23 Ways to Cope: Sports and Spirituality Style

Counselors at the high school where I teach met with students about two weeks before finals, which preceded Christmas break, to discuss good mental health strategies. Given the typical student's stress level, the demands of the holiday season, the short days and long nights, I wasn't surprised that our school community found it important to recognize how they might be feeling and offer resources for them to maintain their well-being.

The handout "100 Ways to Cope" caught my attention for it was not only creative yet practical, I noticed how many of them relate to the world of Sports and Spirituality. Here a brief reflection on seven of them and 23 to focus on overall for 2023.

1. Exercise: Run, walk, frisbee, etc
   Exercise increases blood flow, emits endorphins, and it puts us in touch with others, ourselves and with God. I can't think of a better way to ward off stress than to exercise; it has and continues to keep me sane. Exercise also makes me aware of the mind, body and soul connection. To workout is to challenge all three realms. 
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2. Prepare for the morning the night before
   The hardest part of exercise is often getting to the gym! I have found when I prepare my clothes and pack my gym bag the night before, the odds are dramatically in favor of getting there. I know too well what Coach John Wooden said, "failing to prepare is preparing to fail." To prepare a healthy lunch the night before means I'm eating well the next day! To prep my gear and bag in advance, means what can get in my way of working out is...well, not a whole lot.
   
   
   
3. Watch a movie and eat popcorn
   Some of my favorite movies involve sports. One of my regrets this semester is not offering a movie series on boxing. The sport carries a narrative well. So well that two movies about boxing have won the Academy Award for Film of the Year: Rocky and Million Dollar Baby. Given that I teach a semester class, I may give this a go in the month of January (it's long). They choose the movie to watch. Others will include: Cinderella Man, The Boxer and Creed.
   
   I think popcorn is the added bonus. There's something to be said for settling in to watch the whole movie, not less—with a tub of popcorn by your side.
   
   
4. Study the sky
   Play golf and you will not only study the sky, but the wind as well. As someone newer to golf, I have enjoyed the attention to detail that golfers pay to sun, sky, wind and rain....yes, that's what happens when you play a game that was invented in Scotland, no? Runners are forced to study the sky. There are far worse lots in life!
   
   
   
5. Take a hot shower or relaxing bath
   Ah! The rewards of a good workout. Yes, some athletes are tasked with the ice bath before a hot shower, but on tired and sore muscles, nothing feels better than these ways of coping.
   
   
6. Take a nap (only if you're tired)
   There are a wide variety of opinions on the nap. Some do everything they can to stay away from one—worrying that if they nap, they won't fall asleep later that night. I can almost guarantee that if you workout hard or long, you body will crave a nap....and if it's a good nap, you feel refreshed and re-energized. Your body will thank you twice: for the exercise and for the zzz's.
   
   
7. Go somewhere very public
   It's good to be out in the open and see how big our world is...and how many people there are and how many people you run into. I love reporting back to my family who I saw and what we talked about. I rarely make it to a sporting event where I don't see someone I know. And even in my own parish, I have gotten to know the people—young and old sitting in the pews. Some help me pray better. Others have become friends. When we come together, I realize I am part of the Living Body of Christ.
   
   
   

Consider these and share your own reflections....

1. Say "hello" to a stranger
2. Practice breathing slowly
3. Do a brand new thing
4. Shoot hoops, kick a ball
5. Ride a bicycle
6. Talk to someone close to you.
7. Become a better listener.
8. Jump on a trampoline.
9. Go to a ball game and scream.
10. Keep a journal.
11. Strive for excellence, NOT perfection.
12. Get enough sleep.
13. Freely praise other people.
14. Yoga.
15. Make a list of goals for the week/month/year/5 years.
16. Hug a friend or family member.

These 23 suggestions for 2023 are on point. They speak to the importance of our mental, emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual well-being and the on-going work and effort to maintain all of it. Framing these suggestions through the lens of Sports and Spirituality grounds a list into my reality. I hope it's helpful and interesting to you. Good luck to students in finals! Godspeed to parents in making it through and Blessings to all this holiday season!

Photo Credits
The Boxer
Stress
Hoops

This Advent: Sacred Stories with....Notre Dame Running Back Audric Estimé

During this season of Advent, the Notre Dame Alumni Association sends a daily video reflection featuring alumni, students, faculty, and staff to help anyone and everyone ready our hearts and make way for the joy of our Savior’s birth at Christmas. The focus of these testimonials varies from year to year. This Advent, "members of the Notre Dame family, offer  their most sacred and meaningful moments on our beloved campus."

The Sacred Stories of Notre Dame: A Daily Advent Journey "range from tales of life-changing experiences in the classroom and moments of stillness at the Grotto to the power of family memory and unforgettable mentors." Each one is different. Each story is inspiring. And the one for December 8, featuring Audric Estimé should not be missed.

I receive a text reminder each afternoon to log-in and take a look. I will admit I am anxious and excited to see Will know the narrator? I wonder—What University administrator might they profile. Will I hear from a classmate? And I would be lying if I said otherwise, but I always want to know what athletes and coaches weigh in.

To see the star running back, Audric Estimé brought a huge smile to my face. Talk about big time, Estimé was the life blood of the offense. He is undoubtedly one of the more exciting and dominant players in college football. Take one look at this hype video—released before the Ohio State game and his physical stature speaks for itself.

But, Day 6 of Sacred Stories reveals Audric Estimé is so much more. He is a student-athlete, a political science major, a man of faith, he has an active prayer life and I believe he is genuinely joyful. Take note of how many times he smiles! I give him so much credit. He lost his mother at an early age and struggled in college—like so many other men and women do. He is a beloved member of an extended family and a valued member of the Notre Dame family—a place he realized "was the only school that brought together the three most essential things in my life right now — faith, academics, and football." He added,  "I realized all my goals and dreams were on the right trajectory. I truly felt that God had a path for me, and that path was Notre Dame." 

I am grateful to have walked that same path. I am thankful for my own family and the Notre Dame family. I'll show you and wear the green jersey any day. A happy and holy Advent.

Photo Credits
Audric photo is from the video: Day 6 of Sacred Stories

Lessons in Cultural Anthropology

My good friend claims to be a cultural anthropologist. She takes great pride in her identity. I don't blame her. To me, the study of "humans and their cultural, social, biological, and environmental aspects of life in the past and the present" is utterly fascinating. And the best part about being a cultural anthropologist is that it will allow you to meet a lot of people, attend innumerous events, travel to unsuspecting places and ask all kinds of questions—all in the name of this social science.

To the surprise of no one, Taylor Swift was named TIME's person of the year. No one, right? I imagine Karen will read the article for its cultural anthropology 101. In October, she asked me go with her to see the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour documentary. I was a little surprised she wanted to go. I shouldn't have been. 

I saw it opening weekend and she went later with her niece—expensing it in the name of cultural anthropology. While her husband questioned the need to do that, I loved it. It was a raging celebration of  love and friendship bringing together women, girls and even a few "girl-dads" all summer long. I need to ask Karen about the conclusions she came to after watching the show. No doubt they justify the price per ticket.

Looking through this world through the lens of cultural anthropology makes life infinitely more interesting. In a way, cultural anthropology is liberating. One can observe, take note, and enjoy it all in the name of curiosity. From time to time, I feel that I can only give my time to events or causes aligned with my passions or my values. However the field of cultural anthropology allows one to expand their horizons.

Following the second gathering of the SI bowling club on Monday night, the club leader and I sat down for a few moments to catch up and watch members of the bowling league compete against one another. Every single one of them had their own ball, their own bag and approach to the game. Their style and speed...and their scores were fascinating. Not a single game was under 200. 

The next day, I mentioned this to a colleague who I know likes to bowl. She said "oh yeah, Monday night leagues are usually a lot of football fans." I said, "that's exactly right. I saw tons of Niner gear." She added "I bet the game was on. That's a drinking crowd, too." Without being at Classic Bowling Lanes, my co-worker described perfectly who was in the house. I walked away from our conversation thinking two things: One: I'm sure every sports league in America has its own subculture. I have seen Dude Perfect capitalize on their groups and make them into humor "stereotype" videos. They're only funny because they are so accurate. Two: I honestly started thinking about how good of a bowler Niner running back Christian McCaffrey probably is.

Will cultural anthropologists study bowling leagues hundreds or thousands of years from now? Probably not—but they will consider how human beings take leisure find ways to play.

Ted Lasso popularized the quote written by Walt Whitman, "be curious, not judgmental." To become a cultural anthropologist—for work, pleasure or both is to live the spirit of this motto and more. 

Photo Credits
Niner Bowling
Bowling League
TIME

Penalties, Personal Fouls and Pass Interference: Off the Gridiron

Given my family background, I should be a referee. My grandfather and two uncles served middle school, high school and collegiate athletics through officiating for most of their adult lives. Through refereeing, they have made an impact on their local communities snd the lives of many young people. I'm proud of my heritage. However, I gave to sports in my own way. I coached high school sports for 20 years and worked in the athletic office for two. Those days might be over, but this entire mix is in my blood. And from time to time, I find myself wishing I were a football referee. As much as I admire Sarah Thomas, it's not that I want the zebra suit. I want those yellow flags. That's right I want to call personal fouls and assess penalties. Not on the field but any and everywhere off the gridiron. Allow me to explain....

Although Jerry Seinfeld didn't create Festivus—a secular holiday celebrated on December 23, his show certainly popularized it. At Festivus, people come together to pass the unadorned aluminum pole and air their grievances. Throwing the penalty flag isn't much different. Sure it's not exactly bringing holiday cheer, but all is fair in love and sports. 

So if you have wanted to call a penalty on a friend, family member or even yourself read on and let me know what you think.

Penalty: Ball has been illegally touched, kicked or batted
A friend posted on social media "Congratulations to Michigan on an undefeated season!" Always one to give a person a wide berth when it comes to supporting their alma mater, said individual is not a Wolverine. While their spouse is a graduate, I still find this to be a penalty and loss of a first down. Why? I find it hard to support a program so egregious in cheating, led by a coach who doesn't care. Perhaps they feel targeted, but honor and integrity went out the door on this one. Whether Michigan fans feel wronged or not, I think a public proclamation and celebration of their 12-0 record is a penalty. No loss of 15 yards. No personal foul. In this case the ball was illegally touched, kicked or batted.

Personal Foul: Roughing the Passer
On September 30, Notre Dame barely beat Duke, 21-14. Even though a win is a win, is a win, Irish fans were not feeling good about this one. Two days later, a friend who has no allegiance to any college football team and is indifferent to Notre Dame football started questioning me— hard—about the vitality of the Irish. "Geez. Notre Dame. WHAT WAS THAT? I mean really?!" I replied by saying, "It wasn't pretty but we got the win." To my surprise, the inquisition did not end. "It's going to be a very long season if you continue to look like that." I replied "well, the Irish were 4-1 coming into the game and are now 5-1. I'll take that any day. Duke has a strong quarterback and it's tough to win on the road." She kept going....

In that moment, I wanted to throw the flag. It's one thing to razz your friend who you know is a huge fan of a certain team. And it's another to push, judge and make assumptions when you're largely agnostic. Personal Foul: Roughing the Passer. Loss of 15 yards. Automatic first down. 

Illegal Forward Pass
This might be a stretch, but I'm going to call this on Sports Illustrated for naming Deion Sanders Sportsperson of the Year. While it was exciting to follow Neon Deion once again, really? SOTY?? Coach Prime finished the season 4-8. Yes, it's an improvement over 1-11 from the year before, but he also brought in 86 new players. Guys on the 2022 team was strongly encouraged to pursue playing opportunities elsewhere.  

This is an illegal forward pass, loss of a down. I am all for advancing exposure and opportunities for those who are part of an HBCU. I will admit the hype around Coach Saunders was electric. He is nothing short of charismatic and engaging but to get to be the Sportsman of the Year given what so many other athletes accomplished and achieved in 2023 in not right.

Penalizing myself
If I were to throw the flag at myself, I would most likely getting called for running pass interference. I've run my own illegal substitution at work. Hopefully, I would never been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct but I've certainly been offsides.

Conclusion
The truth of the matter is we need more officials. There isn't a high school sport out there not looking for more help. If you want to contribute to the game or help out in other ways—keeping book, running a clock, or posting to social media, opportunities await. In the meantime, I invite you to think about the rules of the sport you play and how those extend beyond the game. Makes life a little more colorful!

Photo Credits
Harbaugh
Flag
Deoin

Announcing Rev. Bob Dowd, C.S.C, the University of Notre Dame's 18th President:

At an alumni event during the Stanford vs. Notre Dame game weekend, a friend asked me who the next University president would be. Alumni and friends have been asking this question for years—only now it's a legitimate one. And that is because on October 13, 2023 Rev. John Jenkins, C.S.C. announced he will step down at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year to return to teaching and ministry at ND. Father Jenkins has served in the role since 2005. I said to my classmate, "I have a few ideas in mind, but I know that I really do not know." Today, however, is a different story. I know. You (now) know upon the annoucment that Father Bob Dowd, C.S.C.  has been named the University's 18th president. 

I got the update from my Uncle Jay and good friend, Mike. I gave an audible gasp upon reading what my Uncle Jay sent: a screen shot of a tweet from "The Observer."

I wasn't expecting this announcement...not right now, nor about Father Bob. My colleague, a fellow Religious Studies teacher asked if everything was okay. "Yes! Notre Dame has a new president," I said. He asked, "Does that person have to be a Holy Cross priest?" "Yes," I said. "That's too bad, he replied." "Not in this case. It's great news," I added. I meant it.

Father Bob Dowd was one of two Holy Cross priests on rotation for weekday/weeknight Masses in Farley Hall. While our Sunday liturgies were well attended at 10:00 p.m., the Monday and Thursday masses gathered a smaller crowd. Consequently, we got to all know one another—through a welcome presence (we sat on the floor), casual conversation and personal intentions. Each of us knew Father Bob was happy to be there. He smiled naturally and remembered our names. I was always impressed with his voice—it's clear, but not deep. Safe to say he has always been youthful—in appearance, energy and demeanor. In what *may* have been an effort to look like he had gone through puberty, sometime that first year he grew a mustache. The women in Farley wondered how he did that.

The other message was a screen shot of a tweet from ND Football beat writer, Mike Berardino. It complied "Father Bob facts" They are: 

• Ordained in 1994
• Political science PhD from UCLA
• BA in economics from #NotreDame ('87)
• Author of "Christianity, Islam, and Liberal Democracy: Lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa"
• Research interests include religion, development, and political culture.

My list is different. I would like this post to serve as a testimony of my own "Father Bob facts." These are off the cuff and what I came to know as a student.

• Humble Heart
• Servant Leader
• Good friend of Bishop Pat Neary, CSC. 
• Committed to the work of the Alliance for Catholic Education (the ACE teaching program) and the Center for Social Concerns (CSC)
• Assigned to East Africa

While you can (and should read) about his academic research, accomplishments and administrative experience, I can speak to his priesthood. I believe those attributes are well suited for the presidency.

• Jesus was the servant of the servants. And, Christian discipleship is predicated on the willingness to lead by serving one another. A humble heart helps make that all work. Jesus' entire life modeled humility and servant leadership; it's what I have seen in Father Bob. 
  
  
• They say you can judge a person by the company they keep. I always knew Father Pat and Father Bob were close. Contemporaries in the Congregation of Holy Cross, both men are ND alums and were ordained not too long after graduation. Father Pat was the other priest on that Farley Hall rotation—lucky us! He was recently named a Bishop for the Diocese of Saint Cloud. In short: see earlier paragraph about servant leadership and humble heart and put a check by the names of these Church leaders. 
  
  
  
• I love that so much of Father Bob's academic research and own experience is tied to Africa. He will bring a global perspective to the question and concern of Catholic identity to Notre Dame. The Church is alive—it is thriving and growing in Africa. It is diverse and dynamic, both rich and poor. It is essential that the Catholic Church's outreach and commitment to Africa be known, shaped, broadened and appreciated. 
  
  
• On the domestic front, Father Bob gave of his time and talent to serve the Alliance for Catholic Education. He sees teaching as ministry (he himself is an associate professor of political science) and an essential arm of the Church in the US. He conspired with us on many a retreat. Grateful for those memories.

The University has had only three presidents in the last 70 years. Father Bob will follow other servant leaders, each with their own pastoral gifts and administrative assets. I hope in this time of waiting and preparation, both Father Bob and the leadership of the University can help one another to live out the words of Father Basil Moreau, CSC: "Make God Known, Loved and Served." AND, I hope he really likes football.....

Photo Credits
Research
CSC Shot