Under Control

 "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." - Proverbs 25:28 (ESV) As a high school student, I kept the shot chart for the varsity basketball coach. This required me to sit next to him on the bench during each game. He did a great...

Walking Straight

 "Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth...." - Psalm 86:11 (ESV) If I had a dollar for every line I've painted on an athletic field, I'd be a wealthy man! Preparing a field for competition is an art and it also requires having the right equipment. I...

What Did You Say?

"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" - Psalm 141:3 (ESV) C.J. Stroud was taken as the second-round pick of the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft. He went on to be chosen as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year finishing the...
Paying the Price

Paying the Price

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So, I do not run aimlessly; I...

Making Time

Making Time

“Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd and after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.” – Mark 6:45-46 (ESV) My perspective of time has changed...

What Do They See?

What Do They See?

 “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV) As coaches, we often remind our athletes that they aren’t just playing for themselves. It is a regular...

New Direction

New Direction

 “In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them.” – 2 Chronicles 29:3 (ESV) Some coaches have a special talent for rebuilding programs. They are able to come into a new situation, quickly assess...

New Beginnings

New Beginnings

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Every season brings new players, new chemistry, new goals, and new experiences. No matter how long we’ve been coaching,...

Perspective

Perspective

“So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.” – Colossians 3:1-2 It was a typical conversation between two coaches. Following a...

Role Model

Role Model

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity and dignity.” – Titus 2:7 It’s difficult losing a good friend. Bob was a gifted athlete; he lettered in basketball and baseball in high school and attended college on a...

Anxiety

Anxiety

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians...

Spiritual Strength

Spiritual Strength

 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (ESV) “Muggsy” Bouges was the the shortest man to ever play in the National Basketball Association....

The Law of the Inner Circle

The Law of the Inner Circle

“They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army. For from the day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God.” – 1 Chronicles 12:21-22 (ESV) Leadership...

Excellence

Excellence

“Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” – Daniel 6:3 (ESV) Athletic excellence can be defined as an athlete’s performance...

How We Talk Matters

How We Talk Matters

“Let no corrupting talk come out of our mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as it fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29 We talk to ourselves all day long. If that’s true, and it is, what are we talking about?...