Each month we’ll be applauding some of the many great Christian coaches and athletes making the News by setting positive examples as role models in our communities as true Champions of Glory…Winning for God’s Kingdom.

Chris Coghlan named NL Rookie of the Year for the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan became the third Fish to grab the National League Rookie of the Year award, as Major League Baseball rewarded the Tarpon Springs, Florida, native and strong man of God with this honor. Coghlan batted .321 to lead all rookies and started as a second baseman before being switched to the outfield. Coghlan is very involved with his community and youth sports, as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

John Offerdahl inducted into Broward County Sports Hall of Fame
Former All-Pro Miami Dolphins linebacker and successful entrepreneur John Offerdahl added another score to his impressive portfolio, as he was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in November. “I am very excited. It has been over 15 years since I last put on a helmet on that field, and I couldn’t be happier because my family doesn’t believe I played. I have to keep pulling out the films and the pictures.” Offerdahl has a successful chain of restaurants, supports the FCA at fundraising events and most recently started coaching youth football at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale.

Gary Carter returns home to manage Palm Beach Atlantic Baseball Team
Palm Beach Gardens resident and baseball Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter was named head baseball coach for the NCAA Division II Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish.

Carter played for the Montreal Expos from 1974 to 1984 and the New York Mets from 1985 to 1989. And was a member of the 1986 Mets team that won the World Series. Carter spent a season each with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers before finishing out his 19-year playing career with a final season in Montreal. He was named to the All-Star Team 11 times, twice selected as Most Valuable Player. A winner of three Golden Glove Awards and five Silver Slugger Awards, he is a member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and the New York Mets Hall of Fame.

Carter has lived in Palm Beach County since 1982. Carter has been married to his wife Sandy for 34 years. They are members of Christ Fellowship. The couple has three children – Christy, Kimmy and D.J. – and three grandchildren. Daughter Kimmy Bloemers is the head softball coach at Palm Beach Atlantic, where her husband, Kyle, serves as the athletics compliance officer.

“The Palm Beach Atlantic University community is excited to have Hall of Famer Gary Carter coaching our young men,” University President Lu Hardin said. “Gary Carter is a baseball genius and a fine Christian man. He will be an influential motivator for our players.”

“I am looking forward to becoming a Sailfish,” Carter said. “My goal is to make Palm Beach Atlantic’s baseball program the strongest Division II program in the country. But my primary goal is to help these young athletes become better Christians and prepare them for life, not just baseball.”

Palm Beach Atlantic University is a Christian university with a total enrollment of 3,200 students, offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, the University is an NCAA independent competing in 11 varsity sports. For additional information, visit www.pbasailfish.com or www.pba.edu