Remembering Kobe: Sports and Spirituality Style

It takes a lot for people to look up from their phones, talk and interact with one another in today's world—especially, if you are in line at an airport. Five minutes before boarding my flight to LAX, a man turned to those of us standing behind him, ear buds removed and said with an ashen face: "Kobe Bryant died." Silence. Shock. The incomprehensible. I imagine you have your own story now, too. "His helicopter crashed," he said. Someone replied, "It is unconfirmed." No, I thought—this is most likely true. I have often joked about my desire to travel by helicopter to work in the way Kobe did. I immediately thought of my friends who who love #8 / #24. I thought of the strong opinions many hold for and against Kobe. I recalled that every year, I tell my Sports and Spirituality class the same thing: I want to be more intentional about including the Mamba into the curriculum. I sat on the plane heading to the very place he lived and left a legacy and I cried. Here are but a few reasons why...

Kobe was a man of faith
Kobe was many things—father, son, husband, athlete, champion, Hall of Famer, Academy Award winner and a devout Catholic

I first learned that Kobe took his faith seriously when I read Kobe Bryant: Formed and Saved by his Catholic faith. I might not have believed what I read were it not for my friend Bob, a parishioner at St. Edward the Confessor in Dana Point (the church where Kobe and Vanessa got married). Bob noted that he had seen Kobe at Mass at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach. I looked for Kobe the three times I attended Sunday mass at this beautiful parish. I never saw him; I have a feeling I will continue to look for him when I visit in the future...

Kobe lived Sport and Spirituality
ESPN Daily is now at the top of my Listen Now podcast list. Mina Kimes, the host of the show interviewed ESPN NBA Insider Ramona Shelburne, who covered Bryant for 15 years! 

Shelburne said Kobe, daughter and the other passengers "were on their way to a basketball event. And this is just like a Sunday with the family, for a lot of different families here." 

When I heard her words, I thought to myself—well, not my family. Growing up meant Mass on Sunday, and still I know the world is a much different place today. However, this morning a friend sent an article from the New York Post: Kobe Bryant and his daughter reported going to mass before fatal helicopter crash. 

Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, went to church just hours before dying — along with seven others — in a helicopter crash on the way to the teen’s basketball tournament, a report said. 

The two attended 7 a.m. Catholic Mass and received Communion at the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of the Angels in Newport Beach, a church spokesman confirmed to the Daily Mail. 

At Mass, the NBA icon would keep a low profile by sitting “in the back of the church so that his presence would not distract people from focusing on Christ’s Presence,” Freyer wrote.

They lived their life in a way I aim to; he practiced his faith and his game....from one priority to the other.

Kobe died knowing the sweetness of victory.
Yes, Kobe has five NBA Championship titles, two Olympic gold medals. He was no stranger to winning. However, the ardent sports fan in me takes comfort in knowing he was able to celebrate a Super Bowl Championship of HIS team during his lifetime.

No, that is not a typo. A native of Philadelphia, Kobe was a lifelong Eagle's fan. When the Birds defeated the Patriots in the 2018 contest, his reaction—shared via Twitter (and now reposted many times) was among my favorites.

In our loss and grief, it's funny to learn where and how we find comfort and peace. For example, when my friend Courtney's brother, Josh died suddenly and tragically in 2013, I wrote a tribute: The Balm of Sports. No one was a bigger White Sox fan than Josh. 

In 2005, his team won the World Series. For those of you who know what loyalty, waiting, hoping and believing as a sports fan is all about—I have a feeling you get it. No one expected the Eagles to beat the Pats. They did and that joy remains....it lives....it is what makes victory so sweet.

Now that I think about it, Kobe was a great sports fan. I loved seeing what events he would show up to at the Olympics. I will miss the way he gave support to others—through his presence.

Presence and Presents
As many people know, Kobe was an avid women's basketball fan. He went out of his way to congratulate WNBA players, he was fiercely loyal to the UConn women's basketball team and committed to the development of his own daughter's game. In a recent interview he shared, "my friend said you and V have got to try to have a son so he can play like you...and my daughter Gigi said 'c'mon Dad, I got this'." Shelburne added that they often joked Gigi had already verbally committed to UConn.

On Good Friday, 2018, the Notre Dame women's basketball team defeated Kobe's team. The athlete who made the winning bucket—Arike Ogunbowale—wore #24 for her hero. Though her three-point shot meant an early exit for the Huskies, Kobe, who was at the game reached out and tweeted mad congratulations. The camera caught Arike and her teammate gazing total disbelief what he had written. UConn and Irish fans could agree it was a special moment.

Two days later, Ogunbowale did it again. It what is now known as "the Easter Basket" the Irish defeated Mississippi State for their second national championship. Both endings got so much good press—the cover of Sports Illustrated read "Ice Twice!" that Ogunbowale was invited onto Ellen. And the rest which felt like a dream at the time, can only feel more-so for Arike.

Kobe makes the moment all about Ogunbowale, and he should. My favorite moment however is when he gives Ogunbowale two gifts: a signed jersey for her and one for her dog named..what else? Kobe. This interview is both hard and it's beautiful, in particular when he speaks about his daughter Gianna. His presence and his presents.

Arike I don't need to tell you that you are richly blessed. I would like you to know that we, his fans and yours are too....

Failure
Kobe was no stranger to failure—on and off the court. In death, we elevate a person. It must be noted that, as reported in Kobe Bryant’s Brilliant and Complicated Legacy

He was charged with felony sexual assault in 2003 stemming from an incident at a Colorado hotel in which Bryant was accused of raping a 19-year-old woman who worked at the property as a front-desk clerk. Prosecutors eventually dropped the case when the woman told them she was unwilling to testify. Bryant later issued an apology, saying he understood that the woman, unlike himself, did not view their encounter as consensual. A lawsuit the woman brought against Bryant was later settled out of court.

Kobe's marriage nearly failed. When this story became public, Vanessa filed for divorce. The couple took two years to reconcile and Kobe took responsibility for his infidelity, his selfishness and his sin.

I play golf with the criminal defense attorney who worked closely on Kobe's case. About three years ago, I asked her about what happened and what she knew was true. Out of respect, I will keep the details limited. She often says what is shared on the golf course stays there. However, I came to understand that he did not sexually assault this woman (and I mean that). Believe what you want, but she is a source that I trust completely. Neither one of us would say infidelity is permissible. I am sure it caused all parties a lot of pain. I do however believe in God's mercy and forgiveness and that Kobe earned strived for reconciliation and resurrection.

#KobeConnection
Growing up and living in the Bay Area, the Lakers most basketball fans  want nothing to do with the Lakers. Before and after Showtime, the purple and gold, the legacy and the dominance—no thank you. Given that he brought five rings to the Lake Show, Kobe could be both respected and hated as a player. Those sentiments are not/were not mutually exclusive when it came to Kobe. This is precisely why I am certain that high school students year after year, LA connection or not would don the Lakers jersey, write about him on that first day of class profile, admit their love for the man unapologetically. I loved this.

Kobe Bryant connected me to students in a way like no other. I was always driven by curiosity. I wanted to know what drove their passion? Why the love? I would ask why they were fans. Their answers told me about who they were and of course who Kobe was to them. I hope I still have students who love the man. 

I don't know how to properly tie this tribute together. There is so much more I could say and would like to share. Please share your Kobe memories. His life and his death inspired words like these from my friend Alex Montoya. I feel the same

Thank you to everyone who sent texts knowing I’m a fan of Kobe and the Mamba Mentality he used to inspire people. I’m grieving not the athlete, but the man, his daughter, their family, the family friends in the helicopter, everyone. Grieve. Come together. Live with your face towards God and love everyone He puts in your life.

Photo Credits
Rise up
Kobe and Vanessa
Kobe and Gigi
Arike and Kobe on Ellen
Remembering Kobe

Everyday Ethics: Chewing Gum. Thanks Coach Pete Carroll

This semester, I came into four new sections of Moral Issues, a required Religious Studies course, with a strong focus on the written and the unwritten curriculum. While the former is prescribed—predetermined ethical matters, questions and dilemmas—the latter is what the text book might not cover. I see the unwritten curriculum as matters of right are wrong that that might not require a vote,  pertain to a political party or pass into law.  Regardless, they are worth discussing and and considering in a formal setting. Therefore, once a week I present a topic that I call "Every day Ethics/Social Norms and Mores." 

I want to thank the University of Connecticut's women's basketball coach, Geno Aureimma for speaking so directly to my first topic of import: Body Language. I asked my students Why should we care?. What messages are we communicating when we give "poor body language." What does "good body language look like." I then referenced an interview clip that went viral and planted the original seed for me.

Not knowing how these teenagers would respond, Coach Auriemma declared “We put a huge premium on body language, and if your body language is bad, you will never get in the game. Ever,” he said. “I don't care how good you are.” You can watch it here.

The first thing I heard from a student was "I love it." I wanted to hug him that very moment. 

I thought about this week's topic throughout the NFL season thanks to the example provided by the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll. Coach Carroll is known for his positivity, for being the oldest head coach in the League and for chewing gum.

Students are not allowed to chew gum at school. This rule is broken on a daily basis. Why is forbidden? What's the big deal? Is it?

I shared with my students three resources.
1. The Emily Post Institute. I thought Miss Manners would frown upon gum chewing. Quite the contrary. Granted, this advice is for adults and in the work setting. Context is everything.
2. The Educator's Room:  Students found us harsh...but I have to say, we are too often the ones scraping it from under the desk.
3. The Etiquette Guide: We agreed that this resource was the most helpful in terms of not only what to do but how to do it.

As we drew the conversation to a close, one student asked "What do you think Ms. Stricherz?" I love when they ask—because they often don't. I asked my students if they think people chew gum to gain a sense of confidence. I have often felt that a person chewing gum, in the way that perhaps Pete Carroll does, is trying to be cool, to give the perception that he or she has some sort of power. I have felt that way myself; I do not approve. I have yet to see my question and concern in writing. Should I add it to to the curriculum?!

We concluded this session with Seahawk's Quarterback Russell Wilson dressed up as his coach for Halloween. Requisite white leather shoes, 'Hawks colors, headset and of course gum included.

More unwritten curriculum to write....

Photo Credits
Pete chewing gum

Notre Dame Magazine Feed Bag: What to Read in the Winter 2019-2020 Issue

I would love to employ my own, personal clerk. Totally indulgent, yes, but this crafty person would skim the news, read articles, clip highlights and manage the podcasts all for the purpose of Sports and Spirituality. Speed reading, wit and wisdom, a penchant for my favorite teams and athletes are a must. USC and Dodger fans need not apply. Faith-filled Christians, Catholic educators, and golf fans inquire within.

Since I don't see this happening anytime in the near future, I will serve as the clerk I seek for readers of my blog. A number of fellow Notre Dame alumni tell me how often they love Notre Dame Magazine...and don't get to read as much of it as they would like. I can't say I have read this journal in its entirety since I graduated in 1996, but in the past few years I do read it from front to back, always in search of a good story—Sports and Spirituality style. Therefore, with each season publication in the future, you can expect a menu...a listing of the articles that relate to sports, spirituality and their symbiosis. Enjoy!

1. New Heights (p 17-18) profiles Sam Grewe, a junior who is also a two-time world champion for the high jump

On Christmas Eve in 2011, Grewe was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that hits about 400 Americans under age 20 every year. He was 13 years old, and he had a fist-sized tumor in his right knee. He was confronted with a choice no teenager should have to make.

In the end, he says, the choice to lose his lower right leg “was easily the best decision I’ve ever made.”

I appreciate his outlook on competition. 

“I don’t want to set a goal of gold. Rather, I’d set a goal of height, and if I jump my height, I achieve that goal,” he says. “If they jump higher than me, that’s great for them, but if I jump my goal, then I’ll be happy with it.”

Truly, this mindset allows an athlete to be the best version of themselves.

2. Questionnaire: Jessica Smetana ’16 (p 57-58) profiles the ESPN host and producer who happens to be fan of both a Notre Dame and Clemson (where she spent her freshman year). She has ventured into writing and survived the layoff at SI, who let go of "more than a third of its editorial staff after it was acquired by the media company Maven." She speaks about more than the future of Sports Illustrated and social media platforms. I appreciated her insight on today's sports journalists. 

You can read her profile piece on the 2019-2020 Notre Dame mascot—At Notre Dame, Tradition Meets Progress Through Its Famous Leprechaun Mascot here. This trifecta is unique, as it includes the first female, a Northern Irish native and a black American as our leprechauns.

3. Domers in the News (p 59) pays homage to Kristina "Krissi" Davis '91 who died at home on September 7. "A member of women’s basketball coach Muffet McGraw’s first recruiting class, Davis scored 1,194 career points and received the prestigious Byron V. Kanaley Award as a senior."

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.Amen.

Nick Civetta ’11 didn’t start playing rugby until he got to Notre Dame, but he became a high-level player in a hurry, appearing professionally overseas and joining the USA Eagles national team." I look forward to reading more about his "Long, weird journey" as chronicled in the on-line magazine.

The Christmas Gift Unwrapped. (p 96)
CrossCurrents, articles submitted by free lance writers, yields poignant, creative and reflective spiritual writing.  This first person narrative by Jonathan Malesic reminds me to think twice about the teenager who shows up to Christmas mass in his Buffalo Bills jacket...or around here red and gold Niner gear. A beautiful testimonial of his faith and what the Incarnation means.

Thanks for allowing me to clerk for you. Until the next issue....

Photo Credits
Sam and Jessica: from ND Mag
Krissi Davis

How to celebrate the MLK Holiday: Get Into "Good" Trouble

Today we observe a national holiday, honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He would have been 91 years old (January 15). It goes without saying, he died too young. 

MLK with Jackie Robinson

His message is as important today as it was at the March on Washington, in the Church in Birmingham, the walk to Selma and more. On Friday, I reminded my students that today is not a day off, but a day "ON." I said "Dr. King did not give his life so you could sleep in and play video games all day." 

I added, "Instead, I hope we ask the question: What can we do for justice?!" While intrigued by the idea of a "Day On," I'm afraid my question fell on deaf ears. It's banal, too broad, too sweeping. However, in Rep John Lewis (D-Ga), I found one that grabbed them: How can you get into a good kind of trouble?

I heard Rep. Lewis give this message to students at St. Ignatius College Prep on Ash Wednesday 2015. I was reminded of it when I heard NPR's Morning Edition Rep. John Lewis' Fight For Civil Rights Began With A Letter To Martin Luther King Jr. In this 3-minute listen, Lewis, the last living speaker from the March on Washington, noted that when he was very young, he "wanted to preach the Gospel." He did. 

"My philosophy is very simple: When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to stand up, you have to say something, you have to do something. 

His mother used to always warn him to stay out of trouble, he said. 

"But I told her that I got into a good trouble, necessary trouble," he said. "Even today, I tell people, 'We need to get in good trouble.' "

What a great play on words—words children have heard their entire lives. How it conjures up compelling imagery and creative thinking. How might we get into trouble...and be encouraged to do so? What IS a good kind of trouble?! 

Too often, I have conversations with students and athletes about what they cannot or should not do. How can we harness their energy to take action—and stand up for what is right? 

Let's continue to serve those in need long after the Christmas season.

Young people need assistance and accompaniment in order for this to happen. We have to bring them to the margins and the places where they can make good kind of trouble happen. I have long thought the NFL can and should set a precedent with a national day of service. We celebrated the AFC and NFC championships yesterday and await the Super Bowl in two weeks time. Why can't those teams and their local communities harness their energy, physicality, teamwork and resources to better 32 cities throughout the United States. We just might stir up a whole lot of trouble....good trouble. 

NINERS!!!!

Photo Credits
MLK and 42

What does is it mean to be FAITHFUL: Go Niners!

Upon leaving mass today, a friend said, "the Faithful are back!" Given what we just heard inside the Church, I said, "Isn't that contrary to what that title means? Faithful then...Faithful now...right?" This is a question, I hope to ask the Holy Cross Fellowship group at St. Francis High School where I teach and coach.

Once a month a 7:45 a.m. in the film room of the athletic department, a group of faithful student athletes and super sports fans gather for prayer. Similar to Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) our group seeks to bring together their great passion and mine: Sports and Spirituality.

The early December meeting was buzzing. Anticipation and excitement filled the room as we awaited the arrival of two San Francisco 49ers— devout Christians—ready and eager to bear witness and share their faith. With donuts and juice in hand, the student led icebreaker was Forty Niner trivia.

I was so proud of this young woman who created an informal and thorough Google Presentation for her peers and the other coaches and teachers in the room to play. Although most questions stumped the high school students, I am always amazed at what some young people DO know. I encourage you—Niner fan or not—to learn something about the team who is battling for the NFC Championship title later today.

The 49ers refer to their fan base as "The Faithful." The move to Santa Clara, the losing records, the problematic and on and off the field behavior of several players has challenged, yet illuminated the question: What does it mean to fe faithful? What does it mean to have faith in a team? a person? a program? and ultimately our God? This is the question I would like to break open with this Fellowship group when we gather again...maybe before the Super Bowl?!

A plug for the 49er FAITHFUL is an appeal to those who have loyalty and dedication. However, without wisdom and knowledge—who we are and how we got here—faithfulness is short-sighted. Institutional knowledge, historic biographies and prior accomplishments paint a more vibrant picture of what we are committed to today.

Thank you Leona for reminding or teaching us where the Niners played as a charter member of the AAFC, how many HOF QBs they have from the 20th Century, just how great Jerry Rice is and how many Lombardi trophies are in the house. Here's to many more....more history, more to celebrate and more faith...and FAITHFUL. 

Photo Credits
The FAITHful
Then
Now

UCLA's Dance Team's First Male Member: Meet Devin Mallory

In a big school, it's not easy for a student to stand out. At St. Ignatius College Prep there are nearly 1,5000 big fish. Making waves in a pond that big with that much tradition isn't easy. But to the delight of teachers, students and the larger SI community Devin Mallory '17—who recently became the first male member of UCLA's Dance Team—made an indelible impact. Here's how. Here's why.

When young people share their gifts and talents, when students take risks and reveal their passions and deepest desires, it's hard not to notice. Authenticity, beauty, excellence speak for themselves. The expression of oneself in that way has and will continue to inspire others, open hearts and minds and yes—make an impact.

In the Fall of 2013, I noticed that a young man joined the Dance and Drill team at SI. On one hand I suppose I took note because this crew is typically female. More importantly however, it was hard not to notice this dancer. He was naturally gifted. I realized that he took a risk in pursuing something I could see he took seriously. It's never easy to go against the norm, especially in high school, but that's Devin.

Over the course of four years at St. Ignatius, Devin Mallory became one of the most talented and memorable dancers I have ever seen. Like all students he matured in age and in wisdom and as a dancer he grew into his athletic and graceful physique. His height and stature, flexibility and pliability, his innate rhythm and feel for the music brought this art form to life—to my life and the greater life of SI. 

I will never forget waiting in anticipation to see his performance at the Fine Arts Assembly each January or the spirit he would bring to Dance and Drill's half time performance inside War Memorial Gym for the Bruce Mahoney game. I want to say that Mallory got a standing ovation from his classmates when he earned the Fine Arts Award near graduation. It sure felt that way. 

Because of the memories Devin gave us, because of the impression and expression he left with us, it should come as no surprise that a current SI teacher thought to share a recent piece in the LA Times via social media, Devin Mallory is doing what he loves as first male on UCLA’s dance team about his new strides and success.

I must have watched the dance routine ten times. In fact, I was so inspired, I shared it with my current students who don't know Devin and who attend a different school. I wanted them to see his talent, to think about the impact that they might make in their own school (which is even bigger) and to encourage their peers to pursue their passions, too. 

Devin's larger story is quite important. Thuc Nhi Nguyen writes 

Growing up in San Francisco, a city known for inclusion, Mallory said he was met with compassion and support from his friends when he dedicated himself to dance. He thinks it may have helped that he specialized in hip-hop, a style that seems to earn more street cred for its aggressive moves .

Mallory still believes boys are often discouraged from dancing because dance comes with natural flow and body awareness men aren’t often expected to have. 

In a 2009 study that surveyed 75 males 13 to 22 years old who were studying dance in the United States, Wayne State University dance professor Doug Risner found that 96% of participants experienced teasing and name calling and 70% reported verbal and/or physical harassment

In Moral Issues, I used this piece to ask if there are any compelling reasons or arguments why a young man should not pursue dance. In other words, Why is it—or should it be limited to girls/women? In Sports and Spirituality, I revealed how and why I find the story and his dance to be spiritual. I asked them, Do you? This was a great day.

I would like Devin to know that I am not overstating things. The sharing of your gift and talent for dance brought me joy for four years. I'm so grateful you have continued to share that with others and in new ways. You keep getting better. You truly embody AMDG. 

Photo Credits
SI Photo Archive
Dance

The Work of Christmas: A Poem and Prayer for Coaches et al

As we approached the tee box on the 17th hole, my two friends—lapsed Catholics— turned to me to air their Christmas grievances (Festivus redux). 

One said, "Christmas Mass was nearly an hour and a half! That's way too long!" I shook my head in agreement; I agree! That is long. After all, I do love a short mass. The other added, "It's one few times they are getting that many people inside the Church. They can't let it go on that long." Though I'm not interested in serving as a spokesperson for the Catholic Church, it's not uncommon that others look to me to fulfill that role. I'm happy to let anyone but me serve as the resident apologist, especially on the golf course. However, in this moment—I turned to my friend who is Jewish and said "I'm going to let you respond to this." She said, "How's that?" I said, well, I know services for high holy days last much longer. Maybe you can speak to that..." Everyone laughed.

There's so much build up and anticipation for Christmas and what is now a season that extends from the day after Halloween until December 25, it's easy to forget for Christians everywhere, this is one of the two high holy days of the year. In other words, Christmas—the Nativity of the Lord— is IT! We should give our time, our hearts, our voices and our prayers in thanksgiving to God for His gift: The Word Made Flesh, The Incarnation, Emmanuel. I think worshipping as a community of faith for over an hour is perfectly justifiable. 

Putting Christmas in the context of a "high, holy day" has invited me to reflect further on its significance.It has prompted me to ponder how we are different....how do we change....and what Christmas demands of us. Because of Christmas....fill in the blank here.

I found one answer in the poem "Now the Work of Christmas begins” composed by Howard Thurman, an African-American theologian, educator, and civil rights leader. It's beautiful.

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
     to find the lost,
     to heal the broken,
     to feed the hungry,
     to release the prisoner,
     to rebuild the nations,
     to bring peace among the people, to make music in the heart.

I have used Thurman's poem as a prayer. I want to remember that Christmas asks something of me. And, when I consider all the gifts God has given me—especially in Christ Jesus—how can I not go out and give myself?

I shared this poem with a group of coaches last week. I highlighted the words that I think speak to what we are trying to do with the young men and women entrusted to our care.  So let us remember and let us pray.

Now the work of Christmas begins:

to find the lost—so many young people desire to be found. Our teams can be a home for them. Give us the grace and the desire to build a team that is inclusive, accepting and loving.

to heal the broken—whether injured in body or in mind, student athletes can find wholeness with a team. Lord, please we pray for your healing.

to feed the hungry—hungry for acceptance, love, attention and recognition, the athletes on our team come to us to be nourished. Good and gracious God, help us to nourish one another.

to bring peace among the people—sport has power, let us pray for the ability to build bridges and paths to peace.

to make music in the heart—love this image. It speaks to our passion...why we do what we do. Sports can be hard work. Practice is demanding and exacting. Games are pressure packed. Let us always remember the importance of play in the season.

The Christmas season officially ended Sunday, January 12 with the Baptism of the Lord. Let the work of Christmas officially begin.

Photo Credits

Celebrating 10 Years of Sports and Spirituality!

There seems to be two camps of people out there—those who believe we have started a new decade and those who don't. A stickler for accuracy, I listened to the NPR report "When Does the New Decade Begin? That's Debatable" hoping for an answer. 

"Really, a decade begins actually with the year ending in the numeral one," Sandi Duncan, the managing editor of the "Farmer's Almanac" told NPR. "There was never a year zero. So when we started counting time way back when, it goes one through 10. So a decade is 10 years. So in actuality, the next decade won't start until January 1, 2021."

Duncan's argument makes sense to me and I can't help but think the fact she's with the "Farmer's Almanac" is why I pitched my tent in her camp.

But Duncan's explanation didn't stop with new decades or partying like it's 1999. From her diatribe, I also learned "when the - "Almanacs" celebrated our 200th anniversary, we started printing in 1818, and yet the 2017 was our 200th edition. It's one of these mathematical conundrums that people can argue about until they're blue in the face." In other words, a ten year anniversary is to be celebrated in a year that's one year less than the actual number. 

Go ahead and count this out on your fingers. I began this blog in December 2009. Ten years from that fateful day, was actually in December 2018. What to do?! Have we run into another "potato/potato" moment? Should we call the whole thing off? Or rather, let's call the calling off, off? Right?! Yes! Here's why....

Just three weeks ago, Sports and Spirituality—this blog— turned 10 years old/had a *10-year anniversary*/is now a one decade in age. What started as a platform to publish a lengthy article I wrote about the University of Oregon men's golf coach, Casey Martin, has become a place of prayer, an avenue for exploration, and a cradle of creativity for me. 

Writing a blog has been a labor of love—truly an autotelic experience—meaning, the reward I receive is from the activity itself. There is no monetary gain. I do not blog for fame or recognition (believe me, my numbers don't say a whole lot about that!). I write about Sports and Spirituality because I have to write about it. The ideas and inspiration comes to me and must go somewhere. This blog has proven to be a worthy locale.

Twitter was just being born when the blog started.
I chose this for the Sports & Spirituality profile pic

Ten years of blogging has yielded a book—Pray and Practice with Purpose: A Playbook for the Spiritual Development of Athletes, as well as an elective course that I have now taught at two different high schools and to a group of parents. Blogging has prompted invitations to speak in places like Washington DC, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles and of course throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. I have made new friends though this medium, and hopefully mentored others, in particular aspiring bloggers.

In the past, when I told people I had a blog approximately every third person would admit they had one too. Today, such reports are far and few between—which is unfortunate as I do think blogging is a meaningful or perhaps unique way to connect to oneself, others and a larger community. It's never too late to add to your "20 for 2020" list!

I cannot say I have regretted a single posting I have written. Rather, the opposite is true. In this blogging program alone, I have over 122 drafts of postings that have yet to be published. Most never will come to fruition, but it's interesting to see what sparked my imagination yet lacked time? personal interest? motivation? connection? further material? to move further. I once read that when Bruce Springsteen passes on to his Beautiful Reward, the world will receive a great catalog of music that he never recorded. For perhaps the first time in my life, I felt like the Boss and I shared something professional in common ;-)

I do not have children, but in many ways writing a book or a blog, has given me the slightest insight into what parenting must be like. My writing is a reflection of me and ask me just one question about it, and you are in my good graces forever. 

I still have occasional dreams and visions of taking this blog to the next level—YouTube channel, weekly podcast, online course offering!!? but I'd still like to write another book, one that utilizes content from this blog in the near future. Open to suggestions....!

Ron Rolheiser said "God speaks to every element in the language it can understand." That language is sports. The opportunity to blog has only allowed me to share what I hope is some of God's word with you.

This posting has had over 10,000 views!

I should conclude with my favorite posting of all time. I do know my most popular post is "Catholics vs. Convicts: The Story Behind ESPN's Shirt of the Century." It should be, as I am friends with the co-creators who are two of the most colorful and engaging people I know. I've never done a scientific query, but more than likely every fifth posting is about the University of Notre Dame and every tenth one is about music (that's the Spirituality side!!). I have loved writing about my students and my school, parish and local communities. I want to personally thank the San Francisco Giants for three World Series in five years and the LA Dodgers for.... more than a great rivalry ;-) I could go on, but blogs ought to be brief....so here's to ten more years  and all that's to come in the next decade—whenever that may be.