Riverfield players baptized before game
Faith and baseball came together in a meaningful way at Riverfield Academy on April 14, as two players were baptized on the field prior to a game.
Evyn O’Quain and Tate Duff were baptized by head coach Chad Olinde in a ceremony attended by teammates, family members and supporters.
The moment followed weeks of team Bible studies and discussions centered on faith and personal growth. “The program has emphasized character development alongside athletics throughout the season,” parent Jo Lynn Bennett said.
Olinde, who leads the team, has encouraged players to focus on integrity, purpose and faith in addition to their performance on the field. Those efforts culminated in the decision by O’Quain and Duff to be baptized in a public setting.
“You want to win the last game of the season, but this is what’s important,” Olinde said.
Team members have been meeting regularly for Bible study, where speakers have shared personal testimonies and encouraged reflection. One of those speakers, Corey Taylor, told the group he came to faith later in life.
“It took me until I was 40 years old to come to where these young men are today,” Taylor said.
Organizers described the baptism as a reflection of the program’s broader mission to support players both on and off the field. The event served as a public expression of faith and a moment of unity for the team and community.
