The interscholastic sports program is one of a number of programs and experiences available at FCS to assist students in their personal growth and development. It is vital to us that our athletic program represents our school’s commitment to the Christian faith.

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. ” I Cor 9:24-27

Paul compares the Christian walk to athletics. He says that in athletics only one wins the prize. He tells us that athletes are to put themselves under strict discipline in order to succeed. He states that our opponents will not stop trying to beat us and we should always be prepared to combat them. But he also states that the crown or award for winning is going to fade away and corrupt. He tells us that every game has an uncertainty about who will win, but we still play to find out the result. But he also gives us the reason for competing. It is a sign of worship to our Lord for what He did for us. We should strive to be our best to give back to God for His son’s sacrifice (“And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].” v. 23). We will teach our athletes this principle. We will also compare athletics to the Christian walk. In the Christian walk, everyone can win the prize if they run well. We have great encouragement to persist constantly, and diligently, and vigorously in our course. You cannot fail if you run well. We are to keep ourselves in strict discipline. We are always in close combat with Satan. We must not quit the race. We must strive against Satan’s forces. The body must be made to serve the mind, and not control our actions. We as Christians have an incorruptible crown in view, a crown of glory that never fadeth away, an inheritance incorruptible, reserved in heaven for us. And, finally, the Christian walk has no uncertainty; God has already won the battle!!!

We will strive to teach the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, good to others, faith, meekness, and self-control. And to explain that each of these traits is to show others that we are Christians and to lead them to our Savior. Among other attributes, athletics can assist in promoting the importance of teamwork and team unity; the importance of hard work, loyalty, and dedication to tasks; the importance of establishing goals and working toward their achievement; and the development of principles relating to sportsmanship and fair play. Winning or losing becomes a secondary issue when compared to the manner in which athletes conduct themselves on the field, exhibiting dignity and grace in the face of adversity. Winning is secondary, as well, when compared to the extent of the effort put forth by the individual in whatever endeavor he/she undertakes. All athletes do not perform at the same level, but maximum effort, commitment, and a winning attitude are requisite expectations for any and all team members.