Sunday at the Masters...Once Again

Bubba was excited to play with Spieth, who he considers a friend.

Sunday at the Masters. I look forward to this day all year. Golf enthusiasts woke up this morning with anticipation, a nervous energy—the good kind, because you're just never sure how the story will end. You know it will be a good story, often a magical one, but it has to be played.

When I woke up this morning, I felt as though I couldn't lose. I felt particularly lucky as I was excited about the two players tied for the lead, who were at (—5) going into the final round. Since his 2012 victory at Augusta National, it's been hard not to be enthusiastic about the self professed "Christian. Husband. Daddy, Pro-Golfer (Twitter)." Bubba Watson hits the ball off the tee farther than any other player on the tour; his average drive is 317.7 yards. I love to see him just tear it up.

Watson was paired with the 20 year old Jordan Spieth (rhymes with teeth) a Texas gentleman. Profiled in Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year issue, "A Swing and a Hit" reveals that he has "always been an old soul....sir and m'am were built into his vocabulary, and community service was stressed through school and church." Had he won, the Dallas Jesuit High School graduate would have been the tourney's youngest victor. This was his first Masters and certainly not his last.

I like how he points to where his shot is ending up.

Even though most of us will never be able to even attend the Masters let alone play there, we know the intricate details of each hole. We know their names and we know that "Amen corner" will make or break a player (and how Rae's Creek factors into this). I find myself just staring at the natural beauty of the vibrant flora and fauna. I try to imagine what it would be like to be there. And one reason, one singular moment today confirmed why I would want to.

To be honest, today's final round wasn't as exciting and memorable as the others. For the past two years, the winner has been determined by a playoff. A friend asked if I would write about the tourney and I said that nothing really moved me. And I'll be damned if I didn't eat my own words at that moment.

The 2013 champion dresses the 2014 winner.

I had been thinking about what Adam Scott said in an interview after his first round of play on Thursday. Walking up to the 12th hole, he got an emotional standing ovation from the crowd. This iconic spot on "Amen Corner" is where fans welcomed and applauded the 2013 winner. He said it took him by surprise—more than he had expected it would. So much that when he went to tee off on the picturesque par-3 13th hole, he left his tee shot woefully short of the target and ended up in Rae's creek.

It's amazing to me how often golfers can and do flush their emotions and stay focused. Despite the outcome, I doubt that Adam Scott would trade the response and reaction from Augusta National. Welcome back. We honor and respect you. Thank you for a wonderful 2013 championship.

Watson got misty-eyed on the 18th.

With a three shot lead on the 18th hole, Augusta National prepared to give Bubba Watson a second green jacket. Watson drove to the green on his second shot for an potential birdie, likely par and a victory in sight. As he strolled up the fairway to mark his ball, he stood so proud, so humbled and so tall. All eyes were on him—the 2014 champion.

Watson could have reacted a million different ways. Some walk with their caddies. Mickelson makes eye contact with everyone he can. He raises his visors, smiles and nods to the crowd. It's hard not to love him at those moments. But in that moment, Bubba's eyes filled with tears. He didn't try to hold them back and the crowd wouldn't let him. They stood—I stood—and the only thing you see in that moment is one man, his craft and its excellence. 

And I love that moment, simply because I get to take the long look. It's not a run to the pin, there is no music or video to detract from it. It's simply a man who has achieved his dream. It's also time to say "thank you" for another wonderful tournament. Thank you for amazing feats and for supportive fans. 

I do not believe sacramental moments are limited to the competition or the athletes on the field. No, I believe the spectators are witnesses. We call and respond. We support, appreciate and engage. Bubba Watson and Adam Scott were responding to sharing the very best of themselves with others. Yes, they are people they will never know....but they are people, like me who stand in delight, wonder, awe and appreciation for their presence and gifts. This is why we watch, debate and discuss The Masters like it matters. And it does. I can't wait for 2015.

Photo Credits
With Jordan

God is...A Surfer

As a theology teacher I hear a number of names, references and descriptors for G-d. The Divine, Ultimate truth, the Transcendent, Father, Abba, Yahweh, Holiest of Holies. I am fairly deliberate in my attempt to use non-gendered language when teaching and writing about G-d. Ever faithful and just, God is love. G-d is the Alpha and the Omega, the unmoved mover. the source of all being and apparently, a surfer.

Surfers will describe attributes of this wave with sheer joy.

When asked to identify a favorite passage of scripture for a recent project on Spiritual Identity, my student—an avid surfer, chose the second line of the creation story. He said "Genesis 1:2 states Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was hovering over the water." He paused and said "In short, God is a surfer."

He laughed and smiled; I don't think he was kidding.

I like thinking of G-d in this way—active in our world, delighting in our passions. As much as I enjoy golf, I can't see G-d on the links. I can however see G-d on the beach. G-d surfs, G-d swims and walks along the shore line. I know this because I have walked with God there. Footprints—one of my least favorite prayers, but beloved by many—affirms this truth. And I recently learned how many of my colleagues walk along Ocean Beach with G-d in the mornings.

Ocean Beach. San Francisco, CA

During a beach clean-up service project (with All One Ocean), one of the swim coaches told me that he walks there several mornings a week. In addition to collecting unbroken sand dollars for his garden, he collects his thoughts for the day. He told me how many of our colleagues he sees walking the same shore—prayerfully looking over the Pacific Ocean, in awe of G-d's creation.  

I love having surfers in class because they have such a strong sense of what the sport means and how it shapes their life. According to my student, to be a surfer means "one must be brave, obsessive, fair, respectful, at home with solitude and a good swimmer." It also means to be in touch with the Divine. They may call it "Mother Ocean." I know now she was created on the second day.

Stay stoked (the signature of choice by the former president of the SI surf club—love it).

Let's Get Physical: Another Reason I Love Bookstore Basketball

This is going to sound weird; please don't take it the wrong way. I like interacting with others physically.

One reason I loved coaching cross country is because I interacted with my student-athletes in a physical way. I say that because it stands as in contrast to what I do as a teacher. In the classroom, my work is formal and regulated by a bell, desks, a podium and a blackboard. While I am standing and instructing my students are sitting (NOT sleeping); they are passive. 

As an assistant coach however, I ran with the girls everyday. I sweat when they sweat. I would stretch while they stretched. One of my favorite memories is leading them in push-ups. I would urge them not to be afraid to overachieve. Don't hold back ladies! If you want to complete the set with one arm, go for it. If I say 10, please say 15 coach! Those were good times.

SJP Mike finally got a championship title!

As the commissioner of the Bookstore Basketball tourney for the Notre Dame alumni club of the San Francisco Bay Area, I finally figured out why so many friendships have formed from an event that takes place but once a year: 55 men and women are interacting physically with one another for a half day. They are banging down low and jumping up high in the quest to be the first team to 15 points.

When you interact with someone physically the conversation is never limited to "wow, he's got great hands" or "she has amazing court vision." No, eventually with a contact sport like basketball, it reveals character, personality, maturity and even one's spirituality. 

Sweet Memories...2010

Bookstore basketball is a case study for this truth. We play a round robin and the top four teams advance. Because Notre Dame alums often run slightly/naturally competitive, once the warm-ups conclude, a "game-time" athlete takes the court. In those game that run close, one or two players always emerge as "chippy" or "lacking integrity" (other people's words...not mine). Because you call your own fouls, there is definitely a fair amount of give and take. How people call them and how people respond to them is interesting (one of the most loaded words in the English language). On the other end of the spectrum, I love to see how captains support their players and how athletes form friendships across enemy lines. It's incredible how many players I have run into a week or month later are still talking about one of their games.

It's also just fun for me to see my friends compete. I enjoy seeing people I work with, friends from church and others take it to the hoop. Personality never fails to enter into this dynamic. For example, last year, my friend's teammate asked the player he was guarding how he should guard him. The opponent didn't understand what he was saying. He replied "I honestly do not know." The opposing player said "let me tell you after the game." I had to laugh when my friend's teammate returned this year with a surge in confidence and new-found ability to size up players. Reminded me of the sophomores I will teach! 

Justin is upset that his guys/one of my favorite teams did not defend their title.

Furthermore, every year, there is at least two women I envy for their smooth dribble and efficiency with the triple threat. We started calling one woman "Rebecca Lobo" today. Enough said.

Interacting physically with family, friends, one's spouse or children can build and strengthen relationships. It can teach everyone about each other and one's self. Good for the heart, good for the soul. No wonder "work hard, play hard" is a beloved motto.

I would be remiss if I did not thank Betsy Cannon for starting Bookstore Basketball for SFND 13 years ago. It certainly laid part of the foundation for the gift of our friendship and those of many others all these years. Betsy, you're a great player, organizer and can't wait to get you out there again!! If your local alumni chapter is interested in starting your own tourney, please contact me for information. Betsy was the lawyer-genius behind that too!

Photo Credits

The Admiral, David Robinson: An Officer and a Gentlman

One of my favorite responses to a good challenge is this: "try me."

As my students know, my personal motto is "looking for grace." This is what I do whenever I go to a live sporting event. I am actively looking for something on the court or field to speak to me. My eye has been trained to find these so-called "sacramental moments." More often than not, I get a glimpse of one or two. I sit with what struck me. I revisit how I felt and what I learned. I aim to put it in context and unpack why it is staying with me. Matthew 7:7 says "Seek and ye shall find." It's incredible how often I do. And that humble truth is why I write this blog—said moments must be shared.

Little to no expectations. Maybe not a bad thing.

And yet, moments of grace are not a given. I entered AT&T Center in San Antonio thinking too much was in the way of finding one. I was watching the Spurs—the NBA team with the best record play the Philadelphia 76ers—a team who had lost 22 straight games. The game was on a Monday night. Although the home of the Spurs is clean and new, basketball arenas are not sports destinations in the way that baseball parks can be; we don't refer to them as "cathedrals," they seldom appear on a bucket list, etc. Furthermore, the last time I attended an NBA game with this same group (a contingent of teachers from  Jesuit high schools from all over the country) we were in Miami. We saw two of the very best: the Heat vs. the Spurs. So, I bought my $11 ticket and decided I must take my own advice. I put my motto to the test. Here's what I found.

One of my favorite covers

At the end of the third quarter, the announcer said "We would now like anyone who has served in armed forces to please stand. We thank you for the gift of your service and the sacrifices you and your families have made." A significant number of men and women stood proud and tall. While they received a long round of applause Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" played in the background. As I was trying to process what was taking place,  I thought to myself: Do they do this at every game?...this is Texas, I'm not surprised that this gesture is part of the culture....I know there's an army base here....Wow! Look who's here??!! 

The camera panned the arena and focused in on a man who played his entire NBA career with the Spurs: David Robinson.

The Admiral. Although, his actual rank upon fulfilling his service commitment was Lieutenant, Junior Grade.

I thought back to the first time he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Top Gun was a great story. A 1987 graduate of the US Naval Academy, Robinson is a Hall of Fame Center, he is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, he was co-Sportsman of the Year with teammate Tim Duncan. Together they earned two NBA Championships for San Antonio. The list of his basketball achievements is almost as impressive as he is. Truly, he is an officer and a gentleman. As I was enjoying this moment (not to mention reliving my glory of meeting him as I exited the field at Stanford Stadium) I thought Did he actually serve in the Navy? I know he graduated from the Academy, but did he get out of his commitment that is required of all ensigns? Aren't they indebted to four or five years of service post-graduation? 

Two of the all-time greats

Many of you can answer my questions. If you don't, it's worth knowing—talk about inspiring. Roy Johnson writes:

Guthrie is the marketing director for the Spurs, the team that spun pro basketball's wheel of fortune last month and won, gaining the first selection in today's draft. Their choice will be David Robinson, the 7-foot-1-inch Navy ensign, who was the best college basketball player in the country last season. Historically, teams with the No. 1 pick in the draft experience a dramatic increase at the gate - an average of almost 30 percent over the last four years. A Rare Commodity. Yet the scenario for this season isn't normal. Instead of looking forward to jammed-to-the-rafters crowds and respectability in the coming season, the Spurs will have to wait two full seasons for Robinson while he serves two years of active duty as a Naval engineer. 

My first thought was why only two years? My guilty pleasure, Wikipedia writes: 

Robinson considered leaving the academy after his second year, before incurring an obligation to serve in active duty. He decided to stay after discussing with the Superintendent the likelihood that his height would prevent serving at sea as an unrestricted lineofficer, hurting his naval career, and might make it impossible for him to be commissioned at all. As a compromise, Secretary of the Navy John Lehman placed Robinson in a program for training civil engineers for the Naval Reserves that reduced his active-duty obligation to two years.  

And how much do I LOVE that his son Corey plays for the Fightin' Irish.

What was a liability in one domain became a pure asset in another? 

It's almost trite for me to say it, but you can't make this stuff up! What is the likelihood that the top pick in the country would come from the Navy? That a Mathematics major would be a 10-time NBA All-Star and the 1995 MVP. How many athletes defer their careers in service to our country? 

Robinson decided to go to a terrible game on a Monday night, and I'm thankful he did. He was recognized in a context that made me think of him in the way we first came to know his story. I consider this a moment of grace because when I look at someone like David Robinson, I see humanity at its best. Talent, service, sacrifice, community, dedication. Anytime I am a witness to that, I am grateful. A small part of me is moved by the wonder of God's creation.  The Admiral is no exception. In fact, he's one of the very best. Spurs fans, you've been blessed. To those in the armed services, especially the US Navy, you are as well. Thank you.

Photo Credits
Sixers vs Spurs
Twitter
Duncan and Robinson

Revisiting Sacramental Moments: Little Person in Montana Makes the Shot

My students think I am a horrible person; I have them exactly where I want them.

Perhaps you have noticed, it seems as though a positive trend is taking shape in high school athletics. Teams and coaches are including athletes who might not otherwise have a chance to play on a varsity squad in their games; these young men and women have special needs, disabilities, or other conditions. We get a glimpse of their stories because they often go viral and more often than not, I am glad that they do. But, not always.

At their best, these stories can serve as sacramental moments. We are able to discern that anyone (and in these instances—they are often unlikely people)—can be a visible sign of God's invisible grace. Through these video shorts, we become witnesses to how they uplift and transform a community; that is what sacraments do!

Nowhere was this more true than at Coronado High School in El Paso, Texas. Thanks to Steve Hartman's "On The Road" we learned about Mitchell, a young man with severe mental disabilities was a manager and super fan of the Thunderbird's boy's basketball team. To honor his love for hoops and the team's love and respect for him, Mitchell's coach put him in the final minutes of a home game. His story took a special turn with unexpected results. Today, millions of people know it and have seen it.

This photo says it all. "Mitchell! Mitchell!"

The Catholic principle of sacramentality suggests that we can find God in all things. I believe sports is an arena where this is possible, but it's not a given.  I watched and read "Little Person Student Coach Gets Start on Senior Night for HS Basketball Team" and wondered "Is a sacramental moment, or not?" According to Kyle Newport of Bleacher Report

Laurel High School (Laurel, Mont.) student coach Seth Kraft, a little person, was the center of attention during a special night on Saturday. Seeing as how it was his last game with the team, he was given a start on Laurel's senior night against Senior High. Kraft was able to leave his mark on the game, as he managed to score a bucket for the Locomotives in the first quarter. Kraft's birthday was on Saturday, so it turned out to be quite the birthday present.

I believe the intention for inclusion is a good one. It's hard not to feel the joy that Kraft exudes when he makes his shot. A big part of me wants this young man to have a moment. I do. But I also want his opponents to "D up" on him. I want him to have to stay on the floor and grit it out like every other player must do. Foul him if necessary. Make him set a screen, force a charge. No clothes line please.

D-up guys! Why the open lane??

This left my students in disbelief. Naturally, they took it to extremes. "What??? You want them to swat his shot?" No, but I do want Seth to be treated like any other high school kid. To continue to give him the ball and make room for the court verges on exploitation. 

They still weren't convinced. I told them about a beloved former student from Our Lady of Prompt Succor in White Castle, LA. Kenny was incredibly intelligent and astute. He was gentle and had a great sense of humor. He also had a debilitating stuttering problem. I was his 7th and 8th grade Language Arts teacher. Reading comprehension and writing were never a challenge for Kenny, but speaking was. Students thought he was quiet and shy, but I knew different. 

Kenny taught me more than he will every know.

Teaching middle school as a new teacher means you hand out detentions daily. Classroom management is a challenge by the minute. In spite of the nightmare, it was my goal to give Kenny a detention. 

At this point, several jaws dropped. "YOUR GOAL WAS TO GIVE HIM A DETENTION?" I guess they had never heard that before. "Overtly, this is  not a noble one, but allow me to explain."  As I begin to do so, they are convinced I'm cruel.

"Just because Kenny was unable to talk freely, didn't mean he wasn't off task. He was a typical 13 and 14 year old boy in the same way every other student of mine was. They're not perfect all the time. They're not entirely focused and on top of things at every moment. They make mistakes and push limits. Kenny did this in the same way that everyone else did...it's just that he did it without words. I wanted him to know I knew that."

Good intention, just doesn't feel right. He ran through this, breaking the paper.

And so, when I watched Seth Kraft's story, I couldn't help but think of Kenny and the principle that underscores my sentiment. I can't speak for Kraft or anyone else profiled in these videos, but my sense is that he wants to be treated like a normal high school kid. So often folks with disabilities and special needs are treated differently because that is needed; but I also believe they crave to be treated like it's the last thing that defines them.

I invite in the sacramental moments...but I also contend that maybe the sacrament is revealed in the doing of what's least expected.  And yes, swatting isn't allowed.

Photo Credits