Youth Sports and Life Lessons

PCS Girls Basketball Team 2014-15

Our culture is consumed with sports and it starts so young.  Many parents push their kids nearly to a breaking point, as if life depended on athletic prowess.  You've heard the statement, "Its not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game."  Another guy said, "Winning isn't everything, its the only thing."  In the end, the object of the game is to win. But there is more to it than that.

Recent sports stories tell of a Little League baseball team accused of violations in the LLWS, a high school coach suspended for humiliating opponents by running up the score and two high school teams actually trying to lose. Reading these sorts of stories is pretty unsettling.  However, there are many inspiring stories that often occur in relative obscurity.


My daughter's high school basketball team just finished the season...with 1 win.  By all accounts they did not achieve success. Of course, it depends on how success is measured.  Her team only had 5 players.  They worked hard. They never stopped hustling. I believe they learned some important life lessons.  That is one of the goals of youth sports after all.

I was encouraged yesterday to read an article written by a coach who faced our team late in the season. Our team inspired him.  There's no live link currently to his article, although it is supposed to appear soon in a local paper. You can read it below.  I'm proud of my kid. Not because of her personal achievements, but because she is a genuine blessing in my life. Among other things, God is using her to shape me. She's part of my life lessons.

The Portland Five

 Cadiz, KY - What a winter we have had this year. The snow storm of 2015 was one that we will remember. There is something else I will remember about the winter of 2015 and that is the Portland Five. I know what you are thinking. What is the Portland Five? Actually the question should be who is the Portland Five. Sit back and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while we are blanketed with another deep snow as I introduce them to you.

This past winter I had the opportunity to take my girls’ basketball team to Louisville to play in the Portland Christian High School Christmas tournament. Portland is one of the oldest Christian schools in the state of Kentucky.  Portland Christian has just over 400 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Their high school has just over 120 students.

The first thing that stood out about the school was their athletic director Rick Folden. Mr. Rick is a retired coach who now serves as the AD. Rick just seemed to be a fellow that probably had a treasure chest full of stories from his lifetime spent in athletics. He was as personable as anybody we ran into across the state this year. He also served as a great host for their Christmas Tournament. The hospitality started when he had someone meet our bus on the street and usher us into the parking lot. The tournament that he ran was simply first class.

Later on in January the Portland Christian team made a swing through western Kentucky. They stopped in on a Saturday afternoon to play us. We didn’t face their team in the Christmas tournament so this was the first time we had seen them play. This is also where the story really gets fascinating. The Portland team only had five girls. They were senior Kayla Niestadt, junior Sunny Jin, sophomore Emily Scott and freshman Hannah Taylor and Lydia Cyrus. They did not have any substitutes. As a matter of fact Sunny Jin was a foreign exchange student from China. It took her for them to have enough girls to play.

Tim Taylor served as the team's coach. Coach Taylor is the father of freshman Hannah Taylor. Coach Taylor coached the Portland Five for the entire season for a total salary of NOTHING. You see, Portland Christian is the only KHSAA high school that does not pay their coaches. Taylor simply donated his time and no telling how much of his own funds so Portland Christian could have a team and a season.

Now let’s get back to the team only having five girls. Coach Taylor said it was really tough to practice because there was no opposition to go against. He said, “We had to stress fundamentals and get really creative with our drills.” Taylor also said that they did not have a girl foul out all season so they never dipped below five players. In other words every one of their players played every minute of the season.

After our game with Portland in January we invited the team to the Cadiz Restaurant for a late afternoon meal. As the sun began to set on that winter day, five of our players sat across from their five players. The girls swapped stories and exchanged cultures you might say. The Portland girls talked about living in the city while our girls told stories from the countryside. The Portland girls had lots of questions about the abundance of pigs lining Main Street. This led to our own junior player Taylor Gray giving the city girls a lesson about country hams. It was nothing short of awesome to watch Taylor take the girls through the process of curing a ham and explain why the pig is so important to Trigg County. In return Sunny Jin talked about her homeland of China and explained how she wants to return and work on major environmental issues facing her country.

As you might imagine Portland struggled on the court this season with only five girls. The Portland girls were winless as they approached the end of their season. Only a couple of games were left as St. Francis came to their gym for homecoming. Freshman Hannah Taylor scored 21 points as Portland got their only win of the season by a score of 40-25.

History will show that the Portland Christian girls’ basketball team finished their season with a record of 1-15.  An outsider might simply look at the numbers and gawk at their proclivity of losing. I say different. The Portland Five were a team of super young people full of heart, character and values. The Portland Five were not afraid or embarrassed to compete when they were severely undermanned. The Portland Five and their Coach Tim Taylor were not losers at all. Trust me on this, the Portland Five are winners. You see, while others sit on the sideline and watch life go by. The PORTLAND FIVE WERE IN THE GAME. Enthusiasm Makes the Difference,

Coach Mike Wright

OT: Coach Taylor is no stranger to athletics. His son Jonathan Taylor was the 3200 meter champ in the state of Kentucky a couple of years ago and now runs at Taylor University in Upland IN.

Moving MVP Speech

I don't watch NBA basketball much.  "Never" might be a better term.  However, I like a good story.  I appreciate authenticity. Moreover, it is refreshing to see a high-profile athlete talk more about others than about himself.  Even better when someone, anyone, recognizes that God is worthy of glory and praise.

After seeing that others were impressed with Kevin Durant's MVP acceptance speech, I decided to watch.  It is over 26 minutes long...and I watched the whole thing.  You can watch it here.  I dare you not to cry!

Of course I don't know Durant and will likely never have an opportunity to chat with him. However, he strikes me as a genuine guy. He offered heartfelt words of appreciation to his teammates, speaking personally about each one. He thanked his coaches and friends, again giving them credit for helping him to be better.  Finally he thanked his family.  He expressed love for his mother who raised him under what sounds like difficult circumstances, saying she is the real MVP.  At the outset he thanked God. At the conclusion he thanked God again. He said God "is the Alpha and Omega" and "He changed my life" and "basketball is just a platform."  This young man seems to be very thoughtful.

I like his perspective and his insights.  His speech moved me.  It provided a very small glimpse at the heart of a man and what he thinks is important.  Good words.

Possible Bail-out Source

If the US Government is not able to bail out the 'big three' automotive companies, I suggest they should try seeking help from Major League baseball...possibly one of the NY teams. If the Yanks have $22 million a year to pay a pitcher, surely they have some spare change for the auto industry. Let's get real. After all, what is more important? Winning a World Championship or keeping Fords and Chevys rolling off the lines.

I wonder what kind of car George Steinbrenner drives? Probably a Chevy Malibu. And most likely it's a hybrid. Let's keep all this in the proper perspective shall we?!

League Champions and Tournament Champions!

Huge game last night for the Lyndon Astros. They were clutch, playing their best game of the season. They finished the season as league champions and last night they played for the tournament championship. They got the W in stellar fashion. I see a Golden Glove in Lydia's future. Actually, she didn't have any opportunities during the game to display her fielding prowess. The final score was 31-5!

Lydia got 4 hits and scored 4 runs in the big win for the Astros. Notice the poise and concentration. Yep, I taught her all of that! The team played great. Everyone stepped up. Great game!

Great Day To Be A Mountaineer

I must say, today is a great day for those of us who have roots in West Virginia. Big win for the Mountaineers last night against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. A few hours later, WVU named a new head football coach. Naysayers have expressed disappointment that the university didn't hire a big name or an up-and-coming hot shot. You have to understand, in WV loyalty and integrity are very important. Bill Stewart appears to have both. Those traits plus over 30 years of coaching experience earned him the top job. He also performed very well in the glare of the national spotlight last night. That didn't hurt.

Incidentally, he and I are both graduates of the very prestigious "college on the hill," Fairmont State. No doubt that played a big role in his hire as well.

Answer: Rich Rodriguez

Question: Who was the only guy yelling more than I was during the WVU-Louisville game last night?

I suppose a win is a win, but it was ugly. Penalties, poor tackling and fumbles all over the field. No gloating from this Mountaineer fan. It sure would have been tough to face the congregation on Sunday if the 'Eers didn't win. I had to endure that last season. This is shaping up to be a pretty fierce rivalry. I'm afraid the basketball version may not turn out so well for the Blue & Gold.

Football and Faith

I took a hint from Tim Challies and read an article in ESPN magazine about the Detroit Lions QB Jon Kitna. Apparently this guy is a solid Christian and not ashamed to speak about his faith in Jesus Christ. A second article about Kitna contains the following statement by the quarterback:

"(In the Bible), we are told to consider the interests of others before ourselves," Kitna said. "What a great principle for a football team: 'I'm concerned more about my teammates than myself.' You live your life that way, and hopefully, it spills over into your football. What God wants me to do in my walk of life is to be the quarterback of this football team. Mainly I'm just trying to lead. But if the spiritual intertwines in that, that's awesome."

In a culture where many make claims of 'faith,' Kitna appears to be the genuine article. There are many others too and they seem to be bringing an essence of 'salt' and 'light' to the NFL. I spent time in locker rooms during my playing days in Jr. high and high school (Go SAHS currently undefeated). If there is a place that could use the presence of God its a football locker room.

Not everyone that professes faith in Christ will be called to vocational ministry. Yet, each Christian is called to minister where they are. The Lord can use accountants, lawyers, banker, engineers and even NFL quarterbacks. All to his glory.

Michael Vick Finds Jesus

Earlier in the week I watched Mike Vick speak following his hearing. He said many things about being sorry for his immature actions. He spoke without a prepared text and sounded genuine. Toward the end of his statement he said, "I have found Jesus...turned my life over to God." (Maybe not an exact quote but close)

Of course my first thought, being the sarcastic Christian that I am, was 'I didn't know Jesus was lost.' I quickly confessed my critical thoughts and began to ponder these words from this troubled man. After a few minutes, my reaction has changed. My opinion on this statement by Vick is this: I hope he has, found Jesus I mean. At the end of the day that's his only hope. Mine too.

Time and time again we see that the fame and fortune of this world will not ultimately satisfy. More than that, it is not the satisfaction of this life that is of utmost importance. Clearly this life with all its trappings is fleeting. You might say it is like a vapor.

We must get an eternal perspective on things. I hope Mr. Vick is on the right path.

The Game of Baseball

I have always loved the game of baseball. I played, albeit not well, for most of my childhood. However, I never hit a home run. I think I had an inside the park home run that included at least one throwing error. Nonetheless, for those who enjoy the "great American pastime" there is nothing like a shot into the outfield seats.

The major league home run title has changed hands. Even most casual fans feel a bit unnerved by this given the controversies surrounding the game in recent years. Let's face it, there are many differences between today's game and the one played by Honas Wagner (pictured), Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. Even Hank Aaron and Pete Rose played the game in a different era. Just about the only things that have remained the same are the dimensions of the diamond and the wooden bat. Players today are all finely tuned, and sometimes enhanced, athletes. The baseball itself has evolved so as to produce a more lively game. There are designated hitters, inter league play, sky boxes, multimillion dollar shoe contracts, gourmet concessions and outrageous salaries.

For someone to hit over 756 home runs, regardless of the era, we must acknowledge the enormity of this accomplishment. However, as fans we must also be honest about what draws us to the game. It is not the flash and popularity of celebrity athletes. It is the simplicity and joy that happens at the ball park. After all, it is a simple game. We must not forget, it is a game.

Good Move for Herd Hoops

[Okay, two days in a row I post about basketball. Not the primary focus of my blog but nonetheless it's here.]

Marshall University makes a great move by hiring Florida assistant Donnie Jones as their new men's basketball coach. Jones is a solid guy with roots in WV, not to mention he has two national championship rings to his credit as part of the Gators staff.

I met Jones about 50 years ago, okay maybe not 50. It was more like 15 years ago. I was working at the University of Charleston in admissions and Donnie was in a similar capacity at Pikeville College. Our paths crossed a couple of times and he seemed like a great guy. In addition to his admissions duties he was also an assistant basketball coach. Jones played collegiate ball at Pikeville for some coach named Greg White. Needless to say his career has taken him to a bit bigger stage than Pikeville, Kentucky...or Point Pleasant (his hometown) for that matter. But, in true form, West Virginians love to come home.

I look for the Thundering Herd to regain their swagger. This is a great move for Marshall basketball! More info here.

Huggins and WVU Hoops

West Virginia University has just announced the hiring of a new men's basketball coach. You can read some details here from the conservative Charleston newspaper.

I am not a WVU graduate, (although I could have nearly had an associates degree based on time spent there for parties/ballgames) but I am a native West Virginian. I have really enjoyed following WVU basketball for the past several years with the rise of the 1-3-1 zone defense and 3 point bombs, exciting stuff. Sorry to see John Beilein leave the "Mountain State."

Enter Bobby Huggins. I want to be perfectly clear: I'm not thrilled with this move by WVU. Although they didn't consult with me, surprising I know. Huggins is notorious for running a "thug" type program that features players with lots of skill and even more attitude. He has a win-at-all-costs persona and his coaching career has been tarnished with negative headlines and NCAA sanctions. But, he is a home-grown guy who is also a proven winner.

Huggins style of play does not match the current players on the Mountaineer roster. It might be messy in Morgantown in the coming months. I can say for certain, I will never be a Huggins fan. For now, this Mountaineer will take a wait and see. My guess is, Huggins will have players doing jail time before he ever takes WVU to the Final Four. Am I being negative? We shall see.

WVU NIT Champs!

OK, so it's not the "big" dance. Let's just call it the smaller, less popular dance. However, WVU has ended their season with a win over Clemson in the NIT championship game. Let's Goooooo Mountaineers! (some of you won't get that)

I was searching for an article in this mornings Louisville Courier-Journal (substitute "liberal rag" not worthy of a link) and finally on about page 6 of the sports section there it was, a small obscure paragraph touting the success of WVU in some insignificant tournament. Last time I checked both U of L and UK have been home for more than a week now. (Bitter, party of one)

Like I have said time and time again, when you are from West Virginia there is not much to cheer about. So, when our boys win, we like to talk about it. Even if the spotlight is a bit dimmer in NYC, the Mountaineers are in it.

Go Mountaineers!

WVU 38
GA Tech 35

Finally, a Gator Bowl victory.