Speaking at a Gainesville/Hall County Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet on Thursday at First Baptist Church, Georgia football coach Mark Richt joked about the ups and downs his career has taken over the past few seasons.

“Has anybody here ever heard of the term ‘hot seat’?” Richt asked the crowd, which roared with laughter. “I guess it’s when you go 6-7, and people wonder if you’re going to be back next year.”

He was referring to a 2010 season in which he experienced his first losing season as a head coach.

After that season, he said, he didn’t have to look to see which coaches were on the hot seat.

“All I had to do was go to church,” he said with a laugh. “I’d get people saying ‘Coach, I’m praying for you brother.’”

But on Thursday, Richt’s focus was away from football and on sharing his Christian faith through his experience as a football coach.

Speaking to a gathering of more than 600 people, Richt discussed topics ranging from the adversity he’s faced as a coach to his opportunities to impact the lives of the athletes that play for him.

Before taking the podium, Richt noted his enjoyment in coming to share those experiences.

“It’s not part of the job,” he said. “I don’t have to come speak at FCA events. But I enjoy doing it, and I like to spread the gospel as much as possible. And, of course, you run into a bunch of Bulldog fans, which is great.”

He met with 100 of them before the banquet. He signed autographs, took pictures and exchanged words during a short meet and greet. It was a great opportunity, he said, to meet with those that are a part of something he believes in.

“I’ve been to all kinds of events like this over the years, and I really believe in what the FCA is doing,” he said.

Of course, for one of the country’s most high-profile coaches, football is never far from the brain.

Richt discussed this years’ signing class, which was finalized on Feb. 2.

Speaking of his incoming freshman, the coach said he’s excited about the opportunities they will have.

“We can’t wait to get them on campus and see how it goes,” he said. “It takes a little bit of time for some of the guys to get to where they can make an impact, but some of the guys show up and make an impact right away.”

And in a season where expectations are the highest they’ve been for years, he’ll need as much as he can get.

“We’ve just got to earn (the expectations) all over again,” he said. “Preseason rankings won’t mean a whole lot.”

Richt also stressed that, while the rankings obviously mean something to him, they aren’t the most important thing in his life.

“I love competing,” he said. “That hasn’t changed one bit. But as I get older, I learn that we don’t have a lot of time in our lives.”

The purpose of the event was to raise money for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Also speaking were local athletes such as North Hall senior Imani Cross, who has signed to play football at the University of Nebraska, and Chestatee cross country runner Paige Williams.

Lakeview Academy football coach Matthew Gruhn immediately preceded Richt at the podium.

“I kind of feel like I’m that batter who’s up to bat and Hank Aaron’s on deck,” Gruhn began. “I know my place. I’ll keep this brief.”

But FCA area director Jason Lester, who was in charge of the event, made sure his and Richt’s message was clear.

“Tonight isn’t about Coach Richt, it’s not about Jason Lester,” he said. “It’s every bit about Jesus Christ, and our vehicle to share the gospel, which is FCA.”