Faith In the Freshman » basketball

Brand New! “Faith in the Freshman” Feature with News Journalist Mark Concannon

Patrick Ferry — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:00:32 +0000

Recently news journalist Mark Concannon visited Concordia’s campus and interviewed Andrew and me for a feature that he was producing on the book. As you watch, please ignore my poor defensive skills. It wasn’t that long ago that I could take Andrew one-on-one, was it? Actually, it has been a few years, but those days are behind me. I was disappointed that they didn’t use any of the deep bombs that I hit on the video. Maybe there were none. I don’t remember.

In any case, enjoy the feature. Until somebody buys the movie rights to the book and puts “Faith in the Freshman” on film, or until the documentary is produced for an ESPN special, this will cover it pretty well!

Andrew Invited to Join “Athletes in Action” in China

lynne.schroeder — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:59:19 +0000

Before he heads to Ithaca and Cornell later in August, Andrew has accepted the invitation to join an Athletes in Action team traveling to China.

The team will compete against some of China’s top professional squads as well as the Chinese 21 & under National Team.

Of course, the purpose of Athletes in Action is not only basketball. The opportunity to grow in faith in Christ and to share the message of Christian hope is integral to the experience. Along with the competition, the Athletes in Action team will conduct basketball clinics and participate in community service work.

Interested in learning more about or supporting the Athletes in Action and Andrew’s tour? Contact me at patrick.ferry@cuw.edu, and I’ll send you information!

A Letter from an 18-Year-Old who Relates to “Faith in the Freshman”

Patrick Ferry — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:27:24 +0000

I was grateful for the following letter from Eric, an 18-year-old who deals with Type 1 diabetes every day. Many of Concordia’s freshmen will read the book this fall. Few of them will relate to the story like Eric does!

Dear Dr. Ferry, I am currently reading your book Faith in the Freshmen. I’m an 18 year old kid who has diabetes, just like your son Andrew. In the small town of Sussex, WI, all I have thought about since i was young was the game of basketball. Basketball has rewarded me in so many ways, including keeping me fit, which helps keeping my blood sugars in tact. Your story is moving and motivational to me. Being a freshmen in high school I made the JV team. Then my sophomore year I was placed on varsity because, like your son, I can shoot the lights out. Due to some unfortunate circumstances I had to quit right before my junior year. Not playing for my last two years of high school really upset me and I still practice daily and have a passion for the game. I was wondering if you could give me some advice of how to get my name out to college coaches. I miss the competitive nature of the game, Division I, Division II, Division III, JUCO, it doesn’t matter…the love I have for the game is amazing, and playing college basketball, no matter what level, has been a dream of mine. If you don’t have the time to lend me some advice that is completely fine. Once again thank you for the amazing story that has truly changed my life. Also thank you for reading this e-mail. Sincerely, Eric Moderski

FOX 6 interview of Jake Barnett and Andrew Ferry

Patrick Ferry — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:58:33 +0000

Andrew and his friend, Jake Barnett, have been workout partners for a long time. I talk about Jake a little bit in Faith in the Freshman. In this video, Andrew is at the right place at the right time. FOX 6 was doing a feature on Jake’s trip to Bulgaria this summer with Athletes in Action. They also interviewed Andrew and both guys talk about their plans for next year.

About the Town

Patrick Ferry — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:00:56 +0000

Over the last several weeks, Faith in the Freshman speaking engagements have kept me busy around town. I have met lots of nice people who are doing some great things in our community.

Along with telling some stories and selling a few books, I have had the opportunity to help others get better acquainted with Concordia University. I also have engaged audiences on the subject of Type 1 diabetes and have asked for their prayers and support in the quest for a cure.

Below is a brief note from a Rotarian whose club I addressed last week. He is a Cornell alumnus and was excited to learn of Andrew’s plans.

Hi Dr. Ferry and Andrew, – What a pleasure it was to have you both visit our Rotary of Milwaukee/North Shore meeting last Monday. As President/Elect for the coming year 2010-2011, and on behalf of all our members, I want to thank you for visiting us and telling us such a marvelous story of faith, as it relates to basketball, family, and life. It certainly could be theme for any fine sermon as there are many stories connected to this, evident in your book, which I’m reading with great interest. We hope you had a useful and informative dinner with the new basketball coach at Cornell. And for Andy, I have alerted my fraternity brothers (Sigma Phi) of Andy’s move to Cornell next year and know that your experience there will be a highlight of your life as you enjoy the people, the team, Ithaca, and in general, all that Cornell will be offering to you. Thanks again, Dr. Ferry, for your inspiring talk at our meeting and continued success at Concordia as you lead your fine school into the future. God Bless you and Andy – Owen Perry.

Also below is the list of presentations that have been a part of my recent routine. Summer’s schedule is filling fast!

April 7 – New Berlin Noon Rotary
April 14 – Port Washington/Saukville Basketball Banquet
April 15 – Barnes & Noble Book Signing at Bay Shore Town Square
April 16 – Book table at the Women’s Leadership Institute National Conference
April 17 – Rite -Hite YMCA
April 21 – Alexian Village Book Club
April 25 – Christian Athletic Scholarship Banquet
April 27 – West Bend Sunrise Rotary
May 11 – Thiensville – Mequon Noon Rotary
May 19 – Mitchell Field Noon Rotary
May 24 – Northshore Milwaukee Noon Rotary
May 27 – Cedarburg/Grafton Noon Rotary
June 18 -20 – St. John’s College Alumni Reunion
July 26 – Waukesha Rotary
October 18-20 – Mid-South District LCMS Professional Church Workers Conference

Cornell Hoops Blog. . .

Patrick Ferry — Wed, 19 May 2010 22:23:28 +0000

Click here for the Cornell Hoops blog and Andrew’s place among transfers to the basketball program.

Another update about Andrew and Cornell

Patrick Ferry — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:30:38 +0000

Another update from the Cornell Hoops blog about Andrew’s place among transfers. Let me know what you think. ~Pat

http://cornellbasketball.blogspot.com/2010/05/news-and-notes-wednesday-edition_19.html#more

From the mailbag for this week —

Patrick Ferry — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:35:48 +0000

I continue to receive letters from readers of the book, and I am grateful for the chance to share them here. From this week’s mailbag. . . . .

Dear Dr. Ferry,

I can’t tell you how much I was completely uplifted by your book. As a new Christian, every time I get such faith lessons, I just have to drop down to the floor and thank God for softening my heart. My brother-in-law, and a very, very important spiritual leader to me, Steven Smith, gave me the book as a present for Christmas.

I have been tied up with family issues, so it took me until a few weeks ago to open up the book. Once the cover was cracked, I couldn’t put it down! Thank you for opening up a window to your family. May I ask how Andrew is doing? I had the pleasure of playing ball with him in 2005, at Steve’s house, after my university (Michigan State) just completed another Final Four trip. He told me that he was disappointed about them beating Kentucky, then proceeded to whoop me so badly in horse that I wasn’t sure that I could spell basketball when he was done with me. Anyway, I didn’t know about the diabetes at that time. My wife has Type 2 diabetes, which is much easier to deal with, but I am very sensitive to the disease that I had not known much about before. I sure hope that he’s doing well. Has he decided on another college yet? I’d like to try and follow him next year. He seems like a very fine young man! I’m sure that you are proud of him and all your children!

Anyway, thank you so much for sharing. Having the love of Christ in your heart can change everything that one has to deal with in life.

Gregg Citron

P.S. I loved your musical references.

An update from Andrew…Cornell!

Patrick Ferry — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:30:18 +0000

I’ll let Andrew speak for himself this time. Here is what he has to say, “After much consideration, thought, and prayer, I have made my decision to attend Cornell University. I believe Cornell is the perfect place to pursue my basketball goals as well as receive a high quality education. I am looking forward to getting started and getting back into the NCAA Tournament next year! Thanks for all the support and prayers!”

So, it is official, Andrew has decided to attend Cornell University next year. The links below are from the website and blog that covers Cornell basketball (and they do so very thoroughly! You will be able to follow Cornell as they defend their Ivy League championship and make their way back to the NCAA tournament once again. Badgers fans beware!).

http://cornellbasketball.blogspot.com/2010/03/recruiting-news-ferry-to-cornell.html

http://cornellbasketball.blogspot.com/2010/04/news-and-notes-afternoon-edition_18.html#more

Port Washington High School Boys’ Basketball Banquet

Patrick Ferry — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:00:07 +0000

Last night I had the opportunity to speak for the Port Washington High School basketball banquet. A great team with great coaches, kids, and parents. Here are a few photos of a Faith in the Freshman book signing that followed.

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