Beyond the Huddle - Central Arkansas FCA

What happens when faith and football come together?

In this episode of Central Arkansas FCA’s Beyond the Huddle, host Rick Maupin sits down with Dustin Grimmett, head football coach at Little Rock Christian Academy, for an honest conversation about faith, family, coaching, leadership, and the impact of living out the Gospel through sports.

Coach Grimmett shares the story of his faith journey—from placing his trust in Jesus as an eight-year-old, to discovering how God was working through difficult seasons of moving and transition, to meeting his future wife in seventh grade. He also talks about how football became more than a game and ultimately became a ministry opportunity.

Dustin explains his journey into coaching, his time as a player and coach in Arkansas, and how God led him back to Little Rock Christian Academy, where he now serves as head football coach. He discusses his philosophy of relational leadership and why coaches have an incredible opportunity to disciple and influence young men both on and off the field.

The conversation also highlights the powerful connection between FCA, faith, and sports, including the role FCA has played in connecting student-athletes' faith with their lives on the football field. Dustin shares about multiple student-athletes and coaches who publicly declared their faith through baptism in front of their teammates.

Throughout the conversation, Rick and Dustin discuss the importance of attitude, effort, accountability, teachability, discipleship, and trusting God even when we can't see what He is doing.

Most importantly, Coach Grimmett shares his desire to use every opportunity God gives him to glorify Christ and disciple young men.

In this episode:

• Dustin Grimmett's testimony and faith journey
• Growing up in Little Rock and Clinton, Arkansas
• How football became connected to Dustin's faith
• Meeting his wife, Casey, in seventh grade
• Dustin's journey into football coaching
• His path to becoming head coach at Little Rock Christian Academy
• FCA's impact on coaches and student-athletes
• Faith and sports as an integrated way of life
• Baptism and public declarations of faith
• Discipling young men through coaching
• Leadership, accountability, attitude, and effort
• The importance of being grateful and teachable
• Balancing coaching, ministry, marriage, and fatherhood
• Trusting God's plan even when the path is unclear
• Living for Christ beyond the football field

Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, student, or simply someone seeking encouragement in your faith, this episode offers a powerful reminder: faith doesn't stop when the game starts. We are called to live for Christ wherever God has placed us.

Beyond the Huddle is a Central Arkansas FCA podcast focused on the intersection of faith, sports, leadership, and life.

What happens when you achieve the career, income, comfort, and success you thought you wanted—and discover it still isn’t enough?

In this episode of the FCA Podcast, Caeson Mertens sits down with Justin Harrell, Men’s Pastor at Collective Church, for a powerful conversation about identity in Christ, finding true purpose, living by faith, and the influence coaches and mentors can have on the next generation.

Justin shares his journey from growing up in Mayflower, Arkansas, to a successful career in occupational therapy and corporate leadership. On the outside, life looked good. But despite reaching many of the goals he had set for himself, Justin found himself increasingly dissatisfied and searching for something more. That “holy discontentment” ultimately became part of God’s process of drawing him toward a deeper relationship with Christ and a new calling.

Justin explains how the Gospel became more than simply the promise of heaven. He began to understand that Jesus didn’t just save him from something—He saved him for something. Salvation meant living with purpose now, participating in God’s work, and allowing his identity in Christ to transform every area of his life.

That conviction eventually led Justin to leave a successful corporate career and step into full-time ministry. Even when consulting work could have provided a comfortable financial safety net, Justin felt God challenging him to “burn the ships,” surrender his backup plan, and trust Him completely. It was a decision that required genuine sacrifice, but Justin says it also taught him dependence on God and allowed him to experience His provision and presence in new ways.

The conversation also turns directly toward coaches, athletes, fathers, and mentors. Justin reflects on the lasting influence of Coach Boling, who cared about far more than wins and losses. His coach invested in players, put the Gospel in front of them, modeled humility, and demonstrated that caring for young men mattered more than the scoreboard.

That leads to an important challenge for every person in a position of influence: the people you lead will learn to value what they see you value. If coaches and fathers value only performance, achievement, money, or recognition, young people notice. But when they see adults pursuing Christ, serving others, practicing humility, loving their families, and walking faithfully, they see what biblical manhood and discipleship actually look like.

This episode is an invitation to move beyond comfortable Christianity and ask some deeper questions: Where is your identity? What are you pursuing? What are you teaching others to value? And are you willing to trust God when obedience requires more than common sense?

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, teacher, administrator, pastor, parent, or follower of Jesus, this conversation is a reminder that the Gospel is meant to transform far more than what we say—it should transform the way we live.

On this episode of Beyond the Huddle, the Central Arkansas FCA podcast where faith meets competition, we hear the story of Ryan and his journey into full-time ministry with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Ryan shares how God has used his faith journey, athletic background, adversity, and life experiences to prepare him for a new calling: reaching coaches and athletes throughout the Jacksonville area. From building relationships on local campuses to developing multi-sport FCA Huddles, Ryan talks about his heart for meeting students where they are and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The conversation also explores what it means to step out in faith when God calls you into something new. Ryan discusses the process of joining FCA staff, raising financial support, building a team of ministry partners, and trusting God to provide the people and resources necessary to accomplish the mission.

At the heart of it all is FCA’s desire to see every coach and athlete growing in a relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. It’s a conversation about calling, obedience, perseverance, sports, ministry, and the opportunities God provides when we’re willing to say yes.

You’ll also hear how listeners can come alongside Ryan and the FCA ministry through prayer, encouragement, and financial partnership as FCA continues reaching coaches and athletes across Central Arkansas.

What happens when the thing you've built your identity around suddenly changes?

In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, Josh Adair sits down with Addison, Autumn Vissier, and Emma Robertson for an honest conversation about faith, athletics, identity, surrender, suffering, community, and learning to trust Jesus in every season.

Autumn and Emma share how their experiences as college athletes helped expose the danger of finding identity in performance, accomplishments, and self-sufficiency. They talk candidly about difficult seasons that forced them to loosen their grip on control and discover what genuine dependence on Jesus looks like.

Emma shares how softball had become such a significant part of her identity—and what happened when that foundation began to crumble. Through relationships, biblical community, and people willing to meet her in the middle of her struggles, she began to understand the difference between simply knowing about Jesus and actually following Him.

The conversation also explores what biblical community really means. It isn't merely having friends, teammates, coworkers, or people around you. It's having people who know you, love you, challenge you, show up when life gets difficult, and continually point you back to Christ.

And sometimes that starts with one simple question:

“How are you doing?”

The group discusses why asking good questions matters, why vulnerability is essential to meaningful relationships, and how God can use interruptions, suffering, changing plans, mentors, coaches, teammates, and friends to shape us into the people He has called us to become.

You'll also hear Autumn and Emma discuss their transition from college athletics into serving with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, including how God redirected plans and created opportunities to invest in the lives of coaches and athletes across Central Arkansas.

As a new school year begins, the conversation turns practical with encouragement for students entering their senior year: be present, don't waste the opportunities God has placed in front of you, resist comparison, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and recognize the influence you have on the people around you.

And for parents of seniors: remain steady. Be the same faithful, dependable parent who helped bring them this far.

This episode is a reminder that our identity isn't ultimately found in a sport, career, accomplishment, relationship, or carefully constructed plan.

It's found in Jesus.

Beyond the Huddle is the Central Arkansas FCA podcast where faith meets competition.

Pastor Michael Loudermilk of Christ Community Church in Little Rock joins Rick Maupin on Beyond the Huddle to share a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about faith, coaching, ministry, and trusting God through life's greatest challenges.

Michael recounts coming to faith as a 16-year-old at a Colorado camp, how athletics shaped his identity, and why coaching high school football in Texas became a ministry long before he entered the pastorate. He discusses the impact of FCA on his own spiritual journey, the lessons he learned about leadership, and the surprising humility of watching the ministry flourish after he stepped away.

The conversation also explores his transition from coach to vocational ministry, God's call to Christ Community Church in Little Rock, and the unique partnership between local churches and parachurch organizations like FCA.

In one of the most moving moments of the episode, Michael shares his family's current battle after his seven-year-old daughter, Abigail, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor. He opens up about walking through suffering, trusting God's sovereignty, and finding hope in the middle of uncertainty. Rick concludes with a heartfelt prayer for Abigail and the Loudermilk family.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, pastor, or simply someone seeking encouragement in difficult seasons, this episode is a powerful reminder that God works through every chapter of our lives—and that faithfulness matters more than personal recognition.

What if the greatest influence in a young person's life isn't a parent, teacher, or pastor—but a coach?

On this powerful episode of Beyond the Huddle, Central Arkansas FCA welcomes longtime college football coach Ken Collums, who shares how three decades of coaching became a ministry of developing men, not just athletes.

Coach Collums reflects on growing up in Texas, playing championship football at UCA, meeting his wife of 30 years, and discovering that coaching is one of the greatest platforms for eternal influence. From leading Bible studies with players to taking entire football teams to men's conferences during fall camp, he shares unforgettable stories of lives transformed through authentic relationships, intentional discipleship, and Christ-centered leadership.

The conversation also explores:

• Why coaches have a unique opportunity to shape future husbands, fathers, and leaders
• The importance of living authentic faith instead of simply talking about it
• Lessons on marriage, family, and balancing the demands of coaching
• How FCA is equipping coaches to impact generations beyond the scoreboard
• Why every believer should see themselves as a steward—not an owner—of the people God places in their lives

Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, pastor, or anyone passionate about leadership, this episode is a compelling reminder that true success isn't measured by championships—it's measured by lives changed for Christ.

Change is never easy, but God often uses seasons of transition to prepare us for something greater.

In this special episode of Beyond the Huddle, host Josh Adair honors co-founder Zach Rose as he transitions into a new ministry role as a sports pastor in Oklahoma. Zach's vision for the podcast has impacted countless athletes, coaches, and families by creating a space where authentic stories reveal how God works through both victories and struggles.

Joining Josh are new co-hosts Rick Moppen and Kason Merton, who will help continue the mission of sharing powerful stories from across Central Arkansas FCA. Together, they discuss why storytelling matters, how adversity strengthens faith, and what it means to live authentically for Christ in every season.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as each host opens up about emotional health, trauma, repentance, counseling, marriage, grief, community, and the importance of being teachable. They explore how God often uses pain—not to defeat us—but to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, ministry leader, or simply walking through a difficult season, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to carry your burdens alone. God designed us for community, and true freedom begins when we honestly bring our struggles into the light.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why Zach Rose's legacy continues through Beyond the Huddle
• The power of authentic storytelling in strengthening faith
• How adversity becomes a catalyst for spiritual growth
• The importance of repentance, emotional health, and self-awareness
• Why counseling and biblical community are signs of strength—not weakness
• Lessons from sports that apply to everyday discipleship
• How God's grace meets us in seasons of transition and healing

No matter what you're facing today, there's hope. God is still writing your story.

What happens when the thing you've worked your whole life for is suddenly taken away?

In this episode, James Renshaw and Parker Henry share honest stories about setbacks, injuries, disappointment, and how God used those moments to reshape their identity and purpose.

Parker opens up about the heartbreak of falling short at the state wrestling tournament and how that experience inspired him to pursue sports psychology. James shares how two traumatic skull injuries, the loss of a classmate, and learning to put Christ above basketball transformed his life and eventually led him into student ministry.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, student, or parent, this conversation is a reminder that your identity is found in Christ—not in wins, losses, or achievements.

Topics include:
• Wrestling and mental health
• Recovering from failure
• Faith through injury and adversity
• Finding your identity in Christ
• Student ministry and calling
• Sports psychology
• Leadership and perseverance

If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that God can use even our hardest seasons for His glory.

What happens when the sport you've built your life around is no longer what God is calling you to pursue?

In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, Zach Rose sits down with Ryan "Lodge" Lageness, FCA staff member and chaplain for the UCA football team, to discuss his remarkable journey from a troubled childhood to walking on at UCA, surrendering football to follow Christ, and ultimately serving collegiate athletes through ministry.

Ryan shares how faithful mentors changed the trajectory of his life, why leaving football was one of the hardest decisions he's ever made, and what it looks like to disciple over 100 student-athletes while helping them discover that football is more than a game—it's a platform to glorify God.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone seeking to follow God's calling, this conversation is full of encouragement, wisdom, and reminders that God can redeem every part of our story.

In this episode:

• Ryan's journey from Miami to Arkansas
• Finding Christ through the game of football
• The mentors who changed his life
• Walking away from college football to follow God's call
• Serving as UCA Football Chaplain
• Using sports as a platform for the Gospel
• Faith, leadership, and discipleship in college athletics

🎙️ Beyond the Huddle is the Central Arkansas FCA podcast where faith meets competition. Each episode features conversations with athletes, coaches, and leaders who are making an eternal impact through sports.

What happens when the sport you've built your life around no longer defines you?

In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, Zach Rose sits down with former Henderson State and Evangel University basketball player Josh Mason to discuss his journey from finding his identity in basketball to discovering a deeper purpose in Christ.

Josh shares how injuries, unmet expectations, and disappointment on the court led him to wrestle with who he really was. Through authentic Christian community, discipleship, and a growing relationship with Jesus, God transformed his perspective on athletics, success, and purpose.

Now, Josh and his wife Abby are preparing to serve with Athletes in Action in Puerto Rico, where they will disciple college athletes and help raise up Christ-centered leaders on campus.

In this conversation, you'll hear:
🏀 Josh's basketball journey from Nixa High School to college athletics
🙏 How God used adversity to draw him closer to Christ
📖 The impact of discipleship and Christian community
🎯 Finding your identity beyond sports performance
🌎 Why Josh and Abby are stepping into full-time missions with Athletes in Action
💡 Encouragement for athletes struggling with pressure, expectations, and purpose

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or believer looking to grow in your faith, this episode is

In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, hosts Josh Adair and Zach Rose sit down with longtime Cabot coach and FCA leader Danny Spencer. Danny shares how an FCA Camp experience as a teenager changed the trajectory of his life and led him into nearly three decades of coaching and ministry.

Hear powerful stories about faith, mentoring athletes, the impact of FCA Camp, building relationships that last a lifetime, and why coaching is more than a profession—it's a calling. Danny reflects on seeing students come to Christ, the importance of being present in young people's lives, and how God uses sports to transform hearts.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, youth pastor, or ministry leader, this conversation will encourage you to invest in the next generation and trust God with the results.

Scott and Pam Cameron share their incredible journey from Southern California and NASCAR chaplaincy to serving students and coaches through FCA in Central Arkansas. They discuss overcoming hardship, finding identity in Christ, the power of showing up for others, and how God uses ordinary acts of kindness to make an eternal impact.

In this powerful episode of Beyond the Huddle, Sam Clark shares his raw testimony of addiction, brokenness, redemption, and how God transformed his life from a troubled past into a calling for ministry and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. From battling substance abuse and insecurity to discovering true relationship with Christ, this episode dives deep into faith, surrender, purpose, and trusting God when nothing makes sense.

On this episode of Beyond the Huddle, host Josh Adair sits down with Marcus Adams and Johnny Rice for a powerful conversation about leadership, faith, accountability, and what it really takes to build championship culture.

Coach Adams shares his journey from Pine Bluff to leading programs across Arkansas, the lessons he learned from mentors and family, and why discipline, consistency, and honesty still matter in today’s game. The conversation dives deep into team culture, player leadership, coaching modern athletes, faith under pressure, and the importance of servant leadership on and off the court.

This episode is packed with wisdom for coaches, athletes, parents, and anyone passionate about leadership and personal growth.

In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, Josh Adair and Zach Rose sit down with Pastor Mark Henry to talk about faith, football, parenting, leadership, and the early days of FCA in Arkansas.

Mark shares his journey from Little Rock Central and the University of Arkansas to serving with FCA and eventually pastoring at Fellowship Bible Church. He reflects on how FCA impacted his life, what it was like helping launch FCA ministry across Arkansas, and why discipleship matters more than athletic success.

The conversation also dives deep into parenting athletes, handling pressure and expectations, supporting coaches, raising kids with strong character, and helping children love Jesus and the church above everything else.

Whether you're a coach, parent, athlete, or leader, this episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight on living boldly for Christ through sports and everyday life.

Topics Include:

• Faith and athletics
• FCA in Arkansas
• Parenting athletes
• Leadership and discipleship
• Coaching and character
• Sports and identity
• Raising kids to love Jesus
• Ministry and calling
• College athletics and the NFL

Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who needs encouragement today.

What happens when a coach realizes success on the field isn’t enough?

In this episode of Beyond the Huddle, Central Arkansas FCA sits down with Benton High School coach Drew Harris to talk about identity, faith, and what it really means to lead. Drew shares his journey from growing up as a coach’s kid, to chasing success as an athlete and coach, to ultimately finding freedom in fully surrendering his life to Christ.

Through powerful stories—including a life-changing conversation on a bus ride and a locker room culture shift centered on “Glory to God”—this episode challenges coaches, athletes, and leaders to rethink what truly matters.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to perform, prove yourself, or chase success, this conversation will remind you where real purpose is found.

In this powerful episode of Beyond the Huddle, host Zach Rose sits down with student-athletes Luke and Addison, alongside FCA leader Spencer Calgill, to unpack the life-changing impact of FCA Camp. From intense competition and unforgettable games to deep spiritual growth and authentic community, this conversation reveals why FCA Camp is more than just a summer event—it’s a catalyst for transformation.

Hear Luke’s incredible story of going from knowing nothing about Jesus to boldly starting an FCA huddle at his new high school in South Dakota. Addison shares how FCA has strengthened her leadership and team culture at Cabot High School, while Spencer gives a behind-the-scenes look at how intentional discipleship and mentorship shape the next generation of leaders.

You’ll also get a glimpse into the unique structure of FCA Camp—huddles, competition, worship, and testimonies—and why it creates an environment where students can grow in faith, build lasting friendships, and discover their identity in Christ.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or student searching for purpose, this episode will challenge and inspire you to live boldly for something greater than the game.

🔥 Don’t miss this inside look at FCA Camp—and why it might just change your life.

Most athletes dream of high-level success, but few understand how faith shapes every moment — from game-winning plays to daily struggles. Jeb Huckabee’s journey from Razorbacks star to NFL player and FCA leader reveals how the pursuit of excellence can be rooted in eternal purpose, transforming the game and your life.In this episode, discover how Jeb’s faith guided him through some of football’s biggest moments — from tackling Vince Young to winning an SEC championship — all while staying anchored in God’s calling. He shares vulnerable insights on living out his faith in a competitive world, balancing success with humility, and understanding that your greatest impact extends beyond the field.You’ll learn:

• The importance of prioritizing faith over fame, illustrated through Jeb’s powerful parable of the talents and what it means to play for “an audience of one.”
• Practical strategies for witnessing boldly as an athlete, including how to leverage your platform for eternal impact.
• The role of FCA in fostering authentic spiritual growth among coaches and athletes, and how volunteers can multiply ministry efforts.
• How high-level athletic experiences can serve as a bridge to mentor others and share Christ’s love in every community.
• The essential mindset shift needed to view sports not just as competition, but as an avenue to glorify God and impact lives forever.

This episode is perfect for athletes, coaches, and sports fans who want to see their passions as more than just personal achievement — but as opportunities to live boldly for Christ. Whether you’re on the field or in the stands, you’ll walk away inspired to pursue excellence with purpose, knowing your best days are still ahead when guided by faith.Join us for a story of perseverance, humility, and incredible opportunities to lead others closer to Jesus — all through the power of sports ministry.Jeb Huckabee is a former Arkansas Razorback and NFL athlete, now serving as a multi-area director with FCA, passionate about empowering coaches and athletes to live out their faith in every play and every season.

Robert Upshaw shares his journey from chasing athletic dreams to discovering God’s greater calling through FCA and ministry. Through seasons of success, loss, and deep pain, he reveals how God uses every moment to shape our purpose and impact others. This conversation is a powerful reminder that nothing is wasted when we surrender it to Him.

In this episode, we talk about what it really means to live out your calling—whether in ministry, coaching, or everyday life. From powerful faith stories to the reality of burnout, this conversation dives into staying grounded, serving others, and finding purpose where you are.