X Feature STORY
Marcus Randall of the Corey Webster Foundation reads to children gathered for Dr. Suess’ Birthday.
Having a steady stream of mentors in his life taught Corey to believe in the need for mentors within a community, especially in building a stronger body of Christ. Corey acknowledges that growing as an athlete is also a process, much like growing in your faith. “It’s all about God. You pray before games, after games, and at the college level you go to Chapel. It evolves. The Saturday ritual always included Mass or church sessions. That doesn’t get reported, but it happens. You go through this process with guys you go to war with every day, building bonds with these men. You don’t see color, you don’t see religion. On this battlefield all you see is the ability to play sports.” It’s widely known that playing sports brings with it many worldly temptations. Corey agreed it can certainly be a 18
May 2015 l Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine
distraction. “I have many vices, I’m far from perfect. That is one thing that my friend Michael Phillips of the “All In” movement (www.livewithpower.com) says, ‘never perfect, always real.’ The key is staying grounded. That comes from the solid foundation and knowing where my faith comes from at the end of the day.” Corey continued, “Anything that makes me happy may not be what is good for me. When we have kids, that changes everything. You see things through their eyes. To me, even my nephews, when they look at how I’m living and they are inspired or motivated to do something positive, that helps me stay focused.
You can’t hide things, you have to be transparent, that is what kids respect.” Webster is transparent in recalling the lifestyle on the road and as a famous athlete. “There are things I had to over come. In college there are alcohol, drugs, and females on a daily basis. Money, agents, yes; it’s a crazy lifestyle. Yet I learned to manage it. I know my faith in God, I’m dedicated, I know how to be disciplined because of other lessons sports has taught me. There are adverse situations that you come through, but as long as you overcome those situations it makes you stronger.”