20 for 2020—Number 7: My Favorite Stat—Zero Putts

Sports and Stats: I'm sure there is a blog someplace, somewhere that pays homage to an attribute of the game we sports fans and athletes speak, remember, record and pass on to others (hello, Baseball Encyclopedia, right?!). While some sports to pay too much attention to stats (think sabermetrics in MLB) I would dare say it is irresponsible for any sports writer or fan not to recall what we tally and book in a physical contest. Yes, the rhetoric of 2020 is "science is real." Well, so are sports stats—which is why number seven on my 20 for 2020 is the sharing of my favorite one.

While I have had a favorite athlete, team, coach, sporting event and award (defensive player of the year), I don't know that I ever had a favorite stat. I would encourage any athlete to consider their own beloved statistic within the sport they play. Naming a favorite stat, illuminates nuance of  the game. It celebrates where challenge and opportunity meet. Yes, I already know what a number of golfers will say: their favorite stat is a low score. Touché. However I have my own and it's fun to track: zero putts.

A zero putt occurs when a golfer gets the ball into the cup from off of the green (often called holing it out). Much to the chagrin of a good friend, I frequently use my five iron instead of chipping, pitching or putting the ball from off the green. I place this long club at the back of my stance and let it work as a putter. Much to my delight, this club has guided my golf ball into the cup. And with that, a zero putt is born.  

On my scorecard, I mark if the ball was in the fairway (F) or to the right or left of it (FR or FL). I put an "x" if I was on the green in regulation. I write down my actual score and then how many putts I had on that hole. I savor every chance I get to write a "0" in that stat line. Yay! I hope that one day a zero putt will be born, thanks to a hole-in-one. Stay tuned.

The short game is my nemesis. However, it must be embraced if one is long for the game of golf. While I won't say I would be on the LPGA tour if it weren't for putting, I do know, I'd have lower scores, fewer headaches, decreasing self doubt about my personal worth not to mention the game of golf. Sigh. The truth of the matter is that I'm not the only golfer who struggles with this component of the game. 

According to "Putting by the Numbers," 

Consistent low putting relies on two important putting stats; putts per round and putts per hole. Given two putts per hole, a golfer can achieve total putts per round of 36. The USGA statistics states the average male golfer shoots a 98-99 and has at least 40 putts per round or 2.2 putts per hole. Most recreational and amateur golfers are well above this number while professional golfers average about 1.8 putts per hole and 32 putts per round.

I would love to know how many of those golfers have a "0" putt per round. 

Only a great putt elicits this much emotion on the golf course.

As much as I loathe putting, I will say, making a tough one feels so good. That sentiment is however trumped by the joy of holing it out / getting the ball into the cup from off of the dance floor. And every time I do, I make a point of sharing with my playing partner, "zero putts. That's my favorite stat" (NB: if they make it, I share that same info). I have yet to play with a golfer who doesn't react. They always pause, realize what I am celebrating and appreciate this perspective inside the game.

What is your favorite stat? How do you share it? Would love to tally this up....

Photo Credits
Spieth

20 for 2020: Number Six—A Case for Online Mass

In San Francisco where I live, in person attendance for Mass has been largely forbidden since March. Because of my workplace, I have been able to receive the Eucharist a few times. For example, the 2020-2021 school year began with an all faculty mass outdoors, socially distanced with the option for teachers to sit in their cars. And, the fall semester concluded with a "Class Mass on the grass" for junior and senior students. I am grateful I was able to pray with a few of them "en vivo." The reality of such restrictions and limitations on the public call to worship hasn't been lost on me. I can easily name what I have missed and what I long for when we can gather again. But, number six on my 20 for 2020 is a reflection on what I have found: a virtual parish, this COVID family of faith.

In March, my friend Mike invited me to attend the Zoom mass offered by our mutual friend, a Holy Cross priest Father Tom Doyle, C.S.C. What started as a gathering of his large family and number of friends from Notre Dame has become much more—so much so that I gave a talk at the beginning of the school year entitled "Seven things I have learned from online Mass." 

My colleague invited and encouraged me to share my findings in a professional development seminar. Thank you Meighan! We teachers also lead our students in prayer, we call them to reflect on the Word and selected readings in person and now on Zoom. Even in the virtual classroom, we invite young people to offer their own prayers, we tell our own stories, and we too have rituals and traditions. Class was different and yet it was the same. This realization is something that will stay with me as a characteristic of teaching during COVID.

From attending online mass, I came to understand how and why this virtual parish has been working. For one, most attendees hear the sound of their own name, either before, during or after the mass. What that we all received a personalized greeting, kiss of peace or farewell in our own parishes?! It makes a huge difference to be recognized and welcomed; one feels connected. Best practices 101 for the re-opening of churches, right here. Please note, when/if one would prefer to be anonymous, screen off is totally acceptable. Perhaps that is the equivalent of sitting in the back pew, corner seat at church? 

In this parish, I am reminded—and need to be— that though life in a pandemic is different, it's also the same. The joys and challenges, struggles and gifts of the human experience haven't vanished. In fact, they're not even on pause. For example, we were with Father Tom in the weeks and days leading up to his own father's death and we prayed with and for him when he died. Today, we celebrated the wedding anniversary of a couple who has been married but one year. This is what a community of faith does.

But what I find most remarkable about this Sunday Zoom mass is that it is a testament to the power of sports and spirituality. Father Tom lived with a member of the Notre Dame swim team as an undergraduate, and through that roommate he became friends with several other swimmers. These athletes had an experience so meaningful and significant that they have remained friends with one another, as well as their coach, Tim Welsh over 30 years later. They still call him "Coach" and we pray for him every week as he continues his treatment for cancer. If I were to determine what a successful program looks like—and I am asked to do that working in the athletic department—I would have to say, this Sunday gathering is one notable answer.

The power and significance of the relationships among those people who show up every Sunday is not lost on me: coach to athlete, uncle to nephew, roommate to roommate, old friend to old friend, new friend to new. We are appreciative, grateful for the leadership of those who work to make Sunday mass go. I don't know that this virtual parish will ever gather in the way I will once again with  my fellow members of Saint Vincent de Paul.....but I hope in some way, in some capacity we will. Not all has been lost...no, much has been found.

Photo Credits
Tom Doyle, CSC
Faith during COVID

20 for 2020: Number Five—Walking 20 Minutes/Day

When Gretchen Rubin, the cohost of one of my favorite podcasts HAPPIER invited her listeners to "Walk for 20 Minutes Every Day in 2020: #Walk20in20!" I accepted. I know for many people, even 20 minutes is a challenge, but for me this was nothing outside of very practical. For one, I am privy to a lot of steps: I am a city dweller, I park my car on the street. I live on the third floor in walk-up apartment building. I teach at a school that has 25 acres. I play golf. But I was intrigued by their goal of  (at minimum) 20 minutes of sustained walking, everyday.  I already make time to exercise everyday—which these days is mostly in the form of walking— in order to maintain both my physical and mental health. But, I wanted to improve one area of my life that always in need of more time, and more attention—my spiritual health. I knew this challenge could help.

For the last 10 years of my life as a runner, I ran without music. I have no idea what it would be like to run while listening to a podcast, because there weren't any when I used to run. I ran in silence and I loved it. This was my time for prayer and reflection. However, my experience as a walker is quite the opposite. I have my podcast playlist, and each one has done a great job keeping me informed on matters of sports and spirituality. I often walk talk on the phone. I occasionally text and read my email. Many voices, various platforms demand my attention. Therefore, I decided to repurpose the #Walk20in2020 to include silence. I had high hopes it would re-energize my spiritual health and deepen my prayer life. Errr.... How long does it take for us to create a new habit?

If I were on air, Gretchen would give me a demerit. I walked for 20 minutes in silence until we entered into COVID. I'm ok with the excused absence; thank you for the hall pass. But, the idea and the invitation stays with me. Perhaps Lent 2021 will call me into this space.

I will however accept a gold star for their recommendation to walk once a week with a friend. During COVID, I have met up with so many different colleagues, old friends, and new ones, I have lost count. I treasure the time I have shared whether its in person, face mask and all or through my iPhone. And how great is it that walking costs—nothing! Still, the ability and opportunity to walk doesn't go unappreciated. During the California wildfire season, it was unsafe to walk outside for nearly one week. Furthermore, I know people who live in places on the planet that have COVID restrictions so severe, they cannot leave their homes, except for essential activity. I pray for their physical, mental and spiritual health that they are able to walk again, soon.

I will add a gold star for my personal policy of walk and carry. Golfers have many options for how to handle their sticks: golf cart, push cart, remote control cart, caddy, etc. While my back prefers that I use a pushcart, my entire muscular system is digging the straps on my bag. I have not lifted a weight since mid-March, so walking and carrying my elusively heavy golf bad is what I got. Move over kettle bells...hello Ping Hoofer. Isn't it pretty?!!

I read today that the Happier podcast is challenging listeners to read for 21 minutes in 2021. No doubt that will fortify my spiritual health as well. In the meantime, I'll continue to put one foot in front of another—in silence, or however the Spirit moves me.

Photo Credits
Walk and Carry
In Praise of Walking.

20 for 2020: Number Four: George Kittle + Panda Express = Funniest Story I Read All Year

And on the eighth day, God made George Kittle.

After a full day of rest, the Lord God must have been re-energized. To me, that's the only way to explain how an athlete with a personality and persona, the drive and discipline of George Kittle came to be. 

On the field, Kittle has been unstoppable. In 2018, #85 set the single-season record for receiving yards (1,377)  by a tight end. A two-time Pro Bowler and a First-team All-Pro selection, he is credited with leading the Niners' charge to Super Bowl LIV. He has struggled, like many Niners with injuries this year. Everyone is hoping that 2021 is a better year. Everyone.

Watching Kittle play is both energizing and exhausting. He blocks effectively—while turning up the speed—as a tight end should. This play against the New Orleans Saints is textbook Kittle: his refusal to go down, the yards after catch, the leaning into the fight. Stiff arm? More like an iron rod. As the challenge increases—not one, not two, but three defenders—are necessary to curb his enthusiasm. The player who resorts to pulling Kittle's face mask only reveals who he has been and still loves to be—a wrestler. In the same way I see ND quarterback Ian Book as a former lacrosse player, I dare you to watch Kittle and ignore his wrestling past. It cannot be done.

I have wondered what it would be like to be married to man like George Kittle. My guess is that his wife was born on the seventh day—the day God rested. There must be some yin to the yang.

The reason that George Kittle is Number Four on my 20 for 2020 is because of the story "I spent an entire Monday at a Santa Clara Panda Express in search of 49ers TE George Kittle." by SFGate writer, Grant Marek. This piece prompted me to laugh harder and louder than any other, all year. Thank you, Mr. Marek!! 

What you need to know is that Kittle's love for Panda Express (which I support) is trumped by the love his fans have for him. Marek may not have been the first 49er Faithful to have done this....he might not be the last. 

In early January, I told an employee at my golf club that he looked like George Kittle. That began a friendship that prompted me to purchase a Christmas gift, I think that he too will appreciate. Although it is NOT a signed jersey from #85, it is a gift card to Panda Express. It's good at any location--especially in Santa Clara. 

Enjoy the read...and God's creation.

Photo Credits
Panda Express
85

20 for 2020: Number 3—Seek and Ye Shall Find

In Matthew 7:7 Jesus proclaims, 

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew's Gospel passage is one I have memorized. I repeat these words to myself quite often. I believe they are true—or, at least....I want to believe they are true. I hold them in my heart with faith and with doubt. His message encourages me and it challenges me. Does that resonate with you? Do you believe the Lord when He says that the "heavenly Father give(s) good things to those who ask him?" 

When uncertainty creeps in, I try to take a step back. I look for perspective. I consider: what questions do I have? In his daily Advent reflections Matthew Kelly says "If you ask the wrong question, you'll always get the wrong answer." I realized the question I should ask myself...and the question I have for you is: 

• Are you asking God for what you want? 
• Are you seeking what you desire? 
• Are you standing at the door? 
• And are you standing at the door? Are you knocking at that door that separates you from someone or some place?

My favorite blog post of 2020 to read, write and live was "Stooping in San Francisco: What I Found and What Found Me." This piece explains the phenomena popularly known as up-cycling,  recycling or stooping (in New York) and gives evidence to the truth—we do seek and find. But, it also suggests that we are found. We too are received. We are not the only ones who ask. Others ask us. We can help them find. Indeed, we are received. 

A few weeks ago, a friend asked me if I sold my bike as she was in the market for one. I wasn't surprised, as cycling is one of the safer and less restricted activities permitted during COVID. In fact, many streets in San Francisco have been made into "slow streets." These roads are closed off to through traffic and are now biker, walker and runner friendly. The result? I've never seen so many bicycles used by your everyday person (read: not part of the cyclist subculture).

Truth be told, I sold my bicycle in June. I have never had so many calls for a single posting on Craigslist. Bikes were in high demand and short supply. My price point was low: I want to keep some things affordable in SF! 

One week later, I took my every day walking route to find a woman's bike, standing proudly—upright and lovely—in front of Alta Vista Park. Taped to it, a sign read "Free Bike! It Works!"

I looked around, wondering if I was on candid camera. I made eye contact with a neighbor and shrugged. I said "this looks nice!" I got on the bike and started peddling. I made my way down my "slow street" and was reminded why so many people have taken to cycling. 

My friend has a new (used) bike! She asked and received. I looked and I found. A new door has been opened: a door of understanding and communion. Truly, God gives good things to those who ask Him—friendship being one of the best. 

Photo Credits: all mine!