IWU Men's XC/Track Special
In the world today, the issue of finding identity and self-confidence is at an all-time high. People place their identities in their social lives, their grades, their sports, and their jobs, among other things. People lack commitment and a genuine support system. Mental health issues continue to rise.
On the Indiana Wesleyan University Men’s Cross Country and Track team, people don’t lack commitment and they have a genuine support system. They don’t place their identities in the things that the rest of the world does.
They place their identities in Christ.
Freshman Gavin Wiersma discusses what it’s like to be a part of the Men’s Cross Country and Track Team.
“But resist him, be firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world.” – 1 Peter 5:9
Recruiting
The IWU Men’s cross country and track program has a reputation. So much so that when it comes to recruiting, men often reach out to the University rather than the other way around. The team is known for its prowess on the course and track, its fun, tight-knit team, and its Christ-centered atmosphere. Athletes are often used to public schools where they’re lucky if one of these attributes is present, let alone all three. The athletes often take visits and love what they experience, not because of nice facilities or free gifts or anything like that, but because of the culture and atmosphere that it’s clear the team has established.
Sophomore Alec Foster talks about what drew him to Indiana Wesleyan.
Competition
Once athletes are officially a part of the team, they truly get to understand and experience the culture of the team. Athletes are supported throughout the highs and lows of competition and life. When things happen, the team is always there to support those in need. When it comes to competing, men don’t place their identities in time or place. They go out, work hard, and have fun for Christ. This might mean winning, or it might mean struggling, but it’s about the effort and the emphasis on worshipping Christ.
Freshman Chase Cates talks about what it means to compete and worship Christ simultaneously.
The Future
The program doesn’t just provide ways for athletes to grow spiritually and athletically, but it provides them with an opportunity to give back and lead others to do the same. Athletes are inspired by the ones who came before, and leadership is passed down from class to class. It starts as soon as freshmen become sophomores. This stewardship and discipleship has been in place for decades within this program, meaning that ideas and values that were instilled in the older generations are still being taught today, along with the new discoveries that the newer generations make along the way.
Gavin Wiersma shares his excitement about pouring into the future Wildcats.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Why?
“Why does this really matter?” “How does this affect the broader world?” These questions still stand. This is great for these athletes, but how is this making the world a better place? How is this fixing the issues of society? The answers lie with the Gospel. There are a multitude of problems that are plaguing people today, especially those who are young. They include mental health issues related to self-image and the lack of identity. Athletes put their identities in their performances. Students put their identities in their academics. Those in the work force put their identities in their jobs. People find themselves dissatisfied, and their lives begin to fall apart because they aren’t surrounded by people who will point them back to Christ. They choose to satisfy themselves in other ways that fail to satisfy in the way that only the Holy Spirit can. The men on the IWU Cross Country and Track teams learn through running what this means and are taught how to show it not just to their teammates, but to the rest of the world.