Resources:

• My Country 993 WCON -  The Music That Made Country Great

• Fellowship of Christian Athletes North Georgia – Learn more about the mission and events of FCA in North Georgia.

• Longstreet Cafe

About the Guests:

Benji Harrison is the head football coach at Habersham Central High School with over 26 years of coaching experience. Entering his 11th year at Habersham Central, Benji has developed a reputation not only for his strategic acumen on the football field but also for his commitment to using sports as a platform for personal and character development among his players. A former multi-sport athlete himself, Benji played football, basketball, and baseball during his high school years and went on to play college football at Presbyterian College.

Thomas Burnett is a prominent figure with the North Georgia Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). With rich experience in radio broadcasting, this is his first foray into podcasting. Thomas works closely with athletic programs to offer support and mentorship, particularly emphasizing the integration of faith and sportsmanship.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the FCA North Georgia Coaches Podcast hosted by Joel Williams, Benji Harrison, head coach of Habersham Central High School, and Thomas Burnett from North Georgia FCA share their insights on coaching, mentorship, and the integral role of family and community in high school athletics. Broadcasting from Longstreet Cafe, the discussion delves into the various aspects that shape the landscape of high school sports and the invaluable life lessons they impart on young athletes.

Coach Benji Harrison reflects on his 26-year journey in coaching, emphasizing how competition and the camaraderie of a game night drive his passion for football. He candidly discusses the challenges coaches face, such as balancing family dynamics and handling social media distractions, while also highlighting the rewarding aspects of watching former players grow into successful adults. Thomas Burnett adds another dimension by sharing the perspective of FCA, celebrating the profound influence sports can have on an athlete's personal growth and their role in the community. The conversation touches upon issues such as the potential impact of NIL deals on high school sports and how leveraging a platform like FCA can enrich both coaches and athletes.

Key Takeaways:

• Coach Benji Harrison emphasizes how coaching is not just about the game but also acts as a ministry, shaping young athletes' lives and offering guidance.

• The robust support from the Habersham Central community plays a pivotal role, as illustrated by packed stadiums on game nights regardless of the team's success.

• Friday night games offer a unique excitement fueled by competition, community spirit, and a shared love for football.

• Social media presents both challenges and distractions in maintaining a focus on the core values and goals in high school sports.

• Family, notably the support of spouses, is crucial for coaches to manage the demands of their roles effectively.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The competition of it, the whole atmosphere of a Friday night, the community, there's something about being in a small town which makes it even more special." — Benji Harrison

2. "I think football does it better than anything because it is hard...in society we've kind of gotten away from wanting to do things that are hard." — Benji Harrison

3. "As a coach, we get to influence more people than just about anybody...I can't separate the two [coaching and ministry]." — Benji Harrison

4. "The hard part that I would say that is tough is this just distractions...I think social media is one of those." — Thomas Burnett

5. "We're in a place that is good with that [integrating ministry into coaching], and that's what's been so..." — Benji Harrison