By Stan Friedman
The North Park University women’s rowing team made headlines in 2004 – its first year of competition – when one of its boats surprised everyone by capturing a gold medal at the Dad-Vail Regatta, one of the most prestigious events in the country. Unknown to nearly everyone, however, was the problem earlier in the season that threatened any chance of success – they didn’t get along.
The Christian faith of the young women was tested, but ultimately was the inspiration that brought them together, says team member Annika Safstrom. “We prayed about the differences,” she says. “We talked about why we were really there.”
For many North Park athletes, their faith has helped them weather personal and team struggles as well as experiencing the joy of God. As their faith has grown, so has their witness.
Abbie Frank, the star player on the women’s soccer team, says she tries to be conscious of her actions on the field, but confesses, “I can be overly competitive.” The others around the table laugh, knowing her passion for the game.
Frank, who attended a public high school, says her competitive nature initially caused her to struggle when playing another Christian school in the conference. After the game, the opposing team asked the Vikings to pray together. “That was hard for me at first,” she confesses.
The athletes say they also are aware of being examples, which hasn’t always been easy. “I think it’s easy for people to criticize you when you don’t live up to your own standard,” Dillon says. “People notice you and your walk. People aren’t always very gracious when you slip up. That’s been very challenging for me.”
If there are challenges, there also is joy that comes during competition. In one way or another, the athletes echo the famous words of British runner Eric Liddell, who was quoted in the movie Chariots of Fire as saying, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure,” a sentiment shared by some of the young athletes:
- “When I’m on the water, gliding along, it’s kind of like a worship experience for me,” says Safstrom.
- “A lot of times when I’m running, I feel so blessed that he has given me this ability,” says Kari Thompson, a senior on the women’s cross country and track teams.
- “When you use your gifts and do the best that you can do, that is so edifying,” says Bruckner. “You’re giving glory to God.”
Bruckner was forced to experience God in a different way when the athlete wasn’t able to play because of a season-ending injury he still was recovering from months later. Discouragement led to wrestling with God.
Bruckner points to teammates Darryl Payne and Jamie Rose as Christians who have helped him with his walk. “They led by example in their attitude and work ethic.”
Playing with teammates who share their faith has made their experience at the university more meaningful. “One of the biggest gifts has just been being on the team,” says Frank. “It makes my experience complete.”
Molly Nye played softball in previous seasons before switching to intramural Ultimate Frisbee last year and says the team’s leaders were a witness to what it meant to be a representative of Christ. “They let the team know we have a value system.”
Athletes at other schools often display arrogance when they win, Nye says. “Celebration is good, but humility is where you can see the faith in an athlete.”
It was the death in 2004 of teammate Deborah Rusthoven in a car accident that led softball player Dayle Dillon to rethink her own life and take her faith more seriously. “She was an amazing woman of God,” says Dillon, whose voice still carries the sound of loss.
Athletes say that having coaches who share their faith also has been an encouragement. They do more than train the students for better performances. “It’s more inspiring to play for someone like that,” says Steve Reynolds of basketball Head Coach Paul Brenegan. “They get the most out of you. They want the best for you.”
Rowing Coach Tim Grant has made developing the athletes as much a priority as capturing titles. “He does make it clear,” Safstrom says. “We let people know that is something we are about. We talk about it openly.”
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.
