End-of-Year issue 2014 by Sports Spectrum

KEVIN DURANT WINS NBA MVP

LAUREN HILL WINS PAT SUMMIT COURAGE AWARD

CLAYTON KERSHAW LAURYN WILLIAMS

SPORTS SPECTRUM’S

MALE & FEMALE ATHLETES of the YEAR

INSIDE: TIMELINE OF 2014 EVENTS FEATURING 30 IMPACTFUL ATHLETES, COACHES AND TEAMS

LOUIS ZAMPERINI LEAVES LEGACY

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MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Male Athlete of the Year: Clayton Kershaw Clayton Kershaw’s season was one of the most dominant in Major League Baseball history, but the opportunity God gave him off the field proved to be more impactful

os Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw’s 2014 season began in unexpected fashion. Before only his second start of the year, Kershaw began feeling some pain in his lower back and was forced to miss the next five weeks of the season. Kershaw, who led the National League in strikeouts in 2013 and was awarded the Cy Young that same year, was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his distinguished seven-year career—a career that, before this past season, had included two National League Cy Young awards (2011, 2013), three All-Star appearances and three consecutive seasons (2011-2013) of posting the lowest ERA in baseball. As Kershaw dealt with a serious injury for the first time in his Major League Baseball career, one could not help wonder: Would 2014 be the year where his seemingly annual success came to an end? Kershaw, however, responded in classic Kershaw fashion. Six weeks after his return to the Dodgers lineup, Kershaw pitched a complete game nohitter against the Colorado Rockies and struck out a career-high 15 batters. His success continued as the season progressed, and experts began to call his 2014 regular season pitching performance one of the best in recent Major League Baseball history. Throughout the season, it wasn’t uncommon to hear “MVP!” chants echoing throughout Dodger Stadium. Kershaw finished the season with a 21-3 record and a 1.77 ERA, leading the National League in virtually every pitching category, and finished third in the MLB in strikeouts despite missing more than a month of the season. The chants also rang true, and Kershaw was awarded the National League MVP along with his third NL Cy Young award, becoming the first NL pitcher to receive both honors since Bob Gibson in 1968. “When you see that ‘most valuable’ in front of something, to have people think you really mean that much to your team, it really is a huge honor for me,” Kershaw told MLB Network following the MVP announcement. “It’s one of the coolest things ever.” Kershaw’s historic response to a difficult start to the season along with his generous, charitable lifestyle is what earns him Sports Spectrum’s Male Athlete of the Year award, the third consecutive MLB player to receive the honor, following Andrew McCutchen and R.A. Dickey in 2013 and 2012, respectively. This past year, his and his wife Ellen’s foundation, Kershaw’s Challenge, partnered with four organizations to help reach people all over the world. One hundred percent of donations were distributed to these organizations, with each receiving 25 percent (CURE International for their help in providing surgeries for children in Zambia; Arise Africa to build another children’s home; Dream Center, which ministers to people in Los Angeles and Mercy Street, which is building a “Field of Dreams” Little League field in the inner-city of the Kershaw’s hometown of Dallas, Texas). “For me it’s about the legacy you leave off the field,” Kershaw said in an “I Am Second” video about his faith and how it inspires his family to give back. “We’re just doing the part that God gave us. You can’t think that we can change the whole country by ourselves, but God can.” - STEPHEN COPELAND SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

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FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Female Athlete of the Year: Lauryn Williams Lauryn Williams accomplished something no woman had ever done before, but the fame never caused her to lose a sense of God’s presence

ost people probably believed that track and field star Lauryn Williams’ final Olympic appearance would be the 2012 Games in London. Williams, a two-time Olympic medalist (silver medalist in the 100-meter dash, 2004 Athens; gold medalist in the 4 x 100-meter relay, 2012 London), had just turned 29 after the London Games and was nearing the end of her esteemed track and field career. On top of her two Olympic medals, she was also a fourtime medalist in the World Championships (silver medalist in the 100-meter dash, 2007 Osaka; gold medalist in the 4 x 100-meter relay, 2007 Osaka; gold medalist in the 4 x 100-meter relay, 2005 Helsinki; gold medalist in the 100-meter dash, 2005 Helsinki) and a three-time Olympian (2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing, 2012 London). In the process of hanging up her spikes, a chance encounter with fellow teammate, USA sprinter Lolo Jones, in an airport led to a conversation about joining the national bobsledding team. Jones, who was entering her second season as a bobsledder, convinced Williams to pursue becoming a “pusher” in bobsledding during the winter Olympics. A pusher’s role is to run while pushing a 400-pound sled for approximately 30 meters before jumping into the sled behind the driver and attempting to become as aerodynamic as possible for the duration of the race. In January 2014, both Jones and Williams qualified to become two of three pushers for the women’s United States bobsledding team. “The prospect of more than one medal [for the United States] is very strong,” Williams told Newswire in January. “The most important part will be energy and chemistry, just like in a [track] relay. We definitely have the talent now. The stars have to align and everyone has to be on game day.” In February 2014, Williams and teammate Elana Myers (pilot) earned a silver medal at the Sochi Olympic Games. In doing so, Williams became the first American woman and fifth athlete in Olympic history to medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. This unique feat in women’s history, along with her inspiring outlook on life, earns her Sports Spectrum’s Female Athlete of the Year. “I wake up every day and try to figure out how to make it a productive day that matters in the grand scheme of things,” says Williams in an exclusive interview with Sports Spectrum via email. “I never had becoming a significant part of American history on my list of things to do, but apparently God did and I am grateful for it!” Despite being one of the most decorated female athletes in American history, Williams has an identity that goes far beyond her many accomplishments, accolades and fame. “Even when I hear and see the Lord, I am still imperfect and must continue to humble myself before Him and seek wisdom from Him,” Williams says. “It’s funny because the accomplishment is just like a birthday—it’s really awesome in that moment, and then you wake up the next day and it is just another day. I think that what stands out about God’s plan is the importance of taking it one day at a time and making the most of it. The result of collective days in which you have done this could be historic.” In a year where Williams’ name was etched Olympic history, she says that she also learned a lot about herself. “He never leaves nor forsakes us is what rings true in my mind about this year,” Williams says. “There are plenty of sayings and Scriptures that we hear or repeat regularly without really feeling or understanding the meaning of them. (This year) I was aware of God’s presence in a way that I have never been.” - STEPHEN COPELAND C TMR ~U MD I~G IDMI A G IGM2A0G1 52 0 1 2 S P O RS PT SO RSTPSE CSTPRE U

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FEBRUARY 2, 2014

Seattle Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII title

he Seattle Seahawks weren’t just winners on the field during the Super Bowl, a surprisingly easy 43-8 victory against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, but many of Seattle’s players were winners off the field even before they started the season. Spurred on by long snapper Clint Gresham, several of Seattle’s players and coaches, including quarterback Russell Wilson, made a video during training camp before the season began called, “Making of a Champion: Seattle Seahawks.” “It was humbling (to make the DVD),” Gresham told Sports Spectrum during the week of the Super Bowl. “There were times during training camp that I wasn’t sure if we were going to go through with it...But it’s just a privilege to be used by Him. It seemed like such a big task, and trying to coordinate all of it was crazy. But God is faithful, man. If we honor Him and give Him the glory, He is faithful to bring us to a position to honor Him. “I’ve learned this year to lean on God’s promises. One of my favorite Bible verses talks about trusting in the Lord with all of your heart and leaning not on your own understanding. Even though our understanding can tell us one thing, God’s promises say something else. God calls us to trust His Word and trust what He has said about our lives to drive our experiences up to the level of what His Word says.” Seattle assistant coach Rocky Seto, a gentle man whose passion is to see people know Christ, elaborated more on the video, which had nearly 600,000 views in a little more than a year. “Think about how the Lord has positioned the spokespeople on our team,” Seto told Sports Spectrum during Super Bowl week before the big game. “Russell Wilson loves the Lord; (left tackle) Russell Okung loves the Lord; there are coaches who are on fire for Jesus. It’s tremendously encouraging...These brothers love the Lord, and ultimately living for Christ is more important than anything else. The Bible says that Jesus gives us every spiritual blessing. Jesus gives us every spiritual blessing. Think about that. Better than the Super Bowl. Any championship. Any fame. Any acclaim.” And they realized that before they won a title. That’s what makes them more than a champion.

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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FEBRUARY 12, 2014

Kelly Clark takes bronze in snowboarding at Sochi Olympics

elly Clark, who was coming off her her fifth Winter X-Games gold medal in women’s SuperPipe in January, won bronze in the Olympic Halfpipe. It was her third Olympic medal after winning gold in 2002 and bronze in 2010. Said Clark: “Just being able to pursue my dreams with God is something that’s part of the journey I’m on right now. It’s been a really fun adventure.”

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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FEBRUARY 18, 2014

David Wise wins gold at Sochi Olympics

avid Wise, who, along with his wife, Alexandra, runs the youth group at his church, was a three-time Winter X-Games gold medalist in the SuperPipe, and a freestyle skiing World Champion in the HalfPipe before the Sochi Olympics began. So winning wasn’t new to Wise, who took home gold in the HalfPipe at the XXII Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Said Wise: “Some of the ugliness of the world drew me away from God for a little while (as a teen), but that experience brought me back tenfold. Coming back was like Wow, now I can see for myself that this faith is worthwhile. It’s true; it’s real; it’s raw; it’s powerful.”

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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FEBRUARY 20, 2014

U.S. women’s ice hockey captures silver medal in Sochi Olympics

nne Schleper, who was playing in her first Olympics, and Gigi Marvin, who was in her second Olympic Games after playing in 2010, helped the U.S. women win the silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, making it the third time the U.S. had won silver (2002, 2010), and fifth time overall that they had won a medal (1998 gold, and 2006 bronze). “It’s encouraging and uplifting knowing that it’s not me,” Marvin told Athletes In Action. “Because I know who I am and I fail, I struggle, I freak out, I stress. But knowing that God came, and died, and took all that, and transformed my life, and gave me his heart, how can I not have a huge smile on my face and love competing? Everything He does is for my good, so I get to go and skate free of anxiety, free of stress, free of burden and simply live the life that He has called me to live.” “Any time you get in the athletic environment, it’s challenging as a Christian,” Schleper told Athletes In Action. “It’s easy to have an ‘it’s about me’ attitude. That’s why it’s important to be around other Christians who can lift you up and pray for you. It’s good to stay connected, and that’s where I’ve seen those Bible studies at camps be so huge. God is opening the eyes of teammates who I would never have thought would come. He’s building it into something bigger and better.”

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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APRIL 7, 2014

Connecticut men’s basketball wins national championship

fter Connecticut’s final home game during the 2013-14 season, a 69-63 win against Rutgers, UConn head coach Kevin Ollie told fans, “We want to win games and tournaments but the real goal is to have the best attitude in America. Tomorrow I’m going to church to thank God for blessing me and blessing this team.” A month later, UConn won the NCAA men’s basketball title, winning six straight games, including the first in overtime by eight points, and another one by five points and two more by six points. The title game victory was won 60-54 against perennial power, Kentucky, to help UConn finish 32-8. Ollie, a 14-year NBA veteran who played for 12 different teams, has always remained strong in his faith. “I just want to continue to do things that allow me to be in front of people and share my testimony and the gifts God has given me,” Ollie told FCA. “People have to see Christ in us, and I am trying to emphasize that with all of the people I meet. In the end, I want them to see me as an example of God—not only a role model, but a God model.”

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- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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APRIL 13, 2014

Bubba Watson wins Masters for a second time

ubba Watson beat Jonas Blixt and Jordan Spieth by three shots to win his second Masters in three years. He had his best year as a professional, winning the Northern Trust Open (Feb. 16), the Masters, and the World Golf Championships HSBC Champions (Nov. 9) tournaments. The three victories nearly doubled his career tournament victories, jumping from four to seven, including two majors. “Just because our plan is easier doesn’t mean anything because His plan is best,” Watson told Sports Spectrum before his first Masters win in 2012. “We may struggle, but what’s really a struggle when you know you are going to heaven? If I never won a golf tournament or if I never made the PGA Tour and still made it to heaven—that’s the most important thing.”

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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APRIL 21, 2014

Meb Keflezighi finishes first in Boston Marathon

year after the Boston Marathon bombings, Meb Keflezighi ran 2 hours, 8 minutes, 37 seconds over the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon course to become the first American male since 1983 to win the world’s oldest annual marathon. His victory, which came two weeks before his 39th birthday and made him the event’s oldest winner since 1930, coupled with his 2009 New York City Marathon win, made him the first American male in 31 years to win both of the prestigious races. The Boston win also earned him recognition from USA Track & Field, which named him the Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year on Nov. 17, and gave him the Inspirational Performance of the Year. For someone whose career could have been over seven years ago because of a stress fracture in his hip, Keflezighi has remained strong on the roads and in his faith. “You live and learn, in God’s time,” Keflezighi told Sports Spectrum during his comeback. “You can’t just sit on the couch. Whatever it takes, you have to work hard. There’s been a lot of doctors to help me get to my feet, but ultimately God is in control.”

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- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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MAY 6, 2014

Kevin Durant earns first NBA MVP

evin Durant earned his first NBA MVP award after leading the league in scoring with 32 points per game, while also averaging 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and helping the Thunder to the second-best record in the NBA behind the San Antonio Spurs. Durant also earned his fifth straight All-Star Game appearance. “In the Bible, the Lord exalts humility and that’s one thing I try to be all the time,” Durant told Sports Spectrum in a previous issue. “I’ve just got to be thankful to the Lord for the gifts He’s given me. My gift back to Him is to always be humble and to always try to work as hard as I can. I’ve got to continue to be that way.”

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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MAY 6, 2014

World champion boxer Jimmy Ellis passes away

nown more as a sparring partner for Muhummad Ali, and with fights against greats like Ali, Joe Frazier and Floyd Patterson, Jimmy Ellis (Feb. 24,1940 - May 6, 2014) was an accomplished boxer. He was a Golden Gloves champion, and he won the WBA Heavyweight title in 1968, while compiling a record of 40-12-1, including 24 knockouts. He retired in 1975 when he was 35 years old and remained close with Ali until Ellis passed away at the age of 74 in Louisville, Ky., from complications caused by his dementia. Ellis, born to Walter and Elizabeth Lewis in Louisville, was one of 10 children and his father was a Baptist pastor. Jimmy mowed the church lawn, was active in church all of his life, sang in the choir and even toured with a gospel group called “Jimmy Ellis and the Riverview Spiritual Singers” who recorded albums and were on national television. Howard Gosser, who managed music ventures and public appearances for Ellis after his retirement from boxing, told The (Louisville) Courier-Journal, “Jimmy was one of the greatest individuals ever. Morally, physically, you couldn’t ask for a better person. He was a very giving person and a Christian fellow.”

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- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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Photos courtesy of Northern State University Athletic Department and Lipscomb University Athletic Department

Coach Don Meyer at Northen State University and at Lipscomb (right) where he won a national title.

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MAY 18, 2014

College basketball coach Don Meyer leaves a legacy

on Meyer (Dec. 16, 1944 - May 18, 2014) is likely a name not familiar to most college basketball fans, but he was one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game. He retired as the winningest coach in college basketball history, compiling a record of 923 victories and 324 losses, a record that was later broken when legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski surpassed the mark in 2011. In 38 seasons, Meyer won an NAIA national title (1986) and had only four losing seasons; the first three were his first seasons at Hamline (1972-73), Lipscomb (1975-76) and Northern State (1999-2000) before he turned around each of those programs, and the last losing season was his final year of coaching, in 2009-10. Less than two years before he retired, on Sept. 5, 2008, Meyer was in an auto accident that nearly took his life. During emergency surgery to amputate his lower left leg, surgeons found inoperable cancer in his liver and intestines. He returned to coaching a few weeks after the surgery and nearly 10 months later he was given the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. He retired at the end of the following season because his cancer was getting worse. Meyer’s influence went beyond his small-college environment, with legendary UCLA coach John Wooden speaking at Meyers’ camps and legendary Tennessee women’s coach Pat Summit crediting Meyer with helping her when she began.

CLICK HERE to watch a tribute to Don Meyer...

“He taught me how to teach others how to play the game,” Summitt told ESPN. com. “When I started coaching at Tennessee, I was 22 years old. I had four players 21 that were seniors. And I never coached a day in my life. So did Coach Meyer help me? Tremendously.” In 2011, Meyer was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2012, he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. He received the John Bunn Award in 2012 from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for significant contributions to basketball, and the basketball courts at Lipscomb and at Northern State were named after him. The naming of the court by Lipscomb was the culmination of helping to heal emotional wounds caused by a bitter departure from Lipscomb after the 1999 season when Meyer and the school didn’t see eye-to-eye on the school’s jump from NAIA to NCAA Division I. “I think God has a purpose for you, and your lives take a different path sometimes,” Meyer told the Christian Chronicle. “I don’t understand why things happen the way they do, but down the road, you get a better idea. I think things turned out the way they were supposed to turn out. It’s been an opportunity for us to help both schools.” His life was such, that two books, Playing for Coach Meyer, and How Lucky You Can Be: The Story of Coach Don Meyer, were written about him. Also, an independent film, My Many Sons, is in production. - BRETT HONEYCUTT

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Courtesy of Vanderbilt University Communications department

JUNE 25, 2014

Vanderbilt wins College World Series title

or more than 100 years Va n d e r b i l t had gone without winning a men’s national championship in any sport. That changed in 2014 when the Commodores, who finished 51-21, won the College World Series by beating Virginia in a best-of-3 series. After holding off a Virginia rally in the first game to win 9-8, Vanderbilt lost the second game, 7-2. The third and deciding game was won in the eighth inning when John Norwood broke a 2-2 tie with a solo home run to give Vanderbilt a 3-2 lead, which they held through the ninth inning. Though Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin has brought the Commodores from SEC doormat to perennial national power since taking over the program in 2003 (the only losing season was his first at 2728), while also making 10 NCAA

regionals, five Super Regionals and two College World Series appearances, his faith is what drives him to see his players improve off the field just as much as on the field. Giving his players freedom to express their beliefs is key for Corbin, who sees the importance of having members of his squad lead the team in prayer before each game. Corbin also often has Lance Brown of Who U With Ministries to speak to the players. “We have kids down there that are tremendous kids,” Corbin told VUCommodores.com. “The faith part of it is they may have faith in their own little element. When it comes to group faith they might not want to join in. But that’s OK.”

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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to watch Vanderbilt celebrate their CWS victory... SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

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JULY 2, 2014

Olympian, WWII hero Louis Zamperini passes

movie about Italian immigrant, Olympian, and World War II hero Lois Zamperini (Jan. 26, 1917 - July 2, 2014) by famous actress Angelina Jolie brought Zamperini’s story to a worldwide audience this past Christmas. Add to that a documentary by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association this past Christmas, and three books, one a New York Times bestseller published in 2010, and it’s remarkable anyone would still be interested in his story nearly 60 years after he overcame seemingly insurmountable odds in nearly every aspect of his life. But his story is more about redemption, forgiveness and salvation, which appeals to nearly everyone. Zamperini was born Jan. 26, 1917, in Olean, New York, to Italian immigrants who spoke no English when they came to the United States. In 1934, as a 17-year-old, he set a world interscholastic mile record (4 minutes, 21.2 seconds), and two years later, as a 19-year-old at Southern Cal, he earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic track and field team by tying American record holder, Don Lash, in the 5,000 meters at the U.S. trials to become the youngest ever to make the team in that event. Zamperini ran in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, finishing eighth, and two years later set the collegiate mile record in 4:08. Less than seven years later, he was fighting in World War II, where he became a POW in one of the most notorious Japanese prison camps. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Prisoner of War Medal. But his life was defined, not by his athletic and

military achievements, but by his forgiving spirit. Whenever he had the chance, he spoke on forgiveness - even going and witnessing, after the war, to the very Japanese prison guards who severely beat him for two years. “I get so many letters from Christians,” said Zamperini in a story written by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 2011, “and some of them are having a tough time. I write back and share Scripture with them.” Zamperini, who became a Christian in 1949 at a Billy Graham Crusade in Los Angeles, described a letter he received from a man who had been fired from his job. “This man was a Christian and forgave everyone else in his life, but he had a hard time forgiving the boss who fired him. He hated the man. But then he read in Unbroken how I forgave the POW prison guard.” Now this man has not only forgiven his boss, he is praying for him.” Zamperini’s patience, forgiving spirit and resilience were molded by his faith and his experiences in running and war. “You learn perseverance in running,” Zamperini said in an interview with famed television journalist Tom Brokow, who was interviewing Zamperini before the movie, Unbroken, came out. “Right in the middle of almost giving up, you try again and again until you overcome. And that’s important in a war, too, the determination to come out first, to come out alive, to persevere, I think it’s important for everybody, don’t give up, don’t give in, there’s always an answer to everything.”

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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Photo courtesy of United States Olympic Committee

JULY 14, 2014

Olympian Alice Coachman passes away, leaves pioneering legacy

lice Coachman (Nov. 9, 1923 - July 14, 2014) was the queen of the high jump despite growing up poor, training barefoot in fields and on dirt roads and using outdated equipment, but she stood in the presence of a king who rewarded her after her highest athletic accomplishment. Coachman wasn’t only the first African American to win a gold medal, she was the first African American to earn an endorsement deal – when she became Coca-Cola’s spokesperson in 1952, four years after winning gold in London with a then-Olympic and American high jump record of 5-feet, 6 1/8 inches while nursing a back injury. Fittingly, King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II, gave the medal to Coachman, who won the only gold for American women that Olympic games. But Coachman was a star long before her Olympic gold and endorsement deal. She was a two-time NCAA 400-meter relay champion at Tuskegee University (1941, 1942), and from 1939 to 1948 she won 10 U.S. national high jump titles (including setting the national high school and college records), seven 50-meter titles, and three U.S. 100-meter titles. In between, she went to school at Tuskegee University and then graduated with a degree in education from Albany State in 1946.

If not for the cancellation of the Olympics in 1940 and 1944 because of World War II, Coachman would likely be a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Her accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed, though. She was inducted into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1975, she was honored as one of the 100 greatest Olympians in history during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and she was inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame in 2004. “Had she competed in those canceled Olympics, we would probably be talking about her as the No. 1 female athlete of all time,” wrote Eric Williams for the Black Athlete Sports Network. But her fame endured after the Olympics and endorsement deal. She began the Alice Coachman Track and Field Foundation, which helped young athletes and older or retired Olympians. It was a testament of who she was as a person and as an athlete, who relied on God immensely. “I’ve always believed that I could do whatever I set my mind to do,” she said in Essence in 1984. “I’ve had that strong will, that oneness of purpose, all my life. ... I just called upon myself and the Lord to let the best come through.” - BRETT HONEYCUTT

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JULY JULY27, 27,2014 2014

Bernard Langer wins British Senior Open en route to best season

aving arguably his best season as a senior player, Bernhard Langer, 57, won five tournaments (equaling his 2010 haul), including two majors (Senior Players Championship on June 29 and Senior British Open on July 27), while also winning four post-season awards and tacking on the PNC Father Son Challenge victory with his son, Jason. His two majors were won in stark contrast, with his Senior Players Championship win coming in a playoff and his Senior British Open victory coming by a record 13 strokes and a record 18-under par. He also won the Mitsubishi Electric Championship on Jan. 19, the Insperity Invitational on May 4 and the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open on Aug. 17. His postseason awards seemed numerous: Jack Nicklaus Trophy (Champions Tour Player of the Year) for the fourth time; Arnold Palmer Award (Champions Tour Money List winner) for the sixth time; Byron Nelson Award (Champions Tour lowest scoring average) for the third time; Charles Schwab Cup (most points on Champions Tour) for the first time. “Whatever I do, I want to do unto the Lord. Like Larry Moody told me, ‘Don’t play golf for anybody – play it like only one is watching – Him,” Langer told Sports Spectrum. “So when I keep that in mind, it puts golf in a different perspective. I am playing golf to please God with the gifts and talents He’s given me and as a platform so I can share something like this.”

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- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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AUGUST JULY 27,2,2014 2014

Derrick Brooks inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

ongtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks was never concerned with the awards he earned during his starstudded 14-year career. His main focus was spiritual. However, the awards kept coming and continued six years after he retired in 2008 with news that he would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With his induction, he will join fellow Hall of Famers Mike Singletary, Lawrence Taylor and the late Reggie White as the only four NFL players who have ever earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year, won a Super Bowl and been named to at least 10 consecutive Pro Bowls. When he heard that statistic, he told Sports Spectrum that he was humbled, but that his sights were set much higher. “The fraternity I want to be a part of...is in heaven,” said Brooks. “I tell people all the time these things are great, but the award I’m striving for is to spend eternity with God.” Besides his achievements on the field (11 Pro Bowl appearances, nine All-Pro selections, Super Bowl XXXVII victory, NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2002, Pro Bowl MVP in 2005), he was also recognized for setting his sights on things outside of the game, in 2000 and in 2003. He was honored with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (2000), which recognizes volunteer and charity work and excellence on the field, as well as the Bart Starr Man of the Year Award (2003), given to a player who exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. Today, while running his charity, he is also an NFL television and radio analyst, as well as part owner and team president of the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm.

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- BRETT HONEYCUTT

to watch a tribute video of Derrick Brooks... SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

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AUGUST JULY 27,2,2014 2014

Aeneas Williams inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

15-year NFL career with the Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams was fruitful for Aeneas Williams and culminated by being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Williams, who played cornerback and free safety from 1991-2004, was selected to eight Pro Bowls, six All-Pro teams, the NFL 1990’s All-Decade Team, the St. Louis Rams 10th Anniversary Team, and the Arizona Cardinals’ Ring of Honor, as well as being named the Bart Starr Man of the Year (1999) for exemplifying outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. But his life hasn’t been all about football, especially since he retired in 2004. An ordained minister, Williams, along with his wife, Tracy, started Spirit of the Lord Church in St. Louis in 2007 after sensing God’s leading to start a ministry. That aligned with what he told Sports Spectrum in the 2001 November/ December issue. “My biggest motivation is to please an invisible God who I can see all the time,” said Williams. “That sounds like a paradox, but my No. 1 motivation is to please God at all times.” Besides continuing to pastor the church today, and leading Bible studies in the St. Louis community for church and non-church members, Williams has a mentor-like role with younger players through the NFL’s Rookie Symposium. Williams has lived a life of honoring God as a player and now as a pastor, making the most of life’s opportunities that God has given him.

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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to watch highlights from Aeneas Williams’ career... SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

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AUGUST 21, 2014

Maya Moore of Minnesota Lynx named WNBA MVP

hough Maya Moore couldn’t lead the Minnesota Lynx to their fourth consecutive WNBA Finals appearance, she was awarded with the WNBA MVP after leading the league in scoring (23.9 points per game), earning her third All-Star Game appearance, and leading the Lynx to the WNBA’s second-best record and one victory away from making the Finals. “Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Colossians 3:23, New Living Translation) “(Colossians 3:23 is) kind of a centering point to bring you back when things are going up and down,” Moore says. “It’s great to be motivated by your coach, your teammates, your family. But when all else fails – you’re mad at your coach and your family didn’t come out to the game or you’re teammates are acting crazy – God is the highest motivation to want to play with integrity.” - BRETT HONEYCUTT

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OCTOBER 1, 2014

Mary Kom becomes first boxer from India to win Asian Games

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he is known as Magnificent Mary, and after a quick look at her resume there’s no doubt the nickname fits Hmangte Chungneijang Mary Kom. As a boxer, she has six World Amateur Championship medals (five gold, one silver), a 2012 Olympic bronze medal, five Asian Women’s Championship medals (four gold, one silver), and some of India’s highest honors (athletically and as a civilian). And there’s even a movie (Mary Kom, a Bollywood film released this past summer in India) and a book (Unbreakable, published in 2013) documenting her incredible life story. She was even named Yahoo! India’s first-ever Person of the Year in 2012. Yet she lacked one title that no female athlete from India had ever won – an Asian Games gold medal. Until she won it this past October, taking the Flyweight division (51 kilograms or 112.4 pounds) in Incheon, South Korea, by defeating Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekerbekova in the final. Kom’s boldness and dedication to her faith outside the ring equals her boldness and dedication of her faith inside the ring. Once, she wore a boxing gown that had “Jesus 100 percent” on it, and she changed her name to Mary Kom to identify with her Christian faith because Mary was the mother of Jesus. It was a name that was “...closest to her heart after Jesus.” wrote Yahoo! India, and she told Reader’s Digest India, “I wanted a name that was easier to pronounce and I chose Mary because it shows my faith as a Christian.” She understands, though, that God ultimately holds the outcome of anything she achieves, especially as she continues to prepare for the 2016 Rio Olympics. “I remember the story of David and Goliath,” she told Reader’s Digest India. “David is so small – how will he kill Goliath? I am small too. Manipur (where Mary lives) is a small state. If I pray and work hard, I too will win an Olympic gold, but that isn’t in my hands alone. It’s up to God. I will give it my best, whether that happens or not.” - BRETT HONEYCUTT

to watch a great, short documentary on Mary Kom... SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

Photo courtesy of Kyodo News International, Inc.

OCTOBER 1, 2014

Matt Murton wins Japanese Baseball Batting Champion

att Murton, a 2003 major league first round draft pick who played parts of five seasons with the Chicago Cubs, Oakland A’s and Colorado Rockies from 2005-2009, has thrived in Japan since going there in 2010. Playing for the Hanshin Tigers, he started off his Japanese Baseball career by breaking Ichiro Suzuki’s single-season hits record in 2010 with 214 hits, and this past season he won the overall batting crown after hitting .338 and helping Hanshin to the Japan Series, where they finished runner-up. “In 2008, I was really broken and I didn’t know if baseball was what I wanted to do anymore,” Murton says. “(God) puts you in a place consistently where He wants you to rely on Him...and that’s not always easy. Sometimes we want to see an answer to the reason why, but...He knew all along. He knew what He was doing. We have to say, ‘I know you’re at the helm,’ and we have to follow. I still have to check myself and say, ‘Wait a second,’ and ask, ‘Are you really following or are you trying to take control?’ We have to follow Him...If we take that step of faith, and walk, knowing He’s beside us, He gives us the strength to get through.” “I’m here to play baseball, but more importantly I’m here to honor Him. I want to be willing and available to be used how He wants. Sharing Christ is obviously a privilege to be able to speak about and also to share what Christ has done in my life.”

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- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

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SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

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OCTOBER 29, 2014

San Francisco Giants win World Series

he pitching of the San Francisco Giants during their World Series title chase was in the spotlight, especially the pitching of Madison Bumgarner. But pitching teammates Jake Peavy, Ryan Vogelsong, Tim Hudson and Jeremy Affeldt all factored in to the success of the Giants last season, as well. And each have appeared in Sports Spectrum. “The most important thing in my life is Jesus Christ,” Peavy told Sports Spectrum, who went 6-4 with a 2.17 ERA in the regular season and went 1-2 in the postseason. “I’m not ashamed to say it.” Said Vogelsong, who went 8-13 with a 4.00 ERA in the regular season and pitched in three games that the Giants won in the postseason: “Personally, I’m not really one to look inside the numbers and say I did this last year so I want to win so many this year. I just want to make myself a better person, a better Christian and a better baseball player on a daily basis.” Jeremy Affeldt was the only reliever of the foursome. He went 4-2 with a 2.28 ERA in the regular season and he went 2-0 in three games with an incredible 0.00 ERA in 11 2/3 innings in the postseason. His other no-decision ended up in a victory, as well. “I don’t want to be that standard athlete who has no idea what’s going on in the world,” Affeldt told Sports Spectrum. “If all I achieve in life is having a great family and career, I’m missing the boat in life. I wouldn’t feel like I could stand before Jesus and say I did what He called me to do. He has put on my heart that no man shall live for himself. “Jesus came to set the captives free. Humans shouldn’t be a product to be bought and sold. I can’t change the world, and I’m not the richest guy in the world, but I have the ability to bring awareness. I don’t want to walk by open doors.” Tim Hudson, who went 9-13 with a 3.57 ERA in the regular season, also factored into three victories in the postseason. It was his first World Series appearance and victory. “The one thing that’s always been a constant for me is Jesus Christ and my faith and just knowing that my walk with Christ is steadily going up,” he told CBN. “I’m not where I want to be by any means, I don’t think anybody is...you just need to be a beacon of light and shine on people.” And all four seem to be doing that.

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

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NOVEMBER 3, 2014

Lauren Hill wins Pat Summit Courage Award, inspires thousands

n front of 10,250 spectators at Xavier University’s sold-out Cintas Center, terminally ill Lauren Hill played her first collegiate basketball game – two weeks before it was scheduled because she wasn’t expected to be in a condition to play later because of her condition. Hill, who has Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an inoperable form of brain cancer, scored the first and final points of the game, a 66-55 Mount St. Joseph victory against Hiram College, and she received the Pat Summit Courage Award from the legendary Summit. The annual award is usually given after the season, but because Hill likely wouldn’t survive until then, an exception was made to give it to her in November. Her efforts helped raise nearly $1 million for pediatric cancer research. “One January night (in 2014) I was kind of having a meltdown,” said Hill in a video on Cincinnati.com. “I was praying, and I asked God if I could do anything. I didn’t know what He sent me here for. Whatever you sent me here for, I’m ready to do.”

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- BRETT HONEYCUTT

to watch Lauren Hill play her first college game and receive the Pat Summit Courage Award...

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NOVEMBER 3, 2014

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks win Japan Series

he Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks won the 65th Japan Series, their second title in four years, but the victory had a slight American flare to it as former major leaguer Dennis Sarfate earned a save in Game 2 to even the series 1-1, the win in Game 4 and another save in Game 5 to help clinch the franchise’s sixth title. Although Sarfate may not be well known to Major League Baseball fans, the former major leaguer who spent four seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles from 20062009, has revived his career in Japan since going there in 2011. Before leading the Hawks to the Series title, he was the league’s best reliever, posting 37 saves, a 1.05 ERA, a 7-1 record and 96 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings. Nothing, though, could compare to what happened later, though. “What an experience I had recently. I was baptized and gave my life to the Lord! #GodisGood #merryChristmas@apologia” he tweeted on Dec. 21. And then, he tweeted this on Dec. 24: “Presents are all wrapped. Merry Christmas everyone. Praise Jesus for He is the reason for today.”

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

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NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Giants legend Alvin Dark, who won World Series as aplayer and manager passes away

nly 20 people have ever won a World Series as a player and again as a manager. Alvin Dark (Jan. 7, 1922 - Nov. 13, 2014) was one of them. He also accomplished a lot more throughout his life. In 1951, he helped lead the then-New York Giants to their first pennant since 1937; and in 1954, he led them to their first World Series title since 1933. His time with the Giants (1950-1956) were some of the best seasons of his 14-year career, as he was named to the All-Star team three times (1951, 1952, 1954). He was one of the top three shortstops in the decade that followed World War II and was part of what is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of New York baseball. He also helped the Giants win another National League pennant in his second year as a manager in 1962, the Giants’ fifth season in San Francisco, but lost in seven games to the New York Yankees. Overall, Dark played on six teams in 14 years and managed teams on five other occasions during a 13year span (while also managing the National League All-Star team in 1963 and the American League AllStar team in 1975). He was named Rookie of the Year in 1948 when he helped the Boston Braves capture their first pennant in 34 years, and he had a careerbatting average of .289 with 2,089 hits. In 1974, he won his second World Series title when he took over the managerial role of the Oakland A’s and guided them to their third straight championship. Following Dark’s death, many tributes mentioned the racial controversy that stemmed from comments he gave Newsday columnist Stan Isaacs in 1964. Dark said he was misquoted, and Jackie Robinson, the first African American in Major League Baseball, rushed to his defense saying, “I have found Dark to be a gentleman and, above all, unbiased. Our relationship

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has not only been on the ballfield but off it.” Dark experienced more controversy later that season when it was revealed that Dark, who was married with four children, was having an affair with Jackie Rockwood, whom he would later marry. Dark, who was vocal about his faith throughout his entire career, rededicated his life to Christ seven years after his affair, attempting to get his life back on track after he was fired mid-season as the coach of the Cleveland Indians. Three seasons passed, and he was eventually hired by Oakland in 1974, where Dark won a World Series in his first season at the helm. “We promised the Lord we would serve him whether we went back into baseball or not,” Dark was quoted saying on thechristianviewmagazine.com. “God put us back into baseball, and, because of our commitment to Him, we started studying the Bible more. This is when my life changed, when I realized that the only thing that matters is what we do for the Lord. We promised the Lord that, if we went back into baseball, we would do the best job we could do in baseball, because, when you become a Christian, and you accept Christ as your personal Savior, you represent Him in everything you do. Because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean that you don’t care about winning. You want to win more, because you represent Christ. I took back into baseball all of the things I learned in God’s Word. There are a lot of things we don’t understand, but we appreciate everything that God has in His Book to help us live the Christian life.” The Dark’s Alvin Dark Foundation and their annual Alvin Dark Foundation Golf Tournament helps raise money for Christian ministries. Both he and his wife were sought after to speak at churches and ministries across the country. - BRETT HONEYCUTT

to watch a tribute to Alvin Dark...

SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

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NOVEMBER 25, 2014

Tight end Benjamin Watson’s Facebook post goes viral Below is the Facebook post written by Benjamin Watson that garnered national attention. Watson wrote the post while sitting in his car in a Target parking lot in New Orleans on Nov. 25 and contemplating the events and racial strife in Ferguson, Mo. and in the U.S.

t some point while I was playing or preparing to play Monday Night Football, the news broke about the Ferguson Decision. After trying to figure out how I felt, I decided to write it down. Here are my thoughts: I’M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes. I’M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios. I’M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I’m a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a “threat” to those who don’t know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt. I’M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment. I’M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day. I’M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn’t there so I don’t know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point. I’M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I’ve seen that are not only

insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others. I’M CONFUSED, because I don’t know why it’s so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don’t know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace. I’M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take “our” side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it’s us against them. Sometimes I’m just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that’s not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That’s not right. I’M HOPELESS, because I’ve lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I’m not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails. I’M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it’s a beautiful thing. I’M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I’M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that’s capable of looking past the outward and seeing what’s truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It’s the Gospel. So, finally, I’M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope. SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

SPORTS SPECTRUM ~ DIGIMAG 2015

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DECEMBER 7, 2014

L.A. Galaxy win third MLS Cup in four years

ed by Gyasi Zardes’ goal and later an assist by Marcelo Sarvas in extra time, the L.A. Galaxy beat the New England Revolution, 2-1, and celebrated their third MLS Cup in four years, and fifth since winning their first in 2002, in front of a home crowd of 27,000 at sold-out StubHub Center. Both are leaders on and off the field. Sarvas is an open book on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, writing “I Belong to God Joshua 1:9” on his Twitter bio and sharing posts on where he goes to church, sermons by his pastor, Scripture, mission trips and much more. Zardes, who regularly posts “All Glory to God” whether his team wins or loses, told ESPNFC in November, “I’m a believer in Jesus Christ, and I try to keep him at the center of my life. Be humble and just serve a purpose with my life.”

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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Photo courtesy of Tim Davin Appalachian State Creative Services

DECEMBER 9, 2014

Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore inducted into College Football Hall of Fame

ost college football fans will forever remember Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore for leading his team to one of the biggest upsets in college football history, a 34-32 road victory against No. 5 ranked Michigan in 2007. But Moore accomplished more than just one signature win. Among his achievements, he led the Mountaineers to three consecutive FCS Division I national championships (2005-2007), the first time that had ever happened at that level, and he compiled 242 victories to become the Southern Conference’s and Appalachian State’s all-time winningest coach. And on Dec. 9, 2014, he earned the biggest honor of any college football coach or player by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. But all of the accomplishments pale in comparison to how he feels about his faith. “I can tell you right off the bat, I couldn’t deal with the things I deal with every day, without starting my day (with daily devotions),” Moore told Sports Spectrum. “I don’t even look at the headlines of the paper. I don’t want anything to distract me in those first moments of the day. It’s amazing the things I read day-to-day, like it’s planned. Something I read in the morning, gets me through the day.”

- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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Photo courtesy of TCU Media Relations

DECEMBER 9, 2014

Former TCU legend LaDainian Tomlinson inducted into College Football Hall of Fame

ormer college and NFL great LaDainian Tomlinson became the 11th TCU player since 1951 to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Tomlinson’s college football accomplishments are legendary. His singlegame rushing mark of 406 yards in 1999 stood for 15 years until it was broken this season by Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon (408 yards on Nov. 15) and a week later by Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine (427 yards). Tomlinson, who is now an analyst for the NFL Network, left TCU as fourth in NCAA Division I in single-season rushing (2,158 yards, now seventh), seventh in career rushing (5,387 yards, now ninth) and ninth in career rushing touchdowns (56, now tied for 16th), while also earning All-American, being named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year twice, and leading his team to two WAC titles and three bowl appearances. After being taken fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, he played for 11 seasons with San Diego and the New York Jets. He had a record-setting career while also earning NFL MVP, the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, Bart Starr Man of the Year award, and All-Pro four times. After he accepted Christ, Tomlinson has tried to live by the words of Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, from him shall more be required.” “The more success I have and the more the Lord gives me, I feel the more He requires something from me,” he told Sports Spectrum in 2009. “My faith and understanding the bigger picture,” he told Sports Spectrum in 2009 in a story on how he grew up and handled success. “That’s why nothing gets me overwhelmed or excited or makes me want to change.” - BRETT HONEYCUTT

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Photo courtesy of University of Oregon Athletic Communications

DECEMBER 13, 2014

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota wins Heisman Trophy

niversity of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota had seemingly won the Heisman Trophy before the season had finished, despite last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, Florida State’s Jameis Winston, playing this year. Mariota’s season was just that good, and just that compelling to voters. While leading the Ducks to a 12-1 record, a PAC-12 Championship, and a No. 2 seed in the inaugural College Football Playoffs, he passed for 3,783 yards and 38 touchdowns, while also rushing for 669 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also added a 26-yard receiving touchdown to his haul, his only catch this season. “Going ‘all in’ for God is glorifying Him with the abilities He’s given us and shining our light for Him,” Mariota told FCA. “I think as an athlete when you’re able to go out there and have the abilities that the Lord has blessed you with, you want to glorify Him.”

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- BRETT HONEYCUTT

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