By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
It’s 4 p.m. on a blustery Sunday afternoon. The sermon has long been concluded, but the doors at Grace Bible Church remain open. Khakis and collared shirts have since been replaced by shorts and sneakers. A dribbling sound echoes from the basement gym that serves as home to the Grace Basketball Association. It’s music to Tori Vestal’s ears. “When we first started, we were only getting 12 to 15 people, and most of them were church members,” explained Vestal, director of sports ministry at the church located on South Highway 47. “Now we have 40 or 50, as many as 55 players each time.” Twice a week, dozens of Warren County’s most competitive-minded individuals hone their skills on the voulnteer-built court. What began as the brainchild of Pastor Mark Meyers five years ago has since flourished. “Really quickly, we had some people donate enough money to fund almost all of it,” recalled Vestal. “A handful of us came up here and painted the lines.” The idea merged two of Meyers’ most fervent passions — God and athletics. It gave him and others committed to the cause a chance to shine into the lives of community members and bond over one of America’s favorite hobbies. "We wanted to reach out to young people in ways they will relate to,” said Steve Etcher, who calls himself ‘one of the ancients.’ “ ... And sports is a great vehicle to start conversations and get them exposed to believers (in Christ).” Etcher is a regular in the league and also a sponsor. He and Meyers have enjoyed building relationships and watching area youth mature through the program, which provides a safe, structured environment. “These are young adults who are going to grow up to be pillars in this community,” said Etcher. “We’re just planting seeds to try to create great opportunities.” While the topic of religion isn’t “pushed down the throats of those attending,” as assured by Etcher, it is at the basis of the operation. Those who have invested their time in developing GBA are determined to set a positive example for others who may be witnessing their behavior. “We’ve opened our gym to an 18-30 age group that a lot of times isn't addressed,” said Vestal. “It’s not an official mentoring program, but mentoring is going on here,” added Etcher. This past Sunday GBA hosted its first-ever All-Star game, selecting its most dedicated players to three teams. Former Warrenton High School player Sarah Heyne, who is among several girls not afraid to test their skills against the guys, took top honors in the three-point contest between halves. GBA is open to anyone at least 16 years of age who is interested in playing basketball on a leisurely level. There is a consistent group of regulars peppered with frequent newcomers. “We’re not looking to create an elitist program,” explained Etcher. “It’s a community-based program.” Occasionally, GBA finds itself hosting notable sports figures such as Wisconsin running back Montee Ball. Many others are stars of the past from Warren County’s schools. The contests do sometimes become very competitive, and players are simply asked to monitor their behavior in potentially heated situations. “We’ve had some people come with the wrong attitude,” said Etcher. “We’ve sat down and talked to them, and it’s amazing to see how people have changed and grown since that experience.” Aside from meeting on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m., GBA also occasionally travels to play against those in the Division of Youth Services in Montgomery City. “They love the fellowship of playing, and it’s also good to have our young people see that no matter how bad your life might feel right now, it’s pretty good compared to some others,” said Etcher. Warrenton High School graduates Cody Prewitt, left, and Patrick McGuire, compete during the Grace Basketball Association All-Star game held on Sunday.
Derrick Forsythe Photo.
