MARSHALL, Texas -  At the end of October, the East Texas Baptist University football program had a special signing day with Team IMPACT as they added a new team member to their team, 14 year old, Eli Coats through Team IMPACT.  Eli, who has been diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome,  officially signed with the team at Carlilie-Howell Fieldhouse. He will participate in many activities with  over the next two years, including games, practices and other team events.
 
Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multi-year program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
 
"I am fired up to have Eli sign with us today! Our guys have enjoyed getting to know him and look forward to adding him as the newest member of the Tiger Football family. He demonstrates toughness and resilience with a smile that lights up the room," says ETBU Head Football Coach Calvin Ruzicka. "Proverbs 27:17 is posted in our weight room and states, 'As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another'. The relationships being built right now between Eli and our team will benefit these players as much as him and we look forward to Eli joining us for practices, games and future events on campus."
 
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 2,300 children with 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, impacting more than 60,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.