Passion the MPC Way

GUEST MPCS STUDENT AUTHOR

The MPC Way has proven to be a vital tool to guide athletics at Mount Paran Christian. The five core values challenge Mount Paran Christian’s student-athletes to be followers of Christ and to do everything with an open heart. The boys’ varsity baseball team has been in the spotlight in the past, and with another season approaching, the Eagles are passionate about their sport, believing they will thrive in the upcoming, strenuous schedule.

Defining Passion

Passion is a deep love for the game and a drive to achieve success. Colossians 3:17 says:

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.”

This Bible verse is addressing that in every action, your work should be done for the glory of God. The varsity baseball team is extremely passionate about their craft and winning is the result. Each player makes sacrifices for the team and are driven day in and day out to do what's necessary to take their game to the next level. 

Last season, the Eagles fell short in state playoff competition in a very tough game against Providence Christian Academy, losing 7-4. Even with their season ending, the passion instilled in each player drove them to get back at the grind a month later —conditioning and training to be the number one team in the state the next year. Each player is committed in the off-season to perfecting their game, many with year-round practice. Each athlete plays on top-level travel teams outside of MPC. This passion and drive to reach their goals is what keeps them going back for more

Leading Off

Head Baseball Coach Kyle Reese was asked what motivates the team to continue to be driven to play at a high level. Coach Reese responded by saying, “Jesus is our main motivation, and we understand the gifts and the talents he gives us everyday; we don’t take it for granted. We are also motivated to play for each other.” Coach Reese has driven the Eagles to three region championships during his tenure including State playoffs for seven years in a row, two Elite 8 and three Sweet 16 finishes, as well as two State runner-up titles. In addition to excelling as a player in his own right and with a professional baseball career in his younger years, Coach Reese has also led many of his players to win individual awards and earn spots on college rosters.

After-Innings

Baseball is one of the most demanding sports and is very competitive. Training in the middle of the day in 90 degree weather will challenge mental toughness. However, the Eagles understand that nothing is given; it must be earned. In order to achieve what they want, the passion with which they play is key. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This verse again stresses that work should not be done for individual praise, but for the glory of our heavenly Father. After coming up short last year in the playoffs, the Eagles are nothing but passionate to reach their goals -not for themselves, but for God’s glory.

Senior Trevor Cumberland  was asked what his team’s goals are for this spring season. He responded, “ To make it to the state playoffs.” In order to achieve such a remarkable goal, everyone on the team has to be dedicated to improving his game, so they can come together to reach the goal. Senior Davis Akins said, “Baseball is a true team sport — we are all passionate about this game because we understand when we are not passionate, it may show as selfishness on the field.” This is sometimes easily seen in baseball where a few players put their personal ambitions above the team. However, the Eagles collectively put their passion into playing as a unified team. They practice more than two hours a day, five days a week and they understand that it's important to not take advantage of their God-given talents but to remain passionate about using them for the team's greater goals.

Keeping God in the Game

With spring quickly approaching, the Eagles are eager to prove themselves this season. The MPC Way drives this group of young men who are talented, humbled, and passionate about the game of baseball. When the Eagles continue to keep God at the center of their team, while staying focused, playing hard, and keeping their team goals in sight, they will be destined for success.  

Jonny House '19 is a senior at MPCS. He is currently an intern for the Marketing and Communications department as part of the GoLead academic program for leadership development. Mr. House has ambition to study sports marketing and hopes to continue his own athletic career at the college level after graduation.

Mount Paran Christian athletics offers 64 teams in 15 different sports and boasts 9 recent State championships. Click here to learn more.