By Bob Holmes

CIU Rams Basketball player Tyrone Dantzler says as a Christian athlete he tries to be an example of God’s love and is embracing his role as a leader. That’s why the junior took part in the “One Died for All” community outreach basketball camp hosted by the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

The event, which drew over 70 campers to the CIU Moore Fitness Center for four days in July, featured men’s basketball coach Tony Stockman and women’s basketball coach Temple Elmore.   

Men’s Assistant Basketball Coach Danny Reese spearheaded the event just as he has the last two years. He says beyond basketball, the camp features devotionals, Bible studies and testimonies.

“This year it was on my heart to share our life stories of what Christ has done for us and through us,” Reese said on the sidelines as he watched the campers compete in games.

“I’m happy with the impact and the opportunity we are having,” Reese said. “Over the last two years, we’ve had 86 kids give their life to Christ, and some of these kids are here for the third year. This is one of the best opportunities we have to help them understand the love of Christ and maximize their potential.”

The camp is supported by donations and volunteers. Other CIU departments besides athletics got involved in the event this year, some of them financially pitching in to provide a lunch and serving it to the campers.

But perhaps the biggest impact comes from the Rams basketball players such as Dantzler who was assigned to oversee a group of campers and share the gospel with them.

“I’ve gotten a lot a feedback from the kids on how they want to get closer to God and have a relationship with Jesus,” Dantzler said. “They won’t do everything perfectly because we all fall short of the glory of God. I think a lot of the kids are starting to understand that and I’m just helping them in the process.”

Learn more about becoming a CIU Rams athlete at ciurams.com.

CIU is experiencing growth in enrollment and has announced $25 million in expansion plans for the campus, including construction of the $20 million William H. Jones Global Business and IT Center. CIU is accredited by SACS-COC.