Huddle Coach of the Month
Reginald Childress
Forest Hills Middle School
Reginald Childress had godly parents who instilled in him and his siblings, at an early age, the importance of following God’s commandments, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the fruits of the Spirit. As FCA huddle leader at Forest Hills Middle School, he sets this example for his student athletes. “Whenever we come in contact with God’s children, we should sow the seeds of His fruits in them,” Childress says. “He has charged us to be good and faithful stewards over the things and people
He places in our lives.”
Childress has been at Forest Hills for 24 years and currently serves as the boys’ and girls’ basketball coach. He also assists with coaching track and field at Fairfield High School. Childress began leading the Forest Hills Middle School FCA huddle in 2004. “Coach Robert George organized the first huddle meeting in 2003, and I assisted,” he says. “In 2004, God directed me and I took the lead. He says in Romans 12:8, ‘if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.’”
Childress tells the FCA huddle members that they are under a microscope constantly and in the public eye; therefore, they should always let their light shine before others. The group currently is concentrating on sharing the Word of God and fellowship with members of rival schools following competitions. “I think this helps create a more unified body of Christ in our communities,” he says. “We also are looking forward to serving as mentors/big brothers and sisters for students at the elementary schools.”
A graduate of Alabama A&M University, Childress is the father of three children: Reginald, 15; Classie, 13; and Laureal, 12. He is a member of the 6th Avenue Baptist Church where he sings in the choir and is a member of a men’s Bible study class. He says his involvement with FCA has helped him both as a coach and as a person.
“In 2003, I struggled through a divorce. Satan set snares and traps for me and wanted me to feel that I had failed my family,” Childress says. “God sent Coach Robert George and FCA to encourage me in spirit, in prayer, and in true Christian brotherhood. Coach George was equipped with God’s Game Plan and the FCA Coach’s Bible, and we included them in our daily spiritual training. The Lord ministered to me through FCA, and I continue to share God’s holy Word.”