Catholic Athletes For Christ

	ADVISORY CHAIRMAN of Catholic Athletes for Christ Mike Sweeney is captain of the Kansas City Royals' Baseball team and a five time all-star player. His eleven-year tenure with the Royals is one of the longest consecutive tenures with one team among current players. Mike is a cradle Catholic and loves to share his faith at every opportunity. The "Sween dog," as he is known to his teammates, is Advisory Chairman of Catholic Athletes for Christ and fully committed to sharing the Gospel through athletics to all fellow believers in Christ. In Mike's words, "the Eucharist is our common language of communication. Provision of Holy Communion allows athletes to transcend language and other communication barriers and truly unite as one body in Christ. It supernaturally penetrates the hardness of hearts, permeates the receptive soul and promotes tolerance of differences."
	VICE-CHAIRMAN of Catholic Athletes for Christ Jeff Suppan, a key component of the St. Louis Cardinals pitching staff, has played Major League baseball for eleven seasons. He was the first athlete to participate in the Vatican's first-ever conference on Sports in 2005. Jeff is a cradle Catholic and a product of Catholic school education. He is the vice-chairman of Catholic Athletes for Christ and is committed to sharing the faith through athletics. In Jeff's words, "I am blessed to have been given a God-given talent. I want to send a positive message to whatever community I can. I don't mean just on the field, but with lives. If I can spread a good message, that's what is important to me." Known as "Soup" by his teammates, Jeff and his wife Dana reside in Southern California. They own and run Soup's Grill, a casual restaurant in Woodlands, CA.
	Lou Carnesecca won 536 NCAA basketball games in his twenty-six year tenure as St. John's University's head coach. He was inducted into the basketball hall of fame in 1992. "Little Louie" still serves as a goodwill ambassador for St. John's and is widely respected for his decency and humanity all through out the basketball world. He is a daily communicant and retains a strong and vibrant love and devotion to the Catholic Church. He serves as an advisory board member of CAC.
	Jack Del Rio is head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL since 2003. His 21 year NFL career includes assistant coaching positions with the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints and an 11 year playing career with the Saints, Chiefs, Cowboys and Vikings. He and his wife, Linda, have three daughters, Lauren, Hope and Aubrey, and a son, Luke. Jack thanks the late Monsignor Reynolds of New Orleans for "patiently leading me through the scriptures and answering my many questions about the Catholic faith. I am a proud Catholic man today thanks to him."
	Rebecca Dussault competed for the U.S. Olympic team in cross-country skiing in the 2006 winter games in Turin, Italy. Among her ambitions are to live a life of heroic virtue to become a saint. She loves to evangelize at all times and has a special devotion to Blessed Pier Georgio Frassati. Rebecca is an Advisory Board Member of CAC.
	David Eckstein is the starting shortstop of the World Series Champion St Louis Cardinals and was voted Most Valuable Player of the 2007 World Series. At 5’7” David has been told that he was “too small” to play at every level of baseball since youth ball. Yet his talent and fierce competitiveness has allowed him to excel in the major leagues. His manager, Tony La Russa describes David “as the toughest guy I've ever seen in a uniform." David loves the Catholic Church and its teachings. He is especially touched by the Scriptural guarantee that the Lord will never burden us with more than can we handle. David is married to actress Ashley Drane.
	Eddie Gaven is a professional MLS soccer player with the Columbus Crew. Eddie was originally signed by the New York Metro Stars when he was only sixteen years old. He was born and raised in Hamilton, New Jersey. He is a board member of Catholic Athletes for Christ and excited about sharing his Catholic faith with others, especially youngsters. Eddie has a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and loves to pray the rosary.
	Alyson Habetz is the Assistant Head Softball Coach at the University of Alabama. Alyson has played professional baseball for the Colorado Silver Bullets and the Long Beach Aces. Her "uncle," Hall of Fame Baseball legend Tommy LaSorda, has mentored her career. Alyson loves to evangelize and has a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and the rosary. She is an Advisory Board Member of CAC.
	Jack McKeon retired as manager of the Florida Marlins in 2005 at the age of 74. "Trader Jack" led the Marlins to a World Series victory in 2003. He also managed the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, and Cincinnati Reds. He was named National League Manager of the Year in 1999 and again in 2003. McKeon is also the author of two books about baseball and an Advisory Board Member of CAC. He has a special devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux and the Blessed Mother.
	Chris Horn is a wide–receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs. He is an Advisory Board member of CAC and very interested in evangelization. He and has family pray the rosary daily and have a special devotion to Saint Bridget.
	Mike Piazza is a twelve time major all-star catcher and holds the record for most home runs ever hit by a catcher (397). Although not drafted until the 62 round of the major league draft, Mike overcame all obstacles to become regarded as the best hitting catcher in major league history. Mike has played for the LA Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets and San Diego Padres. He serves as an Advisory Board Member of CAC and loves the Mass. He shares a desire to spread the "good news" through athletics.
	Juan Pierre is a lifelong Catholic and starting centerfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Juan attends Mass regularly and before every at-bat, he says a short prayer and makes the sign of the cross. "When I go up to the plate I just thank God for giving me a chance to have this at-bat, to go out here and play whether it's good or bad.” Pierre led the National League in stolen bases in both 2001 and 2003 and is has a lifetime .303 batting average. Juan was a key member of the 2003 World Champion Marlins.
	Vinny Rottino plays for the Milwaukee Brewers of the National League. As a native of nearby Racine and undrafted free agent, playing for the hometown Brewers is a dream come true. Vinny is a cradle Catholic and very interested in sharing the faith with others, especially the young members of the church. He loves attending Mass and is thankful for the special graces the Lord bestows through the Mass.
	Pat Shurmur is quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. Pat was an All-Big Ten conference center at Michigan State. He joined the Eagles coaching staff eight years ago after coaching in the college ranks for the prior 11 years. Pat is an Advisory Board Member of CAC and loves his Catholic faith. He is interested in sharing the faith through football.
	Kate Ziegler is a world class swimmer who won two gold medals at the 2005 World Aquatic Championship Games and became on the second women in history to break the 16 minute mark in the 1500 meter freestyle event. Kate is a graduate of Bishop O'Connell High School in Virginia. She loves her Catholic faith and is the youngest advisory board member of CAC. Kate hopes to represent the United States in the summer Olympic games.