HIMPower Magazine HimPower November 2017 | Page 20

Coaches Zachary and Anthony Criss with players Coaches Anthony and Zachary Criss for rivalry match after some initial reservations, he took their advice. People often ignore warning signs, fail to listen to what their own bodies are telling them or refuse to pay attention to the advice of others. There are also those who lack familial support to encourage them to do the right things for their health. Thirdly, Coach AC has a strong faith in God. Instead of panicking when he realized he was having a stroke, he was completely calm and at peace. Although it’s worth noting here that Coach Criss is a man of God, the price Jesus paid on the cross (Isaiah 55:3) makes His healing available to everyone. That’s good news because anyone who trusts God and has done their part to help themselves can expect God to fulfill His promises (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Also worth mentioning is the Criss 20  HimPower November 2017 legacy. Coach AC is part of a long coaching tradition that began with his father Willie, who coached at OD Wyatt High School where son, Zachary, now coaches. A few years ago, Coach AC and Coach Zach created an annual rivalry known as the “Criss Bowl”. Needless-to-say, it’s a much anticipated event each year. Understanding the Criss legacy gives insight into Coach AC’s popularity before the stroke. After the stroke and his testimony, Coach AC has gained an even greater following from those who respect him as a person, a coach, family man, minister and man of integrity. So, when he talks about the dangers of stroke and how to avoid having one, people listen—even better, many are taking action to prevent them. “Every 40 seconds, someone suffers a stroke. Yet, 80 percent of strokes are preventable. Though certain risk factors — including heredity, age and race — can’t be changed, several risk factors can be changed, treated or controlled.” www.strokeassociation.org The fact that several risk factors can be changed fuels Coach AC’s resolve to