Leadership is not for Wimps!

In modern society there are many people who like to throw around words like excellence and speak of the things they can do while showing you the pictures on their "I LOVE ME WALL". There are few who really know what it is to jump in, inspire, and equip others to accomplish things they never knew they could.  In 2005 I watched a team of girls that had never won more than 3 games in one season together decide that they were going to change their path and create a brighter future...build a new legacy of excellence.  The first thing they did was decided that whatever they were asked to do by their new coach in practices, they would not only do, but they would do it with everything they had.  The next thing they committed to was to doing it together.  They were willing to sweat together, to cry together, to work together, to win together, to lose together.  The third thing they chose to do was to commit to each other and to being selfless in building something bigger than themselves.  Lastly they committed their work and efforts to Christ.  What did that look like?  I can tell you that during the first week of practice they finished two practices with 1600 yards of sprints in increments of 100.  1600 yards of sprints...not jogs, not walks, not strolls, SPRINTS!  Some while throwing up.  Some while crying.  Some while gasping for air.  But none would quit.  That looked like when one fell behind, the rest of the group finished and regrouped to gather the straggler and pull them along to the finish.  That looked like beginning each strenuous workout with prayer and ending it with prayer and advil.  That looked like a team that no matter the score they played their hearts out until the final whistle.  That looked like a team that never walked on the field, never argued with each other, never quit on each other, and never allowed one to falter on or off the field.  That looked like a team who got off the bus dressed the same, carrying their bags the same, exuding confidence in the preparation they had so diligently participated in, and demonstrating a love for one another that is only possible when each one truly puts their team before themselves.  They never left a locker room until every member was prepared to do so.  They never allowed one of their teammates to carry any burden alone.  They never tolerated poor classroom performance from one another and they expected each ones actions off the field and away from school to be reflective of each member of the team and of Christ.  They truly pursued excellence and sacrificed a great deal of selfishness and pride in order to achieve their goals.  In the end of that season, they stood holding a banner declaring them the reigning league champions for the first time in many years.  Without one senior on the squad, they won 16 games and set school records in numerous categories.  The greatest accomplishment however was the way they played for each other and demonstrated a Christ-like attitude in all they did.  Whether winning or losing, resting or "tossing their cookies" at practice, playing a game or doing community service, they chose to lead.  The time is coming to see if the athletes at CAI have what it takes to lead or just talk about it.  Stay tuned!  Go Warriors!!!