Where Are They Now? Former Track Star Jordan Sauser is Right at Home as a Coach and Staff Member at Faith
In our first-ever edition of "Where Are They Now?" we caught up with Jordan Sauser to chat about his time as a student at Faith and what it's like to work at the college he graduated from.
Catching up with Jordan Sauser ('08) was something his competitors on the track surface were rarely able to accomplish in high school and college. He had the athletic talent to be an NCAA Division 1 athlete, drawing interest from track and field schools all across the country, but Jordan chose Faith. It was a decision many people outside of his circle would never understand. But it's a decision Jordan has never regretted.
Jordan attended Faith Baptist Bible College from fall of 2004 to spring 2008, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in the Pastoral program. He was an active member of the Faith student body, serving as Class Chaplain, Student Body Chaplain, Assistant Resident Advisor, and Summer Ministry Team Leader during his four years at Faith.
Sauser was a decorated athlete during his days as a Faith Eagle, finishing as an NCCAA All-American four times and as a National Champion in the 400-m hurdles. He also played on the basketball team for two years and the soccer team for four years and was named to the All-Region soccer team. Even as one of Faith's all-time greatest athletes, Sauser's glory days on the running track aren't the most important thing to him when he talks about his time as a student-athlete.
"God worked in my life during my time here at Faith in a variety of ways," said Jordan. "One thing that stands out to me the most is the growth I experienced in my spiritual maturity and character. In four years here at Faith, the person I was as I walked across the stage to receive my diploma was not the same as the immature freshman that arrived on campus four years earlier. I know that God used the professors, their classes, my coaches, my friends, and so many other aspects of my experience here at Faith to mold and shape my character and help me grow in my relationship with Him."
After his graduation from Faith, Jordan went to work for Wells Fargo in Des Moines, rising the ranks in financial roles of collections, home mortgage, and compliance over the course of eight years.
When the opportunity arose for him to return to his alma mater as the Financial Aid Director, he jumped on it. Since his return to Faith's campus, Jordan has taken on the positions of Head Men's Soccer Coach and Head Track and Field Coach. His understanding of Faith's mission and his time as a former Eagle are invaluable in his current roles.
"I feel extremely thankful for my experience at Faith and it's one of the main things that fuels my passion to help students who are attending Faith now," said Sauser. "I hope to assist in helping students experience depth in their relationship with the Lord, helping them see, know, and understand the awesome truths of our great God on a personal level. Psalm 34:8 says 'Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.' That's my prayer and burden for the students here that they might taste and see that the Lord is good while they are here and carry that with them after they leave."
Jordan lives in Ankeny with his wife, Laura, and two children. His family serves faithfully at Community Baptist Church in Ankeny where Jordan is a currently a deacon.
If he could give one piece of advice to current students at Faith, it would be this:
"Embrace your time here at Faith! Don't waste it by getting frustrated over things you can't control or distracted with what you want to do next in life. Just slow down, make the most of your experience here and let God work in your life! Learn to trust him, and as Proverbs says, He will direct your steps!"
