Vikings Pro-Bowler to Visit with St. Michael, West Metro FCA

Last year, St. Michael-Albertville's own Jake Vanada surprised students at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West with motocross standout Tucker Hibbert as a special speaker.

This year, he's "bull rushing" the West Metro Fellowship of Christian Athletes' (FCA) annual banquet.

Vanada is bringing in All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings to talk with West Metro FCA students (and parents) at the banquet, set for Saturday night at the Medina Ballroom on Highway 55, near Plymouth.

Tickets are still available for the event, and run from $60 to $2,000 for table sponsor. More information is available via the West Metro FCA website. The night begins at 5 p.m. for people with VIP tickets, and runs through about 9 p.m. There are live and silent auctions planned for the evening as well.

Allen, as a Kansas City Chief, twice violated National Football League substance abuse standards, and was considered a bit of a risk when the Minnesota Vikings traded for the standout defensive player a few years ago.

Since arriving here, Allen has been a model citizen and active person in the community, including public speaking and sharing his passion for hunting.

Saturday, Allen will share a story of how his success was great, but his future  was on the wrong track.

"He is the first to admit that it hasn't always been easy and is a shining example of how we can each re-define our future through God's grace," Vanada writes.

FCA has been a huge success in St. Michael-Albertville, involving students from all levels and all sports.

The purpose and theme is simple; impact and influence students to live Godly lives.

"We just want to help make strong athletes live Godly lives with values and morals," Vanada said. "Connecting athletes with coaches and teachers who believe the same thing as them is one way to do it."

The St. Michael-Albertville FCA group has been around since 2008, and Vanada became the West Metro director in 2007, taking over the program for some 18 schools throughout the northwest suburbs.

The STMA group meets every other Monday evening at homes of athletes or coaches.