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It was more than just a bat and a ball. It was a chance to change lives.
 
On Saturday, January 28, hundreds of children from all around San Diego came to PLNU to hear the gospel message and play sports with PLNU and professional athletes at Superfest 2012.
 
Among those who appeared alongside PLNU athletes were MLB All-Stars Heath Bell and Adrian Gonzalez, Olympic gold-medal sprinter Allyson Felix, two-time boxing heavyweight world champion Chris Byrd and Vincent Brown and Nick Novak of the San Diego Chargers.
 
Also at the event were San Diego Padres catcher Nick Hundley, pro surfer Bryan Jennings (a PLNU alumnus), MMA fighters Richard Power and Frank Lester, and Chargers safety Darrell Stuckey.
 
The day also included former pros such as Olympic volleyball player and current San Diego State head coach Deitre Collins, soccer star Jacques Ladouceur and NFL kicker Michael Husted.
 
But the day was about more than just meeting the stars.
 
“Our main motto is 'Play and live like a champion,'” said Brown, a wide receiver who previously played at San Diego State. “That's what we're trying to instill in all the kids today. We want [the kids] to all know how to play to the best of their abilities with everything that God has blessed them with and to use that to glorify Him.”
 
PLNU partnered with The Rock Church to sponsor the event, which took place under a clear blue sky around PLNU's athletic facilities. Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Ministries Art Wilmore, along with The Rock personnel, planned the event.
 
The guests were greeted by a welcome crew of PLNU athletes by Nicholson Commons, which led the kids down the stairs to Golden Gym.
 
After a short introduction to the pros in attendance, the kids were let loose around the facilities to play a wide range of sports including football, soccer, golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, baseball and even ultimate Frisbee. Additionally, guests were treated to a mixed martial arts display and a speed-training clinic.
 
The whole time, PLNU athletes from every sport worked with the kids to improve their skills, providing instruction and encouragement every step of the way.
 
“Whatever [the kids] wanted to do, we just tried to assist them and let them have as much fun as possible,” said PLNU baseball player JJ Reading. “It's awesome being able to take a moment away from our lives and be a part of someone else's life. [This] is something far greater than [us].”
 
Saturday was not the first opportunity for the PLNU athletes to get involved with this type of outreach. Each of the past two years, the school has hosted a similar event called “Rockin' at the Point.”
 
This year however, the PLNU athletes and kids were able to learn from professional athletes as well — an added bonus of working with The Rock.
 
“Having the professional athletes with us was amazing,” said Reading, a senior. “These people are at the highest level of our sports, and seeing them live for Christ inspires us.”
 
After a short break for a group picture on the baseball field, the group ventured up to the Greek for some games and a discussion panel with Gonzalez, Hundley, Byrd and Felix.
 
The Rock pastor Miles McPherson led the panel and asked the athletes about their lives as Christians in the unpredictable world of professional sports and the challenges they face.
 
“And I think it's important for kids to realize that, even though you're a professional athlete and you're successful, you've still got to deal with problems in your life,” said McPherson. “I think it's important for kids to realize that these athletes have to trust in God just like everyone else.”
 
McPherson then invited those in attendance to come forward and accept Jesus for the first time.
 
The day's happenings impacted not only the children, but also the pro athletes who attended.
 
“What I really like about [Superfest] is not just playing the sports,” said Bell, a former Padre who recently signed with the Miami Marlins. “Kids actually ask you about your faith, and you ask them.
 
“During baseball season, fans don't always want to hear about that. They want to hear about how you're going to win and not about what really matters in life — your faith and your family and your life.”