Media Savvy
Playing At A Higher Level
By Paul Alexander

There was something about this fourth-string tackle at Penn State. He always had a smile and a kind word no matter what was going on around him.

Ron Coder, then a junior guard, decided to find out why Rod Bratton had such an inner peace about him. It was in 1975 that Coder learned Bratton was a Christian - and soon after Coder began playing football for the glory of God. He has committed his life since to trying to lead athletes in that same direction.

Currently Ron Coder is a fixture at the University of Pittsburgh through his ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, leading game day Chapel and Thursday night bible study. He was there for the team when a night of drinking ended up in the tragic death of wide receiver Billy Gaines.

"It definitely affected everyone," Coder said. "But while you would think it might have a huge impact on the other players' lives, life goes on and people gradually return to their old ways."

He has been welcomed with open arms and has developed strong relationships with many of the players. Former running back Brandon Miree said that if he was having a bad day and Coder would walk through the door, he would immediately think differently. His presence can change everything.

Head coach Walt Harris is always front and center for the service Coder conducts before Pitt home games.

"Assistant coach Bob Junko told me that ever since I came, Pitt started winning," Coder recalled. "He said I had given the team a spiritual direction."

Coder says that playing football "for the glory of God" completely changed his approach at Penn State. As demanding as Joe Paterno was, Coder felt he was playing for an even greater power. He says that he wants the athletes that he comes in contact with to notice something different about him.

"I want to let them know that my faith is irresistible," Coder said. "They need to know that there is a rude awakening out in the real world and the only way to handle it is through Jesus Christ. It's so much bigger than me. I want them to see my faith and where it has taken me."

Drafted by the Steelers in 1976, Coder was traded to Seattle where he earned a starting job in his second year. He was slowed by back surgery, but battled back to regain his starting position in his fourth season, crediting his faith for motivation.

He also had stints in St. Louis and Denver in the NFL, and finished his playing career with back to back USFL titles in 1984 and 1985 - as one of several former Nittany Lions playing for Jim Mora's Philadelphia Stars.

With his playing days behind him, he returned to Seattle and Pro Athletes Outreach, a Christian group trying to help athletes become better role models through Jesus Christ.

The events in New York in September 2001, though, triggered something inside of Ron.

"When 9/11 happened I just knew I had to do something that made a difference in people's lives," Coder said. "Sports and Christ were my passions, and former Steeler Jon Kolb told me about a position in Pittsburgh. I came here in November of 2001."

No one can be sure what direction a kid may chose in life. Coder wants to make sure he is there to offer an alternative to the lifestyle many high school and college athletes can't seem to resist.

While most football fans are concerned with wins and losses, it should be comforting to know that at least one guy on the sideline cares about much more. While his football career makes him profoundly qualified to tutor kids on the finer points of football, Ron Coder is also trying to get them to understand that the next level isn't necessarily the NFL.

Paul Alexander has a sports talk show 6-9 pm weekdays on KDKA NewsTalk 1020.