|
Back to Table of Contents
CSC volleyball and soccer tournament
by Bro. Paul Sheller
photos by Juan Navarrete
Each year the college tries to organize sporting events against other seminaries. It is important for the seminarians to interact with other young men studying for the priesthood as well as engage in some healthy competition. Sports have a way of drawing people together and creating some sort of unspoken bond. Anyone who has played a competitive team sport understands what I am talking about.
This year Conception Seminary hosted a Soccer and Volleyball round-robin tournament. Several seminaries were invited and among those able to participate were Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary and St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The teamwork and ability of Conception's squad proved to be too much for the competition.
When the date was set, no one could really be sure what the weather would be like for northwestern Missouri in late October, but all were pleasantly surprised as God provided a sunny day with clear blue skies. The first soccer gamed scheduled was in the morning with Conception Seminary facing off against Our Lady of Guadalupe. Unlike most professional sporting venues, the day started with a prayer amplified over the P.A. system, both in gratitude for such a beautiful day and for the safety of all participating. The game was a well-fought, back-and-forth battle and scored 2-2 at halftime. In the second half, Conception Seminary showed great teamwork and exquisite ball movement and was able to add three more goals, thus defeating Our Lady of Guadalupe, 5-2.
The players from St. Gregory the Great looked on as they were scheduled to play Our Lady of Guadalupe in the next game. The two seminaries are no strangers to one another since they are nearby and have played one another in soccer before. In this match, Our Lady of Guadalupe had the upper hand and won 4-2.
In the third and final game, Conception Seminary took on St. Gregory’s. Having back-to-back games did not benefit a fatigued St. Gregory’s team. The teamwork and finesse of Conception Seminary proved to be too much as they rolled on to victory, 9-0.
Alex Ascencio, LCC student from the diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, successfully fends off a St. Gregory forward.
The only volleyball game was scheduled for the evening between Conception Seminary and St. Gregory’s. I have had the opportunity to coach Conception’s volleyball team for the past four years. During practices I knew we had a talented squad. The great thing about volleyball is that implicit in the rules is the requirement of teamwork. For example, each side is able to hit the ball three times before playing it over the net and the ball must be hit to another teammate. My goal was to teach them to play consistently, selflessly, and to communicate—fortunately all learned quickly. After our many evening practices, when game-time came, I knew what to expect from my players. We played best of five games. The games were filled with many extraordinary volleys, but in the end, Conception Seminary was able to emerge victorious, winning the first three games.
Conception Seminary finished victorious in both soccer and volleyball. Probably more important than what happened on the field was the interactions among the seminarians off the field. All three teams shared a common meal together in the seminarian dining room and were able to meet one another, share experiences and a few good laughs. There was also an evening social which allowed the seminarians to spend more time in the Alumni Union relaxing after an exhausting day of exercise. One thing that struck me in particular was the diversity among the seminarians. Conception Seminary’s soccer team was comprised of players from Mexico, Poland, Kenya, Bolivia, and the United States. I met soccer players from the other seminaries of European origin, including Scotland and Italy to name a couple. I believe this speaks of the vastness of the Catholic Church and the popularity of sports throughout the world.
The team celebrates after winning the day's soccer competition.
The value and benefit of sports goes far beyond competition and physical strength. Conception Seminary’s students are encouraged to incorporate healthy lifelong habits into their lives. Exercise is one of these habits that will allow a future priest to maintain good physical condition in order to minister to the flock entrusted to him. Sports contributes to the development of character. When a person plays on a sports team, it is necessary to foster a spirit of teamwork and communication. Without proper on-field communication, a team is headed down a road of struggles and frustration, whereas a good team creates an atmosphere of bonding and camaraderie. Additionally, a seminarian has the opportunity to utilize his leadership and sportsmanship skills. When seen in this light, sports exceed mere competition and create an enjoyable setting to challenge oneself to develop and grow in character. The skills learned on the soccer field will benefit seminarians in the future as priests whenever they are a part of a group working together to accomplish a specific goal. When the whistle blows, the game may be over, but the life lessons continue.
We welcome your comments:
communications@conception.edu
www.conceptionabbey.org
Back to Table of Contents
|
