ISU Players "Chaplain" Helping Team

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ISU Players "Chaplain" Helping Team

By Ashley Hinson

AMES (AP) - Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard says the Cyclones' new "life skills" position for the football team is a success and it will continue.

Kevin Lykins, a pastor from Texas, was hired a year ago.

The proposal was considered when football coach Gene Chizik asked permission to appoint a chaplain to counsel his players. It ignited a debate over separation of church and state.

Pollard says the reaction from athletes has been positive and they have requested that the university continue to provide the position.

Lykins attends daily football practices in the fall and travels with the team to the games. He remains a volunteer for the athletic department.
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Friday, May 16 at 11:08 AM Y wrote ...

In response to Adam's comment. It is in fact a news story. It Is a follow up on a story that caught some attention last year, every news story does not have to be completely relevant and interesting to you. Maybe the University of Iowa should consider getting someone for their players to talk too. But then again that won't help the rest of their university from getting drunk and people being assaulted.

Friday, May 16 at 10:36 AM Hmmmm wrote ...

By the way, the original meaning behind "seperation of church and state" was to keep the state out of the churchs for the fact of freedom of choice instead of a state run religion. I just wish that the media would quit twisting this to look the opposite. Check out US History for $100, Alex.

Friday, May 16 at 10:34 AM Scott wrote ...

Couldn't hurt to have the same thing at the University of Iowa....

Friday, May 16 at 8:54 AM Adam wrote ...

This is kind of a no-news news story.

Friday, May 16 at 8:13 AM X wrote ...

I know some people are going to complain about the separation between church and state on this one. But, people need to realize Lykins was asked to counsel the players and from the things I have heard, that's all he does. He doesn't preach to them. Players need someone to listen to their problems and I think that has helped ISU keep its players out of trouble with the law.

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