Gary Layne Smith Named Turfcats Chaplain
December 6, 2008 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Austin Turfcats News Release
Austin - Gary L. Smith, who spent 20 years serving our nation and our nation's soldiers as a USAF Chaplain, will serve as the first chaplain to the newly formed Austin Turfcats of the Southern Indoor Football League Team.
Smith said, "God, Family, The Church, and sports...four loves of my life for my entire adult life. I have always loved playing sports, being around the sports world, and writing about the sports world and its tremendous impact on our society and history. This is exciting to me to become a spiritual component of a professional sports team. It is a dream come true for me to be able to be the minister to the athletes, the men and women who run the organization, the family members of the athletes, and to help establish a tone of professionalism that is redeeming for the athletes, the families and the community around the team!"
A lifelong love of people and sports was lived out for 20 years as an Air Force Chaplain (1983-2003), where he served with distinction and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Colonel Smith was the first and only chaplain in Air Force history to graduate number one out of a class of 604 line officers in the military's most challenging Squadron Officer School at Air University in Alabama, an 8-week course to shape and determine leadership capabilities. This course included heavy emphasis on team building, academics, and sports competition and included military officers from around the world.
The 1999 MLB All-star game at Boston's famous Fenway Park included Gary and his daughter Amity working that game as USAF representatives. It was one of their many father/daughter highlights at Fenway Park while their family lived in Boston.
Christ the Redeemer Church in San Marcos, Texas (www.christredeemerchurch.com ) is the place where Gary and his family currently serve the Lord and the community. His graduate degree is from Texas Christian University (Brite Divinity School) with a Master of Divinity Degree with a major in Family Systems Counseling.
He has worked with soldiers and athletes around the country and Europe during his assignments which include Texas, Arizona, Germany, England, Boston, Mississippi, Alabama, and The Netherlands.
Gary says it is enjoyable to observe how sports and Church blend together for the good of the community. Gary still plays and coaches softball along with his son Daniel. Their team has led their church team to 4 city championships in the last 6 seasons. Two years ago at age 54 he played with the Senior Major League Fast Pitch Baseball team in San Antonio.
Smith added, "Bringing together all of his military and sports background to the Turfcats team members and organization for the good of all - God, team, families, and community"
Smith is supported by his wife Pam and his children Amity and Daniel.
Great locations are still available for the 2009 season! Act now to reserve the best seats. Call a Season Sales Representative today at 866-969-TCAT (8228) to reserve your seats today. The Austin Turfcats are committed to being a premier team in the Southern Indoor Football League and being involved in the community for which we serve.
• Discuss this story on the Southern Indoor Football League message board...
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from December 6, 2008
- Gary Layne Smith Named Turfcats Chaplain - Austin Turfcats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.