Glorifying God through Competition

By Randi Hillaker, athletic director

This year in athletics we are working on achieving our department’s mission: “to create opportunities for student-athletes to glorify God through competitive excellence while honoring Christ and serving others.” In a culture where winning is everything, the ICS athletics program aims to teach our students how to glorify God, honor Christ, and serve others. Our student-athletes have lived out our mission this year in many ways.

After a volleyball game in early September, a player from the opposing team suffered an injury while leaving our school. After confirming she had help, members of the ICS team didn’t hesitate to begin praying for her. No teacher, coach or parent asked our athletes to pray. Rather, their hearts were evident in their immediate action to pray for an injured peer.

Our baseball team recently faced an opponent that was very inexperienced. The school had not had a baseball team in 15 years. When set to play ICS, they had never played baseball and had only practiced once. We quickly took the lead, but remained humble and encouraging toward the other team. A player was sent in to pitch that needed more pitching experience. ICS’ pitchers took the time to provide practice and pointers to the new pitcher. Other Lions offered tips to their catcher as well. This team’s coach was very grateful for our understanding and encouragement. He commented that he was sure they would not meet another opponent this season who would be more willing to help his team improve.

Within ICS’ teams, there is a noticeable effort to build one another up and solidify relationships. They regularly serve each other on and off the field. In serving and loving each other well, ICS athletes are honoring God, giving Him the glory for their wins, and learning through the losses.