players did not play good football this season. This was a catastrophic full team collapse that will haunt Eagles fans for years to come.