A contradiction or clash of qualities; a contrast as being opposed or entirely different.
Many reference points come to mind that provide this contrast; good and evil, real and imaginary, heaven and hell, and the one that doesn’t seem to ever rest – the daily conflict of liberal and conservative. But an interesting story played out recently that left a lasting impression.
Division 1 college athletics is big business. And among the ultimate prizes for excellence is the national championship in men’s basketball. Universities will recruit and make large financial commitments in scholarships to high caliber athletes. A highly successful athletic program is directly related to future enrollment and advertising revenue. It’s unfortunate that some schools will violate their own rules and, in some cases, the law to establish a winning program. It’s a culture that begins and ends with the head coach.
It’s no surprise that most head coaches are very influential people who have an enormous amount of power. Many times they are outspoken, in most cases very assertive. If egos aren’t kept under control, things can get ugly. Coaches must win to keep their jobs. Some expect to win at any cost. That’s not the example you want to set when an organization is taking 15 or so individuals with diverse backgrounds and instills life skills along with mutual trust, a sense of loyalty, and building close knit relationships that will be used after they leave school. Coaches are expected to be tough, but those that curse at their own players, get tossed out of games for verbal assaults on the refs or exposed for compromising indiscretions off-court, destroy the elements of lasting success.
Enter Tony Bennett. As the NCAA tournament team that went from worst last year (being the first #1 seed in tournament history to lose to a #16 seed) to first this year and winning the ultimate prize of an NCAA championship, the head coach of the University of Virginia men’s basketball team completed an incredibly difficult feat. More than working with just individually talented players, he had to get them to believe in each other and then lift each other up in order to keep playing at a championship caliber level. As the final buzzer went off, Bennett lowered his head and was heard giving thanks. “Thank you, Lord, I’m humbled.” His staff says he’s a man who prays individually for each team member, and also runs this program based on qualities of humility, passion, unity, servanthood, and thankfulness.
Afterwards in the locker room he told an interviewer, “I think there was a bigger plan; I wasn’t needed but I was used in it, and I hope that it’s a message for some that there can be hope and joy in resiliency.” Turning to his team he implored, “Promise me you’ll remain humble, don’t let this change you.”
Thanks coach, for a little life lesson in being an effective contrast to an all too common narrative.
“Three-minute exposure; a snapshot of life’s imperfect harmony,” by Stew McAuley.
Encouraging your Christian Worldview.
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