Sports Spectrum

On Saturday, Virginia Tech defeated the University of Miami (FL) by a score of 31-7 in a game that solidified the Hokies as the top team in the ACC and a genuine top 10 team early in this season. It was a typical game for Tech, with a lot of defense and just enough offense. Most importantly, however, was Frank Beamer’s signature trademark—special teams. In the second quarter, Matt Reidy scored a Hokie touchdown off of a blocked punt, and that kind of special teams contribution has been the defining characteristic of Beamer’s teams ever since he took over in Blacksburg. In fact, in the last 11 seasons Virginia Tech has now scored 74 non-offensive touchdowns—a national record.

What is the secret to Beamer’s special teams being so effective? Coaches have historically used special teams as a place to put the backups and scrubs, trying to protect their starters from injury. Beamer however uses a number of his very best players (including starters) on special teams, and that has given his guys an edge over the years. His willingness to send in his best players has been the key to the extraordinary effectiveness of his special teams.

Likewise, as we seek to live for Christ, we sometimes face the temptation to settle. To accept “less than our best.” To put up with “good enough” instead of pursuing excellence. Paul, however, challenges us to give our best effort in service for the King of kings—especially in how we relate to God and to others. Knowing the critical nature of relationships, Paul told church leaders from Ephesus, “In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.” (Acts 24:16). For the great apostle, protecting relationships and keeping his heart pure before God were so critical that it required—and deserved—nothing less than his very best effort. When it would be easy to slack off, he bore down. He was determined that “good enough” just wasn’t good enough in such important matters of spiritual living. It is true today as well. If we are to be effective servants of Christ, we can’t give a third-string effort. We have to give our best.

Bill Crowder, Sport Spectrum Chaplain

Categories: College Sports