Sports
Upward Basketball Packs The Gym
By By Marty Tiefenbrunn
Mar 26, 2008, 15:30:00

If you are a basketball fan, it is all about March Madness. High school players have their state championships and college athletes shoot for the NCAA Final Four. But those involved with Upward Basketball will tell you that the eternal rewards achieved in their program are second to none. They’re playing for Jesus Christ.
The Upward Basketball program sponsored by the Sullivan Christian Church recently completed their inaugural season by hosting their season ending Upward celebration. Packing the gymnasium with over 400 players, coaches, volunteers, parents and fans, the excitement and positive aura surrounding this program was evident to anyone in attendance.
Program director, Steve Barch, was the master of ceremonies for the evening. Recognizing several volunteers, including the efforts of his wife, Sandi, the emotions that Barch felt for the program and those involved was evident to all.
For the children, the highlight of the evening was the introduction of the Kansas City Chiefs mascot. KC Wolf, as he is commonly known, is played by former St.Louis native, Dan Meers. Meers is a speaker approved by the Upward’s program, traveling across the country to share his testimony of God’s love and of his relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ.
During his testimony, Meers shared the story of his salvation, acknowledging his belief that he is a sinner, saved through God’s grace. He told of his life growing up in a Christian home, knowing that he was loved by Christian parents, but recognizing that there was the need to have a closer walk with God.
Attending a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) meeting, he asked God to become his Savior and he shared his belief of an eternal life in heaven with his best friend, Jesus Christ.
Meers spent his college years at the University of Missouri and began his mascot career as Truman the Tiger. After college and faced with the thought of getting a “real job,” he went to work for the St. Louis Cardinals as Fredbird. A few years later, he was offered the job in Kansas City and has now been in the NFL for 18 years.
During the evening, each player and coach involved in the league was recognized for their participation. Special awards were presented by Barch to Tony Schwarm, the director of referees, and to Sylvia Thurmond for her organization of the league concession stand.
As they left the gym, kids and parents were already talking about next year’s Upward program, an organization that operates under three principles. Every child plays. Every child learns. Every child is a winner.

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