West Virginia Mountaineer quarterback Geno Smith is now the leading candidate to win this year’s Heisman Trophy. Playing in their initial Big 12 game today, Smith threw for 656 yards and 8 touchdowns in the team’s 70-63 win over No. 25 Baylor. As part of this effort, Smith’s teammate since high school, Stedman Bailey, had 303 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns.
These two are not only great players, but solid Christian young men. Jenn Menendez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently profiled the long-time friends and their approach to football and life. You can read her full post by clicking here.
If you are not rooting for Smith and Mountaineers, you should after reading the quotes from Menendez’s article.
- “Let Your will be done.” – Smith’s last words before going on a field prior to the game.
- “One thing that I know, win or lose, I still have a lot to live for. It’s only a game.” – Smith
- “We talked about everyday life, and that’s how we started our bond, just sitting in church.” said Bailey on meeting Smith back in middle school.
- “I’d see him on TV, but that’s really how we met, in church. We figured out we probably should play together” adds Smith.
- “I believe God has the answers. The Lord has always been a part of my life, he’s always leading me, guiding me in the right direction.” – Smith
- “It’s not an act. It’s actually who they are. It’s not about football. I think that stability has kept them grounded. Knowing they have to be accountable.” – Smith’s mother Tracey Sellers
- “Stedman truly loves the Lord. That’s first and foremost. What I really respect about Stedman is that with all of his success his humility amazes me the most. It doesn’t matter how well he does in a game, how many yards he has, he’s so humble. He’s really rooted and grounded because the success hasn’t gone to his head.” – Smith and Bailey’s pastor Harry T. McCain
- “My pastor is a really great guy. He always calls me, wishes us well, says a prayer for us. I think it really helps us out, makes us comfortable.” – Smith
- “When I think of those two, it makes me a little teary-eyed sometimes. They play two different positions but they have a lot of things in common. They’re like brothers more so than friends. They went to the same school, fellowship at the same church. That’s what you call a friendship.” – Sellers
- “Once I get to the sideline, I look up in the sky and say to myself that was for you God.” – Bailey
- “I can do all things through Christ. He strengthens me. That’s something I repeat to myself just about every day. There’s times I may be feeling down about something or may be facing something I may think I can’t get through, I lean on this. If God is with me, then nothing can come against me.” – Bailey
I’m a HUGE SEC fan, but I would not mind at all watching WVU play Alabama in the national championship game! Your thoughts?
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