The Point Loma-based Rock Church hosted its second annual “Superfest” event on Jan. 28 at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), chock full of professional athletes who served as role models for hundreds of admiring youngsters. PLNU’s athletic fields were overrun with children of all ages hoping to learn from their favorite professional athletes. Among the baseball standouts were former San Diego Padres Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell, along with current Padres catcher Nick Hundley — all of whom taught baseball clinics. Meanwhile, San Diego Chargers Vincent Brown, Nick Novak and Darrell Stuckey led football drills and kicking tactics. In yet another area of the event, professional boxer Rich Powers and mixed martial arts fighter Frank Lester hosted a boxing exhibit. Olympian Allyson Felix also was on hand to share her story with guests during a panel discussion held at the end of the day. The athletes shared the sports they loved with the children who looked up to them, and they showed eager youth how to play like a real champion. Miles McPherson, senior pastor of the Rock Church — and himself a former Charger — moderated the panel. “It’s great to see the kids who look up to these athletes learn from them,” McPherson said. “Not only about how to play a sport but how to live for Christ.” One teenager had just lost his father the morning of the “Superfest.” Gonzalez stepped up and consoled the young boy in his time of grief. Another woman roused her entire neighborhood’s child population and carted them to the event an hour early to ensure they got the chance to learn from these athletes. The star-struck kids had the time of their life. Representatives from almost every PLNU athletic team were also involved with hosting the clinics. Members of the baseball team helped with hitting and fielding, while members of the soccer team had several games of pick-up soccer going and helped Novak host the kicking clinic. “To see how many kids come out to learn about the game and learn about the Lord, too, it’s unbelievable,” Hundley said. “Great turnout for the baseball team. They’re in the middle of their season and they take a day out of their schedule to do that, says a lot about the players and the coaches.” To learn more, visit www.superfestsd.com or www.therocksandiego.org.
