Unity Christian Athletics

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Announcements and Important Events

Letter to Athletes and Parents Amidst Covid-19

Unity Christian Athletes and Parents –

When we worked through the EEE mosquito scare in the fall, I figured that would be the most change that would impact high school athletics for some time. Little did I know that our lives would be completely altered and changed at the end of winter and beginning of spring sports. As I have been forced to take a step back from the normal rhythms of administering high school athletics, I have come to realize a few things.

First, I miss interacting with our high school students and seeing them compete. I miss seeing them in the hallways, at lunch, in practice, and on the playing field. I really enjoy watching our students compete and helping in a small way to provide opportunities for them to grow in their faith, life, and sport. Second, I miss interacting with parents. I enjoy seeing parents at events and getting to know you more. I miss these interactions and the positive environment that you bring with you to events. I look forward to seeing you in the concession stands and supporting your children. Third, I miss the normal interactions with our coaches. We have an excellent team of coaches here at Unity Christian and I am privileged to be with these people each and every day.

When I was coaching each of the three seasons at Rehoboth Christian School in New Mexico, I recall with very clear memory the day after a season ended. I struggled. It would take me a few days to bounce out of depression as I missed the interactions with our athletes on a day to day basis. I would imagine our athletes and parents are feeling similar emotions now. As high school is completed remotely and we are all asked to remain distant from one another, I look forward to the day when our coaches can interact with our students. Our students need to be pushed, positive interactions, encouragement, and mentoring. During this time of drastic change, I would imagine our athletes long for the opportunity to be together again to compete. Racing while teammates encourage them, hitting with parents watching, and attempting to complete a difficult challenge. I look forward to when we can get together as teams again and compete.

I can’t help but reflect right now on how thankful I am for high school sports. For opportunities to be in community, to compete, to learn lessons, to grow, to fail, to be challenged, to excel, and to glorify God.

Deuteronomy 31:8 reads, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Most of us don’t like change being forced upon us and I am sure both students and parents alike are feeling like they are being robbed of their opportunity to do something they enjoy doing or the opportunity of watching their kids do something they love. I don’t know what the next weeks look like, but I do know that God is in control and we are promised that He won’t leave us or forsake us.

We continue to be in a waiting pattern as the MHSAA has suspended the remaining winter and spring seasons. They have been clear that this is a suspension and not yet a cancellation. I am assuming that much of their decision on what to do in the future week and month will be based on decisions by Governor Whitmer. A bit more time will provide clarity.

Over the next week or so, I encourage you to take some time with your students and talk about high school athletics and the ways it has impacted you. A few questions that may lead to a positive discussion between parents and their children are included below.

What is your favorite memory of high school athletics?
How has high school athletics shaped and molded you?
What do you remember most about playing high school athletics?
What coach had the most impact on you?
What memory do you have of watching your children play?

A few action items for parents or students:

Write a thank you to officials HERE. (I will send these on to assignors of the particular sport that you select)
Take time to write one of your coaches and say thank you (email me if you need a physical address or email).
Text Bomb one of your coaches. Connect with your teammates from any sport you have participated in and all text your coach at the same time, saying thank you for the impact they have had on you.
Write a former high school coach of yours and tell them what you appreciated about them coaching you.
Find an area where you can play your sport with your child. Perhaps this is playing catch, hitting back and forth, shooting hoops in the driveway, going for a run together, walking 9 holes while keeping distance from others, or doing a workout together. Find a way to connect with them.