Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Jr. Bolts youth football program in Lincoln is integrating Catholic values into its activities, according to leaders and participants. Taylor Ashburn, president and co-founder of Jr. Bolts Football, said the initiative goes beyond athletics. “So much of what we’re trying to do here is so much more than football,” Ashburn stated. “We’re proud of our Catholic identity, and when you look at our mission statement, that’s first and foremost.”

The program’s mission emphasizes pride, success, development, fun, support and attitude. Ashburn explained that the goal is to use football as a way to shape young men into responsible adults: “We have an opportunity to use football as a way to shape young men into being better classmates, better sons, better brothers, and ultimately, better adults when they get off to the working world someday.”

Jr. Bolts Football is in its first season with 160 boys from third through eighth grade participating; 100 are playing organized football for the first time. Players come from Catholic elementary schools across Lincoln and compete against other teams in the Lincoln Youth Football League.

Ryan Kearney, Thunderbolts Varsity Head Football Coach at Pius X High School, commented on the community aspect: “Creating connection as early as possible between all the different parishes I think can only serve to help the overall Catholic community in Lincoln,” he said. “If people from St. Michael’s and Martyrs know each other when their children are third-graders all the way up until they go to Pius and through Pius, I mean, how can that not be a great thing for the Catholic community in Lincoln?”

While operated independently by volunteers—not by Pius X High School—the program receives major support from Sandhills Global, which supplied equipment such as helmets and uniforms.

Fifth-grader Henry Bixenmann noted differences in his experience: “I’ve met some friends from Cathedral, St. Peter’s and Blessed Sacrament,” he said. He also pointed out that practicing on the Pius X field and praying together sets this program apart: “We can pray before every practice and we can pray together.”

Ashley Schueth described faith as central for her family’s involvement: “I’ve been to a lot of practices and the coaches are so awesome,” she said. “Every time after practice, they’re up there. They pray with the kids. They say, ‘Pope Pius X, pray for us!’ Everybody yells it out. I mean, it’s just such a bonding experience. And as a parent to see that, it’s wonderful.”

There are 44 volunteer coaches who mentor players both athletically and spiritually during weekly practices and games on Sundays. Each session starts with prayer and includes discussions on weekly themes related to service or teamwork within a Christian context.

Ashburn added that coaching provides growth opportunities for adults too: “Everybody’s in a different place in their lives and when I approached this faith component with these coaches, I said, ‘I’m not asking you to be a theologian and I understand that you can only give what you have,’” he explained. “And so, all I’m asking you is to give your time, your talent, and just be authentic with these boys.”

Guest speakers are invited; recently Greg Zuerlein—a former NFL kicker—spoke about prioritizing faith above sports or other pursuits.

Zachary Able shared his reaction: “I just really liked his priorities...How he put his faith at the top like me…It was nice to hear somebody else say it.”

Ashburn observed that role models make an impact: “I think that kids look up to their sports heroes as role models and examples,” he said.

Beyond athletic training or competition results—such as organizing team breakfasts after games—the focus remains on teaching life skills like teamwork or resilience.

Parent Ashley Schueth summarized her hopes for her children: “We put our kids in sports for a reason…It’s bigger than [winning]. I want them to work with others...to learn how to lose...and also supporting your teammates...There’s just so many life lessons in sports.”

Ashburn concluded by emphasizing faith as foundational: “Faith isn’t just a component; it’s the foundation. So we’re going to start with the foundation—and we’re going to build on top of that.”