ScottPooch SeizestheDay

By Kim Davis

"CarpeDiem" ("Seize theDay") should notonlybe the mottoof the "Dead Poet'sSociety," itshouldbethe motto ofevery college student strivingfor greatness. Sports,missionsand peoplehaveplayedanimportant part in helpingScott Pooch, seniorphysicaleducation major, develop thisambition togrow and learn.

Pooch,ashe is commonly known around campus, began his college career at Maranatha Baptist Bible Collegeand latermoved on toPillsbury. He came to LU in1987. Thiswas hisfirst triptotheEast Coast.

"I had neverbeento this sideof the countrybefore," he said "I wanted tostayina Christianschool, but I alsowanted a varietyof classesand studentactivities."

Pooch took advantage of what LU had to offer. Although he came with a desire toplay football and basketball, athleticcompetition held amuch different challenge-running.

While at LU, Pooch ran track for three years and cross-country forone year. During thistime, he met Traci Tidwell,a member of the women's track team who would later become his fiancee.

She was a sourceofinspirationtohim. "We would run and lift together," Pooch said. "She encouraged me towork out when Iwouldn't haveotherwise."

Althoughdistancerunningwasphysicallydemanding, Pooch enjoyed the challenge He also enjoyed making new friends. "I likecheeringfor teammatesas much asIlikeracing,"Pooch said.

His most memorable experience was their Spring Break trip to Florida. "It was a good time to train togetherand grow closer as ateam through the activities outsideof practice."

Pooch also took advantage ofmissionsopportunities.Inthefall of1990, hewent to Kenya, Africa. Asa memberofTeam 7,hespentfourmonthsin the Turkana tribebuilding, preaching and doing numerous other taskswithout theluxuriessuch thingsashot showers and air conditioning.

He alsosawpeoplelivingin verypoorandunsanitary conditions- some with only theclothesthey wore on theirbacks. "You know there are people livinglike that, but it can never reallystrikeyou asreality until you'reactually among them."

According to Pooch, Kenya is a place where the rubber meets the road as far as missions work is concerned. Here, thelessonsof humility, faith in God and flexibility became more of a reality to him than ever before

"It stretched me inso many ways and forced me to do things I didn't know Icould do,"Pooch said. "I learnedmoreduringthosefourmonthsthanIhavethe whole six and one-halfyearsI'vebeen incollege. The timesand adventuressharedwithmy teammates,Rick and Irene (team leaders), and Traci and Merrilea (LU graduates and short-term missionaries in Kenya)are memories Iwill cherishdeeply for therest of my life."

AlthoughPoochplansto teachandcoachaftergraduation, he isstill seeking God's will "Iam definitely open tothepossibility ofmissions," hesaid.

A person's college years can be memorable and valuableones,but accordingto Pooch,booksandclasses are notthe onlyimportanttoolsfor learning- the key is tobe well-rounded.

"Studies are important,but it'salso important to maintainagood balance,"he said. "Too many people try torush through,and they miss a lotof important thingscollegehas to offer."

His advice is simple "You have your whole life to work," Pooch said. "While you're in school, take advantage ofall the opportunities you can and make friendshipsthatwill last."