Beyond the Record

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One of the hardest things about being in the season is measuring the success of the team in any way other than the win/loss columns. Often, it’s not until we’ve come out of the other end of the season-long tunnel do we see the impact of a season on us and on others.

As this season wound down with another first round playoff game against Fullerton, it went out any way but easily. Our game went from being scheduled at Fullerton, to Yorba Linda High School, to Fullerton, to Biola; all within the time span of about a day. After the scheduling finally figured itself out, and the game was played, Biola’s athletics department received this note from the mother of a Fullerton player:

I’m a parent of a Cal State Fullerton lacrosse player and I wanted to thank you for allowing the playoff game to be played at your school.  The Fullerton parents realize that your team could have forced our team to forfeit due to the fact we could not provide a field on Saturday.

We also appreciate that your players exhibit good sportsmanship and that they pray with our team.  One parent said, “Biola walks their talk.”  The other Christian school in our league doesn’t get the same kind of compliments but contrary comments.

Thank you for lacrosse team’s standout behavior.

It doesn’t even matter what the score was that day, or the fact that we were all mentally and physically drained from the scheduling mess. The only thing that truly matters from that day was that parents from a rival school, whether they are Christian or not, recognized and went out of their way to thank us for doing what we say we do as Christians.

Not one game has gone by in 12 years of Biola lacrosse when a team hasn’t been invited to pray with us after the game. Sometimes we get cussed at and have to pray as our own team, but we continue on. This team has seen winning records and losing records, and hopefully our opponents have seen a team that is humble in victory and gracious in defeat. It’s what sets Biola lacrosse apart from other schools, even Christian schools, and it’s what we will continue to do as long as we have a team of men willing to fellowship with the opponent.

Lacrosse – Playing for One.

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As lacrosse season comes to an end, I look back on a great season filled with friendship, fellowship, and talent. To some of us, to where it was our first season, it feels like lacrosse has just started. However, it began a long time ago. For those of you who don’t know, I want to be a missionary on an Indian reservation, so I love the fact that lacrosse is an original “American” sport. Lacrosse was originally discovered by French missionaries in the 1630s. However, different variations had been played by many different Native American tribes before the contact of the missionaries. Lacrosse was played for long hours, and even days. Lacrosse was played for ceremonial reasons, or often in battle over land disputes. It was a game of endurance and a way to connect on a spiritual connection. This is where I feel that Biola Lacrosse, as a Christian team, we can remember to uphold the basic traditions of the sport. When we play, we are not playing for ourselves, but for One; our God, creator, and savior. One parallel that I love is how lacrosse got it’s name. La Crosse is the french name for the word “crozier” which is a staff surmounted by a crook or cross, carried by bishops as a symbol of pastoral office. Therefore, when the missionaries saw the sticks used by the Native American playing lacrosse, it reminded them of a Bishop’s staff. The curved shaft of the stick is often compared to that of a shpeherd’s stick. Furthermore, I think the name of the sport itself can help give us motivation on the field. When we remember the meaning of the word, which many don’t realize, we can get the picture of Jesus. John 10:14-15 says, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” Right there, is a perfect reminder of who we play the game for. We play for Christ, who is our shepherd, and we are his sheep. Not only that, but the idea that there are lost sheep who play the game. Christ will go out of his way to save that one lost sheep. In that, I think that it is important to realize that that same staff that the French saw, we now hold. As we hold that staff, we have a responsibility. We need to remember who we represent. God has called us to be lights of the world. When we play other non-believers, how is it that we can call ourselves Christians, if we aren’t representing him on the field. Biola has a name, most people know that we are a Christian school and pray after our games, and I love that. However Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” When we play on the field we remember to tame our tongue, control our temper, play as hard as we can, run with endurance, and truly shine the light of Christ. When we do that, people see something different in us, and will want whatever that is. But it is not us that receives the praise, it is our father in Heaven. Whether we win or loose, on or off the field, we still live for HIM. Lastly, the season is over, and today we have our lacrosse luau banquet. It is sad to see the season end, but everyday is one step closer to eternity. I will miss the fun of the sport and my brothers and the game itself. But, ultimately, our stats are not what matters. It is who we step on that field for, and the fact that our actions may win one over for the kingdom. Whether this is your last year, you are graduating, this is your first year, or whatever it may be, remember . . . We play FOR ONE.

Kyle (Kai) “Q” Quiroz #44

The break before playoffs

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After finishing a long stretch of games the past couple of weeks with a number of guys shaking off bumps and bruises, it’s really nice to be able to concentrate on getting other priorities taken care of.  I know that I for one will be able to clear my head for a couple of days before starting to prepare for a deep run in the playoffs.

The last game was against Pepperdine and was also senior night.  This year was the first year that the seniors were honored at the end of the game instead of halftime.  This being my first year, I don’t exactly know what it was like before but it seems to like the change was a good one.  There was probably less distraction during the game.  I really enjoyed seeing the seniors honored the way they were with roses and balloons.  It seems like just a simple gesture but it surprisingly means a lot, at least to me.  Even though I am contributing to the program for my first of two years I can’t wait to have the honor of being a senior next year.

A big shout out goes to David Sigley.  The injury that occurred towards the beginning of the game was at the very least unfortunate.  I for one was extremely sad to have the injury happen to someone on the team, especially someone who I have looked up to all year for guidance, advice, and friendship.  I have respected you since the first day of hell week and I know everyone on the team, especially myself, would give up a lot if it was possible to take the injury back.  My prayers go out to you and I wish you a speedy recovery brotha.

I can’t wait for playoff’s to come and this team to show exactly just how good we can be.  Let the next few weeks be as restful as can be and yet productive at the same time.

The next game on the schedule is April 20th against Redlands, which is only a scrimmage.