University of Houston Athletics
Football Feature: FCA's MVP
11/14/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
People tend to forget that the players they cheer for on the field are greater than the position they play. The student-athletes are champions off the field as much as they are on the field.
Tyus Bowser, senior outside linebacker, is a cherished member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). The FCA is a national organization composed of coaches and athletes that provides a space for them to come together and grow spiritually. Also, FCA provides a place of refuge during hard times and offers guidance through Jesus Christ and prayer.
On Mondays, nearly 50 student-athletes and a handful of coaches attend weekly Huddle Meets. Bowser stands among them, not just a student-athlete, but as a mentor, role model, leader and a pillar for others. He lends his voice where needed and becomes a source of experience for his peers.
"He's always talking to somebody, willing to reach out. It's great to have him come out and talk to people who are new or maybe have come before. He's always a voice or a face that people are always comfortable with," said Kevin Washington, a minister at the University of Houston's FCA chapter.
Bowser leads by example with commitment and exhibits his competitive nature that's wrapped in his friendly demeanor. "Tyus is quietly consistent and shows how you can be competitive as a Christian," said Washington.
His competitive nature is as firm as his faith in prayer and the plans that God has for him. "It's not just talk, it's not just lip service. It's what guides him, what keeps him on track and what he's looking to," said Washington.
As an advocate for the fellowship, Bowser invites other athletes to join FCA in the hopes that they will benefit from the membership like he has over the years. It's given him a confidence like he's never had before, yet still humble, and adds to a passion for Christianity that his family ignited in him during his childhood. "I have a really good, close-knit relationship with my family. We always do stuff together and growing up I always went to church with them. My stepfather is a pastor. He's always talking to me about keeping the faith through tough times, always looking to God, and praying.
That's been a major part for me," said Bowser.
During his time in FCA and as a member of the Houston Football team, Bowser has participated in community outreach activities that included Feed the Hungry and Read Across America. In Read Across America, he was asked to read to preschoolers in the Children's Learning Center located on campus.
While participating in FCA activities, Bowser has met younger athletes from the high school and middle school chapters, and left them with a strong impression and a source of inspiration. As a role model, he shares is experience and advice with them.
"Bowser is a guy that helps us out and is doing tremendous work as well," said Washington.
Bowser carries his leadership beyond FCA and acts as a reliable pillar within the football team. He has the honor of handling prayer requests when called upon. That could be before team meals or in prayer circles right before the game. Generally, he's there when his team needs him, to support his teammates and help when he can. "I've been trying to contribute in any type of way and help people. That's what I'm real big on, just helping people. I don't think of myself, I think of others," said Bowser.
"It's really cool to see him have that kind of leadership on the team where it's not just by his athletic ability but by him also caring for the people on the team," said Washington.
After he graduates, Bowser hopes to continue his involvement in FCA however he can, whether it's speaking to others, staying in contact with Washington or forming a group in his present location. His hope for FCA is that more people join.
"I would like to see more of our football guys. We have so many of them. I would like to see them around more. But not just football players, I would like to see a lot more people come to FCA," said Bowser. "I want to see FCA grow as a family. We're all student-athletes here and we're going to see each other outside of our sports. It's amazing to know that 'Hey I know you, you know me. Through all situations, we're a family. I'll be there for you; you'll be there for me.' I'll like to see more people join FCA."
Story By: Jatoriyae Dupree-Jones, Athletics Communications
