Plenty of incentives abound for members of the younger generation to get into sports. Far from just the more obvious physical benefits, being active in sports garners social development, as well as mental stimulation, for players, coaches, and others involved.
For many years, the public school system was traditionally the avenue for sports participation during the teenage years, at least for most. So, for those families who chose other educational options for their children, the lack of availability of sports programs was a huge downside, and could have led them to feel as though they were missing out on crucial childhood experiences. Luckily for Marshfield and surrounding areas, some local people recognized this issue, and are working together to fulfill that very need.
Home-schooled students, and students who attend private Christian schools which do not offer the sport, now have an opportunity to play in various sports leagues. Marshfield Christians in Action, or C.I.A., has already seen expansion since its beginning in spring of 2021. It serves 60 athletes, from 30 different families. Thirteen coaches, 7 board members, and a secretary, all volunteers, work together to run C.I.A. It was started by Shannon and Joy Pruiett, along with board members Curtis Rodman, Shawn Yarnell, and Ralph Mueller. Since then Valerie Day, Jen Difranco and Casey Ruzicka have joined the board.
In only their 2nd year, basketball player Bryce Pruiett has already scored 1500 points. He has been offered a scholarship to play basketball at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas, where he will be headed this fall.
What may make this option attractive to many: its outward biblical-based principles. As the name they chose for themselves imply, their Christianity is a source of pride, and a reminder of life’s much bigger picture, to all those involved. Their Christian mindset is not something that has to be kept under wraps, done secretly so as to avoid public acknowledgment. Instead, Marshfield C.I.A.’s mission is to “portray Christ, through their lives and actions,” and they “strive to compete while glorifying God,” as their formal description explains.
Cross country, cheer, volleyball, baseball, and basketball are the current activities offered, but the C.I.A is open to adding more sports. Children ages 11 to 18 (6th through 12th graders) are invited to play, and there are currently no try-outs. They play against other home school teams, and local private Christian schools.
Basketball season is well underway, and if you’d like to catch a game, there is a junior varsity boys tournament on February 9th, followed by a varsity tournament on February 16th, rounded out with a girls’ basketball tourney on February 21st. All will be played at the Marshfield Community Building and start at 3:45.
For more information, check out their Facebook page by searching Facebook for Marshfield CIA, or contact Shannon Pruiett at shpruiett77@gmail.com.
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