2009 Football Coaches Clinic Nearly 100 football Coaches, representing many of the top high school programs in Kansas and Missouri, descended upon the FCA World Headquarters on March 7th for the annual FCA Metro KC Football Coaches Clinic.  Coaches from middle schools, junior highs and local youth leagues were among that number as well.  The day began with opening remarks from FCA Director Mark Gassman, himself a former Coach in the KC area.  Mark was followed by Larry Wilcox, who came armed with 29 years as the Head Coach of Benedictine College.  After Coach Wilcox shared with the entire gathering, the large training room was divided in two, one room hosting HS Coaches from KS, one with Coaches from the MO side.  Coaches from St. Thomas Aquinas, Lawrence Free State, Blue Valley, Ray-Pec, Blue Springs South and Kearney HS each had a chance to share some of their coaching strategies and philosophies.  Defensive Coordinator Paul Hubbard of Mid-America Nazarene rounded out the speaker lineup for the day.  Coach Greg Jones from Kearney offered a particularly poignant comment to the room, when he challenged each Coach to consider not only how much time and effort they put into their players, but also how much time and energy they invest in their own children at home.     The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the clinic's new name.  Coach Fred Merrell is well-known in our area, having served as a Head Football Coach at many schools on both sides of the state line.  Coach Merrell is a long-time friend of FCA, and had taken the lead with organizing our clinic since its inception.  Beginning in 2010, in recognition for his years of service to the Coaches of the Metro KC Area and to FCA, the Football Coaches Clinic will bear the name of Fred Merrell.  Coach Merrell had an opportunity to address the room, and reminded each Coach in the room that football is a great game, but Christ is King.  The day concluded with closing remarks from Coaches Ministry Director Ryan Krzykowski, who briefly shared some of his coaching background, wrapped around a charge to each Coach to accept the freedom and forgiveness offered by our Lord Jesus Christ.  All told, the clinic was a great success.  The feedback received from attendees has been extremely positive, and we all look forward to seeing where the Lord leads as we seek to develop and deepen relationships with Coaches.