REMARKS MADE BY

MICHAEL COLEBROOK '10

senior captain of the Assumption College baseball team

      The ancient Greeks established the first Olympic games some time during the 8th century BC.  The events consisted of jumping, discus and javelin throws, a footrace, wrestling, boxing, and various forms of horse races. Although the circumstances surrounding the inception of these Games remains shrouded in mystery, it is clear in retrospect that these games expressed impulses and desires that remain an integral part of what it means to be a human being. These first athletes expressed a form of striving and competition that distinguished humans from every other animal, hinting at a singular and unique characteristic that goes beyond base desires, the struggle for subsistence, or the pursuit of wealth. Athletics was, and still remains, a means for human beings with various backgrounds to come together and celebrate a central aspect of their humanity. It gives individuals an opportunity to overcome themselves physically and mentally. The pride and honor resulting from a hard-fought victory, as well as the humility we experience after a tough loss, remind us time and time again that we feel most alive while pushing ourselves to the limits out on the playing field.
        This brings me to the question of how we are to understand athletics in the light of Christian faith. While these first Greek athletes discovered something inherently special about the competitive nature of human beings, the Christian tradition ultimately completes and refines this discovery. Whilst it is true that we develop our talents by means of our own hard work and dedication, the end product of our labors is ultimately not up to us. We are born with athletic potential as a gift from God. Our Christian faith compels us to look not to ourselves, but to God, as the one who has planted the seed of athletic talent.  It then is up to us as individuals to make this seed grow, and ultimately turn potentiality into actuality. Whereas the ancient Greeks saw humans as the origin, means, and aim of all athletic ability, Christians give praise and thanks to a reality that is beyond themselves, helping them to strive for something higher and more perfect. Combining the Greek and Christian conceptions of the competitive nature of human beings, we are able to come to a better understanding of ourselves, our talents, and the universal feeling of our common humanity.    
        I give you this introduction, in order to demonstrate what I believe is at the heart of the athletic experience at Assumption College.  In a world where the importance of a signing bonus is rapidly subverting the genuine love we feel for competition, it is a breath of fresh air to experience Athletics at this school. Isolated from the baser aspects of Big Time college sports, we here at assumption, take part in athletics in its most pure and pristine condition.  We have athletes who motivate themselves solely for the love of the game or for the desire to see themselves better people at the end of the playing season. We have coaches who stress the formation of character and the importance of academic excellence as necessary prerequisites to success on the playing field. The athletic department here at Assumption demands of their student-athletes an academic standing that would put many other schools to shame. Unwilling to accept underachievement, the assumption athletic department has chosen to raise the GPA standards for athletic eligibility. Instead of the 1.7 required by the NCAA, assumption demands a minimum 2.0. Last spring, our 425 athletes posted an average GPA of 3.0. In addition to countless athletes who attained dean’s list for their academic endeavors, our athletic department can brag that 7 student-athletes achieved a perfect 4.0.  Our athletic department displays a zeal for forming and maintaining well-rounded individuals. They realize the importance of maintaining a healthy soul through an equal exertion of our mental and physical capacities. It is thus, by means of the mind and body, that we are better able to praise God and reach our potential as human beings.
           When first asked to talk about my experience as a student-athlete at Assumption College, it soon became apparent to me that I could not relate my athletic experience as an individual, without including my experience as a team member. While sports may provide many opportunities for individual human excellence, they provide even more for humans as social and team-oriented beings. Like a well-oiled machine that relies upon each one of its parts for proper functioning, team sports express the ideal of human collaboration and coordination. I can imagine nothing more beautiful than watching a perfectly executed pass or a selfless assist. Drawing from my own personal experience, I can attest to the fact that nothing gives a pitcher more confidence on the pitching mound than knowing that his 8 fielders are going to make the plays or call the right pitch.
         My experience as a member of the assumption baseball team has helped me to come to a better understanding of myself, my relationship with others, as well as my relationship with God. Nothing offers a better example of self-overcoming and the actualization of God-given potential than the 2009 Assumption baseball team. Looking backwards, the spring of 2007 was a depressing one for us. With a record of 18 wins and 26 losses, we finished 11th in the NE-10 conference. The following spring showed minimal progress with a final record of 20-27. Nevertheless, with the knowledge that we would be returning our entire starting lineup the following year, we refused to lose hope in our potential. Seeing as we had unsurpassable leadership from our returning seniors and juniors, as well as an unbelievable amount of raw talent in our sophomores and incoming freshman, we could not help but feel optimistic for the 2009 baseball season. My teammates worked year round to hone their skills and develop themselves physically and mentally. To cite an example, over the summer of 2008, I repeatedly heard incredible accounts of Dustin Werzburger’s dogged pursuit of baseball perfection, in addition to a peerless masculine physique. Any of you that know Dustin cannot help but to agree. Upon returning to school, it was clear that a visible change had occurred in the offseason, not only with Dustin, but with the entire team. Instead of being contented with another mediocre season, the greyhound’s baseball team was hungry for success. With some year-round hard work, as well as perhaps a little luck, we went on to advance to the NCAA regional tournament for the first time since 1993. We finished with a final record of 33-21, the most wins in Assumption baseball history.
           I relate to you our experience as a team, not to brag about our accomplishments, but in order to demonstrate to you the occasional end products of some hard work and perseverance. The friendships and self-knowledge I gained during this episode in my life, transcended any mere banner or championship. As all of the Assumption athletic teams are gathered here tonight, I would like to remind everybody that, ultimately, it is not the number of wins and losses that decide the value of our experience as athletes, but the fundamental human experience of self-overcoming and self-revelation that is inherent in our relationship with athletics as a people of God. In conclusion, I would like to thank the athletic department, coaches, faculty and staff on behalf of all the student athletes at assumption. Without them our athletic experience would not be possible. I would also like to wish all of the individuals and teams good luck this year, and exhort you all to strive to reach your academic and athletic potential. Thank you.