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OCTOBER
Features
2013
Regulars 6
Lead Off
8
Opening Shot
10
Life As I See It
12
SLM News
13
Run the Race
42
Quick Shot
44
Sports in the Hub
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ADULT FOOTBALL
TORNADO WARNING
New Lubbock-area adult developmental football team prepares to hit the ground running by Dalila Kettrey
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Connect
COVER STORY
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON
www.sportslubbock.com | 806.781.8482
Frenship Tiger tailback Grant Sandercox gets by with a little help from his friends by Joe Szynkowski
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Staff
WAYLAND SOCCER
PIONEERS in the LAND of the RISING SUN
PUBLICATION
Toby & Christi Brooks....................................Publishers Kristi Hart..............................................................Editor Baron Batch.....................................Contributing Writer Lindsay Bradshaw...........................Contributing Writer Scott Fitzgerald...............................Contributing Writer Devin Hargrove................................Contributing Writer Dalila Kettrey....................................Contributing Writer Terry Kinard.....................................Contributing Writer Alyssa Kitten....................................Contributing Writer Joe Szynkowski...............................Contributing Writer Spike Wideman.....................................Director of Sales
Wayland Baptist women’s soccer spreads good will and God’s will on summer mission trip by Summer Morgan
ART
Kristen Bednarz........................................Photographer Michael Dalby...........................................Photographer Dominique Harmon..................................Photographer Barry Nelson.............................................Photographer Larry Martinez...........................................Photographer Regina Penney..........................................Photographer John Weast...............................................Photographer Ashley Wirz...............................................Photographer Toby Brooks.................................................Art Director Donald McArthur...............................Graphic Designer
ON THE COVER:
The Frenship Tigers have roared out to a 6-0 start in 2013. One of the new faces that has emerged for Head Coach Brad Davis is tailback Grant Sandercox. SLM ace photographer John Weast again did the honors of capturing the cover shot, getting Sandercox in action against the Amarillo Sandies and again at Peoples Bank Stadium a few days later. Sandercox and his Tiger teammates have high hopes for a deep playoff run this season, and judging by their efforts thus far in a challenging early season schedule, they are well on their way.
Sports Lubbock Monthly is published monthly by Chaplain Publishing, a division of NiTROhype Creative, 3104 CR 7520, Lubbock, Texas, 79423, phone 806.781.8482. Contents may not be reproduced without consent of the copyright owner. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronically or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.
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Sports Lubbock Monthly
Sports Lubbock Monthly is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, articles, photographs, or artwork. To submit information, photos, or stories or for advertising inquiries please contact Sports Lubbock Monthly at 806.781.8482, via email at admin@sportslubbock.com, or via the Sports Lubbock website at www.sportslubbock.com.
LEAD OFF
by TOBY
BROOKS
Positive Yardage
I
t is fall in West Texas. Unless your address is “100 Under Arock Drive,” you know that means one thing: it is football season. My son is playing his first year of competitive, full-pad football in the Lubbock Youth Football League. So far he is loving the experience and learning the fundamentals. Unfortunately, the wins haven’t come so easily. If you were to describe his team’s season so far in a knock-knock joke, it would go something like this: “Knock knock.” “Who’s there?” “Owen.” “Owen who?” “Oh and five!” Yep, his team is working hard, practicing regularly, playing every weekend—and so far, it has resulted in absolutely no victories. However, as fun as winning is and as motivating as it can be to regularly dominate your competition, what I am trying to teach my little guy in this season that might easily become discouraging is that the sweet taste of victory is often perfected only through the unsavory flavor of defeat. Sometimes we lose because we don’t perform well. Sometimes we lose because the competition outplays us. Sometimes we lose because the official blew a call. Sometimes we lose for reasons even we don’t comprehend. But in all, the opportunity exists to either take it and sulk, or to analyze it and get better. I am as competitive as the next guy. I think losing stinks. But losing without learning not only stinks, it is lost opportunity. Whether in football or in life, it is the competitor who is willing to push himself
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Sports Lubbock Monthly
further and exert himself harder than his opponents who will ultimately be the victor—maybe not on this day and maybe not in this season, but eventually. Or, to quote the great philospher Optimus Prime, “No sacrifice, no victory.” What I am trying to teach my son, and in the process teaching myself, during this long and trying season is that one loss doesn’t define a man. A losing record doesn’t either. Heck, even the prospect of a winless season, as unpleasant as the prospect seems, isn’t final. It doesn’t have to be, anyhow. So regardless of where you are in life, take solace. Whether you feel like you’ve lost the half, or the game, or the season, it need not be final. If we study our losses, there is inevitably a lesson to be learned, an adjustment to be made, and a new strategy to be hatched. A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor and learning to successfully steer your ship through the driving rain will ultimately help you emerge on the other side better for the struggle. So to bring it back closer to home, with time, commitment, and persistent effort, I’m willing to bet we’ll break into the win column. And with that, we can go all Dr. Evil on Owen. Quit knocking at our door, because we won’t be “oh and anything” anymore.
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OPENING SHOT HARMON DOMINIQUE
HANGIN’ AROUND Pictured here are Avery and Lauren Cunningham. Despite the fact that they seem to be just chillin’ here in this cool pic, the dynamic gymnastics duo trains regularly at the TEGA Kids’ Superplex here in Lubbock. This image was shot by Dominique Harmon in the Captivated Images studio on a white background then composited into the stadium with other cool effects applied by CI’s Barry Nelson.
LIFE AS I SEE IT
by BARON
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BATCH
Diary 54 (Morning)
OCTOBER
S
ometimes Morning can be more frightening than the night. When the sun goes down, you know what you have done for that day. There is always some level of certainty, either good or bad. You know what you have accomplished and what you have not. You know if it was a good or bad day, productive or a waste. But Morning brings uncertainty. And uncertainty can be more frightening than the darkest of nights. Morning rides a blazing chariot, surrounded by colorful lofty clouds, pulled by horses that do not have names. Morning brings about the unknown, just like the unnamed horses that carry it. However, the older I get the more I have come to love uncertainty. The older I get the more of a morning person I become. With every Morning that comes I learn more and more that the blazing chariot pulled by the unnamed horses also brings a gift to me. Riding the colorful lofty clouds, wrapped in the delicately in uncertainty, Morning delivers freedom. Freedoms to go, transform, and create the day into whatever I want. To be what I choose, and to make my life into what I want it to be. But without uncertainty there is no real freedom. Comfort is an invisible prison. I would rather live uncomfortably free than allow my soul to rot in a well-accommodated cell. My greatest blessing in this life has been that God will not leave me alone, even though I sometimes ask for that. He will not allow me to become comfortable, because he wants me to be free. So he sends Morning in a blazing chariot, pulled by unnamed horses delivering to me the greatest gift of all. Freedom delicately wrapped in uncertainty.
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Sports Lubbock Monthly
Since realizing this over the years, my entire view on everything has changed. Some people would say that I simply have the worst luck of all, that I cannot catch a break. But that cannot be further from the truth. Being certainly uncertain is the best feeling that anyone can have, and I would not trade if for anything. So what’s next for me? Honestly I don’t want to know. That would just make me comfortable and I’d rather not live like that. So what will I do now? I know many of you would like me to answer that, but the truth is I have only been given today’s morning. And to be completely honest I would rather not know, because if I had things my way I would have been a comfortable slave for a while now. I do know one thing, and of this I am certain. Today I am free. Morning brought me that. I am uncertain about tomorrow, but I am certainly ok with that! Do not fear the unknown. Don’t be afraid of uncertainty. It is a gift from God. It is the keys to the comfortable shackles that will forever hold you from accomplishing great things. Grab uncertainty and float away into the colorful lofty clouds because that is where freedom lives. Blessings, Baron Baron Batch is a former Red Raider who, in addition to being a world-class athlete, is a gifted author and artist. He has graciously agreed to share excerpts from his blog for use in Sports Lubbock Monthly. To read more of his work, be sure to visit baronbatch.com.
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SLM NEWS
Blastin’ Babies!
S
o softball season is over...or maybe just getting ready to get started, depending on your perspective. However, one group who probably never stop are the nearly unbeatable Team Texas Baby Blasters. Headed up by coach Bobby Drum, the 8U Blasters had a banner year. If you don’t believe us, just look at the facts: • USSSA Route 66 Tournament: 1st place • USSSA NIT/ Giant Side of Texas Tournament: 2nd place • Pony Qualifier/Caprock Tournament: 1st place • LYS Mid-season tournament: 1st place • LYS end of season tournament: 1st place • LYS regular season 8U Division: 1st place • USSSA Goliath NIT: 1st place • USSSA NM/WTX State Tournament: 1st place • Pony League World Series: 3rd place The team’s combined record over the last year is an astounding 85-8. A hearty belated congratulations from SLM to the Team Texas Baby Blasters!
Coach Bobby Drum
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Sports Lubbock Monthly
I
still remember the day Kurt Warner got cut. I was so upset that the celebrated quarterback was a Ram no more. Of course, he went on to finish out his career in high fashion with the Cardinals. Still, I feel for any player sent to the Coach’s office with playbook in hand, a sure sign that he’s about to be unemployed. (I’ve lost jobs before, too, so I’m well aware of the unknowns the future holds.) However, Jeremiah 29:11 offers four wonderful promises: “‘I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” The promise of provision: “Plans to prosper you.” Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.” When confronted with tough decisions, we have assurance that when we choose in accordance with God’s will, he will provide. The promise of protection: “Not to harm you.” God offers protection from enemies. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,” the Psalmist wrote. God offers protection from man. Hebrews 13:6 states, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Sometimes, the most damaging enemy is ourselves. Remember the “Miracle in the Meadowlands?” The Philadelphia Eagles were visiting the New York Giants, who already had the game wrapped up. A kneeldown by the quarterback would have run out the clock. Instead, the coach called a run to the left side of the line. QB Joe Pisarcik bungled the hand-off, causing a fumble, which the Eagles’ Herman Edwards scooped up for the game-winning touchdown. Failing to execute something as fundamental
CHAFFIN
RUN THE RACE
The 5th Quarter
by ERIC
as a hand-off brought defeat. Self-defeat often comes from deviating from the basic fundamentals of God’s game plan. The promise of perspective: “To give you hope.” The Apostle Paul wrote of being hardpressed, persecuted and struck down. Such attacks would cause despair for any normal person. But, God’s children aren’t normal. He gives us a different outlook, a new perspective. My childhood hero was “Captain Comeback,” Dallas Cowboy Roger Staubach. Roger’s fans knew that no matter how bleak the situation, as long as he was on the field, there was always the hope of victory. When we have Christ in charge of our lives, we have hope, too. 1 Peter 1:3 speaks of “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” The promise of purpose: “To give you…a future.” I vividly recall a miserable day many years ago, when I was lonely, hated my job at the radio station where I worked, and I tearfully blurted out, “Lord, is my life going to get any better than this? If it isn’t, I would really rather die!” It took time and heartache to discover the reason God took me there, but it was worth the wait. Her name was Kristi, and the girl with the most beautiful smile in Texas soon became my bride. Psalm 138:8 says, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.” We might not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. Eric Chaffin is an Associate Pastor at Southcrest Baptist Church, chairman of 3:14 Ministries (www.three-fourteen.org) and a former arena football team chaplain.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Heb 12:1 RUN THE RACE is a monthly column featuring a brief devotional written by area coaches and youth ministry leaders.
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ADULT DEVELOPMENTAL
FOOTBALL
TORNADO WARNING New Lubbock-area adult developmental football team prepares to hit the ground running DALILA
KETTREY ASHLEY
W
hile football season is in full swing all around Lubbock, the Texas Tornados are in their off season and are putting that time to work. The Tornados, established two years ago by general manager Duran Williams, practice every Saturday and Sunday. Crossroads Amateur Football League sponsors the team. The league is based out of the city of Victoria and has 31 teams with six divisions throughout Texas. The league has its own BCS rankings, follows NCAA rules, and has a playoff system ending with a
NOT JUST A DAY IN THE PARK Tornado players complete drills as a part of a recent workout. In addition to putting a solid product on the field, Tornados founder Duran Williams has worked hard to ensure his team is also an asset to the Lubbock community, too.
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WIRZ
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ADULT DEVELOPMENTAL
FOOTBALL
“This is not a bunch of guys that came off the couch. They are all in shape. They work.” -Texas Tornados founder Duran Williams
championship in June. The Tornados are in the West Texas division and play against teams from this region such as Amarillo, Odessa, Midland, and El Paso. Williams has a background in arena and NFL football and wanted to put this team together for the guys who may have been overlooked, could not get a scholarship for college, or may be coming back from NFL try-outs. Williams said there is so much talent here in the Lubbock area, but most people go outside of the city to find recruits. “This is not a bunch of guys that came off the couch. They are all in shape. They work,” Williams said. Assistant coach Roy Rodriguez said the talent of 20 and 30 year olds on the team is incredible considering they didn’t play in college.
Second Chance AIR IT OUT Tornado QB/DB Corey White lets a deep ball fly at a recent practice. White attended Eastern New Mexico and has experience playing arena football.
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To not give people the wrong impression, Williams said he likes to refer to this program not as semi-pro ball, but rather adult developmental football and sees this team as a second-chance team. “We’re trying to push these guys up to another level, keep them going,” Williams said. “We don’t want to be looked at as a bunch of guys playing football for no reason. Everyone has a purpose for why they’re out there “Everyone needs a second chance to do what they love in life.” Williams was also able find coaches
Sports Lubbock Monthly
with distinguished backgrounds. Head Coach Rodney Sims was a part of Friday Night Lights as a player for Midland Lee in the 80’s. Assistant Coach Roy Rodriguez coached at Texas Tech under Mike Leach from 2004 to 2005. Corey White, who plays quarterback and cornerback, attended Eastern New Mexico University. He also played arena football, had a few NFL try outs, and later decided to move back to Lubbock after the door closed on those opportunities. “I thought [the team] was a good idea because it was something for Lubbock and the athletes that didn’t get to go on to the next level,” White said. Receiver and running back, Rodney Moore said he’s enjoying this new experience. He has made new friends and likes that this opportunity can lead to other things.
Community Focus
Although the team members may be pursuing career benefits from the organization, Williams said they are very much about giving back to the community and being role models to kids. He said they want to be able to show that there is positivity after high school and college, and that just because you did not get picked does not mean you cannot go further. “They have to be involved in some kind of community activity,” Williams said.
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ADULT DEVELOPMENTAL
FOOTBALL MAN WITH THE PLAN Rodney Sims will serve as the Tornado Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator. Sims also serves as the Estacado Matador Offinsive Coordinator in the fall months
The team raised about $5,000 with 104.9 The Beat and ClearTalk for a diabetes fund raiser. They are also trying to get a program started with Lubbock Independent School District called “Tiny Tornados,” where players can meet with kindergarten through fifth graders and do things such as tell stories and attend PE classes. The Boys and Girls Club is another organization dear to their hearts. Williams said they have decided to allow all kids from the club attend the games for free. The Tornados are also working with LISD to use a facility to play a game in December called “Stuff the Stadium” where people can bring toys for kids who may not have them. “This team is all about giving back,” Williams said.
The Team
As dedicated as Williams and the team are to doing their part in the community, it is just as so when it comes to producing a great football team. “It wasn’t one of those things where you come out here and make this team. No, we had tryouts,” Williams said. When looking for players to be a part of the team, Williams sought out guys who had a high school diploma, at least one year of high school varsity, college or NFL experience. He said players had to be willing to help out wherever they are needed and work with youth around the city. Williams also turned to local area high schools coaches to help point him in the direction of qualified players. He wanted this to be another way for these guys to showcase their skills. These dedicated players are looking for their second chance, Williams said. They don’t get paid and are risking themselves for the love of the game and to get themselves somewhere.
ADULT DEVELOPMENTAL
FOOTBALL
“I just want Lubbock to understand that these guys are going to give them the best, best, best games possible.” -Texas Tornados founder Duran Williams
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“I just want Lubbock to understand that these guys are going to give them the best, best, best games possible, you know everyone is screaming year-round football and our season starts the first week of February until June,” Williams said. While putting in time and effort for themselves, they also do it for the kids, Williams said. Receiver and running back, Rodney Moore described the team as a brotherhood and said it is something good for the kids to come out and watch, as well as something for guys to do and stay out of trouble. Head Coach Rodney Sims said the team looks for good character guys who are trying to do the right thing, therefore leaving no room for error. “Our biggest support staff, I think start with those kids so it almost puts that pressure on the players to do right,” Sims said. Sims’ faith in the team is exhibited through his goals of accomplishment. He said he does not want this year to be a one-hit type thing. He wants to set a new platform for what semi-pro football should be.
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ADULT DEVELOPMENTAL
FOOTBALL
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“We want to be affiliated with every kid, every household, hopefully. A local brand where people will want to go out and buy jerseys and just be associated with the team,” Sims said. While the team is trying to make a name for itself, they are still experiencing some challenges. Coach Rodriguez expressed his agitation about not being able to find a field to use in the city but understands that some semi pro teams from the past have done some questionable things, so people have their guard up.
“We’re gonna try to change that with hospitality and community service,” Rodriguez said. Assistant Coach Roy Rodriguez said the team is going to do Lubbock right. He also wants guys to be able to play the game if the athletic ability is still there. “It’s a passion that stays with you forever,” Rodriguez said. Dalila Kettrey is a contributing writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. She may be reached at admin@ sportslubbock.com.
“We want to be affiliated with every kid, every household, hopefully. A local brand where people will want to go out and buy jerseys and just be associated with the team.” -Texas Tornados Head Coach Rodney Sims
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COVER
STORY Brought to you by
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON Frenship Tiger tailback Grant Sandercox gets by with a little help from his friends JOE
SZYNKOWSKI JOHN
WEAST
G
rant Sandercox sure had a September to remember. He and his Frenship teammates are hoping October and November will continue to be even more special. The Tigers cruised through their non-district schedule, posting a 5-0 record over some tough competition. Sandercox – Frenship’s 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior running back – racked up 602 yards and seven touchdowns during those five games. He also caught four balls out of the backfield for 40 yards. “He really is the total package,” said Frenship coach Brad Davis. “He isn’t only quick, he is an extremely strong runner.”
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COVER
STORY
“He worked so hard in the offseason to put himself in a position to succeed for us. He was always in the weight room getting stronger.” Sandercox catalyzed a week two victory that defined the early season for Frenship. The Tigers compiled 401 rushing yards – 214 from Sandercox – on their way to a 55-17 victory over Permian. It was a bounceback performance for Frenship, which opened the season by squeaking past Canutillo, 14-7, on only 204 total yards. Sandercox scored three touchdowns against Permian and helped get the Tigers on track for the rest of their non-district games. “He worked so hard in the offseason to put himself in a position to succeed for us,” Davis said. “He was always in the weight room getting stronger.” Sandercox put on 10 pounds of muscle through a vigorous offseason routine of weight training and sprint drills. He anticipated a more involved role in the Tigers offense and wanted to be prepared for his opportunity to build on the precedent set by graduated standout running back D’Maujeric Tucker.
“I lifted weights at least five days a week during the offseason,” Sandercox said. “I think it’s made a difference. I have felt pretty fresh as the season has went along. I’m still working with weights and on my speed.” Davis says Sandercox applies the same diligence he exerts in the weight room across all of his football responsibilities, calling him “the ideal kid to coach.” “He is going to work extremely hard and is going to spend a lot of extra time on his own to get better,” Davis said. “He is self-motivated and he is not a kid you have to worry about working hard.” Humbleness is also one of Sandercox’s defining attributes. The running back is quick to credit his faith and those around him for his success. When asked, the well-grounded standout cites Romans 12:3 as one of his favorite verses. A verse about being humble is pretty impressive for any high schooler, let alone a standout athlete on one of the finest football teams in the region.
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-Frenship High Head Coach Brad Davis, discussing the tireless work ethic of Grant Sandercox
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COVER
STORY
When describing his three-score, 200-plus-yard performance against Permian, Sandercox shifts the attention to his offensive line. “I think it was our offensive linemen who led for us,” Sandercox said. “They were opening big holes that night and I was able to get through them and run past everybody.” When speaking about the trust he has earned as a junior running back, Sandercox mentions his coaches. “I have a really good relationship with my coaches,” he said. “They are great about working with us if we see anything that we should change in particular.”
“He is such a respectful kid,” Davis said. “He is a pleasure to coach.” One thing is for sure, Sandercox has been instrumental in helping Frenship achieve its early season goals. The Tigers front-loaded their schedule with tough opponents, including a challenging threegame stretch against El Dorado, Amarillo and Palo Duro. The Tigers won those three contests by a combined 15 points, sharpening their abilities to pull out tight games down the stretch. It is a team strength that Davis hopes pays off come playoff time. “Getting those wins and starting 5-0 was huge for our confidence heading into district,” he said. “It’s as tough a nondistrict schedule that we’ve ever played. It’s a tribute to our kids for how well we performed and hopefully it is something we can draw on as the season goes along.” Sandercox and his teammates were up to the challenge of a difficult early schedule. “I think it’s always better to play those games against the tougher teams,” he said “We just came into the season focusing on one game at a time. That is how we are approaching every game.” The approach has worked thus far for the young Frenship team that revamped three out of its five offensive line spots coming into the season. “We only had the two right side lineman coming back,” Davis said. “But the group as a whole is meshing and has been very physical up front.”
DOING ALL THINGS Sandercox is quick to credit his faith and his teammates for his success this season. He sports a Phillipians 4:13 armband at every contest.
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Sandercox has done his part to comfort the new additions, who know that their running back doesn’t need much of a hole to pick up positive yardage. His ability to gain yards after contact is what separates Sandercox, Davis says. “That’s what he does that is so impressive,” he said. “He gets a lot of his yard after contact and is just so hard to bring down. He very rarely goes down on the first hit. He carries defenders with him.” Sandercox plans on continuing to carry his teammates to their ultimate goal – state.
“I don’t really have any personal goals for yardage or anything like that,” he said. “We are just going to keep playing as hard and as smart as we can every game and try to achieve our goal.”
Joe Szynkowski is a freelance writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. Contact him at info@ joeszynkowski.com, friend him on Facebook or find him on Twitter.
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WAYLAND BAPTIST
SOCCER
PIONEERS in the LAND of the RISING SUN Wayland Baptist women’s soccer spreads good will and God’s will on summer mission trip SUMMER ALEXANDRA
GUZMAN
W KICKIN’ IT IN JAPAN Spearheaded by WBU senior defensive midfielder Zoe Benson, the Lady Pioneers spent the summer serving as summer missionaries in the Far East
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MORGAN
and SHILOH
ayland Baptist women’s soccer coach Shiloh Posey can look back more than 18 months and see God’s hand at work, setting events in motion in his and Pioneer senior Zoe Benson’s lives that would lead them both on a two-week sports mission trip to Japan this summer. Posey said the ball first got rolling when he talked to Paul Gizzi, ministry director of the Southern California Seahorses soccer club, last spring.
Sports Lubbock Monthly
POSEY
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Covenant Health is Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for
Orthopedic Excellence by Healthgrades® in 2013.
We congratulate and thank each of our physicians, staff and volunteers whose dedication to excellence lead to these outstanding quality rankings.
Covenant Health 2013 Rankings for Orthopedic Excellence: • Healthgrades 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery 2013 • Healthgrades Orthopedics Surgery Excellence Award 2013 • Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2013 • No. 6 in Texas for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2013
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covenanthealth.org
WAYLAND BAPTIST
SOCCER “I felt like the trip to Japan would be a good opportunity, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it financially.” -Wayland Baptist soccer coach Shiloh Posey
“I contacted Paul in the process of doing some recruiting,” Posey said. “I knew a bit about the Seahorses organization and that they were missionminded, but life happened, things got busy and the (2012) season started. “Then this February, I talked to him again because Zoe is from California and I was looking for other opportunities for her beyond college. Coach Gizzi mentioned the mission trip to Japan and asked about Zoe’s relationship with the Lord. I told him that when she first came to Wayland as a sophomore, she wasn’t too sure about God, but I’d seen some changes in her over the last two years.” What Posey didn’t know at the time was that Benson was undergoing the most significant change of her life, accepting Christ after beginning to attend church and going on a medical missions trip to Honduras over Spring Break. Word of Benson’s big decision soon reached her coach, and he started thinking about the Japan trip again.
“When I found out Zoe had chosen the Lord, it set my mind and heart at ease,” Posey said. “Coach Gizzi and I discussed the trip, he talked to Zoe and she expressed interest in going. Then he asked what I was doing this summer.” Another coach who had planned to participate in the Seahorses’ soccer ministry trip had been forced to back out, leaving a spot open for Posey. He agreed to discuss it with his wife, evaluate their financial situation and take some time to see where his heart led him. “I felt like the trip to Japan would be a good opportunity, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it financially,” Posey said. “When I started talking to my family, my mom said my grandfather (who passed away in January) had left me some money. The amount was exactly what I needed to go on the trip, so I was confident the Lord was giving me direction.” As a relatively new believer, Benson said if she’d been invited on a mission trip a year ago,
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“I was freaking out because he told me to pack a bag I could pick up and run 50 yards with…and I took him literally.” -Wayland Baptist senior Zoe Benson
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she might have said yes, but for different reasons. “I love to travel, but I don’t know that I would have gone all the way to Japan,” she admitted. “I probably would have had fun, but wouldn’t have been fulfilled the way I was on this trip. And I know I wouldn’t have been prepared for the culture shock or for people to ask me about my religious beliefs.” Both Posey and the two-time Pioneer letter winner officially accepted the invitation late in the spring to join the group of athletes, coaches and ministry team members from southern California. The group of 20 planned to travel from Los Angeles to Japan for the two-week trip, visiting Iwata, Iwakuni and Osaka in mid-July. “I was excited to go and share as much of God’s love as I could,” Benson said. “I knew I could bring a fresh perspective because the Bible is so new to me, too, and it would help me build strong connections with the people. Our goal was to prepare their hearts for what God wants to do in Japan, so having the opportunity to do that through soccer was great.” After the spring semester ended in May, Benson drove straight to Chico, Calif., to spend time with her mom and friends from home. As the trip neared, Benson started stressing out about what to take on a trip halfway around the world. “Coach Gizzi has done this trip many times, so what he thought was common sense really wasn’t,” Benson said with a laugh. “I was freaking out because he told me to pack a bag I could pick up and run 50 yards with…and I took him literally.” Benson, who is six feet tall, said she and only one other athlete, who was 5-foot10, followed the coach’s advice.
Sports Lubbock Monthly
“I showed up at the airport with an itty bitty bag and all of these tiny girls had a bunch of enormous suitcases, so it was pretty funny,” she said. “We got on the plane crazy early in the morning and flew for 12 hours. Thankfully, we all had a row to ourselves so we slept and took the time to get to know each other. “We left L.A. in the morning and arrived in Japan in the morning, but we hit the ground running and didn’t stop for two weeks. We did have time to check out the great food and the traditional Japanese bath houses, but for the most part, we set up camps during the day, did mission work and played other teams at night.” While the Japanese culture is vastly different from daily life in West Texas, Posey was struck by how a love of the sport quickly bridged the Japanese and American athletes. “It was great to not only watch how our girls interacted with each other, but also with the Japanese kids at the high school and university campuses,” he said. “We got to play games, hang out and take pictures, and the Japanese kids got to try out their English. They think the Western culture is ‘it,’ from our music to the way we dress. “You just pray that during the few minutes you have to connect with them, you can give them a reason to find out why we’re really there and what Christianity is all about.” Benson said it was exciting to see such enthusiasm for the sport that she is passionate about, even so far from home. “There are some very talented players in Japan and it’s exciting to see their potential,” she said. “Sometimes the language barrier was really tough and trying to communicate was a train wreck, but we all had soccer in common.
WAYLAND BAPTIST
SOCCER
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WAYLAND BAPTIST
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“It was amazing to be part of such a great group of athletes on the trip, too. The girls all varied in their strengths, but it was so much fun to bond with them and work together.” In addition to spending 24 hours a day together for two weeks, Benson said another meaningful experience helped to solidify the relationships within the missions group. “We gave our testimonies, and that’s one sure way to know somebody in a deeper way,” she said. “It was a really positive environment, so I was OK talking about my personal life. It was the first time I’d shared my story in front of Coach Posey, and though he’s a really big part of it, he’d never heard it from me. “He’s the one that brought me to Wayland and told me I didn’t have to be a Christian to come here, but was always supportive and never pressured me. It was a little intimidating talking about all of it in front of him, but he was such a big part of getting me to Wayland and everything that’s come after.”
While the connections formed by the love of soccer came easily, Posey said ministry groups face an uphill battle in Japan, where Christianity has struggled to take root. “The Japanese have a culture that is very respectful, honest and trustworthy,” he said. “They are traditionally very spiritual, but not in relationship to the Living God. The main religions in Japan are Buddhism and Shintoism (the worship of ancestors), and less than one percent of Japanese have any relationship with our God. “Even as polite as they are, it’s very obvious when you see people in the Japanese culture who know God…there’s a meaningful difference in their lives. Because they are such a relationallyoriented group, it takes 8-9 years on average for people to become receptive to the message of Christ.” Posey explained that Gizzi, who grew up in Japan as the son of missionaries, has found a way to use soccer to form relationships with
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WAYLAND BAPTIST
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the local people, having led mission trips to the country for almost 20 years. “Paul really has a familiarity with their culture and a heart for the people,” Posey said. “He told us it can be frustrating to work with people for so long and sometimes see few visible results, but he asked God to show him some of the fruit of his labors. Within just a few days, he saw three or four examples of the results of his continued efforts. “It was really encouraging to see God working all over the world, not just here in the U.S. where it’s easy to live a certain way and religion is not a big deal. I felt very blessed and encouraged by the experiences we had.” Having really learned about Christianity only in the past few years herself, Benson said it was remarkable to see the eyes of Japanese youth opened to the truth of the gospel. “During our missions time, we sang songs about Christ and told them all about God,” she said. “Some of these kids had no idea there is such a thing as a God who loves them unconditionally. To see them realize there’s a God up there that can and will love them forever was amazing.
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“It’s a completely different philosophy from Buddhism, where you’re not a friend of your god, but a servant to him. It was so good to be able to share the truth with them and let them know there’s a Christian community in Japan. Hopefully, the work we did will sow positive seeds in their lives.” Posey said that in addition to being blessed by his experiences working with the Japanese people, he brought home a fresh outlook on his own life. “It was so good for me to see how God stepped in and took care of so many little details,” he said. “It’s really amazing when things all come together because if it’s what the Lord has in mind, He’s going to provide a way for you. “This trip gave me a renewed perspective of my own job because sometimes in the daily grind of things, I forget why I do what I do,” he said. “I was reminded that not only is this a great opportunity to work with athletes, but to minister to them as well.” An experience at a youth worship service will stand out in Posey’s mind for a long time, as an important truth became very clear. “This one night at a worship service, it was brought home to me very pointedly that our God is the God of everyone,” he said. “It was just so obvious in that moment. “It doesn’t matter what your skin color is, what language you speak or where you live, it’s just true. God changes hearts, period.” Summer Morgan is a contributing writer for Sports Lubbock Monthly. She may be reached at admin@sportslubbock.com.
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QUICK SHOT 44 |
THUNDER FROM THE PLAINS(MEN) It is tough to beat the feeling of seeing your favorite team take the field. Sports Lubbock ace photographer John Weast snapped this cool pic of the Monterey Plainsmen coming out of the tunnel, then applied some cool toning effects after the fact using Photoshop.
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JOHN
WEAST
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olks still regularly ask us where they can find SLM. We hope that this list and info can help alleviate that problem. To help solve that problem, we have included a list of locations where you can find us each month. As always, our publication is free to you, meaning we are 100% advertiser supported. Do us (and our advertisers) a favor and let them know you saw their ad here. It is only through their support that we can continue to bring you the best in Hub City sports action! If you would rather have the magazine delivered right to your door each and every month, we can now do that, as well. For the cost of postage and handling ($26.96 per year) you will get the newest issue delivered in your mailbox and you’ll never have to worry about missing an issue again. It also makes a great gift idea for the sports fan on your list. See our ad below and log on to purchase your subscription today!
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KITTEN
Catchin’ Up with Bobby Drum
IN THE
HUB
by ALYSSA
T
LS: How has Lubbock Sports helped promote your events? BD: Promotion is a key service the Lubbock Sports Team focuses on. They have helped us with participant awards, website advertising, hotel rooms for participants and officials, hospitality rooms and tables at events, press releases and press conferences. LS: What does Lubbock Sports do for your events that you find most useful? Can you describe “Lubbock an instance in which this occurred? LS: What does Lubbock Sports helps BD: Most importantly, they Sports do for you and your with the help secure events. Recently we event and/or how do they planning, secured the PONY Girls Fast help? organization Pitch World Series for 2014. BD: Lubbock Sports helps and Because of our past successes with the planning, organization completion and partnerships, we made the and completion of all our events. commitment to make it happen. They have helped secure events of all our LS: Why have you by attaining the bid process, events.” continued to work with taking care of the bid fees, -Bobby Drum, Lubbock Lubbock Sports? planning various meetings, PONY Softball Director BD: They have provided hosting participants and making continued willingness to help sure the participants and hosts in any way they can. Without are taken care of throughout the Lubbock Sports Team, these the entire process through events would be almost impossible to host and completion. pull off with the success that we have had over LS: What events has Lubbock Sports the past several years. helped you with? BD: Lubbock Sports has helped me with During the past year, Lubbock Sports hosting the PONY Baseball World Series, secured 146 events that brought in an PONY Softball World Series, National Pro estimated $30.7 million in economic impact to Fast Pitch Series, Caprock Classic basketball the community. tournament, Caprock Prairie Dog Softball If you would like to learn more about how Tournament and other numerous meetings and Lubbock Sports can help you host a sporting qualifying sports events. During the Caprock event or tournament, please call 806.747.5232. Prairie Dog Softball Tournament, the Lubbock To find up-to-date information about events, Sports Team helped with coaches’ awards, attractions and dining and shopping options, water for participants, tents, ice coolers for visit www.visitlubbock.org. locations and staff to help run the event.
SPORTS
he Lubbock Sports Team works hard to ensure the “Hub City” is full of sporting events and activities yearround. A large part of their success has to do with the relationships developed both in the city and outside the city with sports event planners. We caught up with Bobby Drum, director for Protect Our National Youth (PONY) Softball Program, to get a sports planner’s take on working with Lubbock Sports.
Alyssa Kitten is Communications Coordinator of Lubbock Sports. She may be reached at alyssa@ visitlubbock.org.
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