Jesus loves basketball and his enemies
By Kristin Troyer – Horizon Features Editor
Maybe this is just me, but I really don’t think Jesus would’ve chanted “U-G-L-Y: You ain’t got no alibi.”
Bad sportsmanship has no place anywhere, much less a Christ-centered institution like Hesston College. Unfortunately, bad sportsmanship does occur in our own Yost Center. As a fellow fan, I’m embarrassed. As a player, I’m insulted. Can we all just take a moment to set down our pom-poms and really think: Will they know we are Christians by our love?
Let me set the stage: I sit in the stands like any fan: I munch popcorn and complain about how the bleachers make my back hurt. The men’s basketball team is playing defense when it happens: The opposing player chucks a three-point shot too hastily and air-balls it. Luckily for him, some kind members of our own student section will helpfully remind him of his mistake every time he touches the ball.
“AIRBALL…AIRBALL…AIRBALL”
The opposing team has traveled from northern Oklahoma. The players have worked hard to be collegiate athletes and will have a tough game against our own men’s basketball team. They get to be introduced and recognized for their hard work and journey to Hesston. Fortunately, the student section is polite enough to give them a warm welcome during starting lineups. Well, if you think standing up and facing the opposite direction is welcoming, then the Northern Oklahoma College-Enid players did get a warm welcome.
“But these are our opponents!” some argue.
Do you know what a synonym for opponents is?
Enemies.
Remind me… what did Jesus have to say about enemies? (Hint: Matthew 5:44)
“We’re just supporting our team!” others say.
I don’t know about you, but I play for a team much bigger than Hesston College, and my coach says to love everyone, especially your opponents.
They have to have noticed that the other team has scored four straight baskets. Do they really think calling out that guy’s bald spot is going to stop him from scoring four more? As a Hesston athlete, I wonder- am I really playing that badly that my classmates would rather cheer AGAINST the other team than FOR me?
Just think of the work it takes to compete at the college level, something fellow students seem to find insignificant. They see my teammates and I walk into breakfast covered in sweat after a 6 am practice. They see my teammates in walking boots, knee braces, and on crutches from injuries sustained running up and down the hardwood. Bruises, bumps, bandages- being a college athlete is no easy task. Is the girl with a broken nose and face mask on the other team the only thing you can notice?
Jesus said to love your enemies. That includes rival basketball teams.
In no way am I saying don’t go to the basketball games or don’t cheer. Please, cheer like Jesus.
I’m so sorry you feel that way Kristin. It happens to be so that the leaders of this institution take pride in our student section. I also know that the men’s basketball players love it. As a student section, we support our team and have fun by getting into the head of the opposing players. It seems like you need to talk to the higher ups about this issue because they openly support the active student section. So instead of posting something in the newspaper about it, why don’t you talk to some of the people in charge and try to complain to them. Or, maybe if the students at this school are too despicable for you, then this school just isn’t right for you. Until then, the student section isn’t going away and you’re going to have to live with it.
Roman, I think you misunderstood my point here. In no way am I calling for an eradication of the student section, only a reform. I know the student section is something the college is very proud of, BUT I think that is something that students need to keep in mind. I don’t think that expecting a Christ-like student section at a Christ-affiliated institution is that ridiculous of a thing to ask. I can’t speak for everyone on this matter, of course, and it’s obvious that some people don’t agree with me, or we wouldn’t have a problem. I’m just offering a solution to a problem I have noticed growing more and more prevalent. Again, I am not asking for the student section to go away and I will be very happy to live with it. I’m only bringing something that bothers me to light.
Thank you for helping sports fans take a moment to think about how our actions as spectators still matter. Just last night I found myself commenting that I like it when a certain NFL quarterback loses or gets sacked. My husband is the only one who heard my comment, but what does that say about me? About my heart? Thank you for setting forth a challenge that I needed to hear today.
Thank you, Kristin! Very well worded and excellent food for thought. Cheering, instead of the tempting Jeering, is productive, and your call to action is widely applicable and appreciated. Thank you for your insight as a player, as well! Let’s go CHEER on our Larks, that we may be able to be proud of our own actions as well as those of the teams we love!
Great comments and insight, Kristen. I hope your words are read and taken to heart.
Thank you Kristin for these words of wisdom. I appreciate your call to faithfulness through the eyes (and words) of Jesus.