Who do you keep close to you? A Case for Riley Quinn

I have the good fortune of moderating a group formally known as the Fellowship of Ignatian Athletes (informally known as Sports and Spirituality). This crew of varsity student athletes, the principal and I meet every other week to discuss our thoughts on faith and our experiences in sports.We begin with an icebreaker activity to start thinking and interacting in a fun and creative way. Attached is one of my favorites: Human Bingo. Members had to find someone in the room who met what the square says.

Whereas 100% of the students knew that I went to Notre Dame (shocking!), they weren't sure about our principal. When someone finally got the answer—Georgetown—another student quipped, "I thought he went to Oregon!?!" And another chimed in, "he loves the University of Oregon."

I know why these students made these remarks. Our principal sits on a committee with other high school principals and athletic directors. He said "we convene two times a year; their A.D. wants to get a pulse on the state of high school athletics from our respective points of view. I have to admit, I love Eugene.” 

A senior responded, “I bet you get a lot of cool gear! That sounds like an amazing opportunity.”

“It is, because their athletic director truly inspires me. I try to keep close to those kind of people, meaning, those who “ignite that fire within.” I think it’s important to learn from them. I look to see how they’re doing things, so I try to stay in touch with him between the gatherings. I think it's important to keep close to those kinds of people”

I was drawn to this idea. I started to wonder, Who do I keep close to? Who do I reach out to as a mentor? Who do I seek to learn from and stay in touch with?  

It's important for us to be able to answer the question: Who inspires you? I hope you have an answer. I also hope you agree that you can "keep close to" someone that you might not know. Perhaps you have never met him or her but you have read quite a bit about their lives. Maybe you have talked to others about this person and their impact.

Ever since I read about Riley Quinn, an athlete at St. Francis High School, I have thought if I taught at this Holy Cross school, I would "keep close to" him. There are several articles about Quinn and each one does that same thing: they name his disability and move far beyond it. Each piece paints a picture of this 18-year old senior as a dynamic three-fold person. As a Lancer, he is a 3-sport varsity athlete, an outstanding student and a wonderful teammate. 

This year, we don't have a single 3-sport varsity athlete at St. Ignatius. Quinn, who was born without a left forearm and hand due to an amniotic band breaking early during his mother’s pregnancy plays varsity football, basketball and baseball.

“Honestly, if he had both hands, he might just be a typical good athlete. Not having that hand just made him work that much harder and made his passion burn that much deeper.”

"It's only a problem if you make it a problem," Quinn said. "I don't view it as a problem, so it isn't." As a teacher and coach I hear excuses from students and my colleagues every single day. I've heard plenty of my own. Quinn's outlook and inner-drive inspire me to move beyond limitations, labels and excuses.

And, it should come as no surprise that Quinn "keeps close to Jim Abbot." Abbott played major-league baseball from 1989 to 1999 despite being born without a right hand; a career highlight is the no-hitter he threw in 1993 against the Cleveland Indians. "When Quinn was 10, he recognized his mentor on the driving range while playing golf with his grandparents in Carmel."

"He was in the foursome in front of us, and we'd talk at the tee boxes when the course backed up," Quinn recalled. "He was really nice and encouraging, and gave me a signed card and then sent me some of his baseball pictures." I absolutely love the fact that Quinn met a great athlete while the two of them were playing a sport that's tough enough with two arms.

Perhaps I should reach out to Riley Quinn and send him a note of gratitude for his example and inspiration. Or maybe I should "keep close" to a student who exhibits the same characteristics he holds. Either way, thank you to our principal for sharing this idea and for the men and women I've kept close to for weeks, months and years. You know who you are!

If you'd like to read more about Quinn, the quotes from this posting are from one of the two following articles
St. Francis Athlete Thrives with One Hand
St. Francis Athlete rejects disabled label, excels in three sports

Photo Credits
From the articles above.

Good Guys Don't Always Finish Last...A Case for Stephen Curry

Good guys don't always finish last. We want to believe it's true, don't we? But all too often we find evidence thats suggests they do—in relationships, in the work place, in sports—you name it. I'm here to give a striking and remarkable counterpoint, one that all Warriors' fans and many NBA basketball fans can appreciate: the  All-Star point guard Stephen Curry.

With the team leading 22 points on the night, Curry nailed the game-winning three-pointer with 2.2 seconds left, to beat the visiting Orlando Magic 98-97. As written on the GSW website, "Curry’s dramatic shot put the exclamation mark on the Warriors’ 14-4 run to end the game, with all 14 of those Golden State points scored by Curry and his backcourt mate Klay Thompson. Thompson notched 11 of his 20 points in the decision fourth quarter, as the Warriors avoided what would have been disappointing loss after having to a 10-point halftime lead. The victory pushes the Warriors’ franchise-best start to 15-2 and win streak to 10 games." Curry's bucket, heard round the world at Oracle still has me smiling. I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. 

For some reason, seeing Steph
w/o his high tops on cracked me up!

After the game, my friend and I met her boyfriend (who works for the Warriors) court side, where a group of fans stood to listen to the Comcast interview with him. I looked at Steph in awe of his skills and talents. As one the league's most valuable players, Curry won't strike you as an NBA All-Star. Standing just 6'3" and 185 pounds, he certainly isn't a freak of nature. I have no idea how he is able to physically withstand some of the brutes that he faces on the hardwood.

We then exited from a tunnel adjacent to the Warrior bench. Thomas advised us to just stand and wait; Curry would be coming through in just a minute. I wasn't sure exactly why we were doing what we were doing—it's always a little odd to loiter. But, I'm glad we did.

Moments later, this unassuming athlete came walking towards us without his shoes on and I stood speechless in front of him. A professional athlete can often become something other than just a regular guy, something much different than a man who just finished a game and was heading to the locker room in his socks, an ankle brace and a miraculously white jersey. It's all too tempting to reduce Curry to an icon, the face of the organization, the playmaker, the man, myth and eventually the legend. But when you encounter them up close and personal, it's not hard to do otherwise. He is exactly what his Twitter profile says: "Believer. Husband to @ayeshacurry, father to Riley, son, brother. Golden State Warriors guard. Davidson Wildcat. Philippians 4:13 #IWILL"

Behind the scenes, upon his exit from his stage, I truly saw someone delighting in the fact that great wins never get old. Whether you're one of the greats or not, draining a three to take the lead (and the win) really is pretty special. And sharing that victory with your wife makes it that much more so. In a league that is unfortunately known for promiscuity and paternity suits, it was awesome for me to see these two—who genuinely appeared to me as the best of friends, laughing and loving all of it.

Bottom line: it's a moral victory when you see a good guy win. He is an example to me that when you have your priorities in order, the rest can fall into place. As Galatians 1:10 says: Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Steph Curry has his life in order: God, Partner, Parent, Child, Sibling, Warrior. Seems to me Curry has curried favor with humans and God.

Photo Credits
Thanks to Maricel for the photos! To Thomas for the tickets and to Elizabeth for the invitation

We Run Because We Can

Kayla runs with MS...because she can

The unofficial motto of girls' cross country at St. Ignatius College Prep is "We run because we can." 

I first placed these words on prayer cards that I make for the entire team at the beginning of each season. Those words resonate with me; I have a precarious relationship with the sport due to a heart condition. I've always thought the ability to put on a pair of shoes and hit the road was a gift. And I'm also aware it's not one that everyone enjoys, but I do. I still do—in spite of the limitations I now face. Indeed, "I run because I can" is something I am grateful to do.

Teachers and coaches share a whole lot of words and ideas with our students and athletes. And you never know what is going to speak to them. What sticks? Why?

Perhaps it was the viewing of "Running for Jim" and his visit that illuminated the truth that even the ability to run is a gift. It's sad, but it's often easier to appreciate someone or something when it's no longer with you. To look at Coach Jim in his motorized wheelchair sharing what he missed about running was more than humbling. It was eye-opening. It was transformative. It wasn't a pity party or a cry for help. It was...a moment of grace? a miracle? a kick in the butt? All of the above? Jim Tracy died on  April 6, 2014. We run because we can.

At this year's cross country banquet, I noticed just how many girls made note of this credo. As they said them, I wondered if people in the audience questioned those words. Running because you can? It's not overly inspirational or hard core. It's not asking anyone to dig deep. 

I feared that some would think our program isn't competitive or that we lack goals. But the more I heard my athletes talk about what running and cross country meant to them, it became very obvious that it's much more than a motto—it's a truth that they live.

So on Thanksgiving Day when we given thanks for freedom, for family and friends, for health and well-being, I add a "thank you" for the gift of running. 

If you are like me and thousands of other Americans, perhaps you started your day with a run—at a community Turkey Trot. At the 17th annual St. Ignatius Turkey Trot, over 150 students and their families, alumni and future Wildcats ran 4 miles around Lake Merced, while raising money for St. Anthony's. It's a great way to commence Thanksgiving.

And a wonderful way to conclude it is by viewing the story of Kayla Montgomery and her high school coach who helps her up at the conclusion of every race. The article "Coach Catches Teenage Runner with Multiple Sclerosis During Every Race" notes,

Given the impairments MS places on muscles and physical coordination, Kayla's running feats are truly miraculous. She serves as an inspiration to all those who feel limited by MS symptoms, proving that dreams are still achievable no matter what hand you've been dealt. What did you think of her story? Tell us in the comments below and make sure to share if you were as moved by her resilience as we were.

3 Special Girls, 3 Special Runners

I encourage you to do the same. Two of my runners sent me this article and video. And guess what they wrote beside it...

If you're able to run, do it. And in the spirit of my brother's high school cross country and track coach, the great Joe Stocking: Imua! and always ENJOY!

Photo Credits
Kayla Montgomery

What Pablo Sandoval Can't Take With Him....

MLB Fans couldn't help but take notice of "The Panda" on and off the field

We've heard it before: you can't take it with you. Typically, this pertains to money or material possessions in the afterlife. In this instance, however, I'm referring to something different. Something you can't put a price tag on. Something so special it only comes about every great once in a while...and that's a nickname. And for Pablo Sandoval, who signed an 5-year deal for $100 million with the Boston Red Sox, again, I'm not talking about more money than I can possibly imagine, I'm talking about being "the Panda." 

This playful moniker was coined by the "Spiritual Southpaw" Barry Zito. A friend and I once joked that if it hadn't been for the #RallyZito game, the only way "Z "would have earned any part of his 7-year $126-million dollar contract was for the simple fact that christened Sandoval as the "Kung Fun Panda." Teammates took notice that the 285-pound Venezuelan in his off white and black uniform looked the part. His playful spirit confirmed it and a marketing team in San Francisco ran with it. 

He was our Panda; our hot corner. His weight was never small, both literally and metaphorically. People look to Hunter Pence as the team's spiritual leader, but Panda did this in his own right. The 2012 World Series MVP, he hit .366 in this years Series. And one of my favorite images from the 7-game series features the Panda in the face of second baseman Joe Panik in the dugout having a few words "mono y mono." Perhaps he was telling the rookie that the double play he just turned was the best play many of us have ever seen. Maybe it was just "gracias."

Buster Olney reports that the Giants are hoping to sign left handed pitcher, Jon Lester. I'm trying to remain optimistic about the big picture and what the Giants will look like in the 2015 season, but it's hard to deny it. I will miss the Panda. The hot corner feels cold today.

At the World Series parade in 2012, each player rode in their own convertible down Market Street. As the MVP, as the player who hit 3 home runs in a single game, it was no surprise that the Panda would hold the trophy and be the "final out" of the parade. His driver, Lee Hammer told listeners on KNBR that the Panda kept repeating three words throughout the day: "No Lo Creo," I don't believe it. Overwhelmed by the love of fans, the elation in the air and the joy of the moment in the most unique and vibrant city in the US, something like that is hard to believe. And yet, part of me feels like that today.

No Lo Creo

Today, we woke up to see the Panda's first words as Boston Red Sox. On Instagram, he tweeted out a photo for Hanley Ramirez. He wants to know "Are you coming?" (side note, I hope Ramirez is going to Boston. I want him out of the NL and away from the Dodgers). If he does, I hope he knows dear Pablito, that his teammate is in search of a new name. 

You changed this team in San Francisco. You made it great. Not one, not two but three World Series were made possible because of your efforts. We cherish those titles and trophies; we cherish the memories. Boston will give you a new opportunity, new teammates and you will learn from new leadership, but it won't gave you what we did. You became great in SF, you became a WS Champion. You became "The Panda." Gracias....and Lo Viste (tambien).

Photo Credits

What Pumps Up #81, Tim Brown

Every collegiate weight room has improved in the past 10 years

Go to any weight room and America and you are sure to hear one thing—loud music. And being that most weight rooms are dominated by men (women tend to gravitate toward classes at the gym) the music has a little more of an edge. The rock isn't so soft and the volume isn't so low. I have to admit, it can really fire me up.

At my "Hour of Power" circuit training class (90% male), the Spotify category must be "Guns and Roses"—if that is a category. I never knew I would like AC/DC so much. One Friday, Tom—the instructor, thought he would mix things up with a country selection. About 1/3 of the way through the class, one of men nearly lost it, he became so frustrated by what was filling the airwaves. "What is this crap?" he yelled as he broke the resistance band.

Indeed the music matters. It fires a cerebral fire that does more than pump us up. It can energize the soul and at its best, offer spiritual renewal. I was reminded of this truth by Fr. Chris Nguyen, SJ at this talk "How to Keep Prayers Relevant to Children and Young Adults" at a Faith Formation Conference hosted by the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the Diocese of San Jose and Monterrey.

I knew that he would speak about "different types of prayers that are helpful and useful in relating to God for young people of different ages" and left with the desire to explore other types of prayer with my students and in my own life. 

Fr. Chris informed the audience of traditional types of prayer and the effects it has on us. He said "For example, the repetition of the Rosary calms us down allowing us to enter into Sacred Space. What are other ways of prayer that bring us into sacred space?"

What would JC prefer? Gospel? Rap or Hip Hop?

"And there are times our prayer life may grown stagnant and need regeneration. Prayers that offer spiritual renewal bring us into a space of gratitude. We are able to recognize God's great gifts. Christian rap has a way of doing this."

I loved this moment of his presentation. Here was a Vietnamese Jesuit, the head of novice formation for the California province of the Society of Jesus recommending Christian rap. There was a small chuckle from the audience. I know what they were thinking—Christian rap? Who is he kidding? I know this because I reacted that when we I first heard about this niche genre of music. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

This summer I read "The Making of a Man" by Heisman trophy winner, and one of the greatest wide-receivers to play in the NFL, Tim Brown. A devout Christian, Brown has never kept his faith hidden or private. He wrote this book as a guide for "how men and boys honor God and live with integrity." He admits where he struggled and what it has taken to right his path. He lives counter-culturally. In short, he is a true Christian.

Once small way he chooses to make this known is by the music he listens to. "When I"d arrive at the locker for practice or games, Charlie Gardner would yell out, "Turn that music off!" or "Hold up, Mr. Brown is coming through!" Though Charlie wasn't a believer himself, he saw that my words lined up with my actions. That was enough for him to give me VIP treatment."

"Once I got established in the league, and especially after Marcus Allen left the team, my teammates started showing me respect in other ways. Mondays and Thursdays were my days to lift weights, which everybody knew. Everybody also knew that I preferred gospel music. So whenever I showed up at the weight room on those days, gospel was all that played. I didn't ask the guys to do that, but it was something I appreciated."

I read this and wondered how gospel music could do what Springsteen or Journey has often done for me and my biceps. How could it possibly inspire me in the way that a loud Def Leppard song has a way of doing? Let me heed my own words here:don't knock it until you've tried it.

Driving a van full of students in Camden, NJ this past August, one student, tired of the unyielding requests from her classmates let the radio dial sit on a gospel music station. At first, students thought it was funny and interesting. Within about 5 minutes, they were bouncing...moving to the beat. Someone realized the message wasn't unfamiliar to them. They were words they had often heard, but in a new way. It was real, it was true gospel music and it was singing praise to our Lord and quoting from the Bible.

I told them about Tim Brown in the locker room. I shared with them my own love for music—which is sometimes deepened by selections from the locker room. They were open to this music. Why? Because good music is good music. Give it a beat and a strong rhythm and it just might stay with you.

Although we did not encounter any Christian rap, I could see how it might be something that could offer spiritual renewal. Rap isn't all that far from gospel music and with a Christian influence, it might be worth trying. Who knows, maybe the gym is sacred space for more people than we know....

Tim, you are all class. I hope you make it into the NFL HoF soon.

Photo Credits

Tim Brown
ND Weights
Making of a Man