I’m a Longhorn, a proud University of Texas graduate. I worked hard to earn a degree and even met my husband there. So, yes, we’re both Longhorns!

I used to say we weren’t those “fanatical Longhorn fans,” but then I noticed the amount of burnt orange clothing hanging in our closets, the UT flag on the front of the house, the room in our house that is painted burnt orange, and I realized I needed to admit we were a little more “fanatical” than I thought.

They are rare and very hard to come by, but every once in a while, you can spot one. There aren’t too many in locker rooms or on ball fields, but, once they are identified, they stick out BIG TIME! When a “VRP” is around, you feel like a million bucks. They just have a way of making you feel special. What is a VRP? It is a Very Refreshing Person. These people breathe life into the ordinary and transform it. As lifters, they have an ability to bless others and bring words of encouragement.

Competition is a great thing. It can move people beyond mediocrity to greatness. The Bible is full of examples that compare the Christian life to an athletic contest.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul wrote, “Do you not know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” I like that! It’s said very simply, “Run in such a way that you may win.”

As students, we are often asked questions about our future plans. Whether we are asked about our plans for school, the weekend, or even just the afternoon, they generally aren't that hard to answer. "Oh, I'm going to [this university] and participating in [this sport]." Or, "I'm going to chill with some friends tonight." Recently, though, I found myself answering a question that was a little more serious: “What are your plans for your life?”

Man, this question hit me hard! And the reason it struck me so much was because I thought I had my life all figured out. Now, you may be thinking, "Hey, that's great that she has such plans." I thought so too at first, but then I realized that having my life all planned out wasn't that great.

Have you ever had to play a game being down a player? Maybe not enough people showed up. Maybe someone got a red card or a player was serving penalty time. Regardless of the situation, it can be intimidating. All of a sudden, what was once a level playing field becomes a lopsided match. We look at our opponents and think, “Wow. This doesn’t seem fair. They have such a big advantage, now.”

I have been a defensive coordinator for much of my football coaching career and have spent numerous hours studying film. Over time I have changed my approach to studying film. In preparing for the upcoming opponent I used to try to learn everything about them. What plays do they run from each formation? Are they strong oriented? Are they field oriented? What is their ratio of run to pass? First down? Second down? Third and long? Third and short?

Ever hear, “If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying”? As an offensive lineman, I would justify holding by saying, “It’s only cheating once you get caught.” In football, holding by an offensive lineman is considered the same as driving a little over the speed limit. Yes, it is breaking a rule, but it is expected and everyone does it.

As a player, I held almost every play; and as a coach, I taught how to not get caught. Then a colleague informed me that allowing my players to hold is allowing them to be lazy. Holding can compensate for slow feet, lack of strength, and poor technique. Premeditated holding is ethically wrong, a form of cheating, and creates a slacker attitude. God wants, expects, and deserves our best.

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