Athletic Philosophy

Vision

What is the long-term goal of the athletic Program?

To equip student-athletes with the tools and experiences to be effective servants of Christ.

Mission

How will the vision be executed?

Our mission is to provide excellent athletic programs to student-athletes by insisting on rigorous training, disciplined focus, appropriate competition, and an atmosphere of pursuing Christ.

Philosophy and Core Values

In 1 Corinthians 9 the apostle Paul gives a detailed description of what it takes for someone to be an effective servant of Christ. He uses a reference to athletics to help strengthen and clarify his challenge. If lessons learned from athletics are to encourage us to be more effective servants of Christ, what should we prioritize and value in our athletic program? This passage helps provide us a structure and value system:

• We believe that competing to win is a noble goal that challenges us to grow. (v. 24)

· Paul speaks of all running a race but only one winner being awarded, and he commends the effort that goes into learning to compete at the highest level possible as you strive to win. The concept of striving to win is a Christian concept and by God’s grace can be used by Him to develop young people to give their very best to each endeavor of life for the glory of God.

· This is not “win at all costs.” We believe there are lessons to be learned from losing, but these lessons can only be learned to their fullest when we have given a full effort to win.

· The “participation” awards and equal playing time concepts that are beneficial at young entry level competitions do not help older students mature and pursue excellence. Playing time will be based on an athlete's pursuit of excellence in their sport and team dynamics as determined by the coach.

• We believe that rigorous training is a necessary trait for an athlete to learn. (v. 25)

· This observation from Paul is critical for success. The word “striveth” actually communicates the concept of “agonizing.” He comments that this rigorous training includes “all things” for the athletes. Our athletes should commit to summer workouts, training programs, and athletic camps when possible. They should also commit to working at their grades, eating generally healthy, and getting good rest.

· Practices will be intense as a general rule. Practices are not social gatherings or day care. Athletes should be prepared to work and push their bodies.

• We believe that goal-setting and long-range planning are important to success. (v. 26)

· “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air.” Paul is communicating that successful athletes always have goals. And they always have plans to reach those goals. Our student-athletes at ECS should consistently have goals set in front of them and then should work to determine a plan to complete those goals.

· Athletes should be consistently interacting with their coaches about what goals they should set for their own improvement. They should take the initiative to develop plans to reach that goal.

• We believe that poise under pressure should be developed by athletics. (v. 27)

· Paul references a well-trained athlete who is able to control and access their training. Learning how to operate at a high level while under pressure is a skill developed through competition. We want to encourage competition and pressure situations.

· Our schedule will combine opponents with a similar level of competition with opponents that will stretch our athletes.

• We believe that commitment to teammates and coaches should be expected. (v. 27)

· At the end of the passage Paul comments on the possibility of being a “castaway.” He is describing someone who has not put the work in to even make the team. The fact this category exists implies that teammates impact each other and the teams’ ultimate goal. Work, trust, and respect must be operative for a team to reach its full effectiveness.