Faith on the Track: How FCA Is Shaping the Culture at Cedar Rapids Prairie

Dear Eastern Iowa FCA Family,

For athletes at Cedar Rapids Prairie, success is measured by more than times, distances, and medals. Through FCA, students are discovering a deeper purpose rooted in faith, community, and putting Christ first.

One of the most visible examples happens before track meets even begin.

“I have seen our team widely impacted by FCA through our prayer circles,” shared one Prairie athlete. “At each track meet once everyone has arrived and settled in, our team joins all the competition and athletes together for a prayer circle.”

What began as a simple act of gathering in prayer has become something athletes look forward to before competition. And it isn’t just happening at Prairie.

“There are way more impromptu gatherings of prayer all over the state at track meets,” another FCA student-athlete shared. “Usually led by FCA members, not because they have to, but because God places it on their heart and they want to.”

But FCA’s impact goes beyond what happens at the track.

Students say their FCA Huddle has created a place where they can be vulnerable, share prayer requests, encourage one another, and grow deeper in their faith.

“My relationship with Jesus has deepened,” one athlete shared. “I have taken a lot more time to spend in prayer.”

That growing faith is also changing how students approach competition.

“A great way to leave anxiety and nerves for me is by praying and talking to God,” the athlete said. “Before each event I pray with myself or my teammates—giving everything to the Lord before I race.”

Another student described FCA as a community of people who provide encouragement and wisdom when life gets difficult.

“FCA has drastically improved how I compete, lead, and interact with my teammates,” the student shared.

That’s the impact of FCA at Cedar Rapids Prairie. What happens during a weekly Huddle doesn’t stay there. It carries onto the track, into relationships, and throughout students’ everyday lives.

Through prayer, authentic friendships, and a shared pursuit of Christ, these athletes are learning what it looks like to put their faith first and encourage others to do the same.

Would you join us in praying?

• That student-athletes would continue to live out their faith in everyday moments boldly.
• For team unity to be strengthened through Christ-centered leadership.
• That more students would be open to encountering God through simple invitations like this.

Thank you for being part of what God is doing through FCA.