Eagles football team celebrates 31 baptisms on campus

In a tradition that reflects the mission of Carson-Newman University, 31 members of the University’s Eagles football team were baptized in the waters of Mossy Creek on campus. They were joined by other team members, coaches, University leadership and campus community who lined the banks of the creek to witness the event.

The public professions of faith were officiated by Marty Blakely, director of Lakeway’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Drew Eudy, congregation pastor at Mossy Creek Fellowship. The group marked the largest group since the tradition began several years ago.

Following the celebratory occasion, first-year, Head Football Coach Ashley Ingram said that he wants football at Carson-Newman to be a transformative experience. “I told the guys today, that obviously, we want to win a lot of games, and we want to win championships, but we won the ultimate championship today. To see 31 guys, give their life to Christ this morning, and to publicly profess that, is really special.”

Ingram reflected on when he first accepted the job at Carson-Newman. “I said if we could bring kids here that don’t know Christ, it could have eternal ramifications. Seeing that today was obviously very pleasing.”