Basketball is more than a Game
Basketball is more than a game to Cam Arminio. Once viewed as an idol in his life, Arminio has turned basketball from the most important thing in his life to an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships.
Basketball is more than a game to Cam Arminio.
Once viewed as an idol in his life, Arminio has turned basketball from the most important thing in his life to an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships.
What began as a group chat among 13 basketball-crazed college students at Cedarville University has turned into a community of more than 80 students connecting on the basketball court for intense — and fun — competition because of Arminio’s commitment to ministry on the Cedarville campus.
Arminio, assistant director of career services at Cedarville University, played collegiate basketball at Otterbein University in suburban Columbus, Ohio. When he became an admissions counselor at Cedarville in 2019, it didn’t take him long to develop a following of basketball lovers inside the Callan Athletic Center.
This time, however, he was playing for a greater purpose, not just to build up his scoring and rebounding statistics or win a game. His new purpose was to develop relationships.
Twice a week, at minimum, Arminio steps on a Cedarville University basketball court with college students. It is his way to connect with the student body and to impart his life experiences.
“Consistency is important when it comes to building relationships,” said Arminio. “That’s why I will play basketball with the students twice a week. It’s a great way to connect and encourage the guys and get them playing.”
During the warmer months in Ohio, Arminio hosts a basketball tournament on the university’s outdoor courts. This tournament, as well as the winter games inside the field house, brings together students from the Integrated Business Core, — for which he serves as the advisor. He even invites student photographers and videographers to capture the event so they can gain professional experience.
“The Lord has used basketball to help me build relationships and friendships with students,” Arminio said.
Two students that Arminio met through basketball at Cedarville University were later in his wedding. These lifelong relationships are why Arminio plays basketball.
“My life continues to be transformed while I am working at Cedarville University,” said Arminio. “Whether directly or indirectly, the education that I received in Cedarville’s Master of Ministry program has changed the way I view life. Now I see what I do from a lens of ministry.”
While connecting with students for ministry purposes is at the heart of Arminio’s current basketball focus, he also uses his platform to encourage students to examine their future and take advantage of the resources that are available through the career services office, where he serves as assistant director.
“When you bridge the gap between students, faculty and staff,” said Arminio, “there’s more of a likelihood that students will walk across that bridge and come to career services.”
Mason Buch, a senior sport business management student from Macomb, Michigan, is one example of why this ministry is important. Buch met Arminio through basketball and came to him for advice concerning a summer internship. With Arminio’s extensive knowledge as a career coach, they found a position that Buch pursued and continues to do today.
Because he once played competitively in college, Arminio has become a valuable mentor and coach for the players on Cedarville’s junior varsity basketball team. As the coach, Arminio has opportunity to teach the game he loves while guiding the players from a biblical perspective.
And, there is no end in mind for Arminio and his passion for basketball. This ministry won’t stop anytime soon.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the No. 4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.