Katelyn Umholtz | The Valdosta Daily TimesThe Fellowship of Christian Athletes held its Christ Makes Winners event, which housed 700-800 attendees.

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta High School Wildcats will face off against the Lowndes High School Vikings in a matter of hours.

Before buying concession stand hot dogs and waving school-colored pom poms, both high schools’ students came together to celebrate God.

There were about 700-800 South Georgia middle, high school and college students Wednesday at the First Baptist Church of Valdosta, said Bobby Willis, Fellowship of Christian Athletes area director.

“The (football game) is from 8-10:30 p.m. on Friday night,” Willis said. “The rest of the time, we are one community. That’s what we’re trying to spread.”

Willis said he has been running the event for the last five years but it actually goes as far back as the 1980s in response to negative community competition from the Winnersville Classic.

In the past, he has usually invited guest speakers to the event. This year, he decided to make it more personal for the students.

Rosalie Bendrell, a Valdosta State University psychology student and long-time Lowndes County resident, was given the chance to give her testimony in a room full of other young Christians.

“This event has not only changed my life, but I’ve seen so many of my friends’ lives changed as well,” Bendrell said. “This was the spark that started the flame for them to really be involved in church and dive into a relationship with God.”

Bendrell went to Lowndes High School and has lived in the area all her life. She said Winnersville Classic is part of growing up here — with that comes some negativity, especially in the week leading up to the big game.

“At the end of the game, it’s just a game,” Bendrell said. “On Saturday morning, we go back into being one Valdosta.”

The event included live music, food and refreshments, a handful of student speakers and a representation of at least seven churches in Valdosta. 

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.