"STUNNED" is the word that best describes the HORIZON HAWKS 58-44 win over arch rival Dayton to take the 2011 Oregon State Basketball Championship for the second year in a row. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the opportunity and for the win. Why? Because Dayton was favored to win - was always ahead of us in the polls - and the favor was toward them in every way.
Our response? It was best said by our daughter, Stephanie, who FB posted the above photo of Coach with one hand holding the game net while the other points to our Heavenly Father, "My Dad putting the glory where it belongs - as always."
What did we learn? DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER! Yes, there was a good plan in place by Coach to handle this fierce competitor - yes, we had the nationally ranked player Jordan Tebutt - yes, we are stronger and taller than the Dayton team. BUT - we were still the underdog. Our prayer was simple: Lord, may this team play at the top of their game and please prepare us for the outcome. Little did we know that His answer would be so far beyond our highest hopes or fondest dreams.
Our word for the year is 'FLOURISH' and that is exactly what this team did! The scripture God gave us right before the game was Deuteronomy 16:15 "For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete." Interestingly, we didn't take this to mean that we would win, but rather that all of the effort that had been put into this team would be worth it. As we reflect - not only was the effort rewarded - OUR SCHOOL ALSO WON THE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD - but the championship trophy as well and our joy for this team this year is complete!!!! It is an amazing life BEHIND THE BENCH.
Our response? It was best said by our daughter, Stephanie, who FB posted the above photo of Coach with one hand holding the game net while the other points to our Heavenly Father, "My Dad putting the glory where it belongs - as always."
What did we learn? DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER! Yes, there was a good plan in place by Coach to handle this fierce competitor - yes, we had the nationally ranked player Jordan Tebutt - yes, we are stronger and taller than the Dayton team. BUT - we were still the underdog. Our prayer was simple: Lord, may this team play at the top of their game and please prepare us for the outcome. Little did we know that His answer would be so far beyond our highest hopes or fondest dreams.
Our word for the year is 'FLOURISH' and that is exactly what this team did! The scripture God gave us right before the game was Deuteronomy 16:15 "For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete." Interestingly, we didn't take this to mean that we would win, but rather that all of the effort that had been put into this team would be worth it. As we reflect - not only was the effort rewarded - OUR SCHOOL ALSO WON THE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD - but the championship trophy as well and our joy for this team this year is complete!!!! It is an amazing life BEHIND THE BENCH.
