Rosewood's Amodeo is steady in his faith

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 21, 2016 1:48 PM

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Humility.

It's virtually dead in today's sports world.

Too many athletes are concerned about the name on the back of their jersey.

They taunt opponents.

Their actions make even the most avid sports fan wonder, 'what was the coach thinking when he put that kid in a uniform?'

Rosewood High head baseball coach Jason King doesn't have that problem.

His players understand they're not entitled to a jersey. They have to earn it -- a reward not only for their hard work, sweat and tears, but the fact they recognize and respect the necessity to represent themselves in a positive light for their teammates, their coaches, their families and their community.

And in Hayden Amodeo's case, show glory to the Lord.

A quiet, soft-spoken individual, Amodeo's body actions speak loudly when he discusses his faith. You can hear the excitement in his voice, see the twinkle in his eyes, watch his smile grow broader and feel a warmth grow inside your own heart.

"Hayden is strong in his Christian faith ... he's not afraid, he doesn't shy away from it," King said. "We talk about leadership. Baseball is a game of failure and you're going to fail sometimes. To have somebody who is older to give you some words of encouragement, I think that really kind of sets the tone so when those people are in that same position, maybe they'll do the same.

"Hayden is a great team player ... really tries to make everybody around him better."

Amodeo hopes to do the same at Rockingham Community College.

He signed a national letter-of-intent with the Division III Region X school that competes in the Carolinas Virginia Conference. RCC compiled a 19-19 record last season, including a 14-12 mark against region opposition.

When Amodeo attended a game earlier this season, he and RCC head coach Reece Honeycutt developed an immediate bond. They're both energetic. They both understand the importance of leadership. They each possess an infectious desire to succeed in life.

"He's younger and I feel like we have more in common," said Amodeo, who turned down an opportunity to play at Division III Guilford College. "Coach Honeycutt and I talk all the time and I feel like it's the right place for me ... fits me perfectly."

A much-improved player on the diamond, Amodeo feels he can manage any role Honeycutt gives him. He doesn't step into the batter's box with the intention of hitting for power, but looking instead to find a way to get on base. Making fancy throws from shortstop aren't on his agenda, either.

Amodeo plans to embrace his role and utilize his best strength -- lead by example through his actions and his faith. Walking in the Lord's ways, keeping His commands, remaining faithful to Him, serving Him with his entire heart and his soul is similar to an athlete who forgoes selfishness and commits himself to help make his team better.

There is undoubtedly a bigger picture for Amodeo, too.

Once he completes his core classes and leaves RCC, he plans to transfer to a university and study religion and theology. Amodeo wants to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Tony McLamb, who is a preacher.

"Ministry ... I just knew that was my calling," Amodeo said.

King isn't surprised.

He's heard Amodeo deliver several phenomenal speeches through the FCA ministry at Rosewood. His words touch the very depth of your soul while he shares his faith with those around him. He constantly pushes himself beyond the limits of others and understands that to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift you have received in life.

Does Amodeo feel entitled?

No.

He graciously accepts who he is through the Lord's eyes, shows how bold his love is for Christ and does not fear about his future. He simply does all things through Christ for that is who strengthens him to face whatever task awaits him at that particular moment.

"At practice, we pray before and after games," Amodeo said. "I know we can start small and then the whole county... we can work together because we all have FCA. I know it goes far and we can all come together through Christ."

Not as an individual.

The name doesn't matter because how the Lord's gift is used identifies the individual.

Amodeo is a shining example.