Cedarville Stories Cedarville University

Attention Sports Fans!
Sports are Jeff Gilbert’s passion. What started as a hobby of cutting out sports stories from newspapers and magazines and crafting his own narrative for each story has blossomed into a thrilling career as the beat reporter for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and assistant professor of journalism at Cedarville University.
In this week’s Cedarville Stories Podcast, Jeff steps up to the plate to share his journey of painting word pictures to tell stories from the gridiron, basketball court, baseball fields — and much more.
His secret to writing compelling stories has been his curiosity — always being fascinated with asking unique questions that leads the reader past the obvious and into some behind-the-scenes information. In fact, Jeff believes the greatest attribute of a gifted journalist is their curiosity, something that he developed through his 20-year journalism career.
Jeff's approach isn't just about the game; it's about capturing the pulse of the crowd, the heartbeat of the athletes, and the spirit of the moment. His Christian worldview infuses his work, adding a dimension that elevates his storytelling to new heights.
Whether diving into his passion with the Buckeyes, covering local athletes, or looking for stories that bring a person’s faith in Jesus to light, Jeff's reporting is a slam dunk.
Join us as we step into the press box with Jeff Gilbert on this week’s Cedarville Stories Podcast.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJpft56F5Gg

Go Big or Go Home
Growing up in the rural countryside near Lafayette, Indiana, Dr. Trent Rogers, the Dean of the School of Biblical and Theological Studies and Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek at Cedarville University, has always embraced the mindset of giving his best or not bothering at all.
Hear his story or join him in the studio on this week’s Cedarville Stories Podcast.
Hailing from a background where hard work was valued, Trent stood out as a high school athlete who always played to win, whether he was on the football field or running hurdles on the track.
Not surprisingly, Trent’s dedication to giving his all spilled over into his preparation for a career in Christian ministry. During his time in college, he delved deep into the study of ancient and classical Greek language and literature, believing that if he was to teach the Bible, he should be able to read it in its original language. This unwavering commitment to his calling drove him to pursue graduate and post-graduate degrees.
Even as he immersed himself in his studies, Trent maintained an active lifestyle and pushed himself to excel in different arenas. He took up powerlifting and went on to break three bench press world records, including an impressive lift of 670 pounds in 2008.
Before finding his way to Cedarville, Ohio, where he has been serving for the past decade, Trent’s unique combination of academic pursuit and strength training led him to work as a personal trainer for professional athletes like Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls and Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears.
To discover more about how Trent’s unwavering commitment to excellence has been a guiding force in his life and work, tune in to his inspiring Cedarville Story.
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Crossing the Big Ocean in a Little Boat 
How long would it take to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands near Africa to Antigua in the Caribbean Sea? “Team Foar Brothers,” consisting of Thomas, Trent, and Tim Hamilton along with their nephew, Ben Clark, did it in 37 days, 10 hours, and 55 minutes.  
Discover more about their incredible journey of completing The World’s Toughest Row as Thomas returns for his second appearance on the Cedarville Stories Podcast. Then watch their exhilarating finish line video to get a glimpse of what it was like to row a little boat across the big ocean. 
During their expedition on the open sea, the team faced numerous challenges, including towering waves, relentless rains, the endless expanse of salt water, continuous physical exertion, and being constantly tossed around. It truly tested their endurance, yet they persevered through their unity, the unwavering prayers of their loved ones, and their faith in the Lord. Despite the daunting obstacles, they managed to cross the finish line successfully. 
The journey for the Cedarville University alumni was not only a personal accomplishment but also a fundraising initiative, raising nearly $57,000 for Send Relief, a Baptist mission supporting Afghan refugees.
While they found fulfillment in making a positive impact on others, they also reaped personal rewards. They were able to witness the beauty of God’s creation, the vastness of His universe, and the constant presence of His embrace. Even in the isolation of the ocean, without seeing any signs of human life for weeks, they found solace in the knowledge that they were never truly alone. 
Tune into Cedarville Stories Podcast and join them on their journey across the sea! 

Enduring Friendship 
People move, life stages change, interests shift, and friendships fade or slip away. However, every now and then, two individuals develop an unbreakable bond and grow closer despite the ups and downs of life. A prime example of such a friendship is that of Cedarville University alumni Erika Weise and Carrie Holt, who are featured guests on the Cedarville Stories Podcast.  
They first met as singles at their local church and quickly formed a friendship that was infectious. As they both got married, their husbands became good friends, and the couples began having children who also caught the friendship bug.  
This portrayal of lives intertwined in the beauty of friendship is heartwarming, but the story of Erika and Carrie goes even deeper, revealing how friendships are truly a blessing from God during challenging times.  
Both women have gracefully navigated the challenges of raising a medically fragile child with special needs, leaning on each other for support every step of the way through hospitalizations, surgeries, joys, sorrows, and the unpredictable nature of each day.  
Through it all, they and their families have persevered, and now their eldest children (one of whom has defied all odds) are on the verge of graduating from Cedarville University, just like these proud moms.  
Join these exceptional families on their unwavering journey in the Season 11 inaugural episode of the Cedarville Stories Podcast. 
Check out this clip in anticipation of next weeks follow-up episode with Thomas Hamilton as he shares about his rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
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Adventure on the High Seas
Embark on a daring odyssey with Thomas Hamilton on this weeks Cedarville Stories Podcast. Hamilton, along with two brothers and nephew Ben Clark, opt for a glorified rowboat as they seek to conquer the relentless forces of the Atlantic Ocean.
Picture this: 3,000 miles from the tip of Africa to the Caribbean Island of Antiqua, facing 20-foot waves, relentless sprays of salt, hunger, and scorching heat. This isn't your typical ocean cruise — it's a test of endurance, perseverance, and faith.
In the heart of the tempest, Thomas and his crew will navigate the unpredictable waters, forging bonds of brotherhood and confronting the raw elements. This audacious journey, set to kick off in mid-December, may stretch up to seven weeks, dictated by the whims of the weather.
For the Hamilton brothers and Ben, this isn't just an adventure; it's a crucible of personal development, sibling camaraderie, and spiritual renewal. Brace yourself for the most impactful voyage of their lives.
Don your virtual life preserver and join us on this podcast as we navigate the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean with Thomas Hamilton. And fear not, the results of their adventure will be featured in season 11 of the Cedarville Stories Podcast! 
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An Unexpected Job Offer
Jim and Teresa Clark left Cedarville University in the same way they entered it--together.
They retired at the end of the 2023-24 academic year but before leaving they remembered their journey on the Cedarville Stories Podcast.
The Clarks were settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They had lived there for 21 years, had just bought their dream home, and were confident this was where the Lord wanted them.
But, although man may have plans, the Lord orders his steps. During a weekend visit to Cedarville University with their daughter during a Little Sibs Weekend, the Clarks got reacquainted with their alma mater. Teresa had often visited Cedarville with her high school volleyball teams that she coached in Fort Wayne.
But this visit took a different turn than the rest.
She was approached by Elvin King, the women’s cross-country coach, following a match, who asked her to follow him to Athletic Director Don Callan’s office. There, Teresa was asked to apply for the head volleyball coach position — which was currently vacant.
Even though she and Jim, were not convinced Cedarville University was where the Lord was leading them, she applied. Teresa even came for an on-campus interview, which she felt went poorly.
But the Lord opened a door for the Clarks. Jim secured a position in the admissions department while Teresa was leading the Yellow Jackets volleyball team. And, now, 27 years later, the Clarks have left quite the legacy. Teresa's final position of service was as the faculty-athletics representative, and Jim ended his career as the assistant sports information director.
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