August 7, 2002
Devotionals for Athletes from Calvin Coach and Chaplain
(The following press release was put together by Calvin Director of Media
Relations Phil de Haan)
A coach and a chaplain, united by a passion for teaching, have teamed up to
write a book of devotionals aimed at high school and college athletes.
In Lasting Victory, Calvin College men's basketball coach Kevin Vande Streek
and chaplain Dale Cooper tackle common situations athletes face: setting goals;
building team chemistry; winning and losing; and respecting coaches, officials
and opponents.
Since Calvin has won four consecutive MIAA championships and one Division III
national championship under Vande Streek's tenure, he and Calvin roundballers
understand what it takes to achieve on-the-court success. Yet he's always set
his sights on something greater.
"As wonderful as these championship experiences have been," Vande Streek
states, "I'm most proud of the character and strength of faith that our players
have developed and shared with others. The 'lasting victory' of salvation in
Jesus Christ is much more important than athletic success, and this is what Coop
and I are pointing to in these devotionals."
Cooper and Vande Streek challenge athletes -- and all sports enthusiasts -- to
practice "spiritual exercises" such as self-discipline, perseverance, godliness
and sincerity.
Using athletics as a springboard to further discussion, each meditation asks
probing questions about spiritual wellness and suggests goals for spiritual
growth. This format makes the book well-suited for use by coaches, youth group
leaders and families.
"My hope for this book is that it will provide all those who work with students
another opportunity to talk about how to live their lives in a Christ-like
manner," Vande Streek says.
For more information, contact Michael J. Van Denend, Director of Public
Relations at 616-957-6142 or alumni@calvin.edu. A sample of the book can also
be found at: http://www.calvin.edu/alumni/library/victory/index.htm
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