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Falcons Prioritize Faith Over Victory in Sports Journey
In a world where the pursuit of victory often overshadows the essence of sportsmanship, the Messiah University Falcons have set a remarkable example by prioritizing faith over fame. This past season, the Falcons embarked on a journey that transcended the typical goals of collegiate athletics, focusing instead on embodying Christian values and spreading the message of Christ through their actions on and off the field.
Under the leadership of Coach Phillip Shallenberger, the team experienced a transformative shift in priorities. As pitcher Daniel Knight expressed, “It stopped becoming about, like, ‘OK, can we win a national championship,’ and it started becoming, like, ‘How can we point people closer to Christ?’” This profound change in perspective came after a challenging start to the season, with the team struggling at 1-6. Rather than succumbing to the pressure of wins and losses, they chose to serve a higher purpose.
The Falcons’ journey is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of aligning one’s actions with biblical principles. Coach Shallenberger emphasized the significance of diving into the Word, stating, “It was a bit more on the devotionals and bit less on the scouts. And that was actually about the time we started to play a lot better.” This shift in focus not only improved their performance but also strengthened their resolve to glorify God in all they did.
In an inspiring display of commitment, Shallenberger introduced a unique team workout—carrying 250-pound crosses. This symbolic act served as a reminder of the sacrifices Christ made and the strength found in faith. For Knight, this experience was transformative. “It was kind of a wake-up call for me,” he reflected, realizing that the most important thing was to glorify God, even if it meant sacrificing physical prowess.
Knight’s personal journey of faith was marked by a pivotal moment when he heard God tell him, “It’s not about you.” This revelation led to a newfound joy and purpose, as he shifted his focus from self-centered goals to serving others. The team’s subsequent success, including a 16-4 victory against Dickinson College, was a testament to the power of faith-driven motivation.
Throughout the season, the Falcons incorporated scripture into their daily routines, even adding biblical messages to their play-call wristbands. Infielder Drew Hurst shared how these reminders helped him maintain perspective, stating, “He always would put those on as a little reminder of why [we] play this game, and it’s not about our performance or what we do win-wise, but how we, with body language on the field, show love to Jesus and the other team and whoever else is watching us.”
The team studied biblical figures, drawing inspiration from Paul the Apostle, and finished the regular season with an impressive 27-13 record. They advanced through various tournaments, ultimately reaching the Division III World Series championship game. Although they fell short of the title, their journey was a triumph of faith and character over mere competition.
As the Falcons look ahead to the next season, they remain committed to their mission of putting faith over wins. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring values of faith, family, and freedom, and the profound impact of living a life guided by Christian principles.
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