Because Sebastian, an officer in the Roman guards, practiced his Christianity openly, he was charged with worshiping a non-Roman God. He was tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. But he recovered and went on practicing his faith. For centuries, artists portrayed Sebastian as an extremely fit, handsome young man tied to a tree and pierced with arrows. He  became the patron of athletes because of his physical endurance (surviving the attempted martyrdom) and tenacity. This small medal was carved by Hank Schlau and cast in pewter.