To Win The Prize

In the first letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Church at Corinth, he writes: "Run in such a way as to win the prize" (1 Cor. 9:24). This use of athletic imagery, common throughout the Bible, informs us of the visible and public role of athletics in the first century. Likewise in our day, athletics has a prominent role in our culture; some would say "too prominent." Today we often hear questions raised about the place of athletic departments within institutions of higher learning, especially when we read about coaches who earn many times that of other faculty members and administrators, and athletes who seem to have forgotten that their reason for being in college is to pursue a degree. Bart Giamatti, who served as President of Yale University prior to serving as Commissioner of Major League Baseball, said that college sports have been allowed to become a circus and "threaten to become the means by which the public believes the entire enterprise of higher education is a side show."

Murray Sperber has in recent months penned a major work challenging the large college athletic programs with the title, College Sports Inc.: The Athletic Department vs. the University. The important questions raised in this volume about the role of athletics in our society and in higher education need to be addressed. Our question, however, is more localized: Can quality athletics fit within the mission of Union University?

We must ask this question because Union is not only committed to academic excellence - evidenced by the quality of our faculty and student body - but is committed to such excellence within the context of a Christian worldview. This means that for athletics to be seen as successful at Union, our student-athletes must play "to win the prize" - not only on the court or the field, but also in the classroom and in life. This is a tall order. But it is another way in which we believe Union is distinctive.

Athletics have been an important part of my life from little league through days in the athletic department at the University of Alabama - and even beyond as I was involved for a short time in sports journalism, officiating, and coaching. I have had opportunity, firsthand, to see the excesses of sports. I am keenly aware of both the benefits and problems associated with sports, as are most of you.

Yet there is another side to the story. George Will, cultural and political analyst, has written widely about the values of athletics, of baseball in particular. When we look into the halls of Congress and beyond to survey our national leaders we find such successful college athletes as Bill Bradley, Tom McMillin, J.C. Watts, Jack Kemp and Steve Largent. Each of these speak of the values learned from athletics such as leadership, teamwork, perseverance, patience, responsibility, self-control and fairness. For every success story like these there, unfortunately, seems to be a failure or aberration alongside.

Athletics, like few other aspects of campus life, have the opportunity to create a sense of identity and belonging. In addition, athletics provide a way to link the university with the larger community. This challenge to offer successful college athletics at Union consistent with the institution's academic and Christian commitments is the one accepted by Athletic Director David Blackstock, the coaching staff and student-athletes of the nine sports at Union (including soccer and volleyball which will start this fall). The past year has been a testimony to the consistency and commitment of Union athletics .

Every team finished the season ranked in the top 20 in the nation (NAIA Division I). Women's basketball won the national championship! Every other team participated beyond the conference level and received national recognition. Five coaches received national, regional or conference Coach of the Year honors. Student athletes were honored and recognized as All-Americans and All-Conference players; Union had several Academic All-Americans participating as well. The personal testimonies of most of Union's student-athletes demonstrate their Christian commitment and reflect the authentic Christian commitment of the coaching staff. Regretfully, there will be those who participate in athletics who succeed in athletics but not in the classroom or in other areas of life. At Union success on the court or playing field is not enough. We must take seriously all that is meant by the term "student-athlete." Recently our Men's Tennis program was honored when it was named to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic Team for 1338. This award recognizes them as national leaders for outstanding scholastic achievement. The 1998 Bulldog team compiled a grade point average of 3.53 on a 4.0 scale. Union was one of only seven teams in the nation to earn this honor. And beyond that as we participate to win the prize we must do so with the ultimate prize in mind, for the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians that we all are to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14).

In this issue of the Unionite you will be introduced to several student-athletes, and most importantly you will hear the hearts of Union's outstanding and dedicated coaches. Congratulations to Athletic Director David Blackstock and the Union athletic department for a great year. Please know of our appreciation for your commitment to provide quality athletics consistent with the mission of Union, and know of our whole-hearted support as you participate "to win the prize."