What can be learned from Sports?

The reason for this topic at this time is two-fold. First, to explore the lessons that can be learned from watching sports at all levels. And secondly, it provides me an opportunity to share the feeling a proud parent experiences from watching their child provide so much leadership and joy from their efforts.

In the simplest of terms, athletics are a microcosm of life. Think about it, you have to make a decision to participate, you have to prepare, you have to execute, you typically work within a team structure, follow the leadership and guidance of a coach, and then it happens—you either win or lose.

And isn’t it amazing that those who prepare the best, work the smartest, pull together the closest, and leave it “all on the field” tend to win the most. There are so many examples.

Look at the Dallas Cowboys this year. They have all the talent in the world—in fact many suggesting the most “talented” assembly of players in the league. And yet until a recent change at the head coach level, couldn’t seem to come together—even with the incredibly high payroll spent to do just that.

It’s too early to call this a complete rebirth, but you can say that the expression of new, clear expectations, seemingly increased discipline and accountability, and guidance from a fresh point of view has made a difference. No one—me included is suggesting the Cowboys will make the Superbowl (or playoffs for that matter). They are however regrouping to play at a level far better than seen earlier this year. In other words, when they made the individual decisions to get it in gear—things changed!

How about NASCAR? Jimmie Johnson just accomplished something that has never been done in winning his 5th straight Sprint Cup championship. A pretty phenomenal feat when you think about it. In the middle of the race three weeks ago, when his pit crew was not performing to their normal high standards, Chad Knaus, the 48’s Crew Chief went within the Hendrick organization to swop out Jeff Gordon’s pit crew from the 24 car to the 48 of Jimmie Johnson. The decision was tough on both teams—but created a winning opportunity for the organization. Understanding working together for the greater good was key!

Finally to my daughter Jordan and the Lady Wildcats of Abilene Christian University. Preparing for her senior season, Jordan experienced some significant pain in her hitting shoulder. The MRI concluded a tear in her labrum. In order to play again, surgery would be required. Wait a minute—this was late February, the season started in August. It was really the only choice if she wanted to compete.

Towards the middle of March, Jordan had the surgery to repair the tear in her labrum. While they were in there, they found something else—a tear in her rotator cuff as well. The doctors did a fabulous job—then the rehab began. Shoulders are an interesting joint (especially when it’s your hitting shoulder!), they heal very slowly. Nine months to a year or more is not uncommon to get back into playing shape. Jordan didn’t have a year—only months. The rehab is long, monotonous, painful and painstakingly time consuming. But if Jordan was going to come back—it had to be done.

Her hard work and countless hours paid off. Jordan and her ACU Lady Wildcats had one of the best seasons in school history. They mowed down opponents like a team on a mission moving into the Top 20 in Division II volleyball. Going into the conference tournament it looked promising that they could win the conference, only to suffer a bitter loss to Angelo State and get knocked out. This also put their dreams of reaching the NCAA regional tournament at risk.

Fortunately, their season long climb towards the top, some great wins at some key moments against other ranked opponents, and the post season volleyball powers-that-be (and their strong belief that God is good) granted them their opportunity to compete for the national title.

In the first round, ACU played a solid team from Truman State University. Truman was ranked higher nationally and the #3 seed for the tournament (to ACU’s #6 seed). ACU easily won the first two sets—only to lose the next two. The fifth set is played to only 15 and ACU gutted out a 15-10 win. What an amazing comeback after achieving the highest of highs winning the first two and the lowest of lows in the next two.

The next round was against #3 in the nation Washburn—a perennial powerhouse. It was a great match—hard fought points—tremendous long rallies—absolutely about as exciting as it gets. At the end, it was Washburn finishing victorious 3-1.

While every ACU supporter (or parent) was disappointed that the team did not advance, there was absolutely no disappointment in what took place on the floor. The Lady Wildcats gave it their all—they left it on the floor—and could be extremely proud of their effort.

So what are the lessons you ask? Quite simple:

A great guy like Jason Garrett can get an opportunity of a lifetime to Coach “America’s Team” and make a difference—through discipline, enthusiasm and accountability.

A team like the 48 of Jimmie Johnson can win a fifth straight Sprint Cup title when an organization comes together, individuals check their egos at the door, and everyone works together for the common good.

And Abilene Christian University creates something special between teammates, leadership is lived at all levels, their goals were clear, and their desire to succeed was more important than any other one thing. They might not have won the national title—they did however succeed!

Clarity of purpose, discipline, determination, enthusiasm, accountability, working for the common good, leadership, commitment to others and so much more are all characteristics of success. Some pretty good lessons to be learned!

Oh and one last note—for all of Jordan’s sacrifice, the hours of effort, painful workouts and everything it took to come back from her injury—her reward besides playing with a great group of ladies and a phenomenal university?

Being named to the South Central Region All-Tournament Team! Now that’s inspiring!!