2008 Woodie Awards
NGU athletics offer unique environment for Christian athletes
By: Jessica Nix
Issue date: 11/15/06 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
Jessica Nix
Staff Writer
For athletes, being a Christian sometimes means standing out for reasons that may be undesirable. Athletes want to be recognized as superior at their sport. Standing up for what is Biblical may not always be the easy thing and students who are involved with sports may find that it is especially difficult to accomplish.
"Being a Christian athlete from a small high school made me stand out from, not just being an athlete of three major sports, but also being a Christian," said Mark Bordeaux, sophomore psychology.
Being a Christian athlete requires extra self-control and patience while participating in sporting events. There are increased temptations for athletes surrounded by non-Christians in environments that do not support Christian behavior.
"[Being a Christian athlete] can cause a few problems when fans yell and curse at you. You just want to turn around and give them the same treatment but you have to control yourself," said Andrew Nipper, sophomore business administration.
Athletes have a distinct chance to show others that they have been set apart by Christ. "Christian athletes have a tremendous opportunity to share Christ in ways that don't always need words," said Chad Lister, men's basketball coach.
Athletes sometimes face harsh stereotypes. "I think athletes have a bad reputation over all, and I think in college it's harder because it's a defining point in your life. You have to choose who you are going to be and being a Christian isn't the popular thing to do sometimes," said Courtney Neas, freshman undecided.
The transition from high school to college can be tough for athletes. Collegiate sports are on a completely different level than that of high school. "College athletics help athletes find a common bond and develop character and leadership even through stressful situations," said Chad Gfeller, men and women's soccer coach.
North Greenville athletics give students the chance to participate in the sports they love and also gain a deeper understanding of Christ through Christian leaders and coaches.
NGU offers a setting where athletes are not judged by teammates for being Christians. Practices and games begin with prayer, and coaches not only try to train their teams but also teach players values and moral leadership skills.
"Being an athlete helped me realize the values of life and being around a Christian atmosphere helped me understand that even though things don't go the way we have planned God does everything for a reason," said Matt Moore, junior business administration.
Staff Writer
For athletes, being a Christian sometimes means standing out for reasons that may be undesirable. Athletes want to be recognized as superior at their sport. Standing up for what is Biblical may not always be the easy thing and students who are involved with sports may find that it is especially difficult to accomplish.
"Being a Christian athlete from a small high school made me stand out from, not just being an athlete of three major sports, but also being a Christian," said Mark Bordeaux, sophomore psychology.
Being a Christian athlete requires extra self-control and patience while participating in sporting events. There are increased temptations for athletes surrounded by non-Christians in environments that do not support Christian behavior.
"[Being a Christian athlete] can cause a few problems when fans yell and curse at you. You just want to turn around and give them the same treatment but you have to control yourself," said Andrew Nipper, sophomore business administration.
Athletes have a distinct chance to show others that they have been set apart by Christ. "Christian athletes have a tremendous opportunity to share Christ in ways that don't always need words," said Chad Lister, men's basketball coach.
Athletes sometimes face harsh stereotypes. "I think athletes have a bad reputation over all, and I think in college it's harder because it's a defining point in your life. You have to choose who you are going to be and being a Christian isn't the popular thing to do sometimes," said Courtney Neas, freshman undecided.
The transition from high school to college can be tough for athletes. Collegiate sports are on a completely different level than that of high school. "College athletics help athletes find a common bond and develop character and leadership even through stressful situations," said Chad Gfeller, men and women's soccer coach.
North Greenville athletics give students the chance to participate in the sports they love and also gain a deeper understanding of Christ through Christian leaders and coaches.
NGU offers a setting where athletes are not judged by teammates for being Christians. Practices and games begin with prayer, and coaches not only try to train their teams but also teach players values and moral leadership skills.
"Being an athlete helped me realize the values of life and being around a Christian atmosphere helped me understand that even though things don't go the way we have planned God does everything for a reason," said Matt Moore, junior business administration.
Be the first to comment on this story