The eighth grade St. Peter’s Middle School Spartan boys matched up against some of the priests and fathers Friday afternoon. The eighth grade boys fought to the last second in a back-and-forth battle but ultimately fell to the Minor Prophets, 28 to 33.
The entire school packed into the Fransiscan Activity Center Gymnasium Friday afternoon as the two teams went head-to-head. Father Jeremy Miller hosted the game and predicted a good match.
“We have a good eighth grade team. We’re a bit older and a little out of shape, and I could only get six guys. So we might be a little winded,” shared Father Miller.
After a corporate prayer by Pastor Gregory Hite and the playing of the national anthem by the Spartan pep band, the game began. The Spartan boys led for a while, but at the half, the score was the Minor Prophets 21 and the Spartans 13.
Father Miller graduated became ordained from Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Cincinnati last year. This is his first year at St. Peter’s School. He said he wanted to host a basketball game like this to show the youth that it’s cool to love God and Jesus. During half-time, Father Miller shared a simple message.
“I want you guys to know that it’s cool to love God. It’s cool to love Jesus,” said Father Miller. He also had all the young men stand up in the bleachers. He encouraged them to be open to God’s calling in their lives, as God could call them into ministry like him and his fellow Minor Prophet teammates. He then had all the young women stand up. He encouraged them to be open to God’s calling in their lives to serve in the church.
As another half-time highlight, recently hired St. Peter’s boy’s varsity head basketball coach Joe Jakubick was introduced and welcomed by cheering students and faculty. He stood and waved to receive the welcome.
