UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA FCA NEWSLETTER January 30, 2002

“GOD TOOK ME BACK” SAYS DICK SPYBEY,

MEN’S GOLF COACH AND TONIGHT’S SPEAKER AT 9

Dick Spybey didn’t grow up in a Christian home as he states in his testimony. He was a good athlete, starred in basketball in high school and always played golf. He could easily have turned to coaching basketball, but his best opportunity was given him in golf.

At age 24, he became assistant golf coach at Alabama. He traveled to Tuscaloosa for the first time from Columbus, Ohio in his Pinto with $200 in his pocket. He was hired by Coach Conrad Rehling, a long-time golf coach at Alabama. In 1985, he became the women’s golf coach and in 1988 replaced Coach Rehling as head men’s coach.

Early on he met his wife, Mary, after arriving at Alabama. Mary was a good influence for Dick’s spiritual life, but as Dick says, it was his mother-in-law that had a big impact on turning him toward the Lord. “Mary’s mother is one of the strongest and neatest Christian ladies I know, and she really influenced my spiritual life,” says Dick.

Fellow coach, Rick Moody, had a major impact in reaching Dick and getting him in Sunday School and church several years ago. Today, Dick loves to tell his story to any audience about his new found joy in Christ. That’s what he will do tonight at FCA at 9 at the College Annex, located one block from Bryant-Denny Stadium.

SPECIAL NOTE: Several athletes will be attending the State FCA Weekend Advance at Shocco Springs near Talladega this weekend with some 200 athletes from around the state. It will be a special time of fellowship, fun and inspiration.

* * THOUGHTS * *

The movie, Hometown Legend, is currently showing in town. As mentioned before, FCA has a small role in the movie. It was filmed in Alabama featuring a high school football team drama. Discover all about it on website www.hometownlegend.com.

“Men, we are going to think and concentrate on one word this season and one word only…and that’s the word ‘Super Bowl’”…Coach Bill Peterson, former Houston Oiler coach

“I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations”…George Bernard Shaw

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up”…Proverbs 12:25