Former Gator Tim Tebow headlines Good Friday event at Payne Park

By Ian Swaby
| 5:35 p.m. April 19, 2025

Sarasota
Neighbors

Victoria Ustach is a “big fan” of Tim Tebow, and not only because she shared his year in school.

She said the reason is “really his love for God.”

“It’s an inspiration,” she said. “He does good things, and I’m just really happy we got to see him.”

She was one attendee at Good Friday at Payne Park, held by First Sarasota church on April 18, eager to see the former NFL player, who won the Heisman Trophy and helped lead the Florida Gators to two national championship titles during his collegiate career.

The event began with offerings including inflatables, food, greetings with Easter Bunny and a stilt walker, before moving to a religious service featuring Tebow, followed by the resuming of activities and an Easter Egg hunt.

Tebow spoke about his faith and the significance of Good Friday.

“We put so much status and worth in things and stuff and listen, I'm probably the biggest failure here, because my greatest effort and focus and energy and determination in life has been for a game, and a game that a lot of us love, but a game that ultimately is not something of eternity,” he said.

Pastor John Cross of First Sarasota said the church shared many mutual friends with Tebow and could become connected with him as a result, calling the opportunity “very special.”

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Michael Graf and his daughter Stassia Graf, 6, stands beside Ian Homsi and his daughter Kalila Homsi, 6, as Tim Tebow speaks.

Paris Gousman, 9, descends from a session of rock climbing.

Londyn Woodcock, 5, prepares for a hand slap with the Easter Bunny.

Leo Ambriz, his son, Leonidas Abriz, 8, and his wife Genesis Ambriz attended the event.

Sisters Alessi Kompo, 4; Emery Glauser, who is one month old; Vallen Glauser, 5; and Ally Glauser, 3, atteneded the event. “It’s our second year here, and we love this church,” said their mother Ally Glauser.

Courtney West sings during the religious service.

Tim Tebow speaks during the religious service.

Levi Smith, 6, sitting at the foot of the stage, looks up as Tim Tebow speaks.

Brian Wagner and his son Deckard Wagner, 7, prepare to meet the Easter Bunny.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.