Fall Athletics

     St. Paul’s Lutheran School believes and expects its student-athletes to emulate Jesus Christ in every thing they do, including how they compete.  Their sportsmanship and gamesmanship should flow from the principles of “Christmanship”.  The practical aspects of “Christmanship” are attained by competing in the image of Jesus Christ.  St. Paul’s believes that parents, coaches and the athletic director have the responsibility to develop this concept in the student-athlete.
The Fall Athletic Programs are winding down and we are in the process of preparing for playoffs and ending a very successful 2005 season.  Our Fall program has been made up of 140+ student-athletes who filled the rosters of nine teams (five football teams and four basketball teams).  As we prepare for the Winter season, we are anticipating record numbers of student-athletes participating in the Athletic program.  Eight basketball teams and five volleyball will be competing in the Lutheran Orange County Athletic League. (LOCAL)
     At the end of Matthew chapter 5 in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “Go ye therefore and be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect!”  Jesus does not say, “Go ye therefore and be mediocre.”  Now, while none of us will ever achieve perfection on this earth (and indeed we have a Savior who has redeemed us from our lack of perfection!), we are commanded by our Lord to pursue Excellence in Life!  We are to pursue excellence at home, in school, and yes, even on the court/field!  We are to dedicate ourselves to our Lord and all He has commanded us.  In athletics, this means to commit ourselves to the RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE.
     As our student-athletes continue to represent Jesus, St. Paul’s, You, and themselves, we seek your support in three ways.  First, in prayer:  take time to lift up the student-athletes, coaches, referees and spectators in your daily prayers.  Second, we would love to have you attend one or more of the games and cheer on the Panthers.  Finally, consider making a financial gift to the Panther Athletic Program.  
All of game schedules are posted on the St. Paul’s website: http://www.stpaulsorg.org/sports.htm .  You can also find updates and stories at www.pantherathletics.blogspot.com.
In Christ,
Mr. Deryl Maxwell
Athletic Director