ATHLETICS
Early morning
TRAINING
. . . for LIFE
D
ID YOU KNOW that every Wednesday morning several
BY DON ENGLISH, B OYS AT H L ET IC DI R E CT OR
Each fall we begin studying a book from the Old Testament and then
TCA coaches huddle together in the Field House conference
transition to a New Testament book in the spring. Once a passage of Scripture is
room from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. to study God’s Word? This
read, most of the hour is focused on discussing what we’ve learned, how we can
important time together undoubtedly feeds our coaches
apply what we’ve learned and ultimately how we can better teach, mentor and
spiritually in order to more deeply pour into our Trojan athletes. Coaches Outreach is an organization that produces Bible studies specifically made for coaches. Founded by former NFL player Tommy Maxwell, Coaches
coach the student-athletes God has placed in our care. Each session ends with prayer for our kids, their families, our school and our great nation. Robbie Rice, a TCA father, former TCA coach and husband of Middle School
Outreach is designed to “impact communities through the Christ-like leadership
teacher Robin Rice, shares why he’s committed to the study: “Our group is a
of coaches transformed by biblical truth.” Currently there are over 5,000
great weekly reminder of my need for other men in my life who remind me that
coaches and 600 studies that meet across the country. Coaches Outreach has
my identity is in Christ, that I am not alone in my struggles and that my purpose
three simple goals: study the Bible from a coach’s perspective, create a more
is greater than a paycheck or human accolades. I also enjoy the laughter
unified staff and help develop strong, moral character in coaches and student-
and banter!”
athletes. Through the efforts of retired coaches and lay leaders like TCA parent
Scott Polk adds, “There is a difference between learning and knowing. It is
Scott Polk, who willingly give of their time volunteering, hundreds of coaches
great learning more of God’s Word, but it’s even more awesome to have the
have been impacted for the Kingdom of God. In turn, these coaches challenge
connection and fellowship with these other men! It has impacted me to know
their athletes to live and compete more like Jesus!
that the coaches leading our boys are godly men.”
Thirteen years ago, Scott Polk began leading the TCA Coaches Outreach study
Steve Mercer, longtime Upper School physics teacher and assistant head
and for the past decade has been leading a core group of eight coaches who have
varsity football coach, shares, “Coaches Outreach Bible study has been a part
been faithfully studying God’s Word and discussing best methods of living it out
of my weekly routine since I started working at TCA seventeen years ago. The
through their coaching. A former Texas A&M football standout, Scott is married
Bible study lessons are great, the fellowship with the other coaches is excellent,
to Stephanie, a former TCA trustee, and is father to TCA senior Cody, Becca Polk
and the accountability involved in helping each other stay in God’s Word is very
Smith ’14 and Shelbi Polk ’11. Having coached youth football for many years, Scott
helpful. We have deep conversations that encourage us to be become better
genuinely identifies with coaches and has a keen understanding of the many
coaches and better men because we can all share the wisdom and lessons that
challenges they face on a regular basis. He has a unique ability of knowing how
we have learned along the way.”
to have fun yet unapologetically pushing his guys to new heights in their faith.
This fall as we studied Joshua, we kept coming back to the clear, concise
His humility is evident in that he quickly admits to a weakness and consistently
and consistent theme of victory and have learned that victory requires
is willing to share a difficult moment in his walk with Christ. I can speak for our
courage, teamwork, faith, recalling God’s faithfulness and our identity in
group and say that the key to our successful tenure is Scott’s enthusiasm and
Christ, consistent obedience, discipline, comebacks, humility, vision, grit and
faithfulness each week.
purpose. Ultimate victory results from God’s presence, God’s promise and God’s
This fall our group has been studying the book of Joshua, Moses’ successor,
planning! God still calls His people today to “be strong and courageous.” It’s
who faithfully led the children of Israel into the Promised Land. Like the
encouraging to know that our strength and courage can grow incrementally
Israelites, we are reminded that we have much to learn regarding God’s
from consistently submitting to a holy, sovereign and trustworthy God, and that
faithfulness and our obedience to a loving yet holy God.
He can use us mightily in the lives of others for their good and His glory!
46 TRINITY TODAY
