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ASHLAND — For the thirty years Joe Maggelet has served as Athletics Chaplain at Ashland University. When it comes to mentoring college students, Ashland sports athletes all know their chaplain is in a league of his own.
“I first met Joe Maggelet in 1995 at chapel when I was a student at Ashland University,” says Ashland Mayor Matt Miller. “Joe is always eager to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with both students and with citizens in the community alike. I always admire his passion in connecting current events with Bible prophecy.”
“Joe also does a masterful job at connecting non-resident students with people in Ashland-he is a bridge builder when it comes to relationships.”
That bridge building includes partnering with the community. “I could not do the things I do without the help of the faith community,” says Maggelet. “We have local churches that make meals for the team, that volunteer their time, and that financially support our ministry with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.”
“During the football season, the team has pregame and post game prayers and chapel every week. Bible studies also occur throughout the week. We really do have a good group of student leaders.”
“There is a real spiritual need for these kids when they leave home and come to college. To have that spiritual father like Joe Maggelet is priceless. Joe has been our team chaplain for all sixteen years that I have coached at Ashland University. I can tell you that the guidance Joe provides our athletes and even our coaching staff, sets the pace and gets our team ready to play.”
Lee Owens
Ashland University Head football coach
In addition, the past seven years Maggelet has led short-term mission trips with Ashland University athletes to the Dominican Republic for service projects.
“I have a real heart for the inner city kids and to be a father to the fatherless” says Maggelet who had his own difficult child upbringing.
According to Football Head Coach Lee Owens, spirituality plays an integral part in the lives of collegiate athletes. “There is a real spiritual need for these kids when they leave home and come to college,” says Owens. “To have that spiritual father like Joe Maggelet is priceless. Joe has been our team chaplain for all sixteen years that I have coached at Ashland University. I can tell you that the guidance Joe provides our athletes and even our coaching staff, sets the pace and gets our team ready to play.”
(Submitted photo)
Out of 350 athletic departments in the NCAA Division II, Ashland was ranked as having the ninth best sports program in the country in 2019.
Maggelet still keeps in touch with past athletes. “Recently I met with Coach Owen’s first recruit, who now coaches at Kent State. And I also officiated the wedding of one of our female basketball players who was on our national champion basketball team.”
Mayor Miller comments “Joe Maggelet really typifies Ashland; our community is known for its strong faith and for its strong giving. The two biggest events in the county are the National Day of Prayer and the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center which are both held at the University Convocation Center. Joe plays an integral part at the university and represents our community well.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Proverbs Twelve, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
View the video below on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
