Participation in high school athletics provided many opportunities for me that helped to shape and mold me. I took risks like running crazy amounts of miles in the off season or becoming friends with people I might not otherwise have associated with. I discovered what leadership looks like. I took chances which led to success and failure. I discovered what determination is. As a member of a team, I worked for something greater than myself. I grew in my ability to associate with those in authority. Participation in high school athletics shaped and molded me. High School athletics empowered me.

Click HERE for a blog post by Dr. Tim Elmore entitled The Most Important Reason We Must Empower Students. 

The next generation needs to be empowered. As Tim writes, "Students must be encouraged to try new things; to risk failure; to explore new horizons without thinking they'll lose our on future opportunities." Athletics provides an opportunity for our students at Unity to experience new things, risk failure, and explore new horizons - all in a Christian Community. Is there a better place for our students to take risks? to fail? to succeed?

- Jeff Engbers