Finishing the Race

For those who do not know, I am the new head coach for Falcon High School's co-ed cross country team. It has been a somewhat stressful journey as I only found out a little more than a month ago that the previous head coach was leaving. I had been planning to return as the assistant coach. Furthermore, the athletic director and his secretary from last year have also left, replaced by an over-extended secretary and an interim AD. Fortunately, both are very productive. Fortunately, albeit slowly, it seems that the details are coming together. I try not to worry about it, to offer it all to YHWH, but still the enemy manages to prey upon my most fearful and irrational thoughts—usually at night as I hope to rest.

Tomorrow (Friday, August 5) is our first team meeting. Monday, August 8, begins a week of optional practice. Monday, August 15, begins official practice. Our first meet is August 27, which is a home meet. Fortunately it is a scrimmage; therefore bearing with it slightly less responsibilities than our Falcon Invitational, which will hopefully be on Saturday, October 8 (our meet schedule has not yet been finalized, a predominant source of concern). The State Meet is October 30.

Falcon High School's men's varsity team approaching the line at the 2010 Regional Meet.

Please pray for me as I proceed to do my best as the head coach with only one season's assistant coaching in my arsenal of experience. I am not concerned so much with the actual coaching aspects, but more with all the administrative facets. I am thankful for the support of last year’s volunteer coach, who is now the assistant coach. Additionally, our new volunteer coach knows all the incoming freshmen, already holding good rapport with them I believe. I have also talked with a number of the athletes already. Their enthusiasm has been the most encouraging aspect of this preparatory process. That is why I am coaching. Not for the school, but for the athletes: to continue the relationships begun last fall.

But please pray. Pray that all the details come together in a timely manner, especially regarding the meet schedule and home meets. Pray that I find holistic rest, especially at night. Pray that I coach well, that lives are transformed.

Pray that I finish this race well.

Soli Deo Gloria.

(to be continued . . .)