Madison321web

This encouragement and lifealtering
point of view helped him go
on to break the state record in track
that year. Coach Walker also impacted
Walls through the Fellowship of
Christian Athletes organization.
The FCA is a sports ministry that
seeks to see the world transformed
by Jesus Christ through the influences
of coaches and athletes.
Coaches cultivate relationships
with their athletes and have an
opportunity to shape them in ways
that they will carry for the rest of
their lives. Walls’ coaches were no exception. He continued
to play basketball, football, and track. The FCA core values
helped to strengthen Walls’ own spiritual journey through
“integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence.”
Attending Jackson State University on a NCAA scholarship,
he earned a degree in industrial arts education. Following
an impressive football career at JSU, Walls was noticed by
pro teams. After being drafted to the Oakland Raiders in 1980,
a knee injury derailed a highly anticipated professional career.
Little did he know, but God had much bigger plans for him.
Putting his degree to work, he committed himself to teaching
and coaching. While coaching at Carson-Newman College in
Jefferson City, Tennessee, for 12 years, he led the football
team to 12 national championships. However, Walls knew
there was something bigger still on the horizon. As a devoted
Christian and a humble servant of his faith, he felt called
into the ministry himself.
It wasn’t long before he returned to the state and became
involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Organization,
the same organization that shaped and molded him during
his youth and early athletic career in the early 1970s.
Walls’ enthusiasm and overwhelming passion for pouring
into the lives of those he mentors shines through when he
speaks and reminisces. He has witnessed the spiritual awakening
of countless players who have committed their own life
to Christ, a journey that players have been able to see firsthand.
Walls is a shining example of living out your Christian faith
and loving and serving your brothers and sisters in Christ and
in the community.
He said,
“Students look up to the
coaches. Leaders point
to other leaders and set
these young people on a
path. I want to empower
them in God’s words and
to be a blessing to them
[coaches] so they can go
out and bless others.”
Now an ordained minister himself,
Walls is serving the community
through the FCA along with steady
speaking engagements to encourage area student athletes
at all levels. Through a solid Christian foundation, Walls has
seen firsthand the positive effect it has had on the community
as these young athletes come together and commit themselves
to a life devoted to serving the Lord and others.
Walls expressed that although winning championships
is fun, it doesn’t compare to your eternal and spiritual life.
He is now being able to see the fruits of his life of servitude
as he is now coming full circle with former students in their
new professions. Recently speaking at a former student’s
school where he serves as principal has allowed Walls to see
the true depth of how much the FCA and Christian fellowship
can impact someone’s life.
He said, “I am blessed by blessing others. I want to continue
to go where there is a need. I have a heart for young athletes.”
His own sons, now successful in their own rights, have thanked
their father for setting them on their paths for Christ over the
years and being an example of a godly man. His youngest
son is following in his father’s footsteps.
Walls plans to continue to mentor with the FCA for a few
more years before he’ll likely pursue a hobby of upholstery
which he learned from his father. He uses his skill in sewing
as relaxation and hopes to open a trade school to teach
others the art of upholstery.
For now, Lester Walls is continuing to shape young
local athletes by sparking a spiritual fire that will serve and
encourage them on and off the field for years to come. l
Hometown MADISON • 41