Posts filed under ‘NCAA BB’
God uses ‘blessing and adversity’ in Drake basketball team
Last fall, Drake, a private university in Des Moines, Iowa, entered the season as a team loaded with talented veterans. The Bulldogs were picked to win the MVC largely because they had a preseason All-Conference star, Jill Martin, and four starters returning from a team that finished second in the conference the year before and also boasted a respected recruiting class.
Then adversity struck. And it struck again and again and again.
Following a season full of injuries and illnesses, the Bulldogs limped into the Valley tournament, which they were hosting, with a 10-18 record. On paper, the situation looked dismal.
But in the hearts of the players and coaches, the situation was anything but a lost cause. Their hope was no longer in their own strength and numbers; that had been depleted. Their hope, now, was in the Lord.
“At the beginning of the year I came across a passage in Deuteronomy 8 about the way God uses blessing and adversity in our lives,” Junior Lindsay Whorton said. “I was convinced God was going to do something exciting either on the basketball court or off, and I was looking for it. The passage talked about how to use that adversity to remember the Lord and give glory to Him and be obedient to Him.” (more…)
Faith gives Washington State’s Bennett balance in life
Picked to finish last in the conference, the Tony Bennett’s Washington State Cougars placed second, tying a school record for wins with a 26-8 record, their best season in 66 years. They beat five ranked teams and made the NCAA Tournament for only the fifth time in their 106-year program history. A double-overtime loss to Vanderbilt in the tournament’s second round did little to lessen the shock. The Cougars finished ranked in the top 20 in both polls.
Bennett, who accepted Christ in eighth grade during an FCA Camp in Colorado, and his team are throwing college basketball convention on its ear—and not just during games. After a particularly poor Saturday practice earlier in the preseason, Bennett’s players arrived at the gym the next day, fully expecting to be chewed out and run mercilessly. Instead, Bennett gathered his team and said, “I don’t want to practice today. We showed a lot of weaknesses yesterday; but I want to honor the Sabbath as much as I can this year. Today, I want you to spend time with family and honor the Sabbath.” His players were stunned.
Bennett then organized a 20-minute chapel. Virtually the entire team showed up.
“Me and [senior forward] Rob Cowgill were looking at each other going, ‘Coach is the man!’” said junior forward Daven Harmeling, a Christian. “How many other coaches do that?” (more…)
Union athletes bring Christmas cheer to abused children
Source: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5728
JACKSON, Tenn. (BP)-Union University athletic teams joined with other groups and individual across the Union campus Dec. 3 to help several children have a special night.
Each Christmas, Union University teams up with the Carl Perkins Center for Child Abuse in Jackson to give children a night of fun, food and gifts.
“Being a part of this activity was such a refreshing experience,” said junior volleyball player Lindsey Wallach. “The joy and laughter that the gifts brought to the girl we sponsored was priceless. The screams of excitement and smiles of happiness reminded me of what this season is about: giving because God gave His son for us.”
CBS Sports Commentor Clark Kellogg Speaks About Defining A Champion
As a high school All-American, I received a scholarship to The Ohio State University where I would be named the 1982 Big Ten MVP. That same year, the Indiana Pacers drafted me with the eighth pick in the NBA draft. I was on my way to experiencing everything I’d ever dreamed of. But five years later knee trouble ended my career.
Growing up in a loving two-parent household, I don’t recall going to church much but know my four siblings and I were raised with Judeo-Christian values. I acknowledged the existence of God, but had no real concept of what a relationship with Him was about. Like many of us, I thought doing good things and making my parents and others proud would please God.
In 1985, while rehabilitating from a third knee surgery, I began thinking about my purpose in life. A local minister started conducting chapel services prior to games. Curious about the peace he had, I asked him to walk me and my wife through the Bible and teach us about God.
I learned God loves us, gives us life and breath, and has an ultimate plan for our lives. He wants us to know and worship Him, but sin (falling short of God’s mark) creates a gap between man and a holy God. However, God, because of His great love, provides His son, Jesus Christ to bridge the gap. Through faith in Christ all can be forgiven of sin, made new, and eternal life can be yours.
– Clark Kellogg (source: Beyond the Ulimate)
John Wooden recites a poem about his faith
“When I graduated from our little three-room grade school in Centerton, Indiana, I got dressed up in clean overalls for the big event. My dad gave me something that day that would shape my entire life: my work, my marriage, my goals, my philosophy. It was a card on which he had written a few guidelines. I still carry it with me. On one side of the card, Dad had written out his creed. At the top of the paper, it said “Seven Things to Do.” — John Wooden
1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.
From these seven points, Coach Wooden, Athletes in Action, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes developed the Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award, presented annually at the Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast, during the Final Four Weekend. These “Keys to Life” are a true compass to keep each of us pointed in the right direction in life.
