Letter to the Editor--Faith and Sports (Published in the Duluth News Tribune on Sunday, February 2nd, 2014)

I write this as a former three-sport high school athlete (cross country running, basketball, and track and field), collegiate cross-country runner, and someone who loves to compete in road races, marathons and triathlons to this day.

I also write this as a Catholic priest who is in part responsible for the faith formation of our young people.

I write this on behalf of many parents and athletes I work with who feel torn between sports and faith, namely the increasing number of practices and games held on both Wednesday evenings (which are traditionally faith-formation nights for many Christian churches) and Sunday (a day of rest and worship in our Christian tradition).

I have experienced firsthand excellence in athletic competition. Participating in sports helped me learn teamwork, discipline, dedication and sacrifice, all of which helped me in my relationship with God.

However, I also have seen the priority sports have become in our society. For some it is even a god. Such nearsightedness can be a hindrance to showing our young people how to live well-balanced and integrated lives.

As a son of a retired high school basketball coach, I thank coaches for the good work they do with everyone from the little tykes to our high school and college athletes. Theirs can be a thankless job, with much time and energy dedicated to leading our student athletes.

I encourage coaches, as they take part in the development of our boys and girls, to keep the big picture in mind. And when it comes to the spiritual well-being of our students, I ask they not only allow students time off on Wednesday evenings and Sundays but encourage them to do so if they wish.

Between practices, travel and games, our students can put more than of 20 hours a week into athletics. We church leaders ask that students have the freedom to put in two hours for faith formation and have Sundays to be with their families and faith communities.

As they strive for excellence in sports, coaches can help with the goal of forming young people so they are able to live well. Sports and faith are not mutually exclusive. In our society the temptation for students is, in fact, to choose one or the other. Athletic competition should complement the efforts of parents, church leaders and teachers because, at the end of the day, our contribution to society and our respective church communities is greater than our athletic accomplishments.