Bonded By Football

By: Nic Yonter

Starting at lower right and moving clockwise: Utah Findley, Tony West, Robert Johnson, and Kyle Spain.

 

Four new friends. Four new people linked together by a sport, football. All four of these guys did not even know of the others existence until they were teammates at Avila University.

            These four guys were miles apart from each other their entire lives. Utah Findley is from Marshfield, Missouri, which is about 175 miles southeast of Avila. Tony West is from Florissant, Missouri, which is about 250 miles east of Avila. Robert Johnson is from Willis, Texas, which is about 700 miles south of Avila. Kyle Spain is from Springfield, Missouri, which is about 150 miles southeast of Avila.

            They were all brought to the central area of Kansas City, Missouri to play football and embark on a new journey.

            Getting a much needed break from sports and classes, Findley, West, Johnson, Spain and the rest of the Avila students joined each other for the AU Kickoff on Thursday, August 30. They meet at the Student Organization Fair and free picnic that was held after the Mass of the Holy Spirit.

            “I thought the student organization fair was very informative in multiple ways. It informed me of the certain clubs and organizations that are offered by the school. It also told me of different activities that I can attend while being here at Avila University. I enjoyed the break I had from football at the fair,” said West.

            At the Student Organization Fair, the students had the opportunity to check out a majority of the clubs that Avila offers. There were sign-up sheets and information packets at the tables. There was also a free meal provided by the cafeteria.

“The food was delicious. The chicken was cooked very well. There were some great activities. I liked the license plate table. It was a great time to meet the new people at Avila. I was interested in the student ambassadors. The break from football was great,” said Findley.

There was also a balloon artist, a caricature artist, music, masseuses, and a license plate table.

“The student organization fair was fun. I liked the cartoon pictures, the balloon hats. It was just a lot of fun. I was interested in campus ministries. I really liked the ministry and outreach they offer. I enjoyed the break from football. It was very relaxing and very casual. It was a good break,” said Spain.

This event allowed for those living on campus and those living off campus to converse.