The "Real" Sportsmen of the Year...

I am a horrible person.  After reading What Identifying Your Favorite Image of LeBron Can Lead To... a friend sent me a link to the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year award ceremony where LeBron was the 2012 honoree. Unbeknownst to me, the event also recognizes a "Sportskid of the Year" (featured in Sports Illustrated Kids).  This year's winner was a team of two: Conner and Cayden Long.  Cayden is a 6-year old boy who has cerebral palsy; his older brother Conner competes in triathlons with Cayden in tow.  I watched the video and thought Oh--another athlete inspired by an individual with a disability. AND Another story where parents are honest about their struggles in having/accepting a child with a disability.  I feel like we've covered those... Like I said, I'm a horrible person.

But, I kept watching because I was unsure how this related to King James.  And, I have to admit it was slightly different--I had never heard a 9-year old that articulate and driven.  I hung in there because this was a far cry from a tale of sibling rivalry.  This story was different.  Adults have maturity; parents are continually asked to be selfless and giving.  I started to wonder How is this 9-year old boy that loving? 

The power in this story isn't just the video that was shared with athletes and coaches present at the event.  No, it was the words of two of the Sportsmen of the Year--both Conner Long and LeBron James.  I am grateful it was included for this clip.  See for yourself.

LeBron, a father of two boys--ages 8 and 5 said he will be sharing the Long brothers' story.  In doing so he won't have the preach about how we should serve, love and support one another.  And Cayden affirms how sports can connect us to one another, lifting the human spirit.

An idea born out of a desire to connect with Cayden.  To become not just brothers or playmates, but teammates.  Though they finished last, they finished together--as one.

It never fails. At the very moment I get overly frustrated by the world of sports--a story about Manti Te'o is going viral as I type or the cheapest ticket for tonight's Warriors vs. Heat game is $38 for seats that demand an oxygen tank, I am reminded of the others....that teach me something about myself, surprise and inspire me.

Photo Credits
Sportskids of the Year

What Identifying Your Favorite Image of LeBron Can Lead to....

My jaw dropped for the second time that day.  Standing in the chapel at Belen Jesuit, an all boys Catholic high school in Miami, a 6'4" senior dressed in shirt and tie encouraged every person in the chapel to look up.  He averted our eyes to the Christ on the Cross and said with total reverence and sincerity "this is my favorite Christological symbol in the school."  I know this young man's intention wasn't for the crowd to look at him, but at Jesus...but it was hard not to.  I gazed at the handsome captain of the Wolverine's football team (committed to the University of Georgia) and thought Could my students articulate to a stranger their favorite image of Christ?  Could I?

I love that somewhere in his faith formation this student learned to know and appreciate a Christological image...enough to identify one as his favorite.  I encourage my students to choose one for Jesus in the same way they might have a beloved image of their preferred athlete.  Asking a young person to identify why a certain poster or picture of a football player, runner or swimmer is their favorite is a no-brainer.   I love this image of LeBron because it reveals what a craftsman he is. OR  It captures how dominant he is on the court.  To think of Jesus in such a personal, unique and real way may be a challenge--but no less important.

One way to begin this process might be to see religious imagery in a new way.  In my Sports and Spirituality course, I intentionally use a provocative image-- a black and white photo that features LeBron James underneath the words "We Are All Witnesses."  It is actually an ad that was run by Nike; part of the "Believe" campaign.  On the first day of class I ask several questions: Is it is spiritual? Why or Why not.  Describe the religious symbolism.   

Those who know and love King James probably see it for what it is; it is but a snapshot of his pre-game ritual.  He places chalk dust in his hands and releases it with open arms above and beyond. But with the light shining down on him highlighting his physical strength in near majesty, it's not a quantum leap to recognize there is something spiritual about it.  I believe if we start to see the spiritual in the everyday, we can approach the overly or obviously spiritual more often.  We can make it our own.  We can keep it at less of a distance and integrate into our everyday lives.  The here and now becomes the now and here.

An integration of the spiritual life into our everyday life may usher more comfort and familiarity with religious imagery. language and information.  Give it a shot.  Let me know what you think....in the mean time, I encouarge you to share with others your favorite image of Jesus. It's a powerful form of evangelization.

My next posting will feature the reason my jaw dropped for the first time that day at Belen Jesuit....

Photo Credits
Dominant James
We Are All Witnesses
Rembrandt's Jesus

Coach Ladouceur Retires: We Have Seen Good Deeds

I arrived at the University of Notre Dame in the fall of 1992 sight unseen.  The first time I saw the Golden Dome was when I looked out of my dorm room window; the view from Farley Hall of Our Lady was exceptional. I traveled 2,000 miles from home, the first in my family to attend ND.  I must have had hundreds of expectations and preconceptions about all I would see, do and learn.  However, one thing took me by surprise--football players drank during season.

One of my two roommates, a volleyball player arrived on campus a month before I did for in-season training.  She quickly became friends with a number of football players.  I remember that first weekend they went to CJ's pub, an underage friendly bar.  I was shocked.

Sure, several players are of legal drinking age and the consumption of alcohol is a near collegiate past time, but let me provide some context.  I saw one loss during high school.  De La Salle lost to Pittsburgh in the Nor-Cal finals, my senior year ending a 4+ year winning streak (and a 151 game winning streak followed!).  I thought making choices and commitments to certain behaviors was indicative of all winning programs.  Call me naive;  I was.  But I also know what football players at De La Salle were committed to.  And that commitment and sacrifice fueled hard work and a strife for excellence.  That journey cannot be separated from Coach Bob Ladouceur, the winningest coach in California high school football who resigned from his position after 34 years on Friday, January 4.

Teaching and coaching high school athletes today, I stand in awe of what he created--a program of sheer excellence.  Everyone has asked how "Lad" did it.  I believe his essay "What is a Spartan" reveals how.

Now this may sound odd to you, but the reason we win and what beats at the heart of our neighborhood is love. Yes, we win because our players love each other. They are not afraid to say it or embrace each other as a sign of that affection. This is just an outward sign. To love someone, words are nice but insufficient - actions speak volumes. And that's not too easy. Put simply, love means I can count on you and you can count on me. This translates into being responsible. Responsibility is learned and not inherited. Being responsible to 45 teammates is not so simple. It means following team rules and knowing that my attitudes and actions have a profound effect on the success of the whole. We pride ourselves on that exact accountability. We recommit to each other on a weekly basis before games. We commit that my contributions to the team will be my best self. This commitment extends to all facets of my life. It's how I conduct myself as a person - from the classroom to the field, to the outside community. Wherever I go or whatever I do, I carry my team with me, knowing full well that I am connected to a group that loves, accepts and respects me. We try to make our football team a safe place to be. Safe to be ourself. There is nowhere to hide on a football field. Teammates know each other, coaches know the players, and the players know the coaches. All attempts at not being yourself fail miserably. The key is to be the best self you were created to be. We work hard at breaking down the walls that separate us called race, status, religion, jealousy, hate and culture - and truly experience each other on a purely human level.

There are voices much more knowledgeable and wise than mine to speak on behalf of Coach Ladouceur. There certainly isn't a shortage of media attention to his story (his story will be made into a movie)--and I'm glad there isn't.  His is a worthy, noble one.

De La Salle held a press conference in the school theater for Coach Ladouceur share his decision and to announce his successor, Justin Alumbaugh.  Upon hearing the news, a colleague asked Isn't that a bit much?  Do you really need more than a press release?  My response to him was the words of Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world.  A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

A man, a coach, a Christian like Coach Ladouceur has let that light shine before others--in his players, in his program and what he's given in the classroom and on the gridiron.  This is a life and legacy of 34 years in the making.  I know "Lad" is the last person to want such attention, the De La Salle high school community knows it must say "thank you" for such good deeds and ultimately letting glorifying God in the young men who become Spartans.

Photo Credits
Tribute
With Players 

press conference

Advice from Dan Fouts...Beat Your Rival

I got a chance to talk to NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts after his talk entitled "Quarterback Trauma: Injuries in the NFL" at the Commonwealth Club in August.  I was one of several attendees affiliated with his high school alma mater, St. Ignatius College Prep.  As a sports writer for the alumni magazine Genesis I asked him "What advice do you have for a student-athlete at SI?" His response was: "Beat SH."

I shared with my students that Fouts could have imparted a great many words of wisdom—how to play through injury, how to work with demanding coaches but, no, his message directed against the cross town rival.  They loved it.

A rival—a true rival—is a special thing.  It is not to be taken for granted.  I should know, my high school(s), Carondelet (and De La Salle) never had one. Even at Notre Dame, it was unclear to me who was our true nemesis. Michigan?  USC? During my tenure at ND, the once prominent "University of Spoiled Children" didn't measure on our radar screen thanks to a "Decade of Dominance" by the Irish. Boston College emerged as a new one after they ruined our undefeated season (in 1993) and continued to shatter many dreams in later years.... yet nothing compared to the Bruce Mahoney rivalry, 64 years in the making.

A rivalry signifies allegiance and loyalty.  Paradoxically, it divides as it unites. Ideally, it makes one better, dig deeper, and stand taller.  The Broadway play "Magic-Bird" reveals how Earvin "Magic" Johnson needed Larry Bird and the Celtic needed the Laker.  At its best, a rival can help one understand and express his or her spirituality.

I look forward to what I will see at USF's War Memorial Gym tonight.  Thanks Dan!

Photo Credits
Dan Fouts
Magic Bird

A New Year's Gift: The Gift of Kidneys

On New Year's Day--The Feast of the Solemnity of Mary--I reluctantly left my warm bed for what I consider the easiest of the Holy Days of obligation to miss or er...forget about.  I was however impressed by the number of people who didn't.  When mass ended, I exited the church thinking I wasn't up for saying "hello" to the folks I knew in the congregation.  I admit, I felt strange leaving without making a personal connection until I remembered there was a special one I wanted to make. I wanted to visit the Christ child.  

I wish I could say I approached the beautiful creche at St. Dominic's Church because I was inspired by the parable that reminded me how important it is to be like a child.  I love seeing young children approach the manger with awe and wonder.  I know I felt that way many years ago. No, I went to the nativity scene after Mass because I wanted to see this infamous Baby Jesus.  

Last year, this Jesus was stolen from the manger and returned several months later on Good Friday.  He was found in the toilet of the church bathroom.  The pastor informed the community about His disappearance and return one week after Easter.  I was truly saddened by this occurrence, so it shouldn't surprise me that I was excited to see Him on this first day of 2013.

I said a prayer for peace for the new year, gazed at the Holy Family and surreptitiously took a photo.  Is this weird? I thought.  I took a few steps back quietly from the creche and saw a student's parent waiting to say "hello."  After a warm hug and holiday greeting, I asked the most generic of all questions: How are you?  Her response was none of what I expected.  

I came to learn she had a kidney transplant one month ago.  I stood in utter disbelief as she shared with me she now has two kidneys from a 5-month old child who had died (after which we shared a moment of silence).  The two, although small can act as one adult kidney.  She added that the likelihood of her body accepting the organs was low because of a pre-existing condition, but this was a perfect match.  She looked healthy and happy. What a miracle!  

I was both overwhelmed and humbled by her news. I can only imagine if I received the gift of two new kidneys after waiting on a list, after making peace with the fact that my family members were unacceptable donors and after having my body accept them, that I too would proclaim such news with equal joy.  Another miracle of health struggles and issues is that once you have one, you discover how many other people do too.  My immediate response to her was the story of another student's parent who had not received a kidney, but given one of his own.

In mid-December, USF baseball coach Nino Giarrantano spoke to my students about the need for discipline in both in the spiritual and sporting life.  It must be that discipline of selflessness that enabled Nino not only to give one of his two kidneys to his father, but to not tell any of his athletes about the impending surgery until after their championship run was complete.   I saw Nino but a month after his surgery and he too radiated joy.  A gift of life--whether given or received is like no other.

But I think of the symbolism of today.  Had I not gone to see the Christ child, I would not know her story.  This message of joy and of life was His gift to me.  And it is proclaimed in the Scriptures,  The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.  The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”   

Emmanuel. Indeed, God is with us.

Photo Credits
Nino Giarratano
Coach and Dad 
Empty Manger

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