Monday, June 30, 2025

Why Go on Immersion? Tom Brady Weighs In

In his New England Patriot's Hall of Fame Induction speech, Tom Brady said that young people should play football for but one simple reason: it's hard. Those words resonate with my belief about service and the immersion program at Saint Ignatius College Prep.

I write this after spending a week at Jerusalem Farm in northeast Kansas City—one of ten immersion experiences offered to rising seniors through the Arrupe Center for Social Justice at SI. These service trips, often referred to as “urban plunges,” are a hallmark of many Catholic schools across the country and take place during fall, spring, or summer breaks. Each experience is rooted in our shared mission: to live out a faith that does justice.

I have taken students on many of these service endeavors—to El Salvador. East LA, Tijuana, Camden NJ, Chicago IL and Wheeling, WV. Each trip asks something of me and of young people. I have anxiety before the trip begins and am always relieved when it ends. No matter the location and type of service, I believe in the power (and the glory) of this program. I don't want to wax overly sentimental about what is a seven day venture, but I am a better teacher, colleague, and friend because of my participation in the program. Why? It's hard. And as immersion reveals to all of us, so is life. Brady reminded his audience of both. He said,

I get asked a lot if my kids play football. My response is that I’ll support them in any of their dreams. Whatever makes them happy makes me happy. I would encourage everyone to play football for the simple reason that it is hard.

It’s hard when you’re young to wake up in the offseason at 6 AM to go train and workout, knowing that all your friends are sleeping in and eating pancakes. It’s hard when you’re on your way to practice, weighed down with all your gear, and it’s 90 degrees out, and all the other kids are at the pool or at the beach, and your body is already completely exhausted from workouts and two-a-days. It’s hard to throw, catch, block, and tackle, and hit kids when they’re way bigger and way more developed than you, only to go home that night, bruised and battered and strained, but knowing you have to show up again the next day for just the chance to try again.

But understand this, Life is hard. No matter who you are, there are bumps and hits and bruises along the way. And my advice is to prepare yourself because football lessons teach us that success and achievement come from overcoming adversity, and that team accomplishment far exceeds anyone’s individual goals. To be successful at anything, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t. Consistent, determined, and willing to work for it.  No shortcuts.

One need not go on a service trip to get it. A young person does not need to give up one or two weeks of their summer to understand  life is hard. Challenges abound. And yet, I would like to suggest the fierce commitment of the host cites, like Jerusalem Farm to: live simply, pray daily (many time), live in community and give of ourselves in service put each of us to the test.  


As we were driving to the airport, one of the boys in my group confessed that after the second day, he wasn't sure if he could do it. Students give up their cell phones, they share a room with eight to ten other students, and eat vegetarian all week (unless meat is donated). Their schedule is not their own—rising early, beginning the day with prayer, and morning chores. They too were waking up at 6 AM—no sleeping in....pancakes are a long shot. 

On the Farm, no matter who asks What time is it? the answer is the same. It's 10:10. JFarm asks folks to limit showers to every other day, while consider taking a bucket shower at that. The bulk of the day is given to manual labor and working beside others in the community. They aren't two-a-days but they are demanding.

My student's realization was not lost on me. Last year the temperatures were in the upper 90s with high humidity. We worked outside and whereas I used to pride myself on my work ethic and ability to do what the students did, I was forced to confront much more than my limitations. I didn't know if I could do it either. However, I participated in this same immersion last year. I knew what I getting into so I  committed to taking and making it one day at a time. Still this senior's confession is important because in the midst of that doubt, he found a way. He worked hard. He did it and did it well. And he wasn't alone. 

In our service work, we met with people who found support and stability from the community at a Catholic Worker House. Residents had been through rehab and found the "work" helped them maintain their sobriety. This venue has a soup kitchen, a "store" for free clothing and bathrooms. My students cleaned the showers and toilets that people found respite in using. We realized how easy it is to take a clean towel and a safe, private space for granted.

When a man in wheelchair came after hours asking for a cup of water, the leader said "let me check in on him." She hadn't seen him since he lost his foot, from the frost bite of the winter months. He admitted that he was struggling. We remembered him in prayer that evening.


The day that might have been the most physically demanding proved to be the most rewarding, too. After using both jack and sledge hammers, we tossed broken concrete into a dumpster, tore down siding, and eliminated a few wasp nests. Much more than our muscles were engaged in this effort. We learned that the refurbished house would be going to the man who was working beside us. He was a refugee from the Congo whose family fled to Tanzania before he moved to Kansas City. One of my students spoke to him in French. Whether it's the American dream or God's dream for this man and his family—to know and understand he would have his own home is incredible. My heart was full.

The great irony in all of this is that in spite of being hard, football and immersion yield something very precious—close friendships, pride and a sense of accomplishment. Not a bad way to spend a summer.

Photo Credits
none! All mine!

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton's 10 Essentials

Inspiration has a mind of its own. It doesn't follow rules; it disobeys deadlines. I have yet to find inspiration or creativity on demand—when, where and how it unfolds is a mystery. So when it comes, seize the day, hour or minute. And that explains why, I am outlining the introductory assignment for the Fall 2025 semester of Sports and Spirituality here and now.

With the league MVP and a strong bench, the Oklahoma City Thunder were heavily favored to win the NBA title and succeeded. However, the Indiana Pacers put up a fight—and an exciting one at that. The Pacers beat the odds on their journey to the championship—both in Vegas and winning games with buzzer beaters, while overcoming ten, twelve and even 2o point deficits. They played with so much heart and the beat of it can be attributed to third year player, Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Haliburton has quickly risen to become one of the NBA’s premier young point guards.Standing at 6'5" and 185 pounds, Haliburton is known for his exceptional court vision, playmaking, and efficient scoring. A recent injury, a torn Achilles in Game 7 only raises the questions of "What if?" No doubt this  is a major setback, but his talent and character suggest he could return even stronger. I get the sense that he will utilize one of his ten essentials: the Bible to help along the way.


In fact, Haliburton said that the Good Book is his number one on his list of ten essentials. This is because 
Over the past two years, religion has become very important in my life—just understanding that I'm made in the image of God in a world where if you have a bad game or they're killing you on social media or confidence goes up and down— you can always come right here. This is my peace. I understand that I am made in His image and that He is the only one who can judge me. 
Growing up, the verse that everybody got. tattooed was Philippians 4:13 I can do all do through Christ who strengthens me and I always believed in that, but I never read a Bible, so it's been important to me last two years. 
I didn't go to church growing up so when I got the NBA, they do chapel before every game. So when sixty in on the clock there's always a meeting where both teams, coaches, everybody's welcome to come in and do like a 15 minute service. Harrison Barnes was my vet, so I used to always go with him and then when I got traded, I started going with Buddy (Hield) and now Buddy's gone, so it's really just me most of the time and it's been really good for me,

I was surprised to learn that the NBA holds chapel services so close to game time. Tyrese Haliburton’s testimony about the peace he finds in God’s Word was deeply moving. It made me wonder how many other players turn to prayer as a way to center themselves and find focus before stepping onto the court. I always thought "what if any religious article might be listed in my own 10 Essentials." 

This is a question I will be inviting my seniors to consider. I realized I don't even have ten items. What might yours be? So far I have included:
  1. My grandfather's All-Ireland medal.
  2. Golf clubs, but most especially my 9-wood. 
  3. a deck of cards
  4. lap top
  5. car keys
  6. green Masters hat
  7. —10. TBD!

I came across this video because one of my students asked me if I had heard Haliburton talk. She said his voice is "not what you expect." I responded, "Do you mean it is unique, like Pat Mahomes?" That conversation prompted me to learn more. I happened upon this interview and just two minutes in—inspiration or was in the Holy Spirit led me to something new. 

I will be asking my students to create a video of their own so that I can get to know them and what they value. What I find interesting and surprising is that Haliburton, a pro basketball player didn't include anything related to basketball. No stones however have been thrown here. Please see my list. I'm a theology teacher and work in the office of adult spirituality, and I'm without a spiritual resource or religious relic. There is however, plenty of inspiration, creative, Sports and Spirituality between the two of us. Amen.

Photo Credits
Tyrese with Scripture

Saturday, June 21, 2025

The Gifts of and from Barry Bonds

Later today, I’ll head to the house that Barry Bonds built. You read that right. Oracle Park—formerly Pacific Bell Park, SBC Park, and AT&T Park—would not have risen from the shores of China Basin in San Francisco’s SoMa district without the home run king. While many played a role in bringing this gem of a ballpark to life, failing to recognize #25 as the central figure is shortsighted. Furthermore, Bonds does not become the home run king without his father, Bobby and his Godfather, Willie Mays. Both men were outstanding players who shaped Barry in a different way. And the interview of Barry Bonds by KNBR's Murph and Marcus on the one-year anniversary of the Say Hey Kid's passing offers wonderful insight into their influence, impact and Sports and Spirituality.


To know Barry Bonds, follow Barry Bonds and listen to Bonds on Bonds is an exercise in question and conflict, grace and discord. I love him and I don't know what to do with him. I recently got into a heated argument with a friend who wanted to know if I think Bonds will be in the MLB Hall of Fame. His inquiry is one many people ask. It was however, the spirit behind the question that made me uncomfortable and defensive. Barry's my guy and yet, he's not. What to do?

I believe it’s an act of generosity to see someone at their best. At the same time, it’s foolish to ignore a person’s wisdom or fail to learn from their greatness. But it’s equally unwise to dismiss the past, excuse bad behavior, or overlook selfish choices and ulterior motives. The truth is, I don’t know Barry Bonds personally—he’s not a colleague or a friend. He’s a public figure, a fourteen time All-Star, seven time MVP and, as noted here, someone who helped make something very special in San Francisco possible. Somehow, I’m able to hold all of that—his brilliance, his flaws, and his impact—at once.

When Barry signed with the San Francisco Giants in 1993, he intended to wear #24, the number he wore for most of his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the number worn by his Godfather, Willie Mays. 

Mays actually gave his blessing for Bonds to wear #24. However, there was a public outcry and media commotion surrounding the idea of unretiring what has long been associated with the Say Hey Kid. 

Ultimately, Bonds decided to wear number 25 in honor of his father, Bobby Bonds, who also wore number 25 during his time with the Giants. Bobby Bonds was a teammate of Mays and also served as a mentor to Barry. 

No doubt Willie gave Barry much more than literally the number off of his back. As noted in the interview, he gave Barry both permission and encouragement to surpass his record of 600 home runs. He gave him the support and love that at times was elusive from his own father, Bobby. 

To wrap up the interview Brian Murphy said "one year ago we lost Willie, right away—what is your favorite favorite story, memory, instant anecdote. What do you think about?

"My Godfather. That's it" said Bonds.

Murphy responded, "watching the game?"

"No."

"Hanging out on the back porch?"

"No, said Bonds. I have one thing of Willie's, and it's a picture of him and me. But the greatest gift that I ever got from my Godfather is him saying "I will be your Godfather. There's no greater gift I could ever have."


I heard these words and paused. I can't believe it took watching an interview of Barry Bonds for me to realize the importance of my own Godmother and my own role as one. What were all Godparents and Godchildren to understand, appreciate and hold this simple truth? Might we live that role differently? Would be appreciate our Godparents more? 

Part of why baseball fans love the game is that it moves at a pace different than other sports. There is action and inaction in baseball. Its cadence allows for us to stand up and cheer, sit down and look around. We have space to think and ponder, recall and reminisce. Today I will take the words, the lesson and insights from Bonds with the me to the yard—grateful that he is a key reason I can sit in View Reserved, Row 16, Seat 5.

photo credits
Bond and Bonds
Laughing with Willie

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Carnage, Catastrophe, Brtuality and Beauty: Thoughts on the Story of the 2025 U.S. Open.

The leaderboard on Sunday morning for the final round of the 125th U.S. Open felt... underwhelming. No marquee names, fan favorites, or likely heroes were anywhere in sight. Any claim to the contrary likely came from someone managing a Fantasy team. Analysts must have proclaimed a dozen times, “the winner is Oakmont.” But as we know "this wasn't a storybook finish — storybooks only wish they could be this good." So here are but a few of the plot points and characters that need a nod and are worth remembering.

Carnage and catastrophe
Oakmont Country Club is widely considered one of the most difficult golf courses in the world, and for good reason. In addition to lightning fast greens, brutal rough, and narrow fairways, it has deep and steep bunkers (surrounded by that 5" rough) and plays to a par 70, at just over 7,300 yards. Physically and mentally it is relentless. "The Best of the East" rewards patience, precision, and discipline—and punishes everything else. And if you caught the final round, that is precisely what you saw.

Rarely have I seen such carnage and catastrophe. One player after another couldn't get out of the bunker. Balls that should have been a "green in regulation" stayed for seconds before rolling off and into more rough. Players missed routine putts. Every golfer I know has experienced this level of frustration—it's just rare to see it from so many in the field. 

But a few were able to keep their composure. The struggle was so real. In the same way we rubberneck—availing our eyes to carnage—it was hard to turn away from the TV. Maybe you didn't have the stomach to take it all in, but for those who stayed, they know: the story doesn't end in defeat. 
From the catastrophe emerged a new champion: J. J. Spaun.

An Unsuspecting Hero
Before the 2025 U.S. Open, Spaun’s résumé included four pro wins—across developmental and professional tours—and one PGA Tour victory. His rise from walk‑on college player to major champion is the stuff of great stories. But if I were to tell you the winner "bogeyed five of the first six holes—carding a 40 (+4) on the front-nine of the final round," you would say that is a tall tale. It's not. 

With four birdies on the back nine, Spaun carded a 72 (+2 over par) and was the only player in the tournament to finish under par—with a total score of 279 (one under par). To me, this is where the story gets interesting.


A Win of Biblical Proportions
Spaun sealed the win with an incredible 64-foot putt on the 18th hole. Yes, he got a good read from Viktor Hoveland; it was quite an exclamation putt, I might point. However, he might not have been put in that position were it not for a 96-minute rain delay. As written on the TODAY show website, 

Spaun says the rain delay proved to be a game changer.

“Actually, it was a gift from God, honestly,” he said June 17 on TODAY, noting that his caddie's father died a year ago on Father's Day.

He also recalled having to sit through a delay after getting off to a bad start while leading on Sunday at the 2025 Players Championship, only to do better and make a playoff once play resumed.

Spaun said he and his caddie, Mark Carens, knew the delay at the Open would help them out.

“When that horn blew on the ninth tee, we looked at each other and said, ‘This is exactly what we needed.’ So we went back in, reset and (I) came back out a different man,” he said.

Carens then came out to explain what happened during the rain delay.

“He changed clothes, he changed everything,” he said.

If I were only reading and teaching this story, I’d likely focus on its symbolism—how a forced delay can serve as a form of purification, and how the act of shedding the old makes space for something new to emerge. While the Bible doesn’t mention “rain delays” in a literal or casual sense, it does feature weather-related interruptions and divine uses of rain that alter human plans and timelines. The most well-known example, of course, is Noah’s 40 days and 40 nights—a delay of transformative proportions. But sports fans need not go that far back to find that example. 

The 2016 Chicago Cubs all cite the 17 minute rain delay in Game 7 of the World Series as to why they beat the Cleveland Indians. Cubs outfielder, Jason Heyward gave a “beautiful” speech, which preceded an open discussion. As written in 
Rain delay for the ages becomes part of Cubs’ lore“We all had heart to hearts, we all felt we had to say things that were on our minds and get them off our chest,” Russell said. “We reached new levels when you talk about that stuff. Grown men talking about that stuff, it doesn’t matter. The fact that we did it here in the World Series.” That break from the heavy skies ended a 108 year drought for Cubs fans. A championship had returned to Wrigley field anew.

I Never Want the Story to End.
A great match or contest doesn't end. How? Why? It leaves us with so much to reflect upon and remember. I found myself analyzing, revisiting and reconnecting events of the day. I was able to watch the match with my Dad on Father's Day. We have talked about what we witnessed—together—in the days thereafter.

There are stories within the story (J.J. Spaun going to CVS at 3:30 a.m. for his daughter), wrongs that can't be made right (the ruling on Sam Burns who was asking for relief from his ball in standing water) and connections that need to be made (what other rain delays have occurred in sports history?!).

As Jay Busbee of Yahoo Sports writes

This was the right stroke, in the right tournament, at the right time, for the right player. This was one of those why-we-watch moments, a triumph in the evening fog, a victory for the little guy in a sport increasingly tilted against the little guys. This wasn't a storybook finish — storybooks only wish they could be this good.

Thank you to the players, the USGA and Oakmont Country Club who made the 125th US Open brutal and beautiful. What a great story....!

Photo Credits
TODAY Show: Trophy
Rain delay

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Pope Leo XVI Meets Jannik Sinner: Where the Culture of Encounter Ought to Go

Much has been made of Pope Leo XVI's recent meeting with tennis' number one player on the men's tour, Jannik Sinner. From the puns associated with the Italian athlete's surname to their common "love" of the game, the reports of this encounter can't leave Catholics and sports fans without a smile. For example, upon giving the Holy Father one of his rackets and a ball as written by NPR, "the three-time Grand Slam champion suggested a quick volley. But the pope looked around at the antiques and said, "Better not." Though his papacy is nascent, it's obvious that this pontiff will continue—if not extend—the culture of encounter preached and promoted by Pope Francis. I believe that is incredibly important. However, this particular meeting raises an important question for me. If an encounter is but an exchange of pleasantries and puns, gifts and goodness, it falls short. It remains but a photo opportunity. My hope is that a meeting like this offers the time and space to raise questions and express concerns. And in the case of meeting with Jannik Sinner, I believe the culture of doping and the usage of PEDs in tennis ought to be acknowledged and addressed.

On March 14, 2025, Sinner visited the pope at the Vatican, along with his parents and Alberto Binaghi, the president of the Italian Tennis Federation, during the Italian Open in Rome, after returning to the game following a three-month doping ban.

As written in The Guardian,

Sinner tested positive for low levels of a metabolite of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid that can be used for ophthalmological and dermatological use. It's the same drug for which San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. was suspended by MLB.

Sinner tested positive again eight days later in an out-of-competition sample.

Sinner failed a drug test twice. Sinner's explanation — that trace amounts of Clostebol in his doping sample was due to a massage from a trainer who used the substance after cutting his own finger — were accepted. Originally,  he was allowed to compete without suspension, raising questions about the treatment of high profile athletes. Eventually, Sinner accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency. 


You can decide for yourself what to make of Sinner's story. Much has been written and reported. I don't feel good about it. Personally, I don't celebrate this encounter in the way I wish I could, so I turned to a friend with my questions. I expressed my concerns.

I asked, What is the best we could hope for in this encounter? 
Given the timing and publicity of Sinner's case, we agreed that it could be opportune for the Holy Father to inquire about the culture of doping surrounding the sport. Making accusations or assigning blame is not appropriate. Asking about the pressure, temptation, policies, provision and communication around PEDs—defining, testing, banning and more is essential to understanding the decisions that athletes make. What are the conversations you are having with your physio? your doctor, your team? yourself? 


My friend added that the encounter could also serve as a space to remind a person of their moral responsibility to others. In this case, the Pope could  As the number one player in the world. countless others—young people, tennis players, sports fans, Italians and Catholic look to you to set an example. You have great power and responsibility—whether you want it or not. I urge you to choose the good. I encourage you to live with integrity. Make the game we both love even greater by the holistic use of your talent, style, mentality and more.  

It's possible that Pope Leo and Sinner had a serious conversation—a private one. I respect that we might not be privy to it all. As noted in 2024 US Open champion Jannik Sinner meets with Pope Leo XIV "during the audience, Binaghi gave the pope an honorary federation card, and the pontiff and Sinner posed for photos with the Davis Cup trophy that Sinner helped Italy win in 2023 and 2024, as well as the Billie Jean King Cup trophy won by the women in 2024, led by 2025 Italian Open women's champion Jasmine Paolini."

"We all felt the passion that Leo XIV has for our sport and this filled us with pride," Binaghi said in a statement. "We hope to embrace the Holy Father again soon, maybe on a tennis court."

Who knows, that might be the right place, right time for the next encounter.

Photo Credits
Pope and Sinner
Trophy