2006 septemberoctober by Sports Spectrum

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SEPTEMBER 2006! Not what you think, more than you expect!

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Proving Grounds A closer look at two NFL rookies, Brodie Croyle and Jason Hunter, who are getting their first taste of NFL life and a golden opportunity BY TED KLUCK Magazine subscription Info $27.52, six issues; S36.00 outside USA

Forging Ahead Buoyed by a Super Bowl win and a strong resolve of faithfulness , Antwaan Randle El and Jeff Hartings look tO th e future BY DAN PASQUALE

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So Far, So Good Surprises abounded for So Taguchi when he left Japan to play in the majo rs-including a huge spiritual transformation BY DAVID AUSTIN

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,.I'm Not Done,. He's set records, won awards, and been in the Super Bowl, but Shaun Alexander still has plenty of work to do in Seattle ... and in Florence BY GAIL wooD

COVER PHOTO: Tom OIPace INSET PHOTOS (from top): All from Geffy Images: Paul Spinelli; Tim Umphrey; David Stluka; Elsa; Andrew Redington

40 Gado's Motto You thought you knew the Samkon Gado story, but unless you know about the role of grace in his life, the story's incomplete BY MARK HUTCHINSON

Volume 20, Number 6 September·Oclober 2006 SPORTS SPECTRUM MAGAZINE

A product of Sports Spectrum Publishing, Inc.

Captain Courageous Tom Lehman is eager to lead the American golf troops into battle against the Europeans at the Ryder Cup BY ART STRICKLIN

PUBLISHER Robert B. Walker publisher@sportsspectrum.com MANAGING EDITOR Dave Branon edilor@sportsspeclrum.com ART DIRECTOR Steve Gier graphics@sportsspectrum.com GRAPHIC ARTIST laurie Nelson DIRECTOR of ADVERTISING Jocelyn Godfrey

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Power Up! pull-out devotional guide. The Sports Spectrum athlete contributors for this edition are selected writers from the Power Up sports devotional book

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Sports Spe<lnJm magazine seeks to t;ghlight Christian ol sports and levels to help motivate. encouragt, and Inspire people in their faith thrOUQh the exciting and WO<Id ol sports. Printed in USA. Copyright 0 2006 by Sports Spectrum PubliShing, Inc. Bible quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken !rom the HOLY BIBLE,

NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright C 1973. 1978. 1984, International Brble SOciety. Used by permission of Zondetvan Bible Publishers.

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NFL 2006: More Surprises on the Horizon?

Is Pittsburgh building a dynasty? Can Seattle do it again? How good will Miami be? Is Indy's window still open? Can a new team climb to the top? BY ROB BENTZ

Heart and Soul Lonise Bias won 't stop fighting drugs BY VICTOR LEE

Sports Outreach in Focus Synergy Sports BY RICK WEBER

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Focal Point With Nate Robertson Countdown It's a ll about the numbers

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Up Next! Sam Hollenbach, Danny Woodhead, Grace Kelly, Cam Speer BY JIM GIBBS Staying Well BY TRISH BEARDEN The Biz BY DALE GIBSON Training Table BY MIKE SANDLIN Body Language BY CHIP SIGMON

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Pro and Con BY TED KLUCK AND ALLEN PALMERI

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The Big Picture-So Taguchi Legends: Brett Butler BY RICHARD DAIGLE Straight Talk- with Chris Reitsma SPORTS SPECTRUM • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2006

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Six things you didn't /mow about Brad Lidge, pitche1; - . - • Houston Ash-os. {WITH HELP FROM JOSH COOLEY.) 0 Spiritual accountability partners: "There are a handful of guys I feel I ca n talk to. Andy Pettitte and Lance Berkman are guys I always fee l [comfo rtable with]. I've known Lance since Day 1. Morgan Ensberg and Adam Everett too. When you have guys who are veterans, they say, 'If you ever need to talk, just talk to us: " 8 Good sport for daughter, Avery, when she gets older: "''d have to go with golf because then I could get in a game. She'd spoil me if she was good at it." 0 Favorite spiritual enrichment activity: "One thing I love is that Lance Berkman and I have debates on the Bible. I love world history, and Lance has a great background of Bible history. We

actually sit next to each other on the plane. I talk all the time about certain events and what t hey mean spiritually with Lance and reflect on what they mean and why t hey're there." 0 Least favorite hitter: ''I'll have to go with Todd Helton of the Rockies. I'm a guy who likes to take advantage of hitters' mistakes, and he doesn't make a whole lot." 9 Helpful Christian book: "Lee Strobel's The Case far Faith and The Case far Christ. I think both of those are exceptionally strong. I like some of the classics like Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis." 0 Favorite Christian song: "Lance just gave me 'Be Thou My Vision' on the CD Hymns by 4Him. That's not the type of music I'm listening to when I'm runnin g out to pitch."

Five baseball players ft-om Christian colleges who were • • • piclled in the 2006 Major League Baseball draft. 0 Ben Jukich, pitcher, Oakland 1\s, 13th round; Dakota Wesleya n (Mitchell, SD). 8 Kevin Fox, pitcher, Houston Astros; 15th round; Biola, (Los Angeles, CA). 0 Garet Hill, pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies, 24th round; Biola. 0 David Wasylak, pitcher, Chicago White Sox, 26th round; Lubbock Christian (Lubbock, TX). 9 Aaron Hartsock, pitcher, Kansas City Royals, 23rd round; California Baptist (Riverside, CA).

IUCIUNG BACII: Three Clwistian NFL llicllers who have been booting • • • field goals for the same team since the early 1990s. MATT STOVER, Cleveland Browns-Baltimore Ravens 1991-2006 Matt was with t he NY Giants in 1990 but didn't see any action 8 JASON HANSON, Detroit Lions 1992-2006 0

TOP OF THEIR GAME Four top Christian sports people who've won major sports awards in the past year. 0

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ALBERT PUJOL$, St. Louis Cardinals, NL MVP, 2005 SHAUN ALEXANDER, Seattle Seahawks, NFL MVP, 2005 LOVIE SMITH, Chicago Bears, NFL Coach of the Year, 2005 CHRIS PAUL, New Orleans Hornets, NBA Rookie of the Year, 2006

SPO RT S SPECT RUM • SE PTE MB ER·OCTOBER 2006

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..-----(Y:! Up Close • MEANTFOREACHOTHER Two former Minnesota Golden Gopher Christian llillilllilllll athletes who m ·e doing quite well after college. 0 BEN UTECHT, football. Plays tight end for the India napolis Colts. 8 KARYN STORDAHL, golf. Academic All-Big 10 2002, 2003; MVP, 2003. Named Miss Minnesota in 2005 and competed in the Miss America Pageant in January 2006. Talent Contest winner. Oh, by the way, Ben and Karyn were married on July 15. ,. Two-sport famlly. Ben Is In his third season with the Colts. Karyn will compete this fall In the Golf Channel's Big Break VI. Inset: At the Miss America Pageant.

THE QUEST One question you may have wondered about. "Is your

lliiiiiiiiiiiil• family allowed to attend your games witlwut being hassled by peofJle around them, or are there occasional problems?" "No, we usually don't have a problem. The only thing my family runs into is when the fans around them don't know that they're a players family and they boo and say a lot of bad stuff about the player. That's really the only thing."

-MATT DIAZ, OUTFIELDER, ATLANTA BRAVES

Lorilee

• In the 2002 Olympics, snowboarder Kelly Clark won the gold medal in the halfpipe. Yet between those Games and the 2006 Games, she found herself at the bottom of the mountain figuratively. She talks to Lori lee Craker about a transformation in her life-and about the routine that she tried but failed to nail in Torino. Lori lee: A few years ago, you hit rock bottom, yet on the outside things were going great with snowboarding. Why do you think you sank so low? Kelly: The Lord was getting me to a place where I could see Him. It was hard, but I needed to get t here. I was famous, at the top of my sport, with money and success. But I wasn't happy. I kept thinking, What else is there? Lorilee: What did you overhear at the bottom of the pipe that day which gave you a shred of hope? Kelly: This was 2 lj2 years ago. I had just won my first competition of the year, but I was pretty much at rock bottom. If I woke up the next day, I thought, wou ld anyone care? This girl came down the pipe and was crying because she had fallen. Her friend said, "Don't worry, God still loves you." It pierced my heart. I wanted to be loved. I wanted to qualify for God's love. I went back to my hotel room and found a King James Bible, but I couldn't figure it out. So I knocked on this gi rl's door, the one who had said to her friend that God loved her, and I asked her to tell me about God. She said He loved me and created i me for a relationship with Hi m. It S just wrecked me. • Going for it. Halfplpe finals, Torino. Lori lee: How did you come to accept Jesus as your Savior soon afterward? Kelly: It took me a little while. I got scared. In my sport, image is everything . What would my family thin k-and the other people in snowboarding? My conditioning coach at the time was a Christian, and he gave me a copy of The Purpose-Driven Life. God spoke to me through His Word. Then another friend gave me a copy of a devotional book, and I read t hese ra d testimonies of these rad women. Soon after, I was in Mammoth, and a friend asked me if I had made a commitment to Ch rist yet. I hadn't, and I had to ask myself why. Could I turn my back on God then? No. Could I live without Him after all I knew about Him now? No. So I welcomed Him into my life that day. Lorilee: Who do you admire most in snowboarding? Kelly: Shannon Du nn-Downing (Sports Spectrum, January-February 2006; January-February 2002). When I was growing up, aspiring to be a snowboarder, I admired her so much, and when I became a Christian, I admired her even more because of how she lived her life.

• Matt Olaz has found a baseball home among the fans In Atlanta. WEB SITE: www.S portsSp ec trum.com

Lorilee: Do you regret attempting the 900 (a jump with two-anda-half rotations) in the Torino Games, which some critics say moved you beyond the medals? Kelly: No, not at all. I had planned the 900 before the run, and I wanted to leave those Games without regretting anything. If I had just do ne the 700, I may have medaled, but I would have always wondered if I could have won with t he 900. It was the best run of my life, even though I fell on the 900. SPOR TS SPEC TRU M - SEPTEMBER-O CTOBER 2006

Heart and Soul •

Victor Lee

Stones ol wanntb aad love fl'onl the wodd of apoata

Mama on a Mission • It was a Mama-sized hug, an embrace deep to the soul.

It's been 19 years, but my heart remembers it as if it were yesterday. Lonise Bias was standing in a gym full of middle-schoolers in Rockville, Maryland. She had just spoken hard truth with tender strength. She had warned "you beautiful babies," as she constantly referred to the children, against drugs, alcohol, premarital sex, and

couldn't have risen from that bedroom. "I got back up, and I've been up ever since," she says. "At Jay's funeral, over 700 people gave their lives to Christ. "My belief in Christ has strengthened me for this mission," she says. "I'm a firm believ-

sacrifices we can make is to make ourselves a thread of love in someone else's life at a time that they need it." I once told Darrell Scott, father of Columbine victim Rachel Scott, that I believed that if Satan had it to do all

peer pressure. Rather than feeling lectured, they felt loved, because she used her heart as much as her head. When the kids were supposed to dismiss for class, they lined up to get a hug instead. I was a reporter for The Palm Beach Post. I had talked my way into the gym to hear her. What I got was a lesson in how to raise my own kids. Then I decided to get in line and get a hug too. In case you're too young to remember: Len Bias was the second overall pick of the Boston • Hugs and handshakes. Lonise Bias offers up hugs and wisdom as she tries to bring good out of Celtics in the 1986 NBA draft. A the death of her son Len, who died soon after shaking hands with David Stern as a No. 2 draft pick. clean-cut kid from a good famiand -one-half years later, another er they died so others may live." over again, there wouldn't have ly, Len got carried away with been a tragedy at Columbine. of the Bias' four children, Jay. When I spoke with Mrs. Bias partying after the draft. He did would be murdered. Too much good had come of it. a few weeks ago, I told her the cocaine-many suspect for the Satan's plan had backfired. "When Jay died, I story of how I was touched by first time. He died. I believe the same about Len was very angry with her speech as a young man, and Six months earlier, God," Lonise Bias told me how I wrangled an interview and Jay Bias. What Satan meant Lonise Bias had spent days for evil, God used for good (see recently, during the week she'd earlier declined-by in despair over a dream Genesis 50:20). The strength of of the 20th anniversary phone-by getting in line to get she had. Hers was a family of Len's death. "When God has poured through Lonise a hug. I told her how she had of deep faith in God. "God Bias and her husband James, I stood in that waiting graciously stood in the hallway . had prepared me 6 months room-the same room who works tirelessly for gunof that school for 15 minutesin advance, telling me BIAS . in the same hospital where control laws. Twenty years after while 17-year-old Jay leaned there would be a death in my drugs stole her son, she remains family," she told me 19 years ago. they told me Len was gone-and against a locker nearby waiting active as a speaker to young , . heard my daughter say, 'Jay is for us to finish-and poured out "Because I'm a born-again people and parents about dangone; I took my fist and put it her heart. She laughed, applaudbeliever, God started preparing gers in our culture. God is into a wall. I trashed that room. ed my ingenuity, and answered me from that day to the day of speaking loud and clear through I went home, and many people one last question: What do you Len's death for .the strength I gathered. I told them to get tell Christians who suffer tragedy, the heart and mind of a mother would have right now." out. I stayed in my bedroom whose heart was broken, then especially the loss of a child? God doesn't usually mask the rebuilt to many times its origi"First of all," she said, "if the pain of our earthly losses, but He by myself for 3 days." Emotionally and spiritually child is in Christ, there's no loss. nal strength. does turn that pain into power dead. Buried. And on she goes, continuing When you lose something, you when we let Him. Mama Bias- a to tell "those beautiful babies" Then revived! Yes, resurrectdon't know where to find it. throwback to an era when momed. No, it's not an illustration her story. 0 You know where to find a child mas didn't have to earn respect that cheapens The Resurrection. who has died in Christ. But by being anything other than Veteran sportswn'ter Victor Lee here's what I will say further: loving, nurturing guides for their Jesus does in man's heart what lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. The love that person has for a children-couldn't imagine when He did from the grave- turns death to life! If He hadn't risen Comment on this article at child-someone is waiting on she said those words how much from the grave, Lonise Bias victorlee@victorlee.org. that love. One of the greatest strength she would need. Three8

SPORTS SPEC TRU H , SEPTEHBER·OCTOBER 20 06

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:l Aclion Points October 31 • Get Serious:What pain have you suf{ered7 Have you received God's com{orf7 Are you willing to pass that comfort along to someone else? • Go Deep: Read 2 Corinthians 1:3- 11.

He a

Mama on; • It was a Mama-sized hu It's been 19 years, but mJ day. Lonise Bias was standi Rockville, Maryland. She strength. She had warned "j referred to the children, ag, peer pressure. Rather than f ing lectured, they felt loved because she used her heart much as her head. When th1 kids were supposed to for class, they lined up to g a hug instead. I was a reporter for The \ Beach Post. I had talked my into the gym to hear her. W got was a lesson in how to 1 my own kids. Then I decide get in line and get a hug tol In case you're too young remember: Len Bias was thl ond overall pick of the Bost Celtics in the 1986 NBA dra clean-cut kid from a good fc ly, Len got carried away wit partying after the draft. He cocaine- many suspect for first time. He died. Six months earlier, Lonise Bias had spent days in despair over a dream she had. Hers was a family of deep faith in God. "God had prepared me 6 months in advance, telling me there would be a death in family," she told me 19 years "Because I'm a born-again believer, God started prepari me from that day to the Len's death for the strength would have right now." God doesn't usually mask pain of our earthly losses, b1 does turn that pain into pov when we let Him. Mama Bia: throwback to an era when rr mas didn't have to earn resp by being anything other tha loving, nurturing guides for children-couldn't imagine 1 she said those words how m1 strength she would need. Th

SPORTS SPECTRUM • SEPTEMBER-

OCTOBER Jl '(God] comforts us ... . so we can comfort those in any trouble: 2 COR. 1:4

TRIALS, PART 4: COMFORT IN THE PAIN • In 1985 my wife and I traveled to Washington DC, to speak at a large youth conference: DC 85. As we went. we were aware that she was carrying a third member of our family-a baby no one else knew about. After almost 9 years of marriage and ministry we were pregnant with a child the doctors said would be the only child we would ever have outside of adoption. We told our high school youth group about our joy. You should have seen the joyous pandemonium that followed our announcement' Abraham and Sarah had done it again. That Friday evening. while Chuck Colson was speaking, I slipped out of the building with my wife. We took a taxi to Georgetown Medical center where we cried though a miscarriage. The joy of a few nights earlier changed to tears and silence. Why, God7 After we returned to Spokane and the news spread at church regarding our loss. many women began approaching my wife regarding their own pain. Our pain has become the gain for many others, which is exactly what 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 declares is God's ultimate plan for our trials. · Why does God comfort us through our times of trial and testing? God allows us to go through times of trial so we gain the privilege of helping others-others going through the same type of pain, falsely believing they are all alone and God is silent. Trials. rather than indicating God has forgotten us. are His promise that we are still figuring into His plans. There is something else. About 6 months later. we found out we were going to have a baby. On September 27. 1986. Gail gave birth to jonathan David Payne. In june. he completed his first year of college. God is still on His throne. -KARL PAYNE. cHAPLAIN. SEA mE SEAHAWKS. PASTOR OF LfADfRSHIP DEVELOPMENT. ANTIOCH BIBLE CHURCH

Fast Fact:The senior pastor of Antioch Bible Church is former NFL player Ken Hutcherson.

Power Up! is published by the creators of Sports Spectrum magazine and is designed to help its readers understand the gospel of jesus Christ and grow in their faith in Him. Managing Editor. Oaue Branon Graphic Design: Steve Gier Contributing Writers: Rob BenU:, freelance writer: Dan Deal, radio producer. RBC Ministries: Tom Felten, Web Content Manager; RBC Ministries: Molly GreU:inger, freelance writer; Tim Gwtafson, managing editor. Our Daily Bread: Brian Hettinga, host. producer. Discover the Word: jeff Olson, Biblical Counstling. RBC Ministries: Roxanne Robbins, freelance writer: Karl Payne, Chaplain. Seattle Stahawks

-----------------------------------------------------Weekend articles: Eric jones, freelance writer; Crystal Rhodes, freelance writer: Brooke Thompson, freelance writer: Kelly Moore, marketing director. Sports Spectrum: Robert Walker, publisher. Sports Spectrum: Alex Warner, creatiue director. Sports Spectrum

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Sports Outreach in Focus • Bu Rick Weber

ennie Phillips fashions himself as an accomplished fisherman, or at least an avid one. For the 43-year-old from Midlothian, Texas, fishing is more than a sport. It is the vehicle he used to transform his life. After Phillips suffered a brain injury in a gas-pipeline explosion in Houston in 1997-and being clinically dead twice-he couldn't speak or feed himself. In the years that followed, he used fishing as a way to relearn those motor skills. The act of casting helped to teach him to bring food to his mouth again. He cherishes any opportunity to drop a line in the water, which is why he was so excited to be one of four disabled people chosen to participate in "Fishing with Friends" at the Texas Outdoor Expo on Lake Grapevine in Grapevine, Texas, May 6-7. The event was a wish-grant program sponsored by Synergy Sports, a division of Synergy (see www.synergybusiness.net), in conjunction with Joni and Friends, an international non-profit ministry dedicated to helping people affected by disabilities. Phillips just had no idea he'd be out-dueled by a 65-pound, 12-year-old girl who had never before caught a fish. Out on the lake, Phillips' boat passed the pontoon driven by pro angler Wesley Burnett. He saw Becca Tuohy, born with spina bifida, proudly holding a 16-pound drum as high as her arms would allow. Phillips had caught two puny catfish that he had quickly returned to the water. Having bantered with Tuohy before they went out, he knew he hadn't heard the end of it. "I said, 'Oh, my goodness; " Phillips says. "She didn't let me alone from that point on. She said, 'Oh, Mr. Bennie, you aren't the Fishing King anymore. Wait till I get to camp. I1l tell everybody: I said, 'Girl. you'd better not: " Tuohy, of Waxahachie, Texas, went to school the following week and told her friends and teachers the whole story: how she reeled in what seemed like Moby Dick with the help of Burnett; how Burnett rested her in his lap, placed her hands on the steering wheel and let her guide the 18-foot Lowe Suncruiser almost all the way back to the dock; how she would never forget the weekend. "It was really hard catching the fish," she says. "I was really happy. I want to do it again. It was fun going out on the big boat." "She came home sunburned, with a smile," says her mother, Dian. "That's one of those times

when she can be like everybody else. She needs things like that. Sometimes it's very difficult for her to compete in a significant way with other kids or to shine like the other kids tend to shine. Instead of her disability being what people talk about or think about, this time it could be about the fishing. She caught this big fish, just like her friends at school do. It was a wonderful confidence booster for her." For Phillips too. The organizers were planning to put him on the pontoon with Becca because he is confined to a heavy motorized wheelchair, but he threw back that suggestion. He wanted to go on what he called the "Mercedes on water"- the Ranger 520-with pro angler David Meeks. So they carried him to the boat and took off, with Meeks gunning the Yamaha 225 hp engine to get them cruising at 70 mph. "The presence of God was there the r.rhole day," Phillips says. "We prayed before we took off. Once we said the prayer, all my cares and worries and fears about being on a boat with that much power went away. We just flew across that water. My goodness. I felt so free. As a little boy, I always wanted to be on a boat like that. We'd always used an aluminum boat with a putt-putt motor." Frank Early, a 46-year-old with cerebral palsy, praised the two groups for giving himself, Phillips, Tuohy, and Travis McNeely, 9, the opportunity. Early lost his 67-year-old father in March due to an asthma attack. He had fished with his father only once-when he was 9-but he

ORTS SPECTRUM ON THE WEB: www.SportsSpec t rum.com

.._ Becca's big day. (Top) Becca Tuohy and Wesley Burnett show off Becca's 16-pound catch . (Middle) Becca gets a hug f rom fishing partner Bennie Phillips. Frank Early shows off his sand bass. (Bottom) Pro anglers who are part of the JAF pro team: Wesley Burnett, Rob Jasper, and David Meeks. Doug Goddard, Synergy president and JAF Board Member enjoys a JAF Family Camp fishing outing with Jon I Eareckson Tada, founder of Jon I and Friends.

always remembered his father telling him how much he loved fishing, even though he never seemed to catch anything. "When I did catch a little one out there, it was neat to think of him," Early said. "It was one of those things you wish you could share with him. I was kind of thinking, I hope you see what I did." Barbara McNeely, church relations coordinator for Joni and Friends, and quadriplegic Doug Goddard, founder of Synergy Sports, say the

event was only the beginning. They plan to hold at least three more events in Texas and Arkansas. and then expand the concept nationally. "I can relate to how a lot of people may think it's out of their reach," he says. "It's neat to see when they can actually get out there. It's a good way for us to get closer to God while we're still on this earth in His creation." 0 Freelance writer Rick Weber lives in Houston.

SPO RTS SPECTRUM - SEPTEMB ER -OCTOBER 2006

Up Next • Written and Compiled

Jim Gibbs

SAM HOLLENBACH: Learning to Persevere • At 6-4 and 215 pounds, University of Maryland quarterback Sam Hollenbach is the prototypical NFL quarterback prospect. Not only does he have the size to be a solid NFL quarterback but he also has the intelligence to go with the position. A senior who is majoring in mechanical engineering, Hollenbach had a solid B+ average going into the fall semester. "I had almost transferred during my sophomore year," he says. "I was the fourth -string QB going into a game with Duke, and I kept praying about it. I really considered transferring at the end of my sophomore year. But by the end of the year we were getting blown out by Virginia Tech, so I came in to sort of mop up, and I had a pretty good game. I went into that game at the end of the third quarter and had a nice scoring drive. The next game was the last game of the season, and they made me the No. 1 quarterback. Our last game was against Wake Forest, and I played every snap in that game and we won." Turns out Hollenbach decided not to transfer, and things have worked out pretty well. The first game of his junior year is a case in point. "We opened up against Navy at the Baltimore Ravens' stadium in Baltimore. I threw .,.. Like dad. Sam's dad, Jeff Hollenbach, played quarterback at the University of Illinois (1973-74) and was Sam's high school football coach at Pennridge High in Perkasie, Pennsylvania.

SPO RTS SP EC TRUM

a touchdown pass in the last 20 seconds to beat Navy, and it was such a great thrill. I can remember thinking after that game how glad I was that I didn't transfer."

Hollenbach makes an impact off the field as well. "Last fall, we started a team Bible study," he says. "Before then, I had been here 4 full years and there had been nothing as far as a Bible study or anything like that. So I started praying about it

and asking God what He would have me do. Then a few days later, one of the coaches and I were talking about it, and he suggested that I go ahead and start a Bible study. So we started it, and now we have a weekly study that goes for about an hour." Hollenbach says that living for Christ is never easy, especially when you're in a big-time football program like the University of Maryland. "One of the biggest challenges that comes to mind right away is the lifestyle of the college athlete," he says. "It's difficult to stay godly in this environment. I think it's important to live for God as much as you can. It's just something you always have to do. Running the race. Persevere just as James talks about in the Bible. You have to read the Bible every day, and you have to have some strong Christian friends to keep you strong. Guys will want you to go out to bars with them and things like that, and many of them can't understand why I don't want to do that. Just like in football, you have to persevere in your Christian faith. Sure, it's tough, but it's always worth it." 0 -JIM GIBBS

• Last year, Woodhead had one of the best seasons of any athlete in Chadron State history, rushing 284 times for 1,840 yards (6.5-yard average) and 25 touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 163 yards and two more lOs. Led NCAA Division II in rushing, scoring, and all-purpose yards. His 184.0 yards per game rushing is an NCAA D-11 record. Also tied the repord for most games rush1ng for 200 or more yards by a freshman when he had games of 306, 267, 260, 232, and 218 yards. Earned several AllAmerican accolades and was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year on offense. Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 7 seconds. HIGHLIGHTS: "I had a couple of games in high school where I rushed for 300 yards, and that was very exciting." TOP VERSE: Philippians 4:13 HIS STORY: "I grew up in a

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Christian home, and I was 5 years old when I first asked the Lord into my heart. I was on a green floor in the kitchen at my home. That was the starting point, and from there my faith has grown over the years." KEYINGREDIENTS: "It starts with a daily walk with Him and starting each day with Bible reading and praying. I'm certainly not perfect, and there are some days when I don't get to do it. But I try to do it every day." GOALS: "I just want to help my team win as many games as I can. After football, I want to be a math teacher and impact kids' lives." FAVORITE CHILL ACTIVITY: "I just like to sit back and play video games and also go out with my girlfriend or my family." LIFE'STOUGHESTMOMENT: "Probably the toughest thing I had to go through was when I was on my high school basketball team and we lost a lot of games." SPORTSHERD AND WHY: "My dad was one of my biggest heroes growing up because he was always there for me. Also, my brother was such a great athlete, and I always looked up to him." TOP CHRISTIAN MUSICIANS: Casting Crowns.

GRACE

KELLY Soccer. Midfielder.

Rapids, MIChigan. Age 21. • Recently completed 4 . at Focus on the .Family Institute m Colorado Spnngs, Colorado. In 2004, was Second Team NAIA AII-Reg1on and Second Team Started all 21 games m 2005 and scored four goals on the season. Was part of a defense that set school records in both shutouts (12) and least goals against (14) in a season. In 2003, started 12 of 20 games after coming back from ACL surgery in the spring. Voted Most Improved Player. In high school: All-Conference, AllDistrict, All-Region, and AllState as a junior. Still highly recruited for college soccer teams despite not being able to play as a senior due to an ACL injury. Exercise science major. WHAT'SIN ANAME: "My mom just loved the name Grace and she was a little hesitant about giving it to me because she knew that I would be harassed by everyone who heard it. And she was right!" HIGHLIGHTS: "During my sophomore year, we were playing one of our big rivals, we had

what a meteor shower was, two key players out LIFE'STOUGHEST MOMENT: but it was also the day when "During my senior year of with injuries but we still managed to win I accepted Christ as my Savior. high school, I tore my ACL our conference I also lost one of my good and had to sit out all year (Wolverine Hoosier friends in an accident just from soccer. That was a very Athletic Conference). That after my junior year, and that difficult time." was a big thrill for me... woke me up as to how short SPORTS HERD AND WHY: TOP VERSE: Hebrews 12:1-2 life is and how we need to live "Michelle Akers, US women's HER STORY: "I grew up in a every day for the Lord." soccer team. She had a disChristian family. When I was KEYINGREDIENTS: "Surroundease that required her to be 8, my mom was telling us ing myself with people who carried off the field and given _ about a coming meteor showcan encourage and challenge !Vs. Most people can't even er. 1had no idea what it was, me in my faith." walk with that disease, but so when she explained it to GOALS: "I really want to go into she was out there playing me 1was all worried about it. sports ministry and impact peosoccer. She was a strong But then my parents explained ple with the love of Christ." Christian, and she gave it all to me that when Christ comes FAVORITE CHILL ACTMTY: on the field." into our lives, it removes fear. Snowboarding and designing TOP CHRISTIANMUSICIAN: That day 1definitely found out clothes. Mat Kearney. ' _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _..,.

i I

CAM SPEER

Football. Linebacker. Junior. Appalachian State University. Boone, North Carolina. Age 20. • In 2004, recorded 11 tackles as a reserve linebacker and special teams player as a true freshman. Tallied season-high four stops (two solo) in win over No. 5 Wofford. A standout at Piedmont High School in Piedmont, N.C., selected to play in East-West All-Star game and was named twice to the South Piedmont 3A AllConference team. Three-time All-County honoree and county defensive Player of the Year as a senior. Received 2003 South Piedmont 3A Conference Defensive Player of the Year after totaling 143 tackles and three sacks. Rushed for more than 700 yards and nine touchdowns en route to being a two-time team MVP selection. Three-sport athlete, lettering four times in football, twice in track, and once in wrestling. HIGHLIGHTS: "In one game last season, I had several tackles, and I think three were for losses and I had an interception. That was really a lot of fun." TOP VERSE: Psalm 118:24

HIS STORY: "I grew up going to church all my life_Went every Sunday. I guess you can say that I was doing all the right things. Hanging out with all the right people and trying to be as good as I could be. But when I was a freshman in college, I seemed to lose my way. I just wasn't happy. But at the beginning of my sophomore season, I was talking to a guy named Nic Cardwell, one of my teammates. He's a real strong Christian and had been in my shoes. He had been down the bad road before and could kind of relate to my situation. So after talking to him, I accepted Christ as my Savior, and since then we have both been holding each other accountable." KEY INGREDIENTS: "I have an FCA devotional book that I read every day." GOALS: "''m a criminal justice major, and I haven't decided if

I want to work for a local police department or at the state or federal level." FAVORITE CHILL ACTIVITY: "Playing the guitar, hunting, and fishing." SPORTSHERD AND WHY: "On the field, Ray Lewis is fun to watch. But ! like to watch all the great linebackers." TOP CHRISTIAN MUSICIAN: "I like to listen to a lot of Christian artists. ! like Stephen Curtis Chapman and de Talk."

SPORT S SPECTRU M - SEP TEM BE R· OCT OBE R 20 06

'1 '1

daily sports

devotionals Spectrum from Sports

magazine

Stauing Well â&#x20AC;˘ Bu Trish Bea rd en lt1s Tlm.e To Slow Dowa! Checking on you .. Pace of Life

Consider that a mini-nap might actually increase your productivity and amplify your mood.

More than three centuries ago in England, Sir Isaac Newton formulated the Second Law of Motion, which states that an object in motion will stay in motion unless an opposite force is

"World Citizen Guide," which serves as a kind of image ambassador. After reviewing the guide, I'd like to share some of the themes below, relating them to a healthy lifestyle.

placed upon it. In twenty-first century America, our carpools, deadlines, and gadgets keep us in motion with no sign of relief. My friends from other cultures seem much more relaxed- enjoying siestas, savoring multi-course feasts, and planning 6- to 8-week vacations in the summer. I don't aspire to the same echelon of carefree living that my South American friend does, appearing at her own wedding a whole hour late, but I do enjoy refreshing ideas. According to The Wall Street Journal, companies such as Lowe's and Microsoft are making a concerted effort to improve the "busier-than-ever" i_mage the United States has throughout the world. They are part of a nonprofit group called Business for Diplomatic Action, Inc. (BDA). BDA polls citizens of other countries regarding how they perceive the United States, concluding that Americans are seen as abundant in opportunities and optimism, but overall too busy and brash. Therefore, these companies send their internationally traveling employees off armed with a

utes from the time food is swalWe Liv e Too Fast Most of our life is spent working. lowed for the stomach to signal Whether it's in the home or out, the brain that it's full. Mirielle Guiliano, author of French Women there is an increased interest in Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating examining the effects of work for Pleasure, says French women stress and health. Specifically, one study found that people who don't get fat despite eating bread and pasta, drinking wine, and experience high levels of job stress over a period of years have regularly enjoying three-course meals. Also, she adds, "Eat for double the risk of developing pleasure . .. sitting down, metabolic syndrome. Metabolic because if you eat standing up, syndrome, or Syndrome X, is a in front of the television or cluster of maladies such as multitasking, you1l be on abdominal obesity, high blood autopilot and overeat." pressure, high triglycerides and blood sugar, and low HDL (good) What to do? Put the fork down cholesterol. The American Heart every couple bites, then drink Association reports up to 25 a couple gulps of water throughpercent of Americans may have out the meal. Even though it's this disease-or over 20 million folks! One is six times more like- eating slower, this will fill the body faster and may serve as a ly to die prematurely if diagpolite gesture to dinner mates nosed with this syndrome. when engaging in conversation. Interestingly, this condition could be reversed if we slowed We Move Too Fast down the pace of life. In slowing our movements, What to do? Prioritize 15 min- we may ensure a safer life. According to the National Vital utes for a break twice a day. Take a brief walk outside. Or enjoy Statistics Report of America in 2002, accidents were the third a snap (a small nap). Concerned leading cause of death for men about falling behind at work?

WEB SITE: www.Spo rt sSputrum . com

We Eat Too Fast In slowing our eating, we forgo extra calories. It takes 20 min-

and ranked seventh for women. These ranged from car accidents to firearms to taking medications improperly. Also, those who spend more time commuting to work or school exhibit higher anxiety levels in their life.

What to do? Devote 15 minutes to meditation at the sunrise of your day. Embrace Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among lhe nations, I will be exalted in the earth." When I can rip myself out of bed before my children wake, I am guaranteed to govern my time wiser throughout the day. Upon reflection, the opposing force in Newton's Law regarding this endless motion begins with you and me. Let's slow down. Trish's 2-Minute Drill: Be more stilt in living, eating, and moving. He will be exalted, and you wilt be uplifted. 0 Trish Bearden creates balance in her clients' lives through exercise, nutrition, Pilates, and massage therapy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Wellness from South Dakota State University and is certified by both the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American College of Sports Medicine. As a healthstylist, Trainer Trish has enjoyed working in both the inner city and the inner circle in Washington, D.C.

SPORTS SPECTRUM - SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2000

1 3

The Biz •

Gibson

[EXAMINING THE MRNY SIDESOF SPORTS RS BUSINESS ]

LeadeniiJp: 'lhe Bey to Saccesdal TQa_m_s e..D.d Qcp_uJ_aatioa_s f one listens very carefully, he or she will hear the countless times sports leaders refer to productivity. In fact, productivity is a key word in all organizations. Other issues, albeit important, tend to pale in comparison to the efficiency of an organization's use of time, personnel, and resources (productivity). We are reminded daily that productivity on the field or in the athletic arena usually translates into victory. How many times have we heard that a particular batter is a productive hitter with runners in scoring position or of a basketball player's scoring average, playing only a certain amount of minutes? Some may even Sport is not alone in say that such using a constant bara person runs rage of productivity the risk of being data to shape or create dictatorial. an image or perception Both viewof a person or product. points of the Television commercials same definition tout the number of are needed. For hamburgers sold, the example, in the ranking of automobiles military it is in crash tests, and how necessary for many doctors recomleaders to take mend the ingredients .._ Leadership in Action. Rick Pili no of the Louisville Cardinals has control and give demonstrated productiv ity as a college coach. in certain brand-name commands that are expected medicines. Since we live in a bottom-line 0 A leader's view of adminis- to be followed without question. society, it makes sense that any tration. AU leaders, from the A leader's perception of guidance organization, especially a sports novice to the experienced, have and control in the sports arena organization with so many dollars some perception of what it may be markedly different. Some invested, would pay particularly means to administer a program. coaches won't tolerate opposing close attention to the primary Obviously, with experience, those views. Obviously, they would view component that impacts prodperceptions may be tweaked from a definition of administration uctivity. That component is as beginning with "control." time to time. leadership. Although many definitions of Amazingly, as players age and Leadership impacts to the administration exist, I offer one mature, coaches (leaders) tend that is simple but impacts both to progressively shift from control extent that Scripture declares death upon people whose leader(s) leadership style and productivity, to guidance in their approach to lack vision. There is very little depending upon the order of the administration and leadership. interpretive wiggle room when the words in the definition: Pro sports teams are often assoBible clearly states that without . Administration is the guidance, ciated with certain players. For vision the people will perish leadership, and control of the example, the Lakers are "Kobe's (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). It is incon- efforts of a group of individuals team." The Patriots are "Brady's ceivable that anyone would argue toward a common goal. team." It is not that the coach's against a leader's responsibility to Notice the order of the three influence has totally diminished; provide vision' or direction for an main variables: guidance, leaderrather, it is that the players have organization. ship, and control. If viewed on a more input. The coach is still the As someone once said, there continuum, a leader would begin boss, but he or she has become are leaders and then there are with guidance and progress toward more of a facilitator or one who leaders. Translated, one may be control, with leadership as the guides the team, as opposed to in a leadership position but lack anchor variable. Think of the a dictatorial type. This does not leadership skills. Two factors frealternative-and the impact on mean that purely dictatorial quently provide a distinction productivity-should control coaches will fail to enjoy success in between productive leaders and be flip-flopped with guidance. A pro sports. At that level, dictators unproductive leaders; namely, a leader whose perception of admin- may be successful in the short leader's view of administration istration begins with control is term, but for long-term productiviand a leader's choice of leadership likely to be more forceful and less ty the players must buy into the style. Let's explore both. inviting of input and opinions. program, team goals, and to some 1 4

SPO RT S SPECTRUM - SEPTEMBER -OCTO BER 2006

extent, the coach's personality. 0 A leader's choice of leadership style. This begs an age-old question. Does a leader adopt a leadership style to accommodate the group, or does the group adjust to the leader's way of doing things-especially if there is a major gap between the two? A compromise is probably in order in such a scenario. The movie Hoosiers best illustrates this point. Coach Dale, played by Gene Hackman, insisted throughout the movie that things be done his way or else. He dismissed an assistant coach, kicked players off the team, and was the ultimate dictator. However, through a long process of building trust with his players, Coach Dale relinquished his full authority approach to leadership during the championship game. During a timeout, with the game on the line, Coach Dale set up a final play to win the game. The players balked. They asked for another play to be run. Coach Dale accepted their input. Jimmy hit the key shot and Dale's team won. If long-term productivity is to be realized, a person's style of leadership, in sports or in business, must be built on the inclusion of people in the organization. Doing so fosters a "we" feeling. Productivity is the bottom-line for all organizations. There is no better way to achieve it than to have everyone working together to meet common goals. 0 ----------Dale E. Gibson, Ed.D. is professor and Chair of Physical Education and Sports Manage· ment, Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tennessee.

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â&#x20AC;˘ Bu Mike Ca.a a YoaDg Atlllete Leana to Love.,._.? FABULOUS FACTS ABOUT FIBER Planting the seed for good health and athletic performance begins with fiber. Fiber is the indigestible portion of plant food and is an important part of the young athlete's health. Understanding the basics about the need for fiber in our diet can lead to improvement in the overall well-being and athletic performance of a physically active person.

creasing the contact time of potential toxins in the intestinal wallsbinding with carcinogens (cancercausing agents) and moving them out of the body quickly while encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

Although many young people cringe at the mere thought of fiber, they are probably eating fiber every day without realizing that it is good for them. There are plenty of creative, fun, and even tasty ways to incorporate fiber-rich foods into a young athlete's diet. There are two forms of fiber: Soluble and Insoluble. Each acts differently in the intestines and benefits the body in different ways.

Soluble fiber is found in dried beans, peas, fruit (oranges, pears, apples), sweet potatoes, broccoli, oat bran, rice, prunes, and barley. This type of fiber forms a gel that slows the emptying of the stomach, making the athlete feel fuller longer, and it slows the absorption of sugar from the intestine. After a meal that is high in soluble fiber, sugar enters the bloodstream slowly and does not cause a peak in blood sugar level, which is'a good thing. This can also be beneficial for athletes with diabetes. Soluble fiber also reduces blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, without lowering the high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol. This is a beneficial aspect of adequate fiber in the diet; however, it is not a license to eat high cholesterol foods. WEB SIT E: www . Sport sSpect ru m.com

q Insoluble fiber is found in whole grains, skin of fruit, seeds, and nuts (sunflower seeds, soybean nuts, almonds). These foods can make the young person slow down his eating, which can help with weight control and obesity problems. This type of fiber also aids in keeping the digestive process on a normal schedule. Another benefit of consuming insoluble forms of fiber is its protection against various forms of cancer, especially colon cancer. Research has revealed that fiber lowers the risk of cancer by de-

How much fiber should the young athlete have in his or her diet?

much of it. An overabundance of fiber may interfere with absorption of iron, calcium, and zinc, which are vital for growth and development.

How to increase fiber consumption: 0 Consume whole fruits and vegetables instead of juice. The peels of fruit are rich sources of fiber, as are potato skins. 8 Cut back on refined foods. "Enriched flour" means the product was originally impoverished. In many refined foods, the fibercontaining parts have been removed. 0 Try a daily yogurt smoothie made in the blender with a couple of handfuls of fresh fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, papaya, blueberries, and pears. 0 Snack on dried fruits, such as apricots, figs, prunes, and raisins. 9 Use whole grain instead of white. White bread and white rice have had the fiber processed out of them. Instead, use whole grains: bread made with whole wheat flour, whole grain cereals that contain wheat bran or oat bran, whole grain cornmeal, wheat germ, and barley. Instead of white rice, use brown or wild rice. 0 Be a bean freak. Nearly aU varieties of beans are a rich source of fiber, especially kidney beans, which can be served in many forms, such as in salads, soups, bean burritos, or chili. 0 Choose a high fiber cereal. 0 Fresh fruits have more fiber than canned fruits because much of the fiber is in the peel, which is usually removed in processing.

An easy formula to remember is the person's age plus 5 to 10 grams

of fiber per day. Ayoung person who is 10 years of age needs between 15 to 20 grams per day. w It is important to calculate how much fiber is recommended, because it is possible to eat too g

0 Mike Sandlin is an associate professor in the health sciences and kinesiology department at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He has a Ph.D. in kinesiology from Texas A& M.

SPORTS SPEC TRUM - SEPTE MBERÂˇ OC TOBER 2006

The bapodaace Of lbea.ld'a.st

The Athlete

BY CH I P SIGMON

ur sports performance facility, the Epicenter, is purposefully designed to give each young athlete an athletic advantage in his or her sport. We do this by making each performer faster and more explosive. However, we often have athletes who put themselves at a disadvantage before they even step inside our doors. How, you ask? Simply by not eating breakfast or choosing one with little nutritional value, these athletes miss the first step in becoming a better athlete and student. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Therefore, an athlete should treat it as sucheven going so far as making it the biggest meal of the day. Breakfast means "breaking the fast." Literally, that is what a person does when eating breakfast-breaking up the "fasting" state of the body from the overnight. Depending on what time the last meal of the evening was, this fast could be 10 to 12 hours long. If breakfast is skipped, the body and brain have to go without food for up 19 hours! This is far too long for a person to go without eating and still be at the optimum of performance. WHAT WE TELL ATHLETES

To make sure the athlete knows the importance of a good nutritional breakfast and what that consists of, we sit down with our athletes or even go into their homes and meet with Mom and Dad at the table to get a "game plan" for the entire family. It's important that Mom knows what she is trying to accomplish for her son or daughter both on the athletic field-and more importantin the classroom.

GET UP: First, we tell the studentathlete that if he or she is serious 1 6

., about improving nutritional content at breakfast, this will mean getting up earlier than usual every morning. There must be time to sit down for nourishment.

GET IT: Second, we go indepth as to why breakfast is so important. The athlete has to understand that his or her "metabolism" (the amount of calories the body burns during the entire day) is at the highest in the morning and gets slower as the day progresses. It stands to reason that one should eat more during this time of day, since calories will be less likely stored as body fat when metabolism is burning at a higher rate. This is one of the major reasons we encourage our athletes to eat 路more at breakfast than at any other meal. We remind the athlete that it is very difficult to get fat when following this principle. Another factor influencing the metabolism is the amount of carbohydrates or 'blood sugar" in the blood stream. When the blood sugar is high, it increases the body's ability to store body fat. Too many stored and unused fat cells create a sluggish, overweight athlete who doesn't live up to his or her athletic potential. During the morning hours, blood sugar levels are low, so incoming carbohydrates are less likely to be stored as body fat. In addition,

SPORTS SPECTRUM - SEPTE MBER- OCTOBER 2006

the body needs energy from calories at this time of day to help it cope with the demands and activities of the upcoming day.

GET EATING: So what is a nutritional breakfast? This is our third discussion with the athlete and parents. Since most individual tastes vary, we give our clients a variety of choices; however, at the top of the list is water each morning. The body is somewhat dehydrated at this time of day, and dehydration tends to slow down the metabolism. Starting out in a dehydrated state is not a productive way to start out the day. Each meal should consist of some type of protein, especially for an athlete. Eggs are a great source of protein with very little fat content. One whole large egg has a little over 6 grams of protein, and one large egg white has around 4 to 5 grams of proteinwith even less fat and cholesterol than one whole egg. We suggest eating 2 to 4 eggs in the morning, and we tell the athlete to notice the difference it makes in how he or she feels the rest of the day. One of the best breakfast foods, and a great nutritional carbohy-

drate, is natural, whole grain oatmeal. Half a cup, or about a 40-gram serving, contains 5 grams of protein and 27 grams of highenergy carbohydrates. It also contains only 1 gram of sugar, 0 milligrams of sodium, and only 0. 5 grams of saturated fat. Waffles or pancakes are great sources of carbohydrates when the syrup and butters are limited. If you must have butter, try margarine instead. Most margarine products contain nonhydrogenated trans-fats, which are much more healthful than butter. Whole grain cereals, which are low in sugar, along with skim or 1 percent milk, are another good selection. Add a variety of fruits to the cereals or on the side. Examples are bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. These provide antioxidants, which help in the recovery process for athletes after games or practice. To wash the food down, try fruit juices, such as grape or orange juice. These are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Milk and water are also great choices. We always stress the elimination of soft drinks, but especially at If you are looking for high performance in the classroom and on the athletic fields, take the time to eat a nutritional breakfast. You1l hardly believe how much better you1l feel and the difference it will make! 0 Reference: www.nutramedia.com.

Chip Sigmon is the speed and agility coach at the Epicenter for Sports Performance, a division of OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, North Carolina. (www.epicenterperformance.com). He spent 12 years as the strength and conditioning coach for the NBA Charlotte Hornets and the WNBA Charlotte Sting.

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Pro and Con 1'azeats should aevew pash tlaeir a.ncben iD spo.-ts bat let thellft pa.d:icipate aatunl.lly aad as they feel coD.'lfowta.hle.11

• I was at a minor league hockey game recently • As a parent of four children between with my father (who, by the way, didn't push his child the ages of 12 and 5, I would like to reserve in sports. His child- me- also never amounted to anythe right to push one of them in sports, like the thing in sports, but that's another sad story for another late Earl Woods pushed a certain young golfer time). The intermission show at this game happened to named Tiger, for the purpose of excellence. feature a matchup between area youth hockey programs. I probably spend way too much time thinking about What we saw was appalling, and a little hilarious. this, but I can already tell that two of my children would We saw kids dressed from head to toe in hundred-dollarnot respond very well at all if I pushed them too hard in plus warm-ups. We saw them wearing uniforms that were nicer either sports or academics. Consequently, the likelithan those of the minor league teams that just left the ice. hood of their turning out to be elite athletes Finally, and this is the funny part, we saw their fathers like Woods or the tennis-playing Williams carrying their bags through the arena concourse. sisters is negligible. Most parents do These are the same fathers who pounded on the glass not produce world-class athletes anyand yelled at their sons like they were all destined for the NHL. way. My wife Susan and I are quite The point? Sinking this amount of time, money, average in that regard, and the parents and emotional angst into children's sports we hang out with tend to be normal defeats the purpose of children's sports. These and balanced people with offspring kids, if they are talented enough, will have plenwho are not prodigies. ty of opportunities to play at levels where sports Sports are activities that my children aren't necessarily fun (college, minor leagues, the pros). and their friends like to breeze through. Let's not take away their one chance at having a good time. Think Upward Basketball. It is the culture As I write this, I am halfway through a season of playing profesof controlled comfort. sional indoor football at the minor league level. I1l never do it Upward may be positive, but every good parent again. It's not fun. The money is terrible, the bus rides are long, and ought to reserve the right to push a child at the appropriate time. the spiritual landscape is bleak. It is a succession of bars, booze, How can a parent tell when to push? Well. if the child is pushing himbad movies, and bounced checks. I don't wish this on my son. self or herself through academics, athletics, or both, then it is entirely Also, a word about talent. This is going to be hard for many to appropriate for the parent to push right along with him or her. I know accept, because it was hard for me to accept: hard work, as an athlete, I never have regretted pushing myself academically, and it is plain to will generally get you nowhere. For ...., ____________________ ..,. see that one of my children is geared every gritty, hard-working grinder who "SINKING ANGST made it to the big leagues by shooting basketballs outside until his hands bled, INTO CHILDREN'S there are hundreds there because they can run like gazelles and were blessed SPORTS DEFEATS with size and physiques that can come THE PURPOSE." only from God Himself. Again, a bitter pill-but one that a,s a father I now need to swallow again. Chances are, if you're reading this, your child doesn't have the genetic code of a big-leaguer. He or she may not even have your genetic code. But, your child has you. Watch him on the field. Watch how he walks around, puts his hands on his hips, and tries to run just like you do. Encourage him to work hard (as unto the Lord) and take it as far as He wants to take it. And enjoy him enjoying the sport-because at the end of the day, for most of us, enjoyment is all we have. 0

Ted ll:lucl' Freelance writer, lansing, Contributor to ESPN, The Magazine

COUIHESV: TEO KLVCK

WEB SlTE: www.S portsSpectrum.com

"EVERY GOOD PARENT OUGHT TO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO PUSH ACHILD AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME."

very similarly. That child I will push and push successfully. Why not throw down a challenge? If a boy can make 10 free throws in a row, why not 20? Taped to my computer are thumbnail images of Joe Dumars, the architect of the Detroit Pistons, and Tom Brady, the quarterback of the New England Patriots. The mentality to win and to keep on winning is the attitude that I want my children to have in whatever vocation they choose, but the spirit of the age seems to be against that. Again, I consider myself to be a typical American parent in that two of my children are candidates for the customary "relaxed" treatment. But if one or two are driven, I will push. Excellence requires me to parent that way. C)

·•

_ ; - }

Allen Palnae..i Freelance writer, Jefferson City, Senior writer, The Pathway. Missouri Baptist Convention

COURl ESV: ALLEN PALMERI

SPORTS SPECTRUM - SEPTE MBER-OCTO BER 2006

1 7

PROVING

GRD

WITH COLLEGE BEHIND THEM AND THE NFL AHEAD, JASON HUNTER AND BRODI E CROYLE HAVE SOME PROVING TO DO • BY TED KLUCK postseason performances duri ng Appalachian's run to its first-ever national championship. Hunter OLB, GREEN BAY amassed 38 tackles, includi ng PACKERS 11 .5 for loss and five sacks in rodie Croyle has four NCAA Division 1-AA been conducting interplayoff games in 2005. views since high school, "Going to college was tough," he says, "being away from family while Jason Hunter played only I year of high school football. and trying to find Croyle played at the football capital of the deep your way and make South, while Hunter matriculated at 1-AA decisions on your own. But Appalachian State. As unintentionally bored as a n1y fmnily, Teri and Jan1es Croyle seems with the interview process, Hunter Hunter, and my brother James was comparatively excited. e Jr, were always there to Their only common bond, it seems, is a S ground me. I pray to God to strong fami ly unit and the fact that they are now help me get through the things both professional football players, fighting for I go through. I' m just thankroster spots. ful for the opportunity to play "That first camp experience, it's li ke you 're football. I want to help somejust trying to get yourself comfortable," he body else because I know it says. "We were rookies, but we were on the would make God happy." field with veterans in offense vs. defense type Although he spent the · of situations." spring working out with the And on the field with heralded rookies like Packers, he's not sure how to Ohio State's A. J. Hawk? describe what it feels li ke to "I'm a competitive person," he says. "I have be an NFL player. speed, size, and all of the other tools to be there "Once I know that it's ... One may be publicized more, one may have official, I'll be able to [put it played in front of I00,000 fans instead of into words]," he says. "For 35,000 fans, but we both came from good footnow I'm in an unofficial ball situations. position, just work ing hard "I was honored to play at Appalachian State, and making a stipend like in front of our fans. Our national title impacted the other rookies. But we' re the whole town," he continues. " It was amazi ng getting incredible access to to see these fans who had waited such a long the NFL world every day. I time for a championship finally get to experilove the excitement of footence it with us." · ball, I love the zone. Your Hunter, a Fort Bragg, North Carolina, nati ve, teammates coming around recorded I0 I tackles, including 13 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss, and he scored three defen.,.. Samkon I am? Can Jason Hunter pull off the same sive touchdowns as a senior. The 13 sacks were kind of rookie surprise his just one shy of a school record. Although he Green Bay teammate pulled didn 't make a start until his senior season, he off last season- coming finished his career with 24 sacks, good for fifth from a D-1-AA college to contribute to the Packers? on the school's all-time list. Hunter was a conHunter's school was sensus All-American, grabbing first-team honors Appalachian State, where from 1-AA.org and Football Gazelle and secondhe made 186 tackles in 50 team recognition from the Associated Press and games, including 10 tackles The Sp011s Network. in the national championship game. Perhaps most impressive, though, were his

.JASON HUNTER

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SPORTS SPEC T RUM • SEPTEMBER · OCTOBER 2006

you, the fans goi ng crazy. It's a brotherhood. " It was reall y nice to be on the field with Brett Favre," he continues. "It's one of those things you don't think about when you're around the complex, but I thought about it a lot when I got back to the hotel that first night after practice. It doesn't wear off, the excitement, but you kind of get used to it. It becomes like a job." 0

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NDBI Over the Rainbow: Brodie Croyle, now trying to contribute at QB for the Kansas City Chiefs, got his start at Westbrook Christian High School in Rainbow City, where he set state records for passing yards (9,323) and TDs (1 05). He once threw for 528 yards in one game.

BRODIE CROYLE QB, KANSAS C ITY CH IEFS

o know Brodie Croyle is to envy Brodie Croyle. That is the cross to bear for those who are blessed with supernaturally perfect bone structure and an unusual ability to throw the football in the South. One becomes royalty in that homecoming king sort of way. The way that makes everyone mouth platitudes but secretly want to see you fail WEB SITE: www.SportsSpec t rum . com

(see: Manning family) . That said, Brodie Croyle doesn' t really seem to be the fai lure type. He is fortunate to have matriculated in the era of Tom Brady-skinny, cerebral, charismatic leaders who overcome a lack of "tangibles" to lead their team to glory. Because teams want the next Tom Brady, they overlook some drawbacks-the knee injuries, and the fact that Croyle's Alabama offense was often unable to score any points in 2005. Drafted in the third round of the 2006 NFL draft, he is competing for playing time with incumbent Trent Green. Green has gone to two Pro Bowls and started 80 straight games for the Chiefs. "It's Trent's job until he doesn't want it anymore," says Croyle in a requisite Southern football drawl that is so low it sounds like it comes straight from the center of the earth. "He's a great teacher ... he shows me the reads that I need to be making. My job is to pattern my game after him right now ... he's been in this offense for 13 years." It happens every year. High-stock draft prospects are reduced to easily digestible little sets of personality tics, to be printed and coupled with heights, weights and accolades. We know that Croyle is the son of Teresa and John Croyle. Brodie says his father is the leader he most admires. His father, John, played for Paul Bryant. Brodie's sister, Reagan, was a basketball player for the Tide and

Alabama's 2000 Homecoming queen. We know that he wowed scouts at the Senior Bowl with his practice performances-showing an arm and a body that were stronger than expected. He also impressed scouts by having the savvy to know what to say and how to say it. "I let the stars on the Chiefs handle the spotlight, and we have a lot of stars," he says. "I' m not a guy to go out and look for that kind of attention." Croyle subsequently rocketed up the draft board, goi ng from an "intangibles" guy to a guy who had a shot at goi ng as high as the second round. But his character wasn't shaped by PR savvy communications experts; rather, by real fires. "My junior year was probably the biggest thing, in terms of a trial in my life. I was having a pretty good year and ended up tearing my ACL. It was tough for a while ... you start aski ng the 'Why?' questions. But then I looked around me and realized all of the guys who came up in pretty tough circumstances, and r real ized, 'Why am I crying about an injured knee?' My family and fai th got me through." Those guys who "came up in tough circumstances" were among the I,600 kids that Croyle calls his siblings, kids who grew up on the Big Oak Ranch, a home for troubled children started by Big John Croyle. It was here, as the story goes, that Croyle gave up his new clothes and Gl Joes for the kids who needed them most. It was here that he learned that football , while important, is here and gone. While Croyle credits his faith for getting him through, he doesn't wave it like a banner. "I guess I'm more qu iet about it," he says. I just want people to see it in my actions. It's not my prerogative to be demonstrative like Kurt [Warner]. That's his prerogative." For now, Croyle is simply enjoying being a professional foot ball player-spending entire days at the complex, worki ng to get better. "Herm (Edwards) has been greathe's high energy and high intensity. He gets us in and out of practice. He's the only pro coach I' ve had, so obviously I don 't have anything to compare him to," he says. "You don' t have to balance football with school, which is nice. I've always enjoyed football. I guess I might get ti red of it sometime, but I haven' t yet." 0 SPORTS SPECT RUM - SEPTEMB ER- OCTOBER 2006

r--- ---------------- -- --------------------------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------What do you expect from two guys who have conquered the Super Bowl? You may be surprised by what is important to

Antwaan Randle El and Jeff Hartings •

BY DAN PASQUALE

he sports world presents many opportunities to observe important life lessons. Look, for example, at what a couple of pro athletes have to say about

the secret to their success at the highest level of their sport. "Total surrender," one respondent answers. Uh, okay. Let's check in with another athlete. "Giving up your whole life. That's the best way to success in anything." Huh? If these creeds sound foreign in the fast-paced world of sports success stories, consider their sources. The two people who spoke these words know a thing or two about success at the highest level. They are Antwaan Randle El and Jeff Hartings, who last February helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win the Super Bowl. As successful as they are now, things didn't start out that way for either of these men. Both have carved paths to NFL success that are different from the traditional means.

ntwaan Randle El was drafted by the Steelers as a ·eceiver after playing quarterback in his college years at Indiana University. During the draft and for the months following, he was considered "good at a lot of things, but not great at anything." He was often compared to former Steelers quarterback/ wide receiver Kordell Stewart, a player who epitomized the multi-faceted "slash" role. That "hybrid" role led to the former Hoosier's humble beginnings as a kick and punt returner in his rookie season of 2002. Randle El proved to be an electrifying kick return specialist, scoring on a 99-yard kickoff return in his first season and adding four more special teams scores in the past three seasons. Pittsburgh head coach Bill Cowher didn't hesitate to devise trick plays for his prized rookie, taking full advantage of his prowess as a passer. Antwaan threw for two touchdowns during regular season games in the past two seasons. Then came Super Bowl XL. The Steelers called his number in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XL, and Randle El hit Hines Ward in stride for a beautiful43-yard touchdown bomb that

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iced the game for the Steelers, handing them the Super Bowl championship. Randle El parl ayed his success in Pittsburgh into a free-agent contract with the Washington Redskins during the offseason. Despite the big new contract, Randle El says he is keeping his priority foc used on Kingdom business. "We're put in a position here as players and teammates to witness for the Lord, and we have a responsibility to do just that."

elievers on NFL teams can be used as powerful witnesses to non-believing players. Jeff Hat1ings should know. His own spiritual life began during his third year in the NFL after a fellow player talked to him about his own faith in Jesus Christ. Whi le playing for the Detroit Lions 8 years ago, Hartings was introduced to Jesus by Luther Elliss, a fellow trench-tighter on the Lions' offensive line. Luther took Hartings to a team Bible study, where he and other team members told him the Good News and introduced him to Christ. "Up to that time, football was my life," Jeff explains. "I lived for football and wanted success in it more than anything else in life." Sometimes, it seems, God uses lack of success as an effective tool in getting

omeone's attention. "We stat1ed the year out badly, and it just kept getting worse," Jeff says, speaking of the Lions' dismal 1998 season. "Everything was going wrong, and I wasn't playing well either. That's when the Lord finally spoke to me." Jeff's most important decision came after he gave football its rightful place in his life. " I realized football was never goi ng to fulfill me, and I gave my life to Christ. He tilled the hole in my hear1 immediately." Since becoming a Christian, Har1i ngs has become one of the premier offensive linemen in the NFL. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers before the 200 1 season and has been a mainstay on their offensive line ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, Hartings has had the privilege of blocking for some of the best running backs

<111 Jeff and Antwaan's XL-ent Adventure: In getting to Super Bowl XL, Jeff Hartlngs, Antwaan Randle El, and the rest of the Steelers had to get past the Browns (near left) and the Bengals (upper left). When they d id, they had a chance to celebrate Randle El 's touchdown pass to wide receiver Hines Ward in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Sea hawks.

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FORGING AHEAD

"MORE THAN ANYTHING IT HAS GIVEN ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE MY FAITH WITH OTHERS. I FEEL PRIVILE-... TO HAVE THESE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GOO TO USE ME." -.JEFF HARTINGS, ON BEING A SUPER BOWL CHAMPION

T Moving on: Antwaan Randle El left the Pittsburgh Steelers behind and now Is trying to help the Washington Redskins get to the next level.

in NFL history, including Jerome Bettis in Pittsburgh and the legendary Barry Sanders in Detroit. In fact, Hartings led the way for Sanders during his pinnacle season of 1997, when Sanders rushed for an amazing 2,053 yards. Hcutings continues to make a career of excelling at what many people believe is the most thank less job in the NFL, being an offensive li neman. Still, his role as a thankless warrior doesn't bother the St. Henry, Ohio, native. In fact, it has helped him better handle the immediate stardom of a Super Bowl victory. "I've kept focused on the Lord, and He has led me through a lot of trials and temptations." Hartings says. Being a Super Bowl champion has certainly changed Harting's life, but not only with the normal fanfare associated with a championship season. "It means I've accomplished a career goal, but more than anything it has given me an opportunity to share my faith with others. I feel privileged to have these opportunities for God to use me." However, as great as the fame of a championship can be, there exist other sides to it as well. "Winning the Super Bowl means a lot more attention, and a lot more temptations." Hartings feels that the biggest temptation has come in the form of his own stubborn pride. "There are a lot more chances to soak in your own glory, and plenty of people are there to encourage you to do just that." Hartings cited the many interviews following the big game as a potential source of head swelling for many of the Steelers. "There are so many distractions. So many people want to talk to you about how great you are. It can trap you quickl y." Hartings has kept himself on course throughout the off-season by leaning on his true strength, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "Satan is always there to distract you from God. You have to stay focused on Jesus." Hartings has even gone as far as cutting down on his TV watching time in an effort to eliminate the distractions.

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"Even the TV and radio can sneak up on you, despite the channel." Hartings says he counters this by staying focused on Jesus, by having daily quiet time, and meditating on God's Word. "If I just focus on Him and totally give my life to Him, He'll guide me."

hese two athletes have reached the height of their profession, but they are not done yet. They still have new goals to reach for- new standards to mark out. "My biggest goal is to read my whole Bible in a year," says Hartings. "I've got 'The Bible in a Year,' and I can 't wait to be reading the last chapter on December 31." Randle El has a similarly noble goal. "I hope to continue team Bible studies and get other guys to join us and be saved in Washington." Both teams have a pretty good start with that goal, too. All throughout the 2005 NFL season, Randle El and fellow believers in Pittsburgh held dai ly Bible studies throughout the week. "We would come together and talk about the Word. We would talk about so many different topics." Randle El said these stud ies would be both planned and sometimes impromptu. "One guy would come in with an issue or a question, and we would ask, 'What does the Word say about that?' So we'd look it up and talk

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TALKING TO YOU Both Antwaan Randle El and Jeff Hartings value the opportunity to speak directly to readers of Sports Spectrum magazine about burdens on their heart.

• From Antwaan Randle El: HAARY

HO.'oi/ G£nY IMAGES

.._ Randle-Dazzle: Former college quarterback Antwaan Randle El sets and fires a 43-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hines Ward in front of CB Marcus Trufant In the fourth quarter against the Sea hawks In Super Bowl XL.

about that, and share experiences." Sometimes the meetings would last longer than 30 minutes, and sometimes they'd be less than 15 minutes. Whatever time the men had to meet, they would take full advantage of it. These meeti ngs conti nued right into the 2005 playoffs, where the men would draw strength from each other before and after each game. "We would be excited having won the game but even more excited to have another week to get together and share the Word with others, especially those on our team," recalls Randle El. He said he and his fellow believers took their responsibility to share the Good News seriously. "We were able to reach people who didn 't know the Lord, even those on our own team." During Super Bowl week, Randle El says, he told others about the Lord every chance he got. "I would give the Lord alI the glory whenever I did an interview," he explains. "The Lord blessed me with that wonderful opportunity, and I gave all the glory to Him and put Him first in my life." Randle El has taken this idea to his new team, the Washington Redskins. He and wide receiver David Patten, a WEB SITE: www.S p or ts Spec t rum.com

fellow Super Bowl champion (albeit from Patten's time with the New England Patriots) immediately struck up a friendship. "David is a great man of God, and we share the Word every day with each other." Both Randle EI and Hartings cite specific Scripture verses that have helped them grow and stay strong in Christ during their time in Pittsburgh. Randle El cites Mark I I:22-25 as a passage that really makes him think. "It makes you ask the question, 'Have you faced God?' " Randle El stresses that question to people he meets, and in his own life as well. "You have to ask yourself, are you really putting the Lord first in every facet of your life? Is He before your fami ly, finances, and job? Have you totally surrendered to Him and His perfect wiII?" Hartings says a mult itude of verses have helped him through tough times. He gave attention to a wellknown passage: Philippians 4: 13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (NAS B). Hartings says, "It always reminds me that if I just focus on Jesus and totally surTender my life to Him, He' ll lead me through anything." Surrender. Perhaps not what would

"Put the Lord first in your life, before every decision, no matter how large or small. Even the small ones can turn into big things t hrough the Lord." Remember, "Trust in t he Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Hi m, and He will make your paths Straight." ( PROVERBS 3:5-6, NIV)

• From Jeff Hartings: "Totally submit to Jesus. Don't hold anythi ng back. As long as there is even a little bit of selfish ambition left, you can't be fully used by Him."

• And from both, comes this challenge: Have you totally surrendered your life to Jesus? Are you holding back on an aspect of your life, not allowing Him to access every portion of it? Or are you missing the center of your heart completely? Maybe you've never given your life to Ch rist in the first place. "There is a hole in your heart that ca n only be filled by Jesus," Hartings points out. He finally realized that in a Detroit locker room. What about you? Have you rea lized Jesus is the only one who can fill th at hole in your own heart? Make today the day you choose to follow Jesus, ei'ther as a brand-new believer or as a recommitted follower of Him. Fully submit your life to the Lord and let Him have every part of it. He loves You and died on a cross to have a relationship with you. Surrender to Him, and you'll experience the greatest joy you ca n ever imagine, even greater than a Super Bowl championship. Take it from Antwaan Randle El and Jeff Hartings; Total surrender to Jesus is t he only way to a truly abundant life. be expected from two guys who have shiny Super Bowl rings to wear on their fingers. 0

Dan Pasquale is a freelance writer and photographer based in Modesto, Califomia. SPORTS SPE CTRU M - SEP TEMB ER- OCTOBER 200 6

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hen So Taguchi attended Nishinomyia Kita High School and Kansai Gakuin University in Osaka, Japan, the thought never crossed his mind that he would live anywhere but in Japan. And why would he? Japan was home. It was where he was born, where he honed his skills as an excellent Bf!AO

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defensive baseball player, and where he earned a reputation as a player with smarts, especially on the basepaths. Japan was where he made his legacy. So why should he even think about leaving? In 1992, after graduating from the university, Taguchi was selected by the Orix Blue Wave of Japan's Pacific League in the first round. That year he appeared in 47 games and swiped 26 bases. In 1993, he played in 31 games and stole 12 bags. In 1994, while major league players were going on strike, Taguchi became an everyday player and began his trek to stardom in his home country. He played in I08 games and hit .307. In 1995, he won his first of five gold gloves. His consistency, work ethic, attention to fitness and stellar defense attracted the attention of the St. Louis Cardinals in the American major leagues. And because of the success of some fellow Japanese, Taguchi began to think of playing on diamonds far from home. "After 200 1, I was a free agent in Japan, and I knew I wanted to try to play in American major leagues," Taguchi says. "I talked with some friends who know a lot about American baseball, and they all said the Cardinals were the best. My agent called them, and now here I am." The timing couldn't have been better for a player who wanted to move from the Japanese leagues to the major leagues. In 200 I, Hideo Nomo pitched a no-hitter for the Boston Red Sox, and lchiro Suzuki ignited the Seattle Mariners' offense. Those two brought the message that Japanese players could excel in North America. And Taguchi had the added bonus of having been a teammate of Suzuki's with the Blue Wave. "lchiro Suzuki carne here the year before me, and I knew him. That helped, " Taguchi recalls. Taguchi signed with the St. Louis Cardinals on January 9, 2002. That gave him 5 weeks to report to eastern Florida and spring training. That also meant the Japanese baseball star was leaving his nati ve country and guaranteed fame. One of the advantages he had when he left Japan was the support of his parents, whom he was leaving behind. "My family knew I wanted to try to be an American ballplayer, so they were happy because I was happy when l told them I was going to America to play baseball." Moving to a new country with different customs, foods, and a different language were anticipated challenges. Religion, however, was something Taguchi hadn't thought about when he contemplated crossing the oceans. The language batTiers, food, and customs were changes he knew he'd encounter, but little did he know that his biggest change and

tong. So Taguchl unloads on a pitch against the San Francisco Giants. The 37-yearold outfielder from Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, has hit just 16 home runs In five major league seasons. But his solid .286 career average as a major leaguer and his strong fielding have made him a valuable part of the Cardinals' team.

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Getting the nod. Manager Tony LaRussa shows proper respect to So Taguchi as the St. Louis Cardinals get set to square off against the Houston Astros In playoffs. Taguchl has seen limited playing time In the postseason, mostly as a defensive replacement.

'Y So happy. So and Emiko Taguchi greet fans as they leave Minute Maid Park in Houston after the Cardinals beat the Astros in Game Five of the 2005 National league Championship Series.

difference would not include any of those. Late in 2003, nearly a year and a half after moving with his wife, Emiko, to America, Taguchi gave his heart to Jesus and became a Christian. "I didn't have any religion growing up. I had heard of Jesus," he says. "Most people in Japan, if they have religion, it is for Buddha. And religions are like a cult. Seeing churches and people who go to church . . . that was a big change for me." It was Emiko who discovered the love and power of Jesus nearly a year before So did. The language barrier, ironically, may have had something to do with Taguchi's faith. "When I came here, I didn' t speak any English, so l worked really hard to learn English," he says, now comfortable speaking without an interpreter 4 years after coming to America. As he began to learn English, He admits, not knowing the language ga.ve him opportunities to really listen, share, and talk RONAlD

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with his wife because she spoke the same language he did. "My wife became a Christian, and she told me about it. She talked to me about the change in her life," he says. "Now it is Jesus who helps me when I struggle with her or with life. She talked to me about Him. And l really didn 't know anything about it, but we had lots of conversations." Now it is Taguchi who studies the Bihle, hut in Japanese. "I am not a very good student. I need to learn more," he admits. "I like reading the Bible in Japanese. l still need to learn to read English beller."

n 2002, Taguchi survived most of spting training with the parent club, but before the season he was optioned to Memphis, where he made his American debut at the Triple A level. Because of American baseball officials' respect for the level of play of pro baseball in Japan, Taguchi didn't have to play in the low minors. He appeared in 91 games for Memphis to get him accustomed to American baseball before he joined the big club in 'June. At Memphis, he was teamed with four players \vho had played in Japan at one ti me or another. "I was happy to have teammates who played in Japan," Taguchi says. "They knew a little Japanese, and I knew a lillie English. It was funny." In his first stint with the Cardinals, Taguchi became the first native Japanese player in Cardinals history, hilling .400 in 19 games. Then it was off to New Haven for 26 Double A games. In 2003 and 2004, he split his time between Memphis and St. Louis. "I wanted to play in American major leagues," he says. "I knew I could, so I worked even harder." It wasn't long before coaches and teammates noticed. He has been wi th the big club since June 23, 2004. That season, he was named the Cardinals' Rookie of the Year. Now a fixture with the Cardinals with a career batting averTO SUBSCRIB E TO SPO RTS SPECTRUM: CALL 1 · 866-82 1·2 9 71

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age in the .280 range, Taguchi has begun to grow familiar with his American teammates. "He is so skinny. Look at him. That is one of the most dedicated players you'll ever meet," fellow Christian and Cardinals outfielder John Rodriguez says ofTaguchi. "As far as teammates are concerned, he is one of the best." Rodriguez' and Taguchi's lockers are situated next to other on the road. "He is great to talk to because he is so down to earth," Rodriguez says. "I am trying to learn a little Japanese from him, and he tells me about his culture and about playing ba eball in Japan. Some of his stories are fascinating." In St. Louis, Taguchi is surrounded by other Christians besides Rodriguez. Among them are Braden Looper and slugger Albert Pujols. "I haven't had much time to really hang out with hi m," Looper says. "He almost always has a smile on his face and gets along really well with the rest of us." Pujols has especially taken it upon himself to befriend and help Taguchi with being a Christian and living in America. "Pujols has been really nice to me. He [appreciates) how hard it is to not know the language, and he is a real strong Christian. He is a good example. But everybody on the team is real nice to me." Although Taguchi is relatively new to St. Louis, he's got quite a few baseball years on him. The Cardinals have committed to just this year with him contractually. "I am 37 years old and hope to play some more after this year," he says. "But I don' t know. A lot of good players want to play the [major leagues]." To help his chances, Taguchi has a dedicated workout routine. Most major league players head straight for the bountifu l buffet spread in the clubhouse after each game. Not Taguchi. After each game he detours to the training room to stretch. And before each game, he arrives before most teamWEB SI TE: www.SportsSpectrum . com

mates for stretching and extra batting cage hitting. The extra work is something he became accustomed to in Japan. "Before the game I try to do a lot of exercise and practice," he says. "In Japan our team would have a full practice in the afternoon and then play a game that night." Taguchi also notices a difference in pitching style between Japanese baseball and the American game. "Baseball is very quick in America, and the pitchers try to strike you out," he says. "In Japan the pitcher would throw more so we could hit it, and they hope we get out that way." And even the fans are different. There is no booing in Japan. "That was different," he says. "St. Louis has the best fans in the world though." Best fans or not, So and Emiko Taguchi and their two children don't hang around the Gateway City once the cason ends. They head back to Japan, a country that has far less religious influence than the United States. More than 56 percent of Japanese claim no rel igious affiliation, and just 10 percent name Christianity as their faith. Does this mean trouble for the Taguchis when they return? Not at all. "My parents know I am happy and that makes them happy," he says. "They still do not have a religion, so they don't really understand it." "Japan is not a Christian country, so they didn't understand it that well when I told them I was a Christian," he said. They seem, he says, just to be happy that he is sure of his faith. "I felt it in my heart," he says of his coming to Christ. "I know it. I feel it, and know it is real." "Christian th inking really helps me with my thoughts and thinking," Taguchi admits. "With my wife or with the game, I like being able to [pray)to Jesus Christ." 0

.a. A Cardinal and his peeps. There's nothing better for baseball fans than spring training and a willing maj or leaguer such as So Taguchi to sign autographs.

.a. Upper left : J-Rod and S-Tag, two of several Christians on the St. Louis team, share congratulations at a game in front of the home crowd in St. Louis. .a. Lower left: Kan Taguchi seems confused by all the fuss, but his mom an d dad and his grandparents enjoyed getting together at Busch Stadium.

David Austill is a f ree/a/Ice writer who lives i11 Wichita, Ka11sas. SPORTS SPECTRUM- SEPTEMBE R路OC T OBER 2006

moo•; The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the NFL world with their improbab Indianapolis and Denver dominated the AFC during the regular seaso the postseason. 1J Will the Steelers repeat? Or will there be anoth Florida after Super Bowl XLI? 1J Sports Spectrum analyzes each team

New England Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers

2005: 10-6 • Good: Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are still around and in control. • Not-So-Good: losing veteran defensive playmaking LB Willie McGinest and clutch kicker extraordinaire Adam Vinatieri. • Outlook: The Patriots remain the team to beat in the East. After years of AFC dominance, though, New England is coming back to the pack. • Projection: 10-6

2005: 11 -5 • Good: OB Ben Roethlisberger is at full strength following his motorcycle accident. (Thankfully, the NFL requires helmets.) • Not-SoGood: No more Bus! • Outlook: The Steelers failed to win their division in 2005, yet they won their first Super Bowl under coach Bill Cowher. They should win the AFC North and push for another title. • Projection: 12-4

Miami Dolphins

Baltimore Ravens

2005: 10-6 • Good: The Dolphins finally have a legitimate star at OB in Daunte Culpepper. • Not-So-Good: A time-consuming learning curve at OB for the Dolphins' offense with three new players-and no holdovers from 2005. • Outlook: This is a good football team with a bright future. Miami may start slowly as the OB position gets up to speed, but the Fish will likely be dangerous at season's end. • Projection: 10-6

Buffalo Bills

2005: 6-10 • Good: The addition of former MVP Steve McNair at OB. • Not-So-Good: All the Ravens lack is depth at key positions. • Outlook: The Ravens (with veteran McNair at OB and a healthy Jamal Lewis at RB) now have all the offensive pieces to complement their always-tough defense. They will compete in the tough AFC North and could even make playoffs noise. • Projection: 10-6

Cincinnati Bengals

2005: 11-5 • Good: Carson Palmer appears set to return to form following 2005: 5-1 1 • Good: The Bills signed his gruesome knee injury in last year's former star WR Peerless Price and believe he can return to his 2003 form. playoffs. • Not-So-Good: With starting • Not-So-Good: The quarterback and OB Carson Palmer coming back from m11jor knee reconstruction, the loss of offensive line positions are a mess. the NFL's best backup OB (Jon Kitna) • Outlook: Buffalo has a couple of stars on offense (RB Willis McGahee could be a big problem. • Outlook: When healthy (see Palmer), Cincy's and WR Lee Evans), but its onceoffense can be electrifying. The defense, staunch defense was a major disappointment in 2005. Don't expect however, leaves something to be desired. Look for a small step back in much improvement from either unit this tough division. • Projection: 9-7 in 2006. • Projection: 4-12

New York ..lets

SPORTS SPECT RUM -

2005: 14-2 • Good: The aerial trio of Manning, Harrison, and Wayne remain intact and hungry after last season's playoff disappointment. • Not-SoGood: Watching a superstar RB like Edgerrin James in a different uniform is never good. • Outlook: If first-round draft choice RB Joseph Addai can come close to emulating James, Indy will remain the NFL's premier offensive unit. It's a Super Bowl or bust sort of season in Indianapolis-again. • Projection: 12-4

.Jacksonville .Jaguars

Denver Broncos

2005: 13-3 • Good: The 2006 Broncos are essentially the same team that played in the AFC championship game. • Not-So-Good: The odd behavior of disgruntled WR Ashley lelie. • Outlook: In spite of questions at the running back position, Denver remains the best team in the AFC West. If OB Jake Plummer can bounce back from a disappointing playoff performance, the Broncos have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. • Projection: 12-4

Kansas City Chiefs

2005: 11-5 • Good: The Jags' stingy defensive unit got stronger with the addition of free agent CB Brian Williams. • Not-So-Good: The surprising retirement of No. 1 receiver Jimmy Smith. • Outlook: The Jaguars will win games because of their defense. There's talent on offense-just not enough at wide receiver. The Jags will be good, but not good enough to sneak into the playoffs. • Projection: 10-6

2005: 10-6 • Good: After a monster second half in 2005, RB Larry Johnson appears primed for a huge season. • Not-So-Good: The Chiefs' defensive unit must pull its own weight. • Outlook: With plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball, Kansas City must get improved production out of Gunther Cunningham's unit to be successful in Herman Edwards' first season. The Chiefs could be very good in 2006. • Projection: 10-6

Houston Texans

San Diego Chargers

2005: 2-14 • Good: New coach Gary 2005: 9-7 • Good: The NFL's best RB Kubiak's positive impact on talented (LaDainian Tomlinson) and TE (Antonio but under-achieving OB David Carr. Gates) are on the roster. • Not-So• Not-So-Good: Passing on offensive Good: Veteran signal-caller Drew Brees playmaker Reggie Bush with the top isn't. • Outlook: Wh.en San Diego pick draft. • Outlook: The Texans will acquired OB Philip Rivers in a 2004 be improved in 2006. (How could they draft day deal, he was the Chargers' get worse?) Yet Houston is void of future. San Diego thinks the future is talent at too many positions to expect now. That could mean taking one step a big turnaround. • Projection: 4-12 back before taking two steps forward. • Projection: 8-8

Tennessee Titans

2004: 4-12 • Good: Getting their OB2005: 6-10 • Good: The return of a healthy-and humbled- Kellen Winslow of-the-future, Vince Young, in the draft. Jr. at tight end. • Not-So-Good: Second- • Not-So-Good: Losing their heartyear OB Charlie Frye will be the team's and-soul, OB Steve McNair. • Outlook: sixth opening week starter in as many The Titans have one of the game's most respected coaches in Jeff Fisher. years. Injury to newcomer LeCharle The problem is Fisher no longer has a Bentley will take its toll. • Outlook: loaded roster to work with. Tennessee The Browns added quality veterans is a long way from being competitive. (LB McGinest, WR Joe Jurevicius, • Projection: 4-12 Bentley). GM Phil Savage has the Browns moving in the ------------:E-x....A."YC»:E"":11rS right direction. • Projection: 7-9 Division Winners: New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and Denver AFC Wild Cards Miami and Balt,l!! iml.!)!o:!.!;re__ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2006 AFC Champion Indianapolis

2005: 4-12 • Good: The addition of rookies D'Brickashaw Ferguson and OB Kellen Clemens give New York a solid foundation for the future. • Not-So-Good: Few offensive playmakers led by a rookie head coach and a rookie offensive coordinator. • Outlook: The Jets are a team in transition with no real hope for success in 2006. • Projection: 3-13

Cleveland Browns

Indianapolis Colts

Oakland Raiders

2005: 4-12 • Good: The Raiders will likely play a more physical brand of football under Art Shell. • Not-SoGood: Depending on journeyman OB Aaron Brooks to rig ht the Raiders' ship. • Outlook: Oakland has a talented wide receiving corpsand little else. The Raiders might be tougher in 2006 but not better. • Projection: 4-12. _-......;;;--- - 1

ORr

._.01LZ-ORFY' )

run from wild-card entry to Super Bowl champions. While ' , the Steelers were the team to rise to the sport's ultimate challenge in ·surprise winner who raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy in South •'preview the 2006 NFL season. • BY ROB BENTz ..............

New York Giants 2005: 11-5 • Good: The addition of superstar LB LaVar Arrington. • NotSo-Good: OB Eli Manning struggled at the end of last season. • Outlook: The Giants' season rests on the development of Manning. If he plays well, the Giants could have a special season. Without improvement, the Giants are a good- not great- football team. • Projection: 10-6

Washington Redskins

2005: 10-6 • Good: Adding free agent playmakers Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd at wide receiver. • Not-So-Good: Depending too heavily on high-mileage OB Mark Brunell. • Outlook: The Redskins have a tough defense, a sound running game," and an improved receiving corps. The only question mark is the aged Brunell at quarterback. That's a big question mark. • Projection: 9-7

Philadelphia Eagles

2005: 6-10 • Good: Adding sack artist DE Darren Howard to a pass-rushinept defense. • Not-So-Good: The receiving corps is thin on talent-very thin-with the departure of Terrell Owens. • Outlook: The 2005 season was a nightmare in Philly. With the Owens fiasco and McNabb's injury in the rear-view mirror, expect the Eagles to be improved. However, a return to the top tier of teams in the NFC is unlikely. • Projection: 8-8 ·

Dallas Cowboys

2005: 9-7 • Good: Adding the talent of WR Terrell Owens. • Not-So-Good: Adding the attitude of WR Terrell Owens. • Outlook: The Cowboys have won a playoff game in 9 years. Make it 10 straight seasons, as Dallas lacks depth at key positions and plays in a brutal division. • Projection: 8-8

:..

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Chicago Bears

Carolina Panthers

Green Bay Packers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2005: 11-5 • Good: The Bears stingy defense is still intact. • Not-So-Good: Not enough upgrades on the offensive side of the football. • Outlook: Chicago's defense makes them the class of the NFL's weakest division. The Bears didn't do nearly enough during the offseason to warrant a long playoff run. They'll be tough again, but there are just too many offensive questions. • Projection: 10-6 2005: 4-12 • Good: Adding free agent CB Charles Woodson and rookie LB A. J. Hawk to an already stout defense. • Not-So-Good: The Packers offensive line is a mess. • Outlook: The Packers will win games on their defense alone. Future Hall of Farner Brett Favre doesn't have much to work with on the offensive side of the ball. Green Bay will be improved but not enough to sneak into the playoffs. • Projection: 6-10

Detroit Lions

2005: 5-11 • Good: Last season's Steve Mariucci soap opera is over. • Not-So-Good: Depending on the NFL's best backup OB, Jon Kitna, to be the starter. • Outlook: The Lions will be more aggressive on defense, more exciting on offense- thanks to new offensive coordinator Mike Martzand improved from a year ago. • Projection: 6-10

Minnesota Vikings

2005: 11 -5 • Good: Adding veteran WR Keyshawn Johnson to complement Steve Smith, the league's most explosive receiver. • Not-So-Good: Two new starters on the offensive line may take some time to gel. • Outlook: The Panthers have all the ingredients to dominate once again. The defense is solid, and Smith is worth the price of admission. Carolina looks like the top team in the NFC. • Projection: 12-4 2005: 11-5 • Good: QB Chris Simms is growing into his role as the team's offensive leader. • Not-So-Good: The Bucs did very little in the offseason to improve. • Outlook: Tampa Bay is a goud football team. Yet the NFC South is improving, so don't expect the Bucs to repeat their 11-5 mark of 2005. • Projection: 10-6

Seattle Seahawks

2005: 13-3 • Good: Adding former Pro Bowl LB Julian Peterson could improve the defense dramatically. • Not-So-Good: Losing G Steve Hutchinson to free agency. • Outlook: Seattle remains the best in the West. RB Shaun Alexander may not have another record-setting season, but the Seahawks remain among the elite teams in the NFC. Another Super Bowl appearance is a distinct possibility. • Projection: 12-4

Arizona Cardinals

2005: 5-11 • Good: Adding superstar RB Edgerrin James makes the offense potentially explosive. • Not-So-Good: The Cards have not had a winning season since 1998. • Outlook: With a funky new stadium, a superstar RB in his prime, and the return to health of key defensive players, the Cards could be one of the NFL's biggest surprises. Atlanta Falcons However, the offensive line needs to 2005: 8-8 • Good: Their defensive unit improve dramatically for the Cards to got a boost with the additions of DE make a significant leap. There is exciteJohn Abraham and S Lawyer Milloy. ment in the desert. • Projection: 9-7 • Not-So-Good: Ultra-talented OB Michael Vick has yet to become the St. Louis Rams elite signal-caller many expected him 2005: 6-10 • Good: A talent upgrade to be. • Outlook: The Falcons have the on the defensive side of the football. talent necessary to win football games. • Not-So-Good: Change can be a If Vick can grow into a true leader, and good thing. But this much change? the defense can remain consistent for • Outlook: The Rams are a team in a full season, Atlanta could be dramati- transition. There is still plenty of cally improved. Those are big its! offensive talent, but that's not enough to win many ballgames alone. • Projection: 8-8 • Projection: 6-10

2005: 9-7 • Good: Adding a force like New Orleans Saints G Steve Hutchinson. • Not-So-Good: 2005: 3-13 • Good: Getting electrifyGiving up on franchise QB Daunte ing RB Reggie Bush in the draft. Culpepper with a 38-year-old as his • Not-So-Good: All the new facescoaching staff and players-will take replacement. • Outlook: The Vikings are a team with a questionable time to develop into a cohesive unit. defense, a suspect offense, and a • Outlook: The Saints need free agent murky future. • Projection: 5-11 QB Drew Brees to be healthy. If Brees is healthy, the Saints will be fun to watch. There isn't enough talent on board to expect a playoff berth, but New Orleans will be better. - - - - - - - - - - - - - . • Projection: 5-11 --- Division Winners: New York, Chicago, Carolina, and Seatti'L e= - - - - - - - - - - NFC Wild_Cards_ Tampa and Washington SPORTS NFC Champjon Carolina _ _

San Francisco 49ers

2005: 4-12 • Good: San Francisco picked up a future star in TE Vernon Davis in the draft. • Not-So-Good: The Niners ranked last in total offense and defense in 2005. Ouch! • Outlook: They lost two top performers (LB Julian Peterson and DE Andre Carter) off the worst-rated defense in the NFL. OB Alex Smith had an abysmal rookie season and his development appears slow. Simply put, the Niners are a bad football team. • Projection: 2-14

SPECTRUM - SEPTEMBER -OCTOBE R 2006

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•

I - eve Lots of small colleges win trophies, but Malone College is among the select few that seek wins that have value far beyond t he playing field • BY JOSH HACHAT Malone College of Canton, Ohio, another banner year for all sports. is proud of the men's all-sports The baseball team finished 42trophy its student-athletes earned 18 and won the National Christian during the 2005-2006 sports seaCollege Athletic Association son as part of the American Mideast (NCCAA) national title, while the Conference {AMC). It's an award men's golf team finished ninth at that has become almost comthe NAIA nationals. The cross monplace for the program. country team won an But it's just not for NCCAA title and took reasons that everyone seventh at the NAIA might expect. national meet. The Although the trophy track program followed sits proudly on campus that with an 11th-place with several similar awards, showing at nationals. it's never been done in a The women's cross country boastful, look-at-me fashion. team took eighth at the Instead, the success NAIA nationals, and the serves as a tremendous track team followed that testimony for spreading up with an NCCAA title. the Word of God. Overall, the program "When we do win, it's boasted 11 NAIA Allour responsibility to praise Americans in 2006, seven God and give Him credit and of which came in track and lead others to the gospel." says MURPHY field. But even among the Charlie Grimes, coach of the players, the sentiment men's and women's track remains that winning and field teams. "God simply serves a higher calls us to a higher level purpose. of responsibility when "It's a great opportuwe win, and we take that nity to have people look responsibility and stewardup to you;' says Katie ship seriously." BANKERT Murphy, a sophomore on the The ability to focus on winning basketball and track and field and improving, while furthering teams. "It's great having that opportunity to win and share your athletes' faith, has proven to be a prosperous combination for the faith, and I think Malone does a Christian school with an enrollgreat job of winning and sharing ment of about 2.300 students. our faith with other schools." Undoubted'ty, the Pioneers A major reason for that is the have success down pat. strong relationship each coach has The all-sports trophy, which with Christ. "Coaches tie in their takes into account the school's faith with the athletic situation, success in all sports, has been and that helps athletes reach their won by the men's program five potential in their sport;' says times in the 8-year history of Mark Bankert, the Associate the AMC. The women, meanwhile, Athletic Director and SID. "It all finished third this year but have starts with bringing in quality won the award four times. The coaches, and our athletes can men's program finished as high emulate our coaches." as second nationally in the NAIA Grimes falls under that category. national all-sports rankings {1989- His strong spiritual maturity 90), and the 2005-06 season was ensures that his relationship with 3 2

SPORTS SPECTRUM • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 200 6

Christ carries over to every aspect of his coaching. He uses verses such as Hebrews 12:1 and Galatians 6:9 to emphasize the benefits of hard work and trusting God no matter what. The underlying lesson he tries

It's a realization that Murphy grasped over the past 18 months. She broke both her feet her year in high school and missed track season, and she missed the last half of basketball season this year after heart surgery in

& Coaches who lead. Tom Crank was NAIA Coach of the Year for the national champion baseball team. Below: Lori Wynn took her Pioneers on a summer missions trip to Jamaica.

to bring to his athletes is taking advantage of the gifts the athletes were given from Christ. "God is worth our best with regard to our efforts and our attitudes;' Grimes says. "God expects our very best. and that's what I'm trying to attain and what our athletes try to do." For Bankert, it's the trust factor that's key. "If our athletes trust in the Lord and put Him first. aU other things are going to come to pass;' Bankert says. "Not everything is going to be peaches and cream, but you still need to work hard and have faith in the Lord. We can learn from that, and it makes us stronger."

But Murphy stayed positive trusted God's plan, and was able return to the·athletic field in the spring-helping the women's team to an NCCAA title. "I realized that God was there even when I didn't think He was;' Murphy says. "He's always doing something in your life. The Lord taught me patience and hard The lessons of hard work and trusting in God have led to championships for Malone, but ultimately, the Pioneers are more concerned with the victories won at a higher level. 0

Josh Hachat is a freelance who lives in Millersport, Ohio.

So, you have a gift for a sport you love. But you're looking for a college that can challenge you academicaijy while preparing you for your life's work. Growing spiritually is important to you. And-let's be honest- you want to have some fun. Malone College offers all of the above. Nationally ranked athletics in 18 men's and women's sports. More than 90 rigorous programs of academic study- including Health & Human Performance and a unique combined major in youth and sports ministry- in a rich Christian liberal arts environment. And friendships that will last a lifetime.

Get on the ball. And have a ball. At Malotte.

C IIRI S T 'S KI NG

OM F I RS T

1.800.521.11 6 .malone.edu canton, Ohio

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HE SMILES, HE PLOWS THROUGH OPPOSING LINES, HE HELPS KIDS,

l' I

HE WORSHIPS WITH HIS FAMILY. HE'S SHAUN ALEXANDER, A MAN LOOKING TO CHANGE THE WORLD ONE KID AT A TIME

'm ot ne' â&#x20AC;˘ BY GAIL WOOD ecause of who he is-the NFL's MYP

and single-season record holder for touchdowns-wide-eyed kids excitedly surround him as he arrives, anxious to peer into their hero's face. And because of who he once wasa kid, a hero worshiper like the ones th at encircle him- Shaun Alexander appreciates the power of the moment. He signs autographs, slaps high fives, and poses for" cell phone photos, smiling for each click. He doesn' t deny a request. Alexander, the Seattle Seahawks' runni ng back with the knack for scoring touchdowns, is touring the old YMCA in his hometown of Florence, Kentucky, the building he bought last year for $1.8 million. The building he now owns is the same center he and his brother couldn 't play basketball in as kids because they didn't have enough money. "I have a heart for kids," Alexander explains when asked about why he bought the building. "It's a place where kids can come and have fun and a place to help them stay out of trouble." This is the heart of the running back who scored more touchdowns (28) in a season than anyone else in the history of the NFL. Shortly after the Seahawks drafted him with the 19th pick in the 2000 draft, Alexander formed The Shaw1 Alexander Foundation to aid single-mother famil ies in need of a hand up. "I play foo tball to make a difference in people's lives," 3 4

SPORTS SPECTRUM - SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 200 6

Alexander says. "It's not just about football." Not that Alexander, with his peek-aboo running style as he hides behind a lead blocker then surges upfield, hasn't taken care of business on the field. Last season, with the Seahawks reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history, Alexander's numbers were indeed MVP- ish1,880 yards rushing, II games over

I00 yards rushing, 14 games with at least one touchdown, a 5. 1-yard average that was the second-highest for the league rushing leader since 1997. Nobody has scored more touchdowns in a season-27 rushing, one receiving. He keeps every football he carried for a touchdown. Alexander, who received 19 of the 50 votes for MVP, is the first Seahawk to wi n the award. He's just the fourth

professional athlete in Seattle to be named a league MVP. Accompanying all the touchdowns, the slipped tackles, the bounce-to-theoutside moves for added yardage, is his grin. In a game of grit and attitude, Alexander freq uentl y fl ashes his mega-watt smile. Whether he's in the huddle, on the sideline, or on the bottom of a pile, he'll do the unexpected. He'll smile. He's a contrad iction to the

image of an NFL running back that says be nasty, be mean, and be angry. Detinitely, don't smile. "That's just me," Alexander says about his good-natured approach to the game. "The smile doesn't mean I'm not trying. But I think people see me run for 150 yards in a game and see me smiling, and they think I'm not trying." Alexander's disposition is a reflection of who he is- a Christian. Raised in a

4 Super Shaun. In his first Super Bowl appea rance, Shaun Alexander, being pursued on this play by Joey Porter of the Steelers, ran the ball 2 0 times for 95 yards.

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SPOR TS SPECT RUM - SE PTE M BER路O CTO BER 2006

' I'M NOT DONE '

Shsun's world:

Carol Alexander made sure her sons Durran (left) and Shaun toed the line as kids and got a good education- and went to church.

The day after the NFC Championship game against Carolina, Shaun went to a kids' chess tournament event at Madrona Elementary School In Seattle.

.,. Shaun and his wife Valerie arrive for the 2006 ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre In Hollywood. .,. In the NFC Championship Game at Qwest Field on January 22, 2006, Alexander got past Mike Minter and his Carolina Panthers teammates for 132 yards as the Seahawks won 34-14.

3 6

Christian home, Alexander accepted Christ into his life at age 10, changing his core and outlook. "I gave my hea11 to Christ at an Easter service when I was 10;' Alexander says. "When I got home, I asked my mom about it." Since then, Alexander has had a peace and a joy. So, he said, don't misinterpret his smile. There's a drive to win, a desire to be the best and do his best. His teammates see the fire. "Shaun isn't pumping his chest and gnashi ng his teeth every time he runs the football, but he's a fierce competitor," says Ma"ck Strong, the Seahawks' fullback and Alexander's close friend. "He's probably the fiercest competitor on the team. That's what you want out of your star running back." Alexander isn't worried about fitting images, isn't worried about fan perceptions, and isn't worried about trying to fit into a mold of how an NFL running back is supposed to act. "I'm always the oddball compared to everyone else," Alexander says. "That's because I don't live by their rules. I go by God's rules." Alexander grew up in a two-room apm1ment in Florence, sharing a bedroom for 17 years with his brother, Durran. They played on the same Little League ba eball teams, played in the

SPORTS SP EC TRUM - SE PTE MBE R-OCTOB ER 200 6

same backfield in football, with Shaun playing quarterback until he discovered he could score more touchdowns as a runni ng back. Durran, a year older than his famous brother, was his running mate until quitting football to concentrate on band in ninth grade. Eventually, Dun路an played drums in the University of Notre Dame's marching band. Sometimes, as they were growing up, the two brothers would lie awake at night, talking about their future. And Shallll would share his dreams. "I've always been the one with the big dreams," Alexander says. "The big goals. The 'let's go to the moon' sort of thing. My brother is the guy who says, okay, this is how we're going to do it." In college, with Shaw1's NFL future assured as he was breaking rushing records at the University of Alabama, the Alexanders first began talking about how they could help the poor. It was then that they came up with the idea of a foundation. "Shaun and Dun路an are a great team," says Bob Brown, the Alexanders' cousin, who works with the foundation. "It's amaz ing what they've done. They've helped a lot of lives." The Alexanders understand what it's like to go without. After their parents divorced when Shaun was in fourth grade, his mother, Carol, squeezed rent,

food bills, and car payments out of her job with Proctor & Gamble, where she answered questions and customers' callin complaints. Somehow, Carol Alexander, while she struggled financially, always had enough to help others. The holidays were always a ti me for giving in the Alexander home. Shaun remembers at Christmas and at Thanksgiving, sliding into the car next to his brother and driving across town with his mom at the wheel. They'd help serve turkey at community gatherings. Or they'd pass out presents on Christmas. Shawl remembers the appreciative faces, the excitement in children's eyes. That's Shawl's holiday memory-of his mom helping. "My mom was always giving and helping others," Alexander says. "That's where I learned about giving. So, now that I' m so tremendously blessed, I wanted to do what my mom has always done." When Alexander was looking for someone to head up his foundation, he didn't have to look too far. He chose his brother, who left a job with Campbell Soup as a ten路itory manager, to operate the non-profit organization that has branches in Florence; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and, starting last year, Seattle. Durran, who graduated from Notre Dame with a marketing degree, now

TO SUB SCRI BE TO SPO RT S SP ECTRU M: CALL 1 - 866 - 821 - 29 7 1

"I'M N OT DONE"

manages the youth center that Shaun bought in their hometown. "Shaun is a guy who understands what's important in life and what his purpose is," Mack Strong says. "It's not just on the football field. That's something we do to earn a living. There are opportunities that extend beyond this, and Shaun understands that." Alexander can't meet the people he helps one-on-one. But he's talked to some of them on the phone, giving him an opportunity to share his faith and giving them an opportunity to say thanks. Often, the voice on the other end of the line is tight with emotion, crying as they say, "We couldn' t have done it without you." "You can't outgive God," Alexander says. . But it's not j ust about money. Alexander's foundation also shares a message of hope. "A lot of times, when people come in to get money, we'll share Bible verses with them," Brown says. "We also pray for them in the office." Brown hands pamphlets to mothers about the foundation and about Alexander's testimony. "In college, he talked about helping people," Brown says. " It was one of those ministries he knew he wanted to do. It hasn't just been about football WEB SIT E: www.S porhSp ut,u m.<om

for Shaun . It's always been about helping people." It's been a life filled with headline moments for Alexander, from the clay he rushed for 345 yards in one game as a junior in high school to the time he broke loose for 291 yards and two touchdowns in a little over two qum1ers as a redshirt freshman at the University of Alabama. In his six seasons in the NFL, Alexander has now scored 100 touchdowns in 96 career games, three fewer games than it took Jen')' Rice. "What's the best day of my life?" Alexander said, repeating the question asked. Was it the day he sc01·ecl five touchclowns in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings, setting an NFL record? Was it the day he graduated valedictorian of his high school class? "I think," he says, pausing as he pondered the question, "it was the first time I led someone to Christ." When Alexander was a sophomore in high school, he wanted to wear the jersey number 44, but it was already taken by an all-league linebacker. Alexander's coach told him to wear No. 37, so when people see it they'll think of him. "He picked that number because no one else wears it," Durran said. "He wanted to make that number special." Now, whenever Alexander signs his autograph, he writes Psalms 37:4"Delight yourself in the Lord and He wi ll give you the desires of your heart." 'That's one of the first Bible verses I learned on my own and wasn't the church-taught stuff," Alexander says. "I decided this was going to be my life-long verse. When you really take time and enjoy who He is, when you really take time in learning who He is, that's called delighting yourself in Him. My desire is to have an impact for Christ." When Alexander was at Alabama, just a few days before the Crimson Tide played Louisiana State, Alexander was reading though Psalms, and he bumped into the verse he still holds close. Against LSU, Alexander ran for 191 yards and four touchdowns. "Before the game, he was saying he hac0his perfect Scripture," Brown says. "He \vas really excited about it." Throughout Alexander's li fe, he hasn't forgollen that promise. He hasn't let success, fame, and wealth distract him. And the distractions, the acclaim of an MYP winner, are only increasing. There's a new Nike shoe that's coming

out named after Alexander, there's the new John Madden NFL video game that has Alexander on the cover, and there's an autobiography that was released in August. All are "blessings," Alexander says. But he understands that a blessing can be as much a temptation as a hardship. The temptat ion is to have a sense of self-sufficiency, leading to ignoring God. "The question becomes, 'Can you stay focused on the things God has for you to do?' " Alexander says. "Or are you going to start just hanging on and are you going to just start doing what you want to do? Both of those things are very dangerous." Alexander stays in tune with who he is-a forgiven sinner- by reading his Bible, by praying, and attending church. He begins his days with prayer. He knows that being a Christian is a cooperative effort. "That's what's so awesome about God," Alexander says. "He gives everyone a choice. He says if you choose

At a Loss fc. Losing • Shaun Alexander has heard the criticism, the complaint

that somehow Christians aren't really competitive. That Christians have a higher tolerance to losing. That in a Christian's list of priorities, winning is lost somewhere behind turning the other cheek and being a nice guy. And th at Christians actually make good losers. Not Alexander. "''m a terrible loser," Alexander says. "I don't even want to get comfortable with losing. It doesn't matter if I'm playing cards with the guys in the hotel, or if we're on the biggest stage in the world. I wa nt to win." Grit and grace don't contradict in Alexander's mind. And intensity, commitment, and desire aren't dirty words. "Losing's not so mething that I'm going to allow myself to get comfortable with," Alexander says. Some athletes switch the intensity on and off, getting psyched up for the big games or if there's a big crowd watching. But Alexa nder never takes a game off, beca use he plays for a crowd of one. "You always want to do you r best for God," he says. - GAI L WOO D SPORTS SP ECTR UM - SE PTEMB ER·OCTOBER 2006

' I ' M NOT DONE '

â&#x20AC;˘ Peace In the storm. A concussion against Washington had left Alexander's participation in the NFC title game in question. Thus, when he was able playand was only right for him to give thanks.

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accomplish and that he has arri ved. "I don' t ever feel like I'm done," Alexander says. "I think I have a calling on my life to be a great husband. If I' m not the greatest husband in the world, then I'm not done. I can't be comfortable. I want to be the greatest football player in the world. I feel I need to be the greatest speaker in the world. I'm at a good point in my life where I can be comfortable, but I know I'm not done." It's impossible to separate Alexander from the shifty running back and the man silting next to his wife in church on a Sunday morning. The two are the same. Except one wears a football jersey and helmet. The other wears a suit and tie. That's the integrity of Alexander. He's the same person on the football field as he is in the pew. "Shaun is a Christian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," Strong says. "2417. He's a great example for a guy who has the notoriety. It's a testimony to him, to God. To navigate some of the waters he has to navigate, a lot of us aren't under the pressure, the spotlight to the degree he is. And to still hold on to his Christian beliefs, his Christian values, is really a miracle." At church, Alexander sits with his wife Valerie and their two daughters, Heaven and Trinity. He's not accompanied by a bodyguard, stiff-arming Him, then He' ll take you through whatpeople. There is a church rule the pastor ever you're facing. His yoke is easy. has requested the congregation to abide by-no autographs. But Alexander weiBut there is a yoke. There is work." And responsibilities. comes conversations. "A lot of times, people "Shaun is as personable a guy as you'll find in don't understand that God calls them to be this anointthis business," Strong says. A year ago, Alexander ed person who is to do great things," Alexander says. made headlines in news"But at the same time there papers across the country are ballles. Ballles are a when he complained way to show where you are about not gelling the call with Christ and a way to get to carry the football on a you to the next level where third-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Alexander you should be with Christ. That's why God says to be ended up one yard short joyful in all trials." of being the NFL rushing "SHAUN ISA And, Alexander assured, leader. After the game CHRISTIAN 24/7. the rich and famous do that clinched the NFC experience trials. No one West, he told reporters he HE'S A GREAT is immune. felt Seahawks coach EXAMPLE FOR Like anyone who expeMike Holmgren stabbed AGUYWHO riences success, whether a him in the back. banker or an All-Pro runHASA LOT OF The perception was that ning back, Alexander Alexander was a malconNOTORI ETY! ' faces that sense of content, someone more interested in his own slats than tentment, that sense that SEJ\HI\Wl(S FULLBI\CJC MJ\CJ( STRONG there's nothing else to a team win. Alexander

SPORTS SPECTRUM - SEPTEM BER -OCTOBER 2006

said the quotes were blown out of propottion. His teammates agree. "Shaun doesn' t put his stats above team goals," Strong says. "He's a team player." And he's proven he can bounce back from a hit. n january, Alexander was knocked out of the playoff game with Washington in the first qumter with a concussion when Redskins linebacker LaYar Arrington kneed Alexander in the side of the helmet while tackling him. Alexander later said he was knocked unconscious and dazed for 20 minutes. "I remember the first quarter all the way up to when I got hit," says Alexander, who left the game with 4 If2 minutes left in the first quarter. "From the time I awoke on the sidelines, I remember everything else. It 's amazing to be out for that amount of time, and then everything comes back to you." Alexander's concussion wasn't the only thing that went wrong that weekend, just the most serious. Leading up to the game, his throat was so sore he said he could barely speak, forcing him to take medicine that he said made him feel "loopy." Because of the concussion, his return to the NFC Championship game against Carolina was uncertain. But Alexander, after taking a barrage of tests that, he jokingly said, "made me smarter," got the doctor's go-ahead to play. When asked prior to the game if he thought he was I00 percent, Alexander quipped, "Of course not. But I haven't been I00 percent since I was I0 years old." He responded by rushing for 132 yards on 34 carries, scoring a pair of touchdowns against Carolina. After Seattle's 34- 14 victory, a jubilant Alexander credited the Seahawks' preeminent offensive line that included three All-Pro players and also thanked people for their prayers. "I think everybody was praying for me," Alexander said. "I went from not knowing if I was Batman or Robin to feeling pretty good at the end of the game. I told everybody, you know, from the head up we're going to have to wait and see. We'll just pray. We went out there and said, 'All right, guys, whatever happens happens.' " What happened was the same thing

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·------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------that happened throughout a remarkable season for Alexander and for the Seahawks, who finished 15-4. Alexander piled up the yardage and scored touchdowns. He scored a season-best fo ur touchdowns against the Texans and the Cardinals and rushed for season highs of 173 yards against the Cardinals and 172 yards against the Titans. Alexander was reliable in shortyardage situations and game breakers the entire season. He successfully converted all 16 third-and-I canies, showing his power. He broke 54 runs longer than 10 yards, showing his speed. Both slats led the league. "For me," Alexander says about the MVP Award, "winni ng this is really saying how well my line has played, how well my receivers have played, how well my full backs have played, how great Matt [Hasselbeck] has audibled and how great Mike [Holmgren·! has called the games." Alexander isn't stuvrised by his success in the NFL or about winning the MVP. He's always set lofty goals. Before his senior year in high school, he wrote down his goal of 50 touchdowns. He scored 54. At Alabama, he became the school's all-ti me leading rusher with 3,565 yards, in I00-yard games with 15,

and touchdowns with 50. At Seattl e, he's broken the league record for most touchdowns in a season. With all his records (at high school, college and NFL), wealth (he signed a $61 million contract), and fame (he's on the cover of several magazines), Alexander isn't colllent with reading yesterday's headlines. "This is no time to say, 'Look at me. Here I am,' "Alexander says. "I don' t really think I'm better than someone else. And I don't think God is done with me." When renovation of the Du rran and Shaun Alexander Commun ity Center in Florence is complete, kids will enj oy basketball courts, a pool, tennis courts, and a soccer field on I0 acres of land. It will be another opportunity for Shaun to touch young people's lives. "I love mentori ng young men, helping them to change their world," Alexander says. "I'm trying to grow young men to be great leaders for the future, to be role models. For me, it's not just about football. It's about helping others." 0 Freefance writer Gaif Wood fives with his Jamify in Lacey, Washington.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Touchdown Alexande:r By Shoun Alexander with Cecil Murphey Harvest Hause Publishers Web site: www.harvesthousepublishers.com

• Clearly, Shaun Alexander is a man of conviction. He sincerely believes that it is a Christian's responsibility to live unapologetically and completely by the standards spelled out in the Bible. Alexander's example of seeking to follow God's design on his life from his youth through his record-breaking season of 2005-2006 is one worth following. For anyone who doubts the value of standing up against the temptations of the world and of giving up personal pursuits in order to live for Jesus, the book Touchdown Alexander could serve to remove those doubts. In this autobiography, which was just released on August 15, you'll read how Alexander's faith in Christ, the influence of his mom, the guidance of trusted coaches and mentors, and the gentle wisdom of his wife, Valerie, have all combi ned to ma ke him a special professional athlete. If you must have dra matic turnarou nds and sensational stories to draw you along, Touchdown Alexander is not for you. However, if you want to see how honoring God in the little things while usi ng your talents to help others and bring glory to the Savior works out in the everyday life of an athlete, this book is what you need. Touchdown Alexander wo uld be especially good for young people who are curious about whether living for Jes us is worth the COSt. -DAVE BR ANON

a.e ju•t a few of the terms used to describe Samkon Gada's emergence as the Green Bay Packers' leading rusher last season: Against-all-odds. Amazing. Captivating. Inspirational. Unreal. A study of Gada's odyssey will yield grains of truth in each of these superlatives. A more defi nitive one comes from that odyssey's featured character. "It's grace," Gado says. "It's all God's grace to me. I've had nothing to do with any of it. It's been God orchestrating my life. People who know Jesus Christ look at any situation in life as God's work." God's work in Samkon Gada's life began 23 years ago when he was bom to Christian parents in Nigeria, where his father and grandfather are African missionaries. His father, Jeremiah, came to Columbia Intemational University in South Carolina in 1990 to work on his doctorate in divinity. A member of the church he was attending made a donation to allow his family to join him. Nine-year-old Samkon had learned English while attending an American boarding school in Nigeria, but his transition to a new counlly was still difficult. "I got picked on a lot," Gado says. "I was looking forward to going back. But I stayed." Samkon spent the next 9 years in Columbia, attending a Christian grade school and eventually Ben Lippen School, a private Christian m.:adt:my of about 400 students. Once he persuaded his parents to let him give up soccer for football, he became a driven and prolific nmner. Three games into his sophomore season, Gado sustained a fractured shinbone. Doctors said he would miss the rest of the season, but 8 weeks later, with a steel plate in his injured leg, he was in the lineup for a playoff game. Gado ran for 430 yards on 18 carries in one game. He amassed career prep totals of 55 touchdowns and over 4,600 rushing yards. After being bypassed by Division 1-A programs, Gado accepted a scholarship from Division I-AA Liberty University. In four seasons, he made just two starts. He also came to a fuller realization of something he already knew. "Football is not my identity," Gado says. "My identity is in my faith and my relationship with Jesus Christ." Gado's identity escaped most professional football scouts. He did, however, achieve a 3.66 grade-point average, become a member of Liberty's honors program, and earn a degree in health promotions and pre-med. "First and foremost, I feel the desire to be a doctor," Gado says. "I believe God has placed that in my heart. "It's not about me, though. I want to honor the Lord, and I feel I have an obligation to 40

SPORTS SPECTRUM · SEPTEMBER· OCTOBE R 2006

THIS TIME LAST YEAR, GREEN BAY HAD NEVER HEARD OF SAMKON GADO. NOW THEY ARE TRYING TO FIGURE 0 HOWTHEYWERE SO FORTUNATETO GET HIM. MAYBE WE CAN HELP • BY MAR K H UTCHI NSON Nigeria. It's a passion. Everything I do is for the purpose of pursuing whatever the Lord has in store for me. That may change, but that's where God comes in. He will always be there for me." Before pursuing his medical career, Gado wanted to explore a future in professional football. He

attended training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs but sustained a neck injury. He was cut, placed on the practice squad, and then released during a span of 5 weeks. Robert Walker, Gado's agent, contacted the Green Bay Packers, whose top two running

backs, Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport, had sustained season-ending injuries. Walker convinced the Packers to give Gado a tryout, during which he ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and was signed on the spot. Gado instantly became one of the fastest runners on the Packers' roster, yet his life seemed to be speeding along much more rapidly than he could. it was going I00 'The world seemed miles per hour," he admits. "It was goi ng so fast, I couldn 't take it all in. I had three or four interviews after my first practice!" He knew where to turn, though. "My safeguard was falling back on the Lord and wanting Him to be glorified," Gado says. Gado made his professional debut against Cincinnati on October 29, carrying once for 8 yards. On November 6 against Pittsburgh, he ran for 62 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown. On November 13, his 23rd birthday, Samkon made his first NFL start and rushed for I03 yards and three touchdowns as the Packers WEB SITE: www.SportsSpectrum.com

come with snares. "You can easily fall into the trap of thinldng that God has rewarded you when you do something like maldng it into the NFL," he says. "It's so easy to think highly of one's self in this environment. There will come a time in your life when no one wi ll care about your autograph." Gado admits that staying close to the Lord while playing professional football is not easily accomplished. "Life in the NFL is not conducive to being a Christian," he says. "But then I've always been in the minority religiously. Where 1 came from, there was a lot of persecution of believers. It hasn't been as much of an issue since I came to the US, and I'm grateful for that." Gado is grateful for his Christian confidants, too. They include Packers defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. "KGB has been great," Gado says. "We've become really good friends. Every week, I go to his house and spend the day with _. A Lambeau Leap to fame: When last you him, his wife, and their three kids. He's married, read about Samkon Gado in Sports Spectrum and that makes the two of us different. I don't (September-October 2005), he was practicing really have a strong spiritual connection with anywith the Kansas City Chiefs in late August 2005. Two months later he was carrying one else on the team, but I know I can always find the ball for the Packers and on his way to that with him." Other Christian friends and famibecoming a crowd favorite. In his biggest ly members are just a phone call-or in one case, game of the season, Gado ran for 171 yards a prayer-away. "God is great," Gado said. "I against the Detroit Lions on December 11 . know I will always have a great friend in Him." Gado does not know what his football future upset Atlanta, 33-25, with his mother and three holds, so he is keeping one eye trained beyond it of his sisters looking on from the stands of the to a medical career and the doors it could open. "I've been worldng at Bellin Hospital in Green Georgia Dome. A month later at Lambeau Field, with his Bay as a volunteer," he says. "I help people get mother in the house, Gado rushed for 171 yards out of bed, take blood. I do whatever I can. It has and a TD in leading Green Bay past Detroit in been a great experience. It has allowed me to see overtime, 16- 13. Rather than counting his statis- the medical field one-on-one." tics, the numbers on his paycheck, or the many He does not focus on his side of that equation, running backs he had hurdled to find sudden NFL though. "It's not about me," he says. "A lot of peostardom, Gado chose to count his blessings. ple aren't aware of Jesus Christ and what he Has done for all of us. I know what He 'There's a passage in I has done for me, and I want to Corinthians that talks about the foolish things of the world," he share it. Being a doctor would be a great way to do that." says. "Well, I'm a foolish thing of Gado has not lost sight of his the world. No third-string, Divi"day job." His workout regimen is sion 1-AA running back should be relentless, and he puts it in un ique taking handoffs from Brett Favre perspective. "I've been entmsted or pass-blocking for him. "But with an ability," he says. "When there I was, by the grace of God ... and nothing else." it comes to working out, I'm ouTY"""" carrying out a responsibility. Gado's season came to a premature end the next week when "No third-string, I' m glorifying God by playing he strai ned a knee ligament in his Division I路AA football, so when I'm worki ng out, I' m preparing myself for first Monday Night Football worship. And I understand that appearance. The upstart had made running back it's a privilege to be here." his mark, though. His six rushing should be touchdowns were the most ever taking handoffs If Gado ever needs to be reminded of this, all he has to do for a Packers rookie. His 582 is remember his mother's name: ru hing yards ranked second to from Brett Grace. 0 onl y one other 2005 rookie, Favre ... But Carnell "Cadil lac" Williams of there I was, Mark Hutchinson is a freelance Tampa Bay. The grounded Gado, though, by the grace writer who lives in Greendale, Wisconsin. realizes that fame and fortune can of God.u SPOR TS SPECTRU M - SEPTE MBE R路OC TO BtR 2006

4 1

Tom Lehman has spent his entire professional golfing career honoring God and being involved in high-caliber golf. This fall, he wiU get the unique opportunity to do both as captain of the US Ryder Cup team for 2006. Lehman, 47, isn't the first believer to lead a US team, which heads into the bi-annual international golf matches in September having lost four of the last five times to the Europeans, but he may be one of the first to use the principles of Christian Servant Leadership to help his team to victory. "I have received a lot of blessings in my life, but this is a bit different because it's based on what I did in the past. I'm greatly hon-

ored to be picked for this," Lehman says. As US captain, Lehman will be responsible for guiding his team of 12 top American pro golfers against the best of Great Britain and Europe at the K Club outside Dublin, Ireland. Working with two assistant captains and fellow believers he selected, Loren Roberts and Corey Pavin, Lehman will be responsible for team strategy, playing combinations and team morale. While previous US captains have used famous sports psychologists or motivation experts li ke Tony Robbins, Lehman said he plans on a different track. He plans to use principles from Christian Leadership books written by John Maxwell and others. "I have read a lot of them and certainly agree with that style of leadership. We serve and help others, and that's what we want to do to follow Jesus' example," he says. At least one former Ryder Cup player and possible 2006 team member thinks Lehman is on the right track for his leadership style in breaking the long US golfing drought. "Christ was a servant to everyone, so .,. Cap'n crunchtime: Tom Lehman, who has experience In three Ryder Cup tournaments as a player (1995, 1997, 1999) and who has competed in nine International team events, has worked hard to figure out the formula for bringing home the Cup. For one thing, he hired a chef to cook for his team. For another, he has asked the PGA to pay for the players' In-laws expenses for the trip. And maybe best of all, he had a two-hour meeting with one of the great· est coaches of all time, John Wooden.

RYDER CUP CAPTAIN TOM LEHMAN HAS SOME PRETTY GOOD IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO HELP THE US TEAM COME OUT ONTOPTHISTIME

CAPTAIJN J that's why should we serve others," said multiple PGA Tour winner and 2004 Ryder Cup team member Kenny Perry. "People know about Tom's faith, so I think he will do a great job and be a blessing to others." The themes of encouragement and biblical leadership are what Lehman is eager to share when the US team gathers at The K Club, 30 miles west of Dublin in September. "That's what I want to do [at the Ryder Cup], help and encourage others. How can I help you, how can I serve you, how can I make your experience better? "I want to build our players up. Let them know they're the best players in the world. 'I know you can do it. That's why we picked you.' " Unlike most professional golf toumaments where it's every player for himself, the Ryder Cup matches feature the rarely seen or played team competition where US and European players are paired together as a unit, and all the matches are added up together to find the ultimate team winner. "This is all rooted around playing and relationships. Being around the players and living with them for 2-3 days is something I'm really looking forward to," Lehman says. "Some of them don't know me that well and some of them don't know me at all. They're going to see me and know what I'm all about." Lehman emerged from a variety of mini-tours all over the world and a trio of wins on the Nationwide Tour to gain membership on the PGA Tour in 1992. He made the most of his chances, winni ng the 1994 Memorial Tournament, the 1995 Colonial, and the 1996 British Open, plus the Tour Championship, among other events. Along the way, he has not been shy to share his faith in Jesus Christ, which he claims allowed hi m to make it on the PGA Tour, overcoming the obstacles he faced and encouraging players along the way.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- ----- -J4 2 SPORTS SPECTRUM • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2006

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BY ART STR ICKLIN

CCURAGI!CUS

_. Captain's crew. Tom Lehman has asked Loren Roberts (above left), who has won four times on the Champions Tour this year, and Corey Pavln (left), who captured the PGA's US Bank Championship In Milwaukee In July, to be his assistants at the Ryder Cup.

"I feel like that's one of my spiritual gifts, one of encouragement," Lehman says. "Trying to come alongside people and help them." Current PGA Tour player and recent winner Aaron Baddeley is one of the many golfers who credits Lehman for encouraging his game and .his Christian walk. Lehman found himself in the final grouping of three straight US Open Sunday pairings in the mid-1990s, and while he did not win a single Open, he was still practicing his biblical gift of encouragement. He passed along a Bible verse to fellow believer Steve Jones in 1996 as they headed down the first fairway before Jones captured his first Open title, denyi ng Lehman any on-course glory. Even Bernhard Langer, who led the European team to a resoundi ng victo-

ry as captain in the 2004 matches and has led European Tour Bible studies for many years, feels that Lehman's approach for the 2006 US Ryder Cup side could pay off in a big way. "Tom is a good man; he will do a good job. It will give him a chance for people to know him better," Langer says. Lehman has compiled a 5-3-2 record as an American player in past Ryder Cup matches, but now his job is to prepare his team for on-course battle using his God-centered gift of leadership and encouragement. "Practice and prepare the best you can and leave the results on the field. That's what I did when I was playi ng, and that's the best way to do it." While he doesn't expect or even necessarily look for a chance to share his faith in a public or unnatural setting dur-

ing his Ryder Cup captain duties, he's confident his quiet Christian character will be evident to all who witness him on the worldwide golf stage. "I certainly feel like keeping up with the young players, but I'm sure some of them see me as the elder statesman for Christians. I've been around a lot and seen a lot of growth on the Tour for which I'm very grateful," Lehman says. Working with the PGA of America, Lehman and his wife Melissa are responsible for a wide range of Ryder Cup duties all the way from selecting the clothes the US players will wear, to choosing lodging arrangements, the playing order and the two-man American teams. The captain is also responsible for selecting two assistants who will help him with all his duties before and dur-

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SPOR TS SPECTRU M â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2006

CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS

ing the matches. Most guys pick friends or fellow players they have known for a long time. Such was the case for Lehman in picking Robe11s and Pavin, but those men happen to be two close Christian brothers as well. "If you look at my career, I've always surrounded myself with a lot of different players, but my closest friends have always been those who share my belief system. Loren and Corey are very tough-

.A. Practice round. Will September 24 find Tom Lehman reprising this practice pose with the Ryder Cup from an earlier visit to The K Club?

minded individuals and very hardened competitors. "But we also share a very close belief system and have been friends for a long time," Lehman adds. A fourth, unofficial member of the Lehman brain trust during the Ryder Cup will also be a strong believer. He's longtime pro golfing friend David Ogrin, who won the 1996 Texas Open and is now attempting to play his way back on the PGA Tour. "We always talked about serving together when one of us became Ryder Cup captain, but he hasn't been around the players for a while, so he kind of bowed out," Lehman says. "But we're going to find an important role for him to fill." Lehman, Roberts, and Ogrin first became friends in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when they traveled the backroads of golf's minor leagues or mini tours together, either single or sometimes with their new wives. Robe11s helped introduce Lehman to his future wife, and Ogrin gave Roberts the nickname he has carried the rest of 44

his career, "The Boss of the Moss," referring to his putting prowess. After struggling with his PGA Tour career in the mid-1980s, Lehman literally played around the world from 198590, seeking to sharpen his game, which would later become one of the best. Discouraged and doubting that his golf career would ever amount to anything, Lehman seriously considered accepting a head golf coaching job at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, only turning down the job when he found he would be required to run the campus ski rental facility in the winter offseason. He became one of the first stars of the then-new Nationwide Tour, winning one time in 1990 and becoming the Tour's leading money winner in 1991 with three tournament victories and three second place finishes. That launched his incredible PGA Tour career beginning in 1992 when he was 24th on the money list in his first season and rose to No. I in the world in 1996 when he won $1.7 million dollars and the British Open title. He also developed the practice of rooting for his fellow Christians on Tour but not rooting against any golfer. "Always glad when they [Christians] do well because of a chance to share and have a platform. I don't root against anybody, but root for them. When Aaron Baddeley won [at Hilton Head in April]. I called and was very happy for him." During his streak of three straight US Open near-wins in the 1990s, Lehman said he learned valuable lessons he would apply with the same determination to the US squad in September. "I practiced and played a lot of good golf, but the results didn't turn out the way I wanted them to. That's a lot easier to take than if you're not prepared. I was prepared for the Open, or I would have shot 80. That's the way we're going to prepare for the fal l." He's also detennined to showcase his faith in a quiet, natural way, preparing to show the power within for the entire sp011ing world to see. "Just because you're competitive, that doesn't mean you're not a Christian. Christians can compete with anyone at any time," Lehman said. "Meek doesn't mean weak." 0 Art Stricklin is director of development for Marketplace Ministries of Dallas, Texas.

SPORTS SPECTRUM - SEPTEMBER路OCTOBER 2006

HAMPIONS TOUR veteran Larry Nelson has known . plenty of good times and some bad during his ....___ ..., professional golfing career, but he relied on some words in the Bible to explain one of golf's hi ghest honors last spri ng-his election into the World Golf Hall of Fame. "To everything there is a season, a ti me for every pu rpose under heaven," he says, quoting a passage in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV). "It was simply my ti me, for which I am very grateful." Nelson has been a superstar on the Cha mpions Tour si nce turning 50 on September 10, 1997, winning 19 times to go along with 10 PGA Tour victories. He captured the US Open title and two PGA Championship wins, and he has a 9-3-1 record in Ryder Cup matches. While Nelson's record was solid, the recognition was slow to come. He had been mentioned severa l times for induction into golf's ultimate shrine but was barely passed over every year. He was growing less encouraged about ever being selected until he received a springtime phone call from PGA Tour Co mmissioner Tim Finchem . "He said I had been selected fo r the Hall, and they wanted me at a press conference. I could n't tell anybody but my wife." Sworn to secrecy, Nelson appeared at the Florida press conference at the Hall in St. Augustine, Florida, for the announcement-the same place at which he will be formally inducted on October 30. Since the announcement, Nelson has received a steady stream of congratulations from friends, fellow players, and other Ch ristians on the Champions Tour. 'Tm very grateful and humble, but I know all credit goes to Him," Nelson says of his faith and his priorities after winning the election. Champions To ur chaplain Tom Rand le, one of the people Nelson helped bring on the To ur to help mi nister to his fellow players, said he was th rilled fo r his friend. "Larry is one of the nicest and most humble people out here," Randle says. 'Tm thrilled to have him as my friend and such a big part of the Bible study." Nelson will be responsible for selecting a presenter for his induction and deliveri ng a brief speech summing up his career and his Hall of Fame induction. "As Christians, we know not to get too high on pride but truly depend on Him. That's what I intend to do," he says. With his selection for the HOF, Nelson says there is one more golfing goal he wou ld like to achieve-selection as Ryder Cup ca ptain. It is so mething he was ago nizingly close to in the 1990s, but each time he saw someone else selected. "I don't know if it will happen, but maybe it will be my time," he says, still resting on God's Word for honors both on the course and off. -ART STR ICKLIN TO SUBS CRIBE TO SPOR TS SPE CTRU M' CALL 1-3 66 路321 - 29 71

â&#x20AC;˘ Bij Richard Daigle C._tch_)Dg Up 'With

------------------------------------FORMER MAJOR LEAGUE OUTFIELDER

rett Butler stepped into the batter's box and dug in. Then, realizing 50,000 fans were giving him a standing ovation; he backed out to tip his hat to the cheering throng. There were many memorable moments in his big league career, but this one ranked at the top. It was Friday, September 6, 1996, and just an hour earlier, Eddie Murray had hit his 500th home run at Camden Yards. Sure, the crowd went wild in Baltimore, but at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Butler's groundout to second evoked more fan emotion than Murray's historic homer. Not many guys hit 500 homers but still fewer return to the game after beating cancer. "I had tears in my eyes standing at the plate," Butler recalls. "I had to swing at the first pitch because I couldn't even concentrate, I was so overwhelmed with emotion. It's something nt never forget." Butler, who had undergone tonsil cancer surgery 4 months earlier, was defying the doctor's prediction that he would not play again that season. But play he did-in fact, lie scored the

& True leader. As a player, Butler led the league in triples three times, runs twice, hits and games played once each. Now he seeks to lead young men who want to be where he once was: the majors.

winning run that night. Defying the odds is an art form Butler has nearly perfected. From age 6 on, he knew he would one day be a big league ballplayer, even though he sat the bench his entire junior year in high school and hardly played his senior year. The guy who was always labeled "too small" wound up playing 17 seasons in the Bigs, finishing with 2,375 hits and a career .290 batting average. Now Butler manages the Lancaster JetHawks, the Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate in the high-A California League. While his sights are set on being a major league manager, Butler appreciates life more as he strives to be "available and obedient" to God's leading daily. Tve always appreciated life and the ability God gave me to play the game of baseball, but I take each day as this may be the last day," he says. In addition to tonsil cancer, Butler fought prostate cancer 2

years ago. Both are in remission now. This past April, he experienced chest pains on the bus ride back from a road game. After a few days in the hospital, doctors ruled out anything heart-related. Despite these health scares, Butler's physical condition is fine-as attested by his managing a 140-game minor league schedule and even joining in outfield drills with his players in the hot California sun . In his fight with cancer, Butler has found positive where most people may see negative. When he returned to playing after surgery, he recounts a time he was running out to center field with Jesse Barfield, a strong Christian, running out to left alongside him. "He said to me, 1'm jealous of you right now because I know how close you are to the Father now; " Butler recalls. "We don't get close to the Father in good times. We take God and put Him in our back pockets. We think we

can control our own life." Turning control of it aU over to God has strengthened Butler's relationship with Him. "It's given me more of an intimate, close relationship to the Father," he says. When he retired after the 1997 season, Butler was out of baseball for 5 years. He landed coaching positions with a couple of teams, finally winding up as the first base coach with the Diamondbacks last year and then moving to his current minor league managing job this season. He didn't return to the game without the blessing of his wife of nearly 25 years, Eveline, and his three daughters and son. Butler says he always has an open door for his players and occasionally holds a chapel service. It's hard to be a blessing to others, however, if you don't have something to give. Personal devotions are an important part of Butler's daily routine. "If we love somebody, we want to spend time with them," he says. "I love the Lord, and He's blessed me more than I've ever dreamed about. He's taken care of me for the 48 years I've been around, so why wouldn't I want to spend time with Him?" Butler said cell phones, video games, and other distractions make minor league life a lot different from when he came up. When he was a youngster, "we played until lunch and then had lunch and then came back and played until dark." And they learned the right way to play the game. "For the most part, it's really surprising the lack of [baseball) knowledge of a lot of these [minor league) kids;' he says. 0

Rich Daigle is a freelance writer who lives in Atlanta. His son, Richie, plays for the Lake Elsinore Storm, a team in the same league with Butler's JeU/awks.

SPORTS SPECTRUM - SE PTEMB ER -OC TOBER 2006

Straight Talk With . . .

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PITCHER, ATLANTA BRAVES • Won nine games for Cindnnati in 2003 • Led Atlanta in appearances in 2004 (team record 84) and 2005 (76) • I was born in Minnesota in 1977 and moved to Fresno, California, as a young child. When I was 11 years old, my family moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and that is where they continue to live. Growing up, playing sports was everything to me. I was very athletic and excelled at whatever I played. It didn't take long to realize that pitching was my thing and that I could throw the ball harder than anyone else. I was "the man" and had come to rely solely on my athletic abilities. I had prayed a prayer of salvation as a child, but now I was doing it on my own. When I was 16, I was playing in the Canadian National Championships for youth baseball. I was pitching when the sky clouded over and the rains carne. After a 10-rninute rain delay, we were back on the field and the grounds crew was getting everything ready. I threw a warm-up pitch just as a lightning bolt carne out of the sky ; and struck one of my best friends, who was out on the field. I ran over to him, and he was dead. This rocked my world, and I found myself angry with God. That was a defin- l ing moment for me. I began to question whether the Lord was truly trustworthy, and I sh!1fed my frustrations with my family. After a lot of wrestling through some tough questions, I carne to the conclusion that the Lord was indeed sovereign, and I could trust Him with my life. In 1996 I was drafted by the Boston Red Sox, and I was about to experience another crisis situation that would require more wrestling and some more soul-searching. I was pitching in an A-ball game in Rockford, illinois. I threw a pitch and my pitching arm snapped in half! Initially, the doctors thought that cancer had weakened my bone, but after a number of tests they ruled cancer out. I rehabbed the rest of

the year, only to have my arm snap again the following year. It appeared, according to the doctors' prognosis, that my career had come to an abrupt end. I questioned J why God would let this happen when He had given me so much ability. I eventually concluded that He could be trusted and that I would trust Him no matter what! Two years later I made it to the big leagues, and I went 8 years without being on the disabled list- until an elbow injury in July ended my 2006 season. Now I see the Lord's hand in my life. My wife and I have two children, with another on the way. God has been so faithful! It has not always been easy, but it has always been worth it! If you would like to surrender your life to the Lord, pray a prayer such as this: "Dear Jesus, please take my sin and shame. I am nothing without You! I am a sinner and I desperately need Your forgiveness. Thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross for my sin. Your will is the best thing for me. Jesus, I give myself up for You! I am saying 'no' to my will and 'yes' to Your will. I surrender to You, and I thank You for saving me. Amen! 0

Barb Cash, freelance writer from Dacula, Georgia, assisted Chris with this article.

Are You Sure? Really sure? Do you know beyond a doubt that your sins have been forgiven and that God will accept you into His presence when you die? To examine these and other vital questions, go to www.rbc.net/bible_studyfdiscovery_seriesf booklets/31017.aspx and read the booklet The Assurance of Salvation.

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