Steve Sikes Blog  

It was August, 1971, York College, York, Nebraska, that my first memory of “freshman” Roger Collins took hold.  I was a club president looking over the new “crop” of young men on campus, trying to make the wisest of decisions possible on whom to invite into our group.  Some clubs were looking for athletes, some for personalities, etc.  I distinctly remember looking for men with a Christ-like character and Roger Collins topping our list. 

After joining our club, Roger became my pledge for a week and for the next 39 years Roger called me pledge-master and reminded me how easy I had been on him.  We’d chuckle and then go on to other conversation.  I learned pretty quickly I had a lot to learn from Roger.  From 1971 till his death at 11:34 p.m. last night, (10/25/10), Roger consistently emanated humility, genuine transparency and concern for others.  Over the years, Roger became one of my rocks in the faith—so accountable, so stable and unwavering in his faith and so at peace within himself. 

After leaving York College as students, Roger and I crossed paths again at Harding University and then later at York College as fellow teachers.  I was so proud of Roger when he married Debbie and so proud of them both as they proved again and again how Christian parents are to bring up their children in the Lord—faithful to the end.  Roger was a runner (spiritually and physically) and over the years his children followed in his steps.  This morning I read (again) a scripture that has reminded me of Roger for several decades:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Thanks, Roger, for continually running in such a way as to win!  I love you and thank God for you and already miss you terribly.  Till we meet again, my brother and friend. 

God is good.
Steve Sikes

Dr. Collins (YC class 1973) was in his 29th year teaching at York College, and served as chair of the college’s Elijah A. Levitt School of Business. From 1997-2007, he coached the cross country and track teams and was himself an avid runner. He served as an elder at the East Hill Church of Christ in York, Nebraska.