The Unexpected Joy of Sports

A co-worker shared that the reason she loves the Advent season is because it is a holy time that reminds us that "anything is possible." Indeed, God became flesh and dwelt among us. That the Prince of Peace would not come in a rapture, but in the form of a lowly child is preposterous. Born in a manger of all places, the King of Kings brought light in world of darkness. And so it is...or rather, so He is—Emmanuel—God with us. In response, we proclaim: Joy to the World!

One aspect I love about joy is that it is often quite unexpected. The Christmas story affirms this notion. The first to recognize the Nativity of the Lord were the shepherds—lowly, everyday people. And nowhere is joy more unexpected than in sports. Athletic contests and pursuits, games and teams provide a rich seedbed for joy—unexpected, unsuspecting, simple and complicated. 

Snow-BIRDS

Two recent examples: On Sunday December 15 Eagles fans in Philadelphia approached Lincoln Financial Field thinking they would likely get a good dusting of snow and a better football game. One out of two isn't bad. Ashley Fox from ESPN.com reports 

Despite a weather forecast that called for a mere dusting, the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles played in a surprise blizzard Sunday. Snow started falling about 90 minutes before kickoff, and it didn't relent until early in the fourth quarter. 

The field was covered before kickoff. The grounds crew could not keep up. They shoveled the yard lines and goal lines at every opportunity during the game but opted not to plow at halftime. There was just too much snow and not enough time or places to put it. The storm won. In all, eight inches fell in Lincoln Financial Field during the Eagles' 34-20 win. 

Imagine football in a snow globe.

Snow globes are magical; so is football in a snowstorm.

During my freshman year at Notre Dame, the Irish played Penn State at home. The final game of the season, the "Snow Bowl" is among the favorites of many ND students. New to snow, let alone a football game in it, I remember the energy that filled the stadium. The snow was  beginning to flurry and with it, we cast our fate to the wind. I threw up my mittened hands and noticed everyone around me taking delight in mother nature. 

Birds Faithful. Awesome.

Eagles' fan had a winter wonderland. To watch a team that is leading the league, come back from behind to win by 14 points in the downpour of snow? Unexpected joy, pure joy. 

Three days later, I was in a nice bar (Article III) after a formal Christmas dinner celebration (at the Olympic Club, downtown). The Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks game was featured on multiple television screen without sound (my pet peeve!). Trailing by 18 points in the fourth quarter, I occasionally looked up to see how the damage might unfold...how much time was left...if we could close the gap. 

THE Splash Brother...always wet.

Instead, I saw Steph Curry instigate a Warriors shooting spree. Fans in the bar took notice as well and became quite vocal. It was a striking contrast. No screeching of high tops on the hardwood, no sound from Roaracle, not even any rally music, but everyone around me started turning in up. Fists were pumping, high fives were extended, I was smiling. More cheering, shouting and ultimately a celebration among strangers as Curry nailed a 3-point shot with 1.7 seconds left to go in the game. Joy, pure joy. Unexpected. 

This week is a wonderful time to reflect on joy as This past Sunday was Gaudete Sunday. Perhaps you noticed the rose-colored vestments and/or the lighting of the one rose-colored candle.  The Church calls us to rejoice. Gaudete in Domino semper or Rejoice in the Lord always—the first words of the opening antiphon. We rejoice because Christmas is nigh. The 40 days of Advent, a penitential season, is coming to a close. We need a visual and intentional reminder that we are almost there. 

Fortunately sports offers many examples of unexpected joy. It's why we return to the yard, play the game, listen on the radio. I also think it's a convincing reason to be and remain a Christian. As written by a Dominican at my parish, Fr. Isaiah Mary Molano, O.P. says, 

The Child Jesus will be among us in a matter of days. As we prepare for his coming, we admittedly have some expectations: the evergreen tree; the lights; the cookies; the carols.  

On Gaudete Sunday, we stand in joyful expectation. We find ourselves wondering how the Child Jesus will come to us. God will most likely not come in the way that we would like or expect. He will most likely not show up in a thundercloud, or in your living room, or knock on your door and ask if there is an extra seat at the dinner table. 

He will come to you in the silence of your heart, unexpectedly, through your friends, your family, or even through a prosaic conversation. He will speak through a random commercial on television, an overheard conversation, or even while shopping for presents. He will speak to your heart in ways unexpected. 

Seek the Child Christ. Expect that He yearns for your presence. Expect that He will appear in your life in unexpected, prosaic ways. Expect to witness the unpredictable God.

I am reminded during this holy season, that anything is possible. This is why we love sports. This is a reason to love the season of Advent.

Photo Credits
Gaudete
Steph Curry
Fans in da snow

This Holiday Season Consider a Sporting & Spiritual Challenge

I'm sure it would take little effort to research what percentage of Americans resolve to exercise more often, implement a fitness regime, join a sports team or club, and more in the upcoming year. But when I read about "The 22 Days of Fitness" underway at my gym, I wondered how many of us commit to an athletic program during the holiday season. 

The goal of the 22 days of fitness is to encourage you to continue to exercise the days leading up to Christmas and create the habits that will set you in the right direction for the New Year. We will be posting workouts on the 6^th floor and on the website for you to do daily at home or at the gym beginning December 2^nd- December 23rd. The workouts will be from 3 minutes to 15 minutes and will also vary each day.   

I'll speak for myself—I appreciate the license to indulge a little in yuletide cheer, knowing all too well I will pay for it sooner rather than later. But, the seasonal challenge piqued my interest (and the fact that 22—the double deuce— happens to be my favorite/lucky number didn't hurt either)

While some radio pronouncements claim the average American gains from 7-10 pounds, I read in the "Ask Rochelle" column of The Olympian that "Several studies suggest that an annual 1-2 pound gain per person is about average during the holiday season. A couple of pounds may not seem like much but don't jump for second helpings yet. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, most people don't lose the added weight during the year. If left unchecked, that's a whopping 10-20 extra pounds over a 10-year period! Yikes!"

I will undertake the challenge. I fully anticipate failing...

I know when I have a strong fitness regime in place, I feel better physically, mentally, emotionally even spiritually. I make better decisions, especially about what I eat. Food is fuel; I hope to never take food and water for granted. 22 Days of Fitness might translate to 22 Days of health, nutrition and more.

With one eye on 22-Days of Fitness and another on the "No Sugar Challenge" for six weeks in 2014, I was excited to see a parish in the Archdiocese of San Francisco was offering its own seasonal challenge for the faithful: The 40 Day Advent Challenge.

 It is "a daily program of scriptural readings that began Nov. 15 and ends Christmas Eve. The challenge was conceived by Orthodox priest Father John Peck as a soul-nourishing, Christ-focused antidote to the commercial whirlwind promoted by the media every Christmas.  

The simple yet ambitious program has been adopted in recent years by many congregations and parishes. It caught the attention of the St. Anselm parish council, who introduced it to the parish last month. The program has been undertaken by about 50 parishioners. 

The beauty of the program is that it is a daily time out from the secular preoccupations of Christmas and an opportunity to focus daily on the meaning of the season, said parish coordinator Ann Roggenbuck. 

To call the program a challenge is no hype: The 40 daily readings, which take participants through the New Testament in a deliberate but non-sequential path, are an admittedly ambitious undertaking for parishioners. Some, like the Barbagelatas, read together in their home. Others who are able to meet as a group and are interested in discussion of the passages meet on Tuesday nights at the parish hall. 

In the same way that the 22 Days of Fitness aims to inculcate new habits, the 40 Days of Advent does that and much more. I asked my students what they thought of this practice and their first response was "that's a big commitment." Eventually, we named its merits and why it's a fitting way to prepare for Christmas.

“Advent gives us time to anticipate Christmas and that makes it more special,” said St. Anselm School 8th grader Domenica Barbagelata, seated with her brothers Lorenzo and Antonio and their mother Elena. 

Christmas celebrates the birth—the nativity—of Jesus. Birthdays are fun to celebrate, but they have much more meaning when we know and love the birthday boy or girl. Reading the New Testament, or Christian Scriptures can only familiarize a person with the life of Jesus.

To grow in knowledge of our Lord, to reflect with self and others on how He lived, what he experienced, and how He loved is certainly what this season is about. It might take time and discipline to enter into the space to listen to the story of His life, but cultivating relationships is no different.

Liturgy is Greek for "celebration." I can only imagine after 40 days or learning about our Lord would make Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist on Christmas Day (at Mass) what it aims to be.

I think Jesus would like this cake...have a slice before the No Sugar Challenge...

What will your spiritual or sports challenge be in this holy season? If it's something you undertake, I'd like to hear the results. One of my friends who undertook the "No Sugar Challenge" said he "couldn't keep the weight off." That is an incredible problem to have! Another friend said she gained weight. Hmm....for me, I can't imagine NOT eating sugar. We'll see....that's post-Christmas and in the New Year.

For those who undergo the spiritual challenge, the goal at noted by Catholic San Francisco is to build “a small faith community walking together for four weeks toward Christmas and drawing closer to God individually and collectively. Hopefully we will bring a slightly new person to the crib on Christmas Day.” Another parent wanted their children to see that Christmas isn't all about them. It's not about what presents you get. 

The gift of faith is the best gift one can get. It's one that is beyond price. And ultimately, it is about you. Happy Holidays!  

Photo Credits
No Sugar Challenge
Birthday Cake
Advent Family

The Gift of Sport: De La Salle Athletic Director Leo Lopoz

Ever growing in popularity, rugby is DLS' 14th team

At the conclusion of my bi-weekly prayer group are "action items" to pray with and consider implementing. In the spirit of Advent, this week's challenge was: When you give presents this Christmas, consciously select gifts that build up others are Children of God. Of course the thought that came to mind was none other than the gift of sport. And the person who came to mind was a friend I turn to from time to time for input and and advice, De La Salle High School's Athletic Director—Leo Lopoz.

At a ceremony honoring Spartans' basketball coach Frank Allocco's 600th victory, I asked Leo about their rugby team—a sport that continues to grow in popularity and recently became the school's eighth sport offered in the Spring season. I wanted to know how he was able to add yet another program. Without hesitation, Leo said, "Whatever we can do to get more kids involved in school athletics, I'm all for it. It's not that much more work on my part, and yet the return is so valuable. Teams facilitate friendships, opportunities to learn from coaches and one another. I'd like to add even more if possible."

It was exceptionally hard to find
a photo of Lopoz, which says a lot
 about him. Doing the work...!

Wow. While many schools are cutting programs and adding administrators to handle the red tape, here was Leo—who also coaches boy's golf in the Spring—giving his time, energy and passion to making the gift of sport a reality for more students. 

One of the reasons I was drawn to St. Ignatius where I have taught for the past 11 years is because it offers a comprehensive crew program for boys and girls. The boathouse and Lake Merced serve as a second home for many students—good, bad and otherwise. While I had the difficult task of having to make cuts for novice girls rowing, I had the other task of managing 80 girls who came out for cross country. It is one of the few "no cut" teams, I saw first hand that XC was a haven for any athlete who was willing to put in the time, miles and effort. What I saw on both teams was the birth of friendships, the challenge of maintaining others, the pursuit of goals, the realization of dreams, the beauty of the strife, and the spirituality of it all. I truly believe my role as a coach was to build up my athletes are Children of God. I'm grateful for the gift of sport.

This gift, like many others, doesn't happen without generosity. And I would like to think in addition to their athletics programs success, one primary reasons Leo Lopoz was named the 2013 California State Athletic Director of the Year (North Coach section) was in large part to his generosity. Managing 14 programs that comprise 28 total teams (freshmen, jayvee and varsity levels) over three seasons is a task. Just for fun—the teams are Fall: football, cross country, water polo; Winter: soccer, wrestling, basketball; Spring: swimming & diving, track & field, lacrosse, tennis, volleyball, baseball, rugby, golf.

I think Lopoz has won this award twice....!

Although the title of AD is rather prestigious, many of the responsibilities that accompany the job are not. Hiring and firing of coaches, acquisition of field and play space, securing transportation and officials, arranging for the appropriate security at games not to mention the sheer paperwork involved is taxing. An athletic director's goal is to allow his or her coach to coach—and this might mean trekking down a 15-year old for the rest of the necessary paperwork.  Or, making sure all coaches' fingerprints are on file—it's a different world that we live in today.  I have no doubt an AD often feels like a compliance officer.  They must wonder from time to time—Did I really sign up for this?

I have no doubt that parents feel that same way. And yet, parents go to great lengths to give what is best for their child. And in that way, I am affirmed, excited and grateful for the work Leo continues to do what he believes is best for his alma mater: giving the gift of sport. 

My favorite part about writing this was finding out from Leo that De La Salle has added ice hockey and Badminton as club programs. Simply awesome...inspirational...Les Hommes De Foi: Men of Faith.

Photo Credits
CSADA Winner
AD Photo
Rugby Team

The Spirituality of the Football Field

The Legends Weekend is born

The annual meeting of the Notre Dame and Stanford football teams is known as the "Legends Football Weekend." These two schools are proud of the success of their academic and athletic programs; the term "student athlete" is no misnomer. Integrity is the name of the game, many years in the making (the first meeting was in 1925!).

It provides me with an opportunity to see the Fightin' Irish close to home. Over the years, the Legends Weekend has offered some great games, unexpected reunions and chances of a lifetime. In 2009, I was on the field to present the Legends Trophy to the winning team. This year afforded what the Legends Football Weekend always does, and much more.

I had the wonderful privilege of sitting in the skybox at Stanford Stadium thanks to an invitation from my student and his mom who works at the University. It proved to be an adventurous evening as I enjoyed a good game with this spirited crowd: my student, two of his friends (one of whom is another student of mine) his two younger brothers and his Godmother: Condoleezza Rice.

The five young men in our crowd were eager to walk on the field after the game. My student looked to his "Aunt Condi" for permission to head down. I could tell she didn't really want to make the trek through the crowds. It was awesome to watch this woman we know because of major decisions she made as Secretary of State, also decide to do this small act of love. She understood her Godson and she knew walking on the field is a big deal to him, a young man. 

With my student and his Godmother, simply awesome.

Full of excitement, they asked me if I wanted to go with them. I said "sure" thinking that might be fun. Experiencing the reaction from the crowd toward our group was fascinating. We got on the field without question. I suppose when you're the former Secretary of State your credentials speak for themselves. I followed our group not knowing what to expect or what to do. As soon as we walked onto the field, I thought What am I doing here? My team did not win. What should I do on the opposing team's turf? I just went with it.

I'm glad I did. I realized I could stand as an objective bystander. My vision was not clouded by emotional ties or connections to the players and coaches on the field. I had little to no expectations, which was almost liberating! I realized what I would encounter was a gift. I was able to enjoy the experience without anticipation of any given outcome e.g. Will I see the coach? Will I yell at Tommy?

And there is only one word to describe my experience on the field: spiritual. 

Condi congratulated several of the players who she knew by name. If anyone has concerns about her appointment to the Committee on the BCS championship, please rest assured. She knows football. The young men she addressed were honored by her presence and graciousness. Her presence affirmed the dignity inherent in good competition.

I took note of the sweaty, slimy spectacles in front of me. They were smiling. They were dirty. Some were still breathing hard. The cold of the evening was moving in, but these men didn't care. It was a spiritual moment.

I realized that for every the athlete on the field, this was the final home game of the season. It was almost as though some were lingering just to take it all in. I thought of the seniors who were recognized at the beginning of the game with their families. This "senior night" marked the end of their tenure. The gratitude and thanksgiving was palpable.

In football, teams will often come together in prayer after the contest. I've heard this can only happen in a sport like football because it's such a total battle. The exhaustion, the respect for all that was given, the sense that we challenged one another to great lengths allows two teams to come together—disarmed— to offer thanks and praise to God (not always, but more often than not). I got a sense of that as I walked toward the exit.

Richard McBrien says that spirituality is recognizing "there's more to life than meets the eye." This is what walking on the field of Stanford Stadium taught me..but so did sitting in an unlikely place—the skybox. If it weren't for the relationship that exists between a Godmother and her Godson, we never would have gotten there. I'm grateful for a chance to serve as a witness to it all.

Welcome to the ND Family: David Robinson

NB: have to admit though, personal HUGE highlight for me was after we walked through the tunnel, I saw a very tall man sitting in the shadows. It was "The Admiral" David Robinson. I flashed a huge smile and said "I love your son! I'm looking forward to the next three years with him." Objective bystander be gone!

Photo Credits
Rose Bowl: Legends Weekend #1
Legends Header

Coach Bill Walsh & David Shaw Prepare Us For Advent....

First Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 2: 1-5 + Romans 13:11-14 + Matthew 24: 37-44

We Christians are familiar with the discipline and challenges of the Lenten season. But the readings from the first Sunday of Advent reminded me that this holy season is not for the faint of heart. Matthew’s Gospel, known as “The Little Apocalypse” urges us to “stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Advent is a time of preparation, a theme which is made abundantly clear in the first and second readings as well. 

The Gospel says “So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” My immediate reaction to this message is one of fear. I take a quick personal inventory. I am not sure how I am to pray with the Word—this Word. I think of my colleagues and friends who have experienced unexpected loss or the sudden passing of loved ones and I think, “Do we really need this reminder?” 

I realized that a talk given by Stanford football coach David Shaw of all people could serve as an answer to my questions.

Shaw said “It drives me crazy when I hear football coaches say, ‘it’s my job to win games.’ I disagree. Our jobs are to teach young people how to do things that make them successful. On the football field, in the classroom and after graduation.”

A small part of me—the inner cynic that I battle with from time to time—heard his words and thought “yeah, right.” But I continued to listen to his philosophy of coaching, the evidence he imparted as a teacher and the stance of his character and I got it. Do the right things and you will win—literally and metaphorically.

I feel so blessed to have had this Coach's example shine over my city!

Shaw’s message should have come as no surprise. His hero, Coach Bill Walsh’s philosophy of leadership is captured in a book entitled “The Score Takes Care of Itself.” These men are guided by the same principle. Live your life in such a way that success is the by-product of your efforts, winning is the fruit of your work, and eternal life is eternal reward. In laymen’s terms, their credos are also the challenge of Sunday’s readings. Romans 13: 11-14 tells us

“Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day”

Advent reminds us of how we are to live our lives. Some of us need jarring reminders. Others just need the assurance as given in 2 Isaiah “let us walk in the light of the Lord!” To do means we will not fear the day nor the hour, it means that we will know the score, it assures us that victory is ours for those who love  Christ Jesus.

Let us prepare the way for His coming. Blessings this Advent.

Photo Credits
Score takes care of itself

Shaw