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3/7/2024
Tribute to Tim Wakefield
You may not have heard of this and that is kind of the point. The Wakefields would want it that way.
Tim Wakefield did not have a hall of fame major league baseball career, but he certainly had a coveted one. He was a part of the “curse-breaking” Red Sox team that finally won the world series in 2004. Red Sox fans had suffered for 86 years before Wakefield’s team broke the supposed curse and put Boston fans in a fit of glee. Tim Wakefield was not a star but he was a selfless teammate, relying on his, at times, unhittable knuckleball pitch. In one playoff game, with the Red Sox losing by an embarrassing amount of runs, it was Tim Wakefield who told his manager he would finish the game on the mound, cleaning up the mess in “mop up” fashion. Nobody, especially millionaire pitchers, want to be on the pitcher's mound when the game is out of reach. It is considered embarrassing to be “that guy” the manager calls on to pitch. Wakefield wanted the job as he figured he would save the rest of the pitchers for more meaningful innings in future playoff games. Wakefield’s unselfishness was well applauded when the manager reflected on the team’s world series victory days later.
Wakefield won another world series, had children, retired from baseball, joined the Red Sox television broadcasting team. Everyone seemed to say the same thing. Quiet, caring, great husband, great father. Tim Wakefield was a giver. So was his wife, Stacy. They gave money regularly from Tim’s contract, but even more, gave hours regularly to the Dana-Farbers Cancer Institute in Boston. Tim Wakefield was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award in 2010, as a major league player who served and gave back to his community in an outstanding fashion. Tim and Stacy gave many hours serving the cancer-broken lives of the institute.
In his 50s, Tim Wakefield got cancer and it was very bad. His brain tumor wreaked havoc on him. This past October, Tim Wakefield lost his life, Stacy lost her husband, and their children lost their father. The Wakefield’s, however, never lost their faith. Though quiet folks by nature, their resilient faith in Jesus seeped through and many were impacted by Tim’s stability through his entire battle. Stacy grieved. And yet she served. Though cancer had already traumatized her life, she continued her work at the foundation, unselfishly giving to yet more victims of cancer.
Several months after Tim’s death, Stacy’s own health began to wane. Many simply didn’t know that Stacy, like Tim, was dealing with her own battle of cancer. The Wakefields, remember, were quiet and deplored attention. Now was the time, of course, to admit defeat, cater to her own needs. Would anybody blame her? She did not. Her husband’s legacy, her faith, her passion simply wouldn’t allow her to stop thinking about the needs of others. Months before her own death recently in February, she was bringing joy to sick children, giving out Christmas gifts at the Dana-Faber Institute. A representative at the institute commented: “She put herself last. She put herself in a position where everyone else’s happiness came first. ... When (the Wakefields) did things with us, they were the passionate, power couple. You could tell their hearts were filling. ... You couldn’t imagine them doing more.”
Wealth can make people really ugly really quickly. Amos told wealthy, complacent Israel they were like fat “cows of Bashan,” oppressing and crushing the poor and needy. The Israelites allowed wealth and security to make them ugly. The Wakefields show us the beauty of sacrifice and selflessness through the spirit of Jesus, despite their wealth.
And the fact that the Wakefields did not want you to know, makes it all the more beautiful.
12/19/2023
All-MIL Recognitions
Congratulations to several Titan athletes being named to the Mid Independent League ALL-MIL Team:
Volleyball: Hope Hollister
Soccer: John Schild and Jono McGarvey
Cross Country: Josiah Deitrich
11/1/2023
2023 MIL Cross Country Championships
Congratulations to DVCS Cross Country for the Runner Up Finishes at the MIL Championships!
Middle School Recognition:
-#2 Female Runner for MS Race Virginia Lynch (Medal for top 5 runner)
Varsity Girls Runner Up Trophy - Delaware Valley Classical School
Varsity Boys Runner UP Trophy - Delaware Valley Classical School
-#7 overall Josiah Deitrich (2023 MIL All-Conference Team)
10/25/2023
MIL Fall Sports Playoffs
MIL Fall Sports Playoffs
MIL Soccer Championship:
Friday, October 27 at Calvert Regional Park, 4 PM
*MIL award ceremony will follow the contest
*All MIL PostSeason events include gate fee $3 student / $5 Adult / $10 Family
MIL Cross Country Championships
Tuesday, October 31st at Calvert Regional Park
2:30 Middle School Championship Race
3:00 Varsity Girls Championship Race
3:30 Varsity Boys Championship Race
*Award ceremony will be held after the final race.
*All MIL PostSeason events include gate fee $3 student / $5 Adult / $10 Family
MIL Volleyball Championships
Thursday October 26th: MIL 1st Round Game
*WNA (#4) Aquinas hosts DVCS (#5)
*All MIL PostSeason events include gate fee $3 student / $5 Adult / $10 Family
Monday October 30th: MIL First Round
*#1 Team hosts WNA
*#2 Teams hosts PCA
*Tome (#3) hosts FCA (#6)
*All MIL PostSeason events include gate fee $3 student / $5 Adult / $10 Family
Thursday November 2nd: MIL Semi Finals
*#1 hosts lowest remaining seed
*Highest remaining seed hosts remaining seed
*All MIL PostSeason events include gate fee $3 student / $5 Adult / $10 Family
Saturday November 4th: MIL Consolation / Championship Held at Cecil Community College
*Consolation 5PM (Semi Final losers)
*All-MIL Award Ceremony
*Championship 7 PM (Semi Final winners)
*All MIL PostSeason events include gate fee $3 student / $5 Adult / $10 Family
10/25/2023
DVCS Titans-Wear
Time to shop! Get your Titans Spiritwear here:
Titans Spirit Wear
Share the link with Titans Nation!
10/10/2023
"It" Factor
Is there an “It” factor?
What is the “It” factor? The theory implies certain athletes just have a knack for making the winning play, carrying themselves in an inspiring way, and having a skillful touch when the team needs it the most. Certain athletes were said to have had this “It” factor. Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Lionel Messi, and Pete Sampras come to mind. They came through in the clutch, galvanized their teams, and had a skill level that seemed to defy the odds. They were the elite of the elite. Is there another name for this “It”? Can it be bottled up and sold? Is it only available to a select few?
Some call it charisma, but that doesn’t take in consideration Jordan’s lethal touch in the clutch. Some call it just “being a natural” as if this prowess was just part of the gene pool. But this doesn’t take into consideration the hours of hill running that Jerry Rice put himself through. Maybe the mysterious “It” best explains a nearly-impossible-to-explain phenomena. Maybe it is left undefined as it is possible that we do not fully know the extent of the “it” factor!
The bigger question remains: Can the “it” factor be found on the store shelves? Can I pick it up on Amazon? I mean, if there’s that element of success that can put me over the top, I would pay top dollar! Wouldn’t you? We at least subconsciously know the answer. Yes, while there is natural talent, natural coordination, and natural ability that one can be born with, it is up to perspiration and determination to have success. Samuel Goldwyn’s quote fits nicely here: The harder I work the luckier I get. There are champions that simply outworked the gifted. Larry Bird comes to mind. There are champions that found a groove at just the right time. Nick Foles comes to mind. There are champions that simply kept working when others told them they were a lost cause. Kurt Warner comes to mind. The greatest desire should not be for the gift, but, rather, for the resilience to maximize whatever ability one is given.
The Bible does not seem to make much of wealth, size, charisma, status, or talent. Matter of fact, riches will fly away in Proverbs 23. Saul was head and shoulders taller than the others to the delight of the crowd, but his kingship was a disgrace. Jesus was despised and rejected, not carrying around a natural attraction or charisma in Isaiah 53. David was the youngest, on the king's hit list, acted insane to escape a king, and saw his popularity drop significantly as he made his home in caves. Moses’s tongue did not form words very well, but God used his words to move thousands out of bondage. You could argue the “It” factor was not a prerequisite in God using a man for His glory!
DVCS athletes will unabashedly strive for excellence; for wins; for championships. The natural gifts, coordination, and skills these athletes have are awesome - but greater still is the daily resilience to maximize that ability. And may the Titan athlete learn the lessons of resilience for the Lord’s use well past his playing days.
8/6/2023
Fall Sports!
Ladies Volleyball Preseason Dates and Times
Week 1- August 8/15-8/18
Tuesday 5:30-7:30pm
Wednesday-Thursday 4:00-6:00pm
Friday. 10:00am-12:00pm
Week 2- August 8/21-8/25
Monday-Thursday 4:00-6:00pm
Friday 10:00am-12:00pm
Men's Soccer Preseason Dates and Times
Week One: Tuesday, August 15- Friday, August 18, 5:30-7:30 PM
Week Two: Morning Practice 9-11 AM (Monday-Friday)
Evening Practice 5:30-7:30 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
*After practice on Friday: End of Preseason Pool Party (Details to come)
Week Three: Practice After school beginning Monday 8/28
Coed Cross Country Preseason Dates and Times
Week 1:
Mon Aug 14 - 2.5 miles or 25 minutes (on your own)
Tues Aug 15 - OFF
Wed Aug 16 - 3 miles or 30 minutes (on your own)
Thur Aug 17 - OFF
Fri Aug 18 - 2 miles or 20 minutes + 4 50m sprints (on your own)
Sat Aug 19 - Group Run at Glasgow Park from 7:30-8:30 am
Sun Aug 20 - Go to Church
Week 2:
Mon Aug 21 - 2.5 miles or 25 minutes
Tues Aug 22 - Group Run at the School from 4-5:00 pm
Wed Aug 23 - OFF
Thurs Aug 24 - Group Run at the School from 4-5:00 pm
Fri Aug 25 - OFF
Sat Aug 26 - Group Run/Back to School 5K @ Lums Pond
Sun Aug 27 - Go to Church
7/18/2023
2022-23 Sports Awards Night Recognitions
Varsity Volleyball
-
Best All-Around Player- Lily McGarvey
-
Most Improved Player- Megan Li
-
Best Defensive Player- Sophia Brown
Varsity XC
1.Top Female Runner - Celia Pope
2.Top Male Runner - Josiah Deitrich
3. Most Improved Runner - Micah Marcus
Varsity Soccer
1.MVP - John Schild
2. Most Improved - Seth Corbett
3.Spirit Award - Tim Praveen
Varsity Basketball
1.Most Improved Award - John Schild
2. Outstanding Offensive Player - Seth Corbett
3. Outstanding Leadership Award- Ty Waylee
Varsity Baseball
1.Outstanding Player - Quinton Hauser
2.Highest Batting Average - Aidan Gray
3.Hustle & Attitude Award - Jono McGarvey
Varsity Girls Soccer
-
Golden Boot - Celia Pope
-
Leadership -Abigail Stone
-
τuπος - Hope Brown
Josiah Award - Lily Jones / Jonathan Garber
Iron Man Award - Tim Praveen, Josiah Deitrich, Connor Corbett, Mason Jones
Jonathan Humility Award - Hope Brown
Nehemiah Leadership Award - Josiah Deitrich
Titan Award - Quinton Hauser / Lily McGarvey
3/15/2023
MIL All-Conference
Congratulations to Lily McGarvey for being named to the All-MIL Volleyball Team:
Congratulations to Celia Pope for being named to the All-MIL Cross Country Team:
Congratulations to John Schild for being named to the All-MIL Soccer Team:
Congratulations to Ty Waylee and Seth Corbett for being named to the All-MIL Basketball Team:
Congratulations to Hope Brown for being named to the ALL-MIL Soccer Team:
Congratulations to Quinton Hauser and Aidan Gray for being named to the ALL-MIL Baseball Team:
9/12/2022
Stupid
David just shrugged and said “I guess, it pays to be stupid.”
Ok, so that was not the ideal way to get the point across. David had just won the high school state basketball title in his senior year. It was quite a season. The season actually began in summer camp on a college campus in Tennessee. Typical to summer basketball camps, games were played all day. This made for plenty of coaching moments. As the coach I could see basketball IQ was skyrocketing among my team, and I was excited about it. And then a certain point was made and it was David who made it. In the middle of a “pointless” summer camp game…a summer camp game in which no one would remember the winner, statistics, or the best play…David in a moment of full-throttle hustle dove for a loose ball. Legs, torso, and arms stretched full length came thudding, sliding, and scraping across the basketball floor. To the coach’s eye, it was a beautiful sight. Picturesque even. Sweat splattering, blood spilling, and grunt causing, it was an all out give-up-your-body-for-the-good-of-the-team moment. And it was celebrated. As red as David’s floor burns were, so were my hands from clapping while shouting “THAT’S IT! THAT’S IT!” David had done it. He was willing to do the stupid thing.
Stupid? As a team we had talked about a stupid effort. Stupid in regards to what others may say of a hustle that was just too much. I mean, every team this season was going to work hard to win a championship. Every team was going to practice everyday. Every team was going to emphasize skill development and commitment. But which team would go past that? Which team would be willing to tell their teammate what the teammate did not want to hear? Which team would be willing to play furiously hard when losing…just in attempts to get better? Which team would dive on the floor for loose balls when the game supposedly meant nothing? Which team would play so all-out that the casual observer would say “wow, that’s stupid.” That team was David’s team. And at the end of the season, the championship winning team was also David’s team.
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (I Cor. 1:18). It makes perfect sense to follow a risen Savior who has given new, abundant, and eternal life at the expense of His own life. Follow the One who loved me to the point of death? Of course. Obey the One who never fails, never neglects, and never relents on His promises? Without hesitation. But to those who do not know the Lord? They will shake their heads and call this loyalty stupid. It should not surprise the believer nor should it insult the believer, but rather move the believer to compassion. They see folly, we see power. We have tasted and indeed the Lord is good.
So we pray. Lord may others see your power in me. May others taste what I have tasted. Use my life, use my abilities, use my words to melt the hardness in the unbeliever’s heart. And what a great prayer for the beginning of another year of Titans athletics! Can the testimony of our athletes magnify a Savior so worth following? Cna the commitment of a Titan’s athlete bring curiosity to the heart of an onlooker? Can Titans team unity point to the divine unity of Christ and His church? It is always more than a final score, more than a highlight play, and more than a team accomplishment - it is the privilege of playing for the Savior so worthy of following. Welcome to Titans athletics.
5/20/2022
Sports Awards Night 2021-22
2021-22 Sports Awards Night
Volleyball
Most Improved Player - Abigail Stone
Outstanding Offensive Player - Lydia Brown
Best Defensive Player - Lily McGarvey
Cross Country
Top Male Runner: Josiah Deitrich
Top Female Runner: Celia Pope
Coach's Award: Faith Hollister
Most Improved Award: Anthony Pugliese
Soccer
Outstanding Offensive Player - Teni Babatunde
Outstanding Offensive Player - Drew O’Connell
Most Improved Player - Jono McGarvey
Basketball
Most Outstanding Player - David Crossan
Most Improved Player - Ty Waylee
Hustle Award - Jon Taylor
Girls Soccer
τυπος Award - Lydia Brown
Golden Boot Award - Delainey Gray
Continuous Improvement Award-Kiersten Mengel
Baseball
Most Outstanding Player - Quinton Hauser
Leadership Award - David Crossan
Perseverance Award - Tim Praveen
Athletic Department Awards
Josiah Award - Mason Jones / Sophia Brown
Iron Man Award - David Crossan, John Schild, Tim O’Connell, Tim Praveen, Seth Corbett, Anthony Dorno
Jonathan Humility Award - Celia Pope
Nehemiah Leadership Award - Delainey Gray
Titan Award - David Crossan
5/12/2022
Spring All-MIL Team Recognition
 Congratulations to the following All-MIL Team Selections:
Girls Soccer:
Delainey Gray
Lydia Brown
Baseball:
Quinton Hauser
Josh Walker
3/11/2022
2021-2022 All-MIL Team Announced
*Congratulations to Ty Waylee, Patrick Phillips, and David Crossan for being named to the 2021-22 All-MIL Basketball Team. These three young men led their team to a number 3 overall seed this season, providing fine leadership to the team. David was named to the first team, Patrick to the second team, and Ty was namehonorable mention. Congratulations, men
. 
11/5/2021
FALL SEASON RECAP
ALL-MIL Recognitions
Soccer:
All MIL Team: Teni Babatunde / Drew O'Connell
Honorable Mention: David Crossan
Volleyball:
All MIL Second Team: Lydia Brown
Honorable Mention: Lily McGarvey
Cross Country:
3rd Best Female MIL Runner: Faith Hollister
2nd Best Female MIL Runner: Celia Pope
The 2021 fall sports season is in the books. The Titans showed daily commitment and strong team comradery.
Soccer
The Varsity Soccer team finished the season claiming the bottom seed within the Midatlantic Independent League (MIL). The guys battled injuries through the season. The lack of depth led to players playing a lot of minutes. Hopefully this will prove beneficial for future seasons, as younger players gained a lot of experience. The program will miss Teni Babatude, David Crossan, Drew O’Connell, Josh Walker, and Richard Turley. Richard returned to the program after missing the junior year. His durability and hustle was a tremendous addition to the defense. Josh was reliable and tough. He filled in as the team’s goaltender when regular keeper, John Schild, was out. David brought toughness and a strong leg to the defense. His ability to set the off-side trap and take great angles on the ball were paramount. Drew was named to the All-MIL team. One of the fastest players in the league, his quickness consistently collapsed opposing defenses. Teni was the team’s leading goal scorer. He was also named to the All-MIL team. Teni’s footwork and explosive kick made Teni the focal point of the team’s offense. In the end, the Titan’s lost to Avon Grove in then MIL play in game, ending the Titan’s season. The program is grateful for Coach O’Connell’s work with the team and looks forward to improving in the off season.
The Varsity Volleyball team finished the season in dramatic fashion. Losing 2020 All-MIL Conference nominee, Delainey Gray, early in the season to injury forced the Titan’s to regroup. Girls adjusted to new roles and began a noticeable and steady accent within the MIL. Late in the season the Titans took the #2 MIL team, Aquinas, to five games. In an exciting contest, the two teams traded points in the final frame in nail biting fashion. In the end, Aquinas took the contest. The Titans finished with the #7 seed within the MIL. This led to a rematch with Aquinas at Tome School this past Monday. Again the Titans pushed Aquinas to five games. But in the end, Aquinas was again victorious. The Titans will miss the headiness and gritty play of Senior Janna Baltar. She is an example of how hardwork and coachability can take a player to greater heights. The Titans will also miss All-MIL second-teamer, Lydia Brown. As a Senior, Lydia demonstrated on-court leadership and a knack for making the clutch play. Senior Delainey Gray was not able to get back on the court in a full time role. She actually played a series of two with her arm still in the cast. Delainey’s determination and team-first posture will be greatly missed also. The program thanks Coach McGarvey for her never-say-die demeanor. The girls will look toward summer camp and skill development as the program continues to improve.
The Cross Country program continued with their reputation for commitment and improvement. Coach Shirley’s regimen promises improved times should athletes buy into the call to push through walls and demands to give more. The greatest evidence of this would be the personal best times run by nearly every runner on the squad at the MIL Conference Championships on Wednesday. The guys team finished fourth as a team. Jacob Rippon was the team’s leading male runner with a time of 20:21. The girls team featured two top runners within the MIL. Celia Pope, as she did last season, took second place among all female runners within the MIL (22:26). Senior, Faith Hollister, as she did last season, finished third among all female runners within the MIL (22:29). These two young ladies should be commended for a tremendous season. Frustratingly, DVCS did not have enough girls to qualify for the overall team award. The lone Senior this season was Faith Hollister. Her leadership was essential to the team’s success. The program thanks Coach Shirley for his leadership. We anticipate young runners looking to the future of Cross Country with anticipation.
Parents, thank you for your support. From transportation to willingness to help the coaching staff, your support is more than appreciated. Please encourage daily work on skills at home and out-of-season work that will be essential to becoming winning programs.
9/26/2021
Self Control...to Keep Focus
The problem with Oreos is their sneaky way of hiding saturated fats and hydrogenated oils behind a delightful explosion of chocolaty and creamy taste. Oreos offer the taste buds a joyous paradise vacation to the often boring palate experiences. Oreos are addictive. Forbes magazine actually measured the brain’s response to the Oreo experience and found it more stimulating than some illegal drugs. Rarely will a person eat just one Oreo. Even two seems like only playing four holes on the golf course. Three? Maybe. Four has the beauty of an even number. Five? God did give man five fingers on a hand…and that was called “good.” It seems that “more” is the intrinsic message of Oreo. The original creme was always good. But Double Stuffed Oreos seemed to correct the universe. That is, until the Mega Stuffed Oreo cookie took the stage. But “more” needed to become “most”! The makers of Oreos were not done. In 2019 The Most Stuff Oreo cookie hit the supermarket aisles to the delight of cookie lovers everywhere. That message of “more” would need to be confronted if the oils and fats would be kept in check.
The apostle Paul knew what could trip up an athlete. Speaking through the Holy Spirit, Paul told the church of Corinth that an athlete would never win the prize without self control (1 Cor. 9:24). An athlete with his eye on the prize, running to win that prize, must be “temperate” and must have “self control.” The athlete must keep any cheap desire in subjection to a far richer desire. The taste of pizza would need to stay below the taste of victory. The desire for sleep would need to stay below the demand for rigor. The comfort of the couch would need to stay below the comfort of being prepared. The fun of video games would need to stay below the lasting joy of a team championship. Human nature gravitates to the ease of pizza, naps, couches, and video game consoles. It is in all of us. Less resistance. Less sweat. Less dirt. For the athlete, his goal – his prize – must stay in focus or the slide to ease can happen in stealth fashion.
I was privileged to be Daniel’s basketball coach. There were days, I am sure, where Daniel did not exactly find any privilege in being my player. There was always a penalty for turnovers. Winning basketball teams cannot give the ball to the other team. Secure the ball; secure the win. Daniel and his team faced sprints for every turnover. Turnovers in practice and turnovers in games meant sprints. Everyday. Daniel, like his teammates, did not enjoy this discipline, but he was wise enough to see its value. Somehow the pain of sprints kept the goal of winning in focus. One practice, I had not called for sprints for turnovers. Whether the drill was new or a certain concept was being introduced, I cannot remember. What I do remember is Dainel making a turnover, being disgusted with himself, and as a senior captain, leaving the drill to make himself run a sprint for his turnover. A coach longs to see his players understand the value of discipline. Daniel understood to the point of owning his own discipline.
But Paul was not training the church of Corinth for the Greek Olympics. This was not a pep talk to improve the mile time of his back row church members. Paul’s message was simple: A Christian must keep his eyes on the richer gain by not losing focus of this richer gain. Paul explains in chapter 9 that the greatest of riches is preaching the gospel! He refused to be distracted by issues, compensation, and obstacles that would subtract from his mission to see others hear the gospel. Paul admitted he had a “freedom” to seek compensation or even be served for once. But Paul seems to recoil at this thought! To Paul there was something far better, far more worthy, and far more precious. Paul saw the world’s gain and the body’s comfort as trivial to the awesome reward of sharing Christ.
May DVCS Titans athletes learn temperance that the ultimate goal of glorifying Jesus is always in focus.
8/31/2021
Back to School 5K 2021
 Saturday, August 28th
Between Friday evening storms and Saturday afternoon storms, the Titan faithful came out to support the third annual Delaware Valley Classical School Back to School 5K. Yes, some families were still on vacation, others were seeing recent graduates off to college, but many were on hand to watch the drama unfold. It was no easy task to take on the humid air, slick conditions, and body aches over the three miles.
The event began with the "Kids Race". DVCS students from Kindegarten through 5th grade competed to the final stride. Winning the Kindegarten through second grade division was Leo Urti. Winning the 3rd - 5th grade girls division was Lucia Urti. Winning the 3rd - 5th grade boys division was Levi Corbett.
The 5K saw nearly 40 runners. The DVCS student division was hotly contested. Josiah Deitrich came out on top for the boys. He edged out Tim Praveen and Seth Corbett. Senior, Lydia Brown won the girls student division. The next category saw runners up to the age of 35. Pastor Tyler Miller won for the men, while Diane Wikso won for the women. Pastor Tyler was the overall winner of the 5K. The middle-aged divisions were won by the dynamic Cherry couple. Husband Scott took the title for he men, while wife Kathy took the title for the women. The final division, the senior division, was won by Louise Shaw for the ladies and DVCS faculty member, Rick Gray. The unofficial canine division was won by "Pepper" McGarvey. Lady Pepper was accompanied by her master, Junior, Lily McGarvey.
DVCS Athletics wishes to thank three great sponsors. Please join us in thanking them when you shop and eat at......
CHICK-FIL-A in Bear and New Castle
BJ's WHOLESALE of the New Castle
LEES PRODUCE of the New Castle Farmer's Market
These sponsors supplied chicken sandwhiches, water, and fruit for the runners. Overall, the event did well to raise funds for the 2021-2022 Titans Athletic Seasons. Thank you to all who ran, supported, and worked the event this year!
8/25/2021
Middle School Sports
We are excited to look toward middle school sports (5th-7th grade). The middle school sports season will begin according to the schedule below:
Volleyball - August 31st, 2:30-4:00
Cross Country - September 2nd, 3:20-4:45
Boys Soccer - September 7th, 3:20-4:45
All athletes will need to have a sports physical completed. Physical paperwork here: https://www.doe.k12.de.us/cms/lib/DE01922744/Centricity/Domain/347/PPE%20to%20post%2012-14-18.pdf . Please familiarize yourself with dvcssports.com for game schedules and the most up-to-date sports information.
7/29/2021
2021-2022 Fall Varsity Athletics
Athletes, I hope you are seizing the opportunity to grow in athletic skill this summer! The rewards of your hard work will be realized this fall. It is with excitement that we announce the following start dates for the 2021-22 Titans Athletic season.
Varsity Girls Volleyball (8th-12th) will begin Wednesday, August 18th 3-5 PM.
Varsity Boys and Girls Cross Country (8th-12th) will being Tuesday, August 24th 8-9 AM.
Varsity Boys Soccer (8th-12th) will begin Monday, August 23rd 4:30-6:30 PM.
Athletes and parents, please have your updated physicals ready to turn into the Athletic Director on the first day of practice. The forms are found here: https://www.doe.k12.de.us/cms/lib/DE01922744/Centricity/Domain/347/PPE%20to%20post%2012-14-18.pdf.
No athlete will be permitted to practice until these forms are completed.
Arrive at the first practice resolved and in shape. This would mean building your aerobic base with 25-30 minutes of jogging 4 times a week. Practice great hydration (at least 8-12 cups of water is recommended). Continue skill development (Are you easy to guard? Are you efficient? Have you asked your coach what you need to work on? Your coach is an email away).
6/18/2021
Off Season Workouts Summer 2021
Week 1
Day 1
3 x 25 air squats
5 x 10 Jump Squats
Rest 3 minutes
4 x (30 seconds on 30 seconds off) Tuck Jumps
Rest 1 minute between sets
Rest 3 minutes
4 x (30 seconds on 30 seconds off) Burpees
Rest 1 minute between sets
Rest 3 minutes
4 x 20 Walking Lunges
Rest 5-10 minutes
15 minute jog
Day 2
PULL-UPS
Wide grip palms in 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1
Wide grip palms out 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1
Close grip palms in 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1
Close grip palms out 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1
Note: If you cannot perform pull-ups use a chair or bands for assistance. If you are an absolute beginner, start at 4 reps and work down as opposed to 6.
The rep scheme should be 6,6,6,6 of each kind of pull up movement then 5,5,5,5 of each movement, etc.
Rest 5-10 minutes
30 minute jog
Day 3
Death by Hand-Release Push-ups
With a continuously running clock perform 1 push-up in the first minute, 2 push-ups in the second minute, 3 push-ups in the third…and so on, until you cannot perform the number of prescribed push-ups for the given minute. Aim for 15 minutes as beginner; minutes advanced.
*Hand-Release means the hands come off the ground in the down position of the push-up.
If you are further advanced, do this instead.
Perform 2 hand stand push-ups every minute on the minute for 50 minutes.
You are ‘advanced’ enough for this workout if you KNOW you will complete it.
Day 4
Sprint Duration - 20 seconds
Rest - 2 minutes
Intervals x9
**You will sprint at near max-effort for 20 seconds, then you will rest/walk for 2 minutes and you will repeat 9 times.**
5/20/2021
Sports Awards Night 2020-21
2020-21 Sports Awards Night
Volleyball
Most Valuable Player - Maggie Schneider
Best Defensive Player - Delainey Gray
Most Improved Player - Hope Hollister
Cross Country
Top Female Runner: Celia Pope
Top Male Runner: Bryce Pope
Coach's Award: Josiah Deitrich
Coach's Award: Faith Hollister
Soccer
Sportsmanship Award - Grant Gray
Most Improved Player - John Schild
Most Valuable Player - Judah Deitrich
Basketball
Leadership Award - David Crossan
Most Improved Player - Patrick Phillips
Hustle Award - Josiah Deitrch
Girls Soccer
Continuous Improvement Award - Hope Hollister
τυπος Award - Lydia Brown
Golden Boot Award - Delainey Gray
Baseball
τυπος Award - Josh Walker
Most Improved Award - Anthony Dorno
Highest Batting Average - Josh Walker
Athletic Department Awards
Perseverance Award - Hope Brown
Josiah Award - Rose Edamala, Cole Blanton
Iron Man Award - David Crossan, John Schild, Tim O’Connell, Tim Praveen, Seth Corbett, Josiah Deitrich, Anthony Dorno
Jonathan Humility Award - Bryce Pope
Nehemiah Leadership Award - Delainey Gray
Titan Award - Judah Deitrich
3/30/2021
New Castle Little League Covid 19 Protocol
We appreciate New Castle Little League for allowing DVCS Baseball to host games on their field this spring.
We will adher to the following:
-Specatators should mask if not able to socially distance 3 feet or more. Limited bleacher space is available. We suggest bringing fold up chairs for comfort.
-Players and coaches wear masks per DE Dept of Health. Sports equipment should be santiized regularly. Post game hand shakes will be replaced with final "wave."
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Those that are feeling sick, coughing, or sneezing should stay home.
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Those who have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 or who have tested positive for COVID-19 should not attend athletic activities until cleared by DPH.
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Individuals who become ill with COVID-19 symptoms should be immediately isolated from others until they are able to leave the premises.
3/29/2021
COVID-19 Guidance Girls Soccer Games at Weiss Park
Delaware Valley Classical School athletics has come in agreement with New Castle Country as to Covid-19 Guidelines when using Weiss Park for soccer home games:
Cleanliness:
*DVCS will place two tables with hand sanitizer on the ends of the fields closest to the parking lot. This will allow for players, fans to observe the signage and use the sanitizer coming and leaving the field. There will be signs requesting use of sanitizer attached to both tables.
*DVCS will place signs promoting masks, social distancing, and hand washing at the field. There will be two signs on the spectator side and 2 signs on the players side of the field. This is in addition to the signage at the hand sanitizer station.
*Spectators must be masked and space out 6 feet apart.
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DPH Essential Services Screening Guidance should be followed for athletes, staff, coaches and officials for practices, competitions and tournaments.
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Those that are feeling sick, coughing, or sneezing should stay home.
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Those who have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 or who have tested positive for COVID-19 should not attend athletic activities until cleared by DPH.
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Individuals who become ill with COVID-19 symptoms should be immediately isolated from others until they are able to leave the premises.
3/19/2021
Basketball Recognitions
The boys varsity basketball season finished with a first round lost to Providence Christian Academy on February 23rd. The team grew as competitors throughout the season as most every player was new to the varsity level. We expect the guys to continue to work hard to develop the skill needed to compete at a higher level next season.
The team wishes to thank Coach Brown for streaming many of the contests this season. The team would also like to thank Pastor Williams of Harvest Chrsitian Academy for allowing use of the bus for away games. The team wishes to thank Connor Corbett for book keeping for varsity games.
8th grader, Seth Corbett, was named MIL Honorable Mention. Junior, Patrick Phillips, was named to the MIL 2nd team. Junior, David Crossan, was named to the MIL 1st team. Congratulations to these young men.
STAFF STUDENT GAME
The gym game to life last Friday, when the staff men took on the Varsity boys basketball team. Staff men included teachers and administration of both DVCS and Harvest Chrsitian Academy. Many Titans athletics coaches laced up for the contest as well. The game featured some gritty play as the staff men needed to shake off some rust of years and years gone by. Getting an early lead, the staff seemed to coast a little bit in the later moments of the game, allowing the Titans Varsity to creep back into the game. A barrage of 3 point makes, over a huffing and puffing staff defense, brought it to a one shot game. The last second 3-pointers, however, rimmed out for the Varsity, giving all of the bragging rights to the staff men. Congratulations, staff men, for thriving and surviving.
11/9/2020
Post Season Recognitions
Congratulations to Celia Pope and Faith Hollister for their strong showings at the Mid Atlantic Independent League (MIL) Championships this past Monday. Faith took 3rd overall. Celia took 2nd, nearly winning the title by a mere tick or two on the clock.
The guys had two MIL All-conference representatives. Josiah Deitrich came in 7th overall. Bryce Pope finished 4th overall. We are proud of the hard work our runners put in this season. Thank you, Paul and Elyse Shirley, for tremendous coaching!
Congratulations to the girls Volleyball team for reaching the MIL Final Four. They walked away with 4th place trophy, losing the consolation game to Aquinas. Junior, Delainey Gray, was an Honorable Mention to the MIL All-Conference team. Senior, Maggie Schnider, to was named First Team MIL All-Conference. Many thanks to Coach Beth McGarvey for her tireless commitment to the girls.
The boys Soccer team also finished fourth in the MIL after losing to FCA (MD) in the first round of the MIL playoffs. The boys had two representatives on the MIL All-Conference team. Junior sweeper, David Crossan, was recognized. Senior Captain, Judah Deitrich, was also recognized. Judah's leadership on the team this year is well appreciated. Thank you, Coach Brian O'Connell, for challenging the guys daily!
9/14/2020
Back To School 5K 2020
Delaware Valley Classical School Athletics hosted the annual Back to School 5K on September 12 at Lums Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware. With cooler temperatures rolling in, over 50 runners found their way to the starting line. The first race featured children of DVCS, 5th grade and below. These young runners ran a 1/2 mile loop into the woods. Levi Corbett took first place for the boys, while Rosalie Carroll took first place for the girls! The 5K portion of the morning featured three groups: DVCS Students 6th grade and above, DVCS Faculty and Staff, and DVCS Friends and Family. The beautiful course took the runners through the Lums Park woods, over bridges, around Lums Pond, and by a full bean field. A welcoming crowd cheered the runners at the finish line. The overall winner was 10th grader Bryce Pope, winning the DVCS student division. His sister, 9th grader Celia Pope, was the female winner. The Faculty division was won by Coach Corbett and Mrs. Sypher. The Friends and Family division was won by Scott Cherry and Charlotte Swafford.
DVCS athletics wishes to thank all the participants for making a great event! Besides the great weather and competitive races was a joyful reunion of school families enjoying a morning together. Further, DVCS athletics wishes to thank Chick-fil-A of Bear for their donation of chicken biscuits for the runners. Even further, Lee's Produce of the Farmer's Market in New Castle donated a wonderful array of fruit. BJs Wholesale donated plenty of bottled water. Please thank these businesses at your next and subsequent visits. The Back to School 5K will fund Titans athletics through the 2020-21 school year.
6/1/2020
2019-2020 Sports Awards
Did you miss the virtual sports award ceremony? Check it out below.
DVCS 2019-2020 Sports Seasons
Congratulations to the followoing Varsity Award Winner:
Boys Soccer
Matteo D'Andrea - Leadership Award
Judah Deitrich - Christian Character Award
Weston Marshall - MVP Award
Girls Volleyball
Delainey Gray - Most Improved Award
Maggie Schneider - Leadership Award
Mariko Turley - MVP Award
Cross Country
Faith Hollister - Top Female Runner
Kai Schmiedel - Top Male Runner
Girls Soccer Special Senior Recognition
Rose Brown - Excellence in Wisdom
Mariko Turley - Excellence in Joy
Katie Rippon - Excellence in Gratitude
Titans Award Winner - Top Senior Athlete: Weston Marshall
Harry Roberts DIAA Athletic Schaloarship Winner for outstanding leadership: Weston Marshall
We are proud of our athletes! We are excited about the future of Titans athletics. Returning players, use this summer to increase your skill level. Stay turned for news concerning out of season workouts.
4/6/2020
DRIVE
Parents: Please look to the end of the article for something specific for you. But….
Titans Athletes: This article is for you. I want to let you in on one of the greatest fallacies of youth sports - You must spend money to become a better player. Where did this fallacy come from? I hate to say it, but it came from those who realized they could charge a nifty amount of dollars to the young athlete hoping to play “at the next level.” Paying big dollars seemed attractive to the player who had big dreams of playing at a college level. Parents for years have justified paying money now to save money later, assuming a college scholarship would be earned. The likelihood of gaining athletic money to cut tuition costs is not a common accomplishment for even most good high school athletes. That, however, is a conversation for another day.
I do not want to throw trainers, AAU leagues, travelball, and other organizations under the bus. They have their place. But in my 20 years of high school athletics, I have heard over and over a parent or player’s insistence that a personal trainer is a must. Please know, the greatest asset to your athletic excellence is not a trainer. It is not the latest training tool. It is not the latest sleek apparel. It is certainly not warm-up music, pregame hi-five routines, or an online athletic highlight profile. The greatest asset to your athletic excellence is your drive. It is your passion, it is your desire, and it is your I-will-not-let-today-end-without-pushing-myself-to-get-betterness. Some coaches call it the “it” factor. Some call it “heart.” Some call it “giddyup.” It is something welling up from the inside that feeds determination and burns constantly.
Carl Yastrzemski (better known as Yaz) was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. He was a premier baseball player for several decades, winning the Triple Crown in 1967. Funny, he didn’t have a trainer or the latest nifty hitting apparatus. He had much better: he had drive. From Yaz, pg. 10-
To get there, I had my gimmicks. I’d take a baseball and drive a nail through it, then attach string to it, and I’d hang the ball from the ceiling. I’d have a lead bat, because of the extra weight, and I’d just swing at the ball for an hour. Whack! Than another whack. And another. In the summer, when I moved outdoors, one of my contraptions was a ball attached to a thirty-foot cord. Wintertime? Snow? It didn’t matter. I cleared a path from the house to the garage. I’d have on a huge parka, put on a pair of big gloves, and I’d go out there for two hours every day in the wintertime. My mom would call me in for dinner, but afterward I’d do all sorts of drills, trying to strengthen my hands and arm. It was cold in the garage, but I would constantly drill.
Dennis Byrd was gifted with great size. He was a part of a tremendous high school football program in Oklahoma in the 80s. But those things are not what made him an imposing defensive force for the New York Jets. It was his, you guessed it, his drive. From Rise & Walk, pg. 50-
I found a 4 x 4 green oak post, about six feet long, sunk it about three feet deep and began a routine that became my evening ritual that entire summer. By day I lived in the school’s weight room...Then, each night, as the sun was setting and the air was cooling off, I’d go out to that post and settle into a good, solid three-point stance, digging my cleats into the bare earth beneath my feet. Then I’d fire out and slam that wood with my hands or my forearms, using the form and techniques my coaches had taught me. Over and over I hit that post, until the sweat was pouring off me. I’d hit until my hands actually bled through the calluses that had already formed. Then I’d hit it some more. I’d keep going until tears were streaming out of my eyes. That’s when I knew it was time to stop, when the pain and exhaustion turned into tears. Only then would I finally drop to the dirt and call it a day. The next night, I’d be back to do it all over again.
The late Kobe Bryant was notorious. Some found him hard to play with. His personal standards were incredibly high, intimidating others. Upon accepting an “Icon Award” at the ESPYS he said the following to his fellow athletes:
We’re not on this stage just because of talent or ability, we’re up here because of 4 AM. We’re here because of two-a-days or five-a-days. We’re up here because we had a dream and let nothing stand in our way. If anything tried to bring us down, we used it to make us stronger.”
Kobe’s legendary athleticism was second to his legendary work ethic.
Titan athlete, your skill level is your responsibility. Put more directly - how far you go athletically depends on how you discipline yourself today. Do not side step this responsibility with “my driveway is too steep” or “the walk to the park is long” or “my ball is flat” or “I have no one to play with” or “I don’t know how.” Do something about all of the above. Notice, the athletes above did not make excuses. They took what they had and made the most of it. Youtube offers, literally, thousands of training videos. Titans athletics has set up Google Classroom to serve as libraries to these training videos. Coaches have also given ideal workout patterns to help you. Just add drive. That is where you come in.
Parents, please point your athletes toward this athletic Google Classroom your son or daughter has been invited to! Rumor has it, we will be spending more time at home. Your athletes have a great opportunity to grow in skill. Maybe they need a nudge. Maybe they need accountability. Maybe they need incentive. Maybe they need a defender. Maybe they need someone to hold the stop watch. Maybe they need a pat on the back. This is where it gets fun: You can help them see the gains they are making.
Has our Creator called us to be driven? Absolutely. The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich (Pr. 13:4). In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty (Pr. 14:23). The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing (Pr. 20:4). God will never be glorified in laziness but will be honored in your faithful pursuit of excellence for His glory.
3/21/2020
COVID-19
Titan's Athletes: We fully anticipate playing spring sports! The best case scenario is that we will be playing abbreviated schedules. When the whistle blows, or the first pitch is thrown, we should be sharp, conditioned, and focused. Make contact with your coach as to daily expectations. This is a great time to increase skill level on your own. Optimistically, we will be able to gather in small groups soon to prepare for the coming season.
With every sports season there is a call for utmost unselfishness: WE over ME. This creed builds winning programs and magnifies Jesus. This creed right now has our neighbors in mind, their safety will come before our preferences and pursuits. Stay patient but stay hungry! GO TITANS!!!
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Phil. 2:3)
2/21/2020
TITANS ATHLETIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
* Baseball Drive - Titans Family, would you consider donating those baseballs sitting in the corner of your garage to Titans baseball? You know, that baseball that hasn't been used in years and sometimes rolls under your car when you are backing out of the garage? The baseball team will take them off your hands as we load up a couple of buckets of baseballs for the baseball season. Thank you for your consideration. Please drop them off in the school office.
* Please save the date! Tuesday, May 5th is our sports recognitions evening for all Titans athletes.
* Spring Practice Start Times
Girls Varsity Soccer - Monday March 2nd after school
Girls Middle School Soccer - Monday March 16th after school
Middle School Baseball - Monday March 2nd after school
Varsity Mens Volleyball Club - TBA
All athletes must have sports physical forms completed by parents and doctor to be eligible to practice. These forms are found at dvcssports.com (Under Links).
2/21/2020
Thank you, Coach
Thank you, Coach Ruffin, for not caring about my feelings….Thank you for caring about me.
It is funny what started coming out when talking to my son about my high school basketball career. There was a temptation to make the 5 inch minnow a 5 pound bass - “You should have seen your dad taking off from the free throw line” or “Son, you should have seen that time I hit the game winning shot. Too bad cameras weren't in everybody’s pocket...your dad would be a youtube sensation.” Nothing like that came out. None of that, of course, would have corresponded with reality. Actually, I did not find myself talking much about accolades, points per game, or conference wins. I found myself talking about my coach, more specifically, the words he spoke to me.
Coach Ruffin was tough. Today he is an inner city pastor, but he has been doing the Lord’s work for quite a while. He coached my high school basketball team, a group of guys that thought more of their talents than they ever should have. Our generation witnessed Larry Bird scorch the net, Magic Johnson thread the pass, and Michael Jordan hang in the air. We were dreamers. We watched our heros on TV, and then hit the driveway to mimic every move. Though I never asked Coach Ruffin his opinion of our NBA dreams, I always had the feeling he coached the team in a present day reality. That, of course, was the best thing for us. He sought to chisel us into men that would one day wake up to the reality of life.
Pointed. His words were pointed. No, not always. But when I slipped into a dreamy state, his words could shift me quickly back to the reality of responsibility, hard work, and discipline. One evening at Baker High School, I brought a half-hearted effort to the floor. I barely boxed out my opponent, allowing him to bring down a rebound and add two points to the scoreboard. I was promptly removed from the game. “You aren’t worth a dime to this team if you can’t get a rebound,” he spoke into my ear when I walked by. I know, there are many who would cry that such a statement was out of bounds. What about my feelings? My self-esteem? I look back now and all I hear is “David, I love you enough to say it like you need to hear it.” Although at the moment, it hurt. But something was taking root that night: If I lower my standard, I will have regret or wear scars for a lifetime. Thank you, Coach Ruffin. I heard you then, and I still hear you now.
We were playing a big conference game one night on our home floor my senior year. We had the game wrapped up. While I can’t remember the details, I do remember playing well. We needed to hit a few free throws, and the game would be won. Sitting on the bench, I had just jammed a finger when Coach called my name to return to the game. “Coach,” I said, “My finger is jammed.” Instead Coach said, “Luke, get in” and promptly sent my teammate into the game. What? Coach, don’t you want to know how I hurt it? Don’t you want to compare my finger to my other finger? Like a sage, Coach saw my dramatics and simply had no time for it. I am embarrassed to say, but I wanted Coach to talk me into playing. I wanted to be wanted. I told you we were dreamy. Coach did not stop practice for floor burns, jammed fingers, and side cramps. Pain was something men would need to live with, no sense dramatizing it. Deal with it, and focus on the goal. Thank you, Coach Ruffin. You were right about pain in a man’s life. Deal with it, and stay focused on the goal.
My high school playing career was coming to a close. It was late February, and my senior season had just days left. We were finishing practice with a competitive scrimmage. Some things just will not fade from memory. I intercepted a pass from the top of the key and had a wide open court. My defender was well behind me, and I was going to go above the rim for a dramatic finish. No more layups, I was going to dunk the ball with some force. While I had dunked the ball plenty of times before practice, I had yet to slam the ball through in a scrimmage. The leap was good, and the grip on the ball was good. The dunk, however, was bad. Actually, in my haste, I rushed the ball into the back of the rim where it richoteted back to the other team. Coach Ruffin blew the whistle, “Luke, get in for Corbett.” I headed to the sideline. There was some good basketball displayed in that play. I had read the passing lane and stole the ball. I got out in front of my defender with an open court dribble. Only a few of my teammates had shown a real ability to play above the rim. But there was no pat on the back, no “positive-negative-positive,” just a lonely trip to the sideline. The end result was the other team got the ball. Coach Ruffin, chisel in hand, was chipping something I didn’t need in my life: cheap praise. He cared enough about me not to inflate my life with cheap praise. I did not need “Hey, you almost did it...that is enough.” That day I heard “Luke, get in for Corbett.” Today I hear “Do not be satisfied with anything less than your best.” Thank you, Coach Ruffin. Please know I am still listening.
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. Proverbs 12:18
1/13/2020
Defense...Love it
I have always loved defense.
As a basketball coach, we rarely left the huddle without yelling the word “defense” with unity and bravado. Within most team sports, defense carries a certain connotation. The act of playing defense is not heralding. You will not find ESPN highlighting often (if at all) great defensive positioning, great defensive strategy, or even great defensive stands. There is not a lot of write up, spotlight, sports radio callers, or hall of fame stats dedicated toward defense or defensive-minded players. When you think about it, offense, to sound a little southern, is where the glory is at. Players are ranked based on offensive stats. How many points did the player score? How many assists did the passer accumulate? How many yards did the runner gain? How high was his batting average? How many spikes did she rack up?
The next time you are enjoying a basketball game on TV, watch how often a player’s name pops up at the bottom of the screen to announce his point total for the game. I have, to this date, never seen Lebron James’s name pop up on the screen to announce how many times he kept his man from getting to the basket. College basketball players from great defensive-minded basketball programs (Congratulations, again, Coach Bennet and the Virginia Cavaliers), grind out forty minutes of intense defense. You will see players sprinting from corner to corner to prevent an opponent's shot. These defenders will stand in the way of 250-pound athletes, taking a charge, to prevent the offense from an easy shot. These defenders will dive on the floor, without thought, to take a possession away from the other team. It is remarkable! It is intense! It is an afterthought. An afterthought? Yes, because when you watch the highlights of the game later, the edited synopsis of the game will only show players scoring points. The box score, unless you really dig, will only show point totals.
But I still love defense.
Maybe defense being so underrecognized is why I love it so much. Defense is not glamorous or glittery. It is grit and grind. It is hostile and low-profile. It is tenacious and tough. Defense, in basketball, calls for five guys stopping one ball. It unifies a team in communication, resolve, and principle. It demands that a team be in the right spot on the floor even though, outside of teammates, no one in the building will recognize it. It calls for players to shed comfort for the rigor of a defensive stance, the hardiness of a physical box out, and the rawness of a floor burn. Yes, defense wins championships! Yes, a great defense can stop a great offense more times than not. But I would suggest it’s the character of a great defensive team that truly makes that team a great one. Simply put, a group of high schoolers that have what it takes to be great defenders has what it takes to be winners.
Can you see how the call to be a great defender can mirror God’s call for integrity? After coaching basketball for many years, I have observed that my best defenders were often young men of integrity. The spirit of integrity (“I will do what is right, even though no one may see”) is the very spirit of a great defender (“I will do what it takes on defense even though not many will notice”). The training on the court turns out to be great training for the life off the court. There is a right way to live (1 Thess. 4:1). There is a correct place to be (Pr. 4:27). There is a passion to maintain (Rom. 12:11). There are convictions to live by (I Cor. 15:58). There is some hard work to put out (Gal. 6:9).
A joy of coaching a great game like basketball is highlighting what others will not highlight. A coach takes pleasure in bringing the team into the office to watch film of the previous game to “find” that player playing great defense. When the pause button is pressed, everyone on the team can see what everyone in the stands missed.There on the screen they can find the focused, resolved defender exactly where he was supposed to be: faithfully making his team a winner.
12/17/2019
Faithful Discipline
So a “meme” is a “humorous image that is copied and spread rapidly around the internet” (thank you, Google dictionary). Though not packed with much humor, the following meme is packed with deep thought. You probably looked at the meme already (below), because our eyes always seem drawn to these digital bumper stickers.
Of course, becoming viral does not make anything true. This meme, however, does seem to summarize biblical truth. God uses difficulty to build His people. He sent Moses to a lonely desert, David to some dark caves, and Jesus to a trying wilderness. It is probably not the part of the Bible we exactly skip to every morning, but a disciplined life never seems to come without some discomfort. To the second tier. A disciplined character brings reward! Remember that man in Psalm 1? He has disciplined his life to not walk with the ungodly, stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. His heart desires the Scriptures night and day. His life in return reaps benefit, “and whatsoever he does, he prospers.” This man may be an honest businessman who creates prosperous employment for others. This man may be a hard working tradesman that creates financial freedom for his family. This man may be a minister of integrity whose words comfort broken hearts on Sunday morning. However it may look, the rewards of choosing right over wrong, though not always easy, are plentiful.
But there is a danger. The work of the farmer is not done at harvest time. The fruit is sure going to taste good, but it’s funny how fruit won’t last more than a few days before the fruit flies show up. And the seasons will change. Soon it will be time to till, time to sow, time to sweat. One of the most challenging things to learn as a young athlete is what it takes to have success. But perhaps even more challenging is learning how to remain successful. Many athletes can have a good quarter, pitch a few good innings, or run a strong opening mile. The athlete that can maintain the success is the one who can maintain the discipline. It is the young man that can block out the noise of scoring 20 points and remain humble and coachable the next day in practice. It is the young lady that can train harder for the next race even after achieving her best time. These athletes are wise enough to know they do not have a choice. They know that spending too much time studying their glorious stat line or listening to the praise of others will muddle the discipline that took them to great heights. The final two tiers are true also. Weakness comes as discipline is replaced by laziness. Disappointment and even failure are not far behind.
So where is the satisfaction? Is this looking like a hamster's wheel? Where is the lasting enjoyment if the fruit is only ripe for a little while? The key is knowing that Jesus is glorified in faithfulness. For the man in Psalm 1, when was the Lord honored? Was the Lord only honored when His servant was successful? No, the Lord was honored in the daily discipline. The Lord was honored in his passion for righteousness. The Lord was honored in his delight. Perhaps it can be argued that the disciplined journey with the Lord is as rewarding as the reward itself. A great athlete understands the reward of faithful discipline. A joyful believer understands the reward of faithful discipline. Most men will proclaim each his own goodness...but who can find a faithful man? (Prov. 20:6)
11/13/2019
Specialization? Should you do it? Part 3
Our viewpoint on specialization has mainly centred on the negative physical aspect of playing just one sport. Playing just one sport has proved to have adverse effects on the growing, changing body of a teenager. Wrapping up the subject of specialization, there is an element often overlooked by those studying the subject. Specialization has the potential to stunt the development of leadership within the student body.
Kurt was one of the top male athletes in his high school. As a junior, he had secured his place as the top defensive player on his football team as a middle linebacker. Looking forward to his senior season, he would be considered a top player at his position within his football conference. He was also a fine baseball catcher for his high school baseball team. Kurt was a large target behind the plate and a specialist at blocking balls in the dirt. He anchored the lineup card as well. Each game he took the burden of being the cleanup hitter, swinging a powerful bat. It was a joy to watch Kurt grow as a player on the football field and the baseball diamond. His natural abilities and his love for sports gave him a natural platform to be the leader of his teams.
While Kurt could easily enjoyed his status as a “star” in the hallways, he was challenged by the basketball coach to join the basketball team. Honestly, Kurt would not be a “star” on the basketball team, but, rather, a role player. He would not start the games. He would not be the team’s leading scorer. He would need to put in hard work just to be a part of the team’s regular rotation. The basketball coach, however, knew that Kurt’s reputation of working hard and playing fearlessly would be an asset to the basketball team...not to mention his large frame would secure rebounds in the paint. Kurt, however, would need to be motivated by something outside of scholarships and claiming “top-player” status. He would need to humbly play for the love of competition and the good of others, his teammates.
Kurt decided to play basketball. Several things transpired that were not foreseen. Kurt’s humility to take a “secondary role” increased his status as a leader. This, of course, should not be surprising. The Bible clearly explains the way to being “first” is by being a servant (Mt. 20:27). His leadership was not only felt in the hallways and the baseball diamond later that spring, but his leadership was actually felt on the basketball court. Kurt’s teammates saw him working hard each day in practice for something outside of his own accolades. His hard work was motivated by his simple desire to make his team great. His opportunity to have leadership impact on others increased dramatically because of this. Kurt’s spirit of humility became infectious. The team embraced a coachable spirit, seen first in an accomplished young man that was not too proud to learn more. Proverbs 9:9 teaches that instructing a wise man will bring about more wisdom. While other young people would have taken an “I have arrived” approach, Kurt, wisely chose the better, and just increased in more wisdom. Further, the school’s spirit grew. Kurt’s willingness to help out the basketball team, believe it or not, brought more students to the game. When the all-conference linebacker took an “all-hands-on-deck” attitude towards the basketball season, classmates noticed. Classmates filled the stands and traveled with the team.
Did Kurt ever become an all-state basketball player? No. Did he excel at the college level? Not really. After a season of college baseball, he decided to pursue other things. Did Kurt, however, grow as a leader, impact his school, and make memories that would shape his life? Absolutely. Make no mistake, Kurt’s story includes frustrating moments in practice, tough losses, and nagging injuries, but the whole story of Kurt joining the basketball team is beneficial to those who are contemplating specialization. Much is made of what is potentially gained. It is wise to consider what could be lost.
There are many who see high school sports as a stepping stone to college athletics. It is unfortunate, however, that many will pursue the scholarship over the memorable moments that make high school sports a lifelong joy. What is gained in relationships, leadership, memories, and character may possibly be a greater gain than an actual college athletic scholarship. Consider also that only 2.5% of high school athletes received athletic scholarships in 2017 (according to NCAA). Also consider that one third of all college athletes will not play all four years of college. There is a lot of wisdom in enjoying high school athletics, focusing on the teams goals, and pursuing sports for the joy of competition. Sadly, many will look back with regret that their pursuits often overlooked the enjoyment of an overall high school playing career.
10/16/2019
Specialization? Should you do it? Part 2
I hope you had a chance to read the ESPN article as the opening article to the topic of specialization. Specialization is putting full attention to the training of one sport while cutting out participation in other sports. While “Part 1” introduced specialization as a recent trend within youth athletics, “Part 2” reveals the physical impact of specialization.
It is important to note that specialization has become a prominent trend within the past 10-15 years. There is no way to mark the exact date in which specialization became the common occurrence on high school campuses. Some have stated that the influence of the 2008 book, Outliers, that advocated 10,000 hours of practice was needed to reach expertise, is the culprit. Perhaps it is the rising cost of college education that has driven the idea of getting a “free ride” through college by means of an athletic scholarship. The rise of social media over the past 10-15 years has also popularized college-day signings, a feat that marks, for some, a successful high school athletic career.
With a solid block of time now available to analyze, what has this past 10-15 years shown us in regards to the physical toll on the specializing athlete? Early this October, Nemours duPont Pediatrics presented such findings to Delaware Athletic Directors. For their study, specialization was seen as having three components: Training for a single sport for over 8 months in a year, choosing a main sport, and quitting all other sports to focus on a main sport. An athlete that did all three of the previous was seen as “highly specialized.” An athlete who did two of the three was considered “moderately specialized.” An athlete who did just one of the three was seen as having a “low degree” of specialization. Nemours reports that a “highly specialized” athlete is 81% more likely to be injured than those in the “low degree” of specialization category. “Moderate specialization” athletes are 39% more likely to be face injury than those of “low degree.”
The numbers are not surprising when we take into account that the teenager’s body is changing rapidly during their school years. Bones are growing daily; joints are strengthening. Activity that puts constant stress on one area of the body is detrimental. Nemours Pediatrics did not suggest less activity as a solution but rather more diversified activity. The young person’s body is changing, but physical activity is needed to build flexibility, coordination, endurance, and skill development. According to the data, however, a variety of physical actions, promoted by playing more than one sport, is the most healthy way to gain these things. Put simply, the study shows a more healthy knee for the young man that may run on a soccer field in the fall and use his knee to run and jump on a basketball court in the winter. The study shows a more healthy shoulder for the young lady that serves volleyballs in the fall and then uses the shoulder to throw softballs in the spring. The diversity of training brings greater health benefits than using the same adolescent joints on the same movement over and over throughout the year.
Nemours also spoke to the moral of playing more than one sport. Statistics show that “burn out” has become a common result over the past 10-15 years. Simply stated, children that have trained year after year for one sport are quitting the sport at a greater rate than those that play multiple sports. There are many factors that could contribute to this trend. Perhaps the initial reasons to concentrate on a single sport have been found to be unrealistic. The goal of reaching the professional level or acquiring a college scholarship is realized to be for those with extraordinary gifts. Perhaps the “fun element” has disappeared causing burnout. While sports are to carry a joy of competing, growing, and building friendships, specializing emphasizes results. Results will carry extra importance as a young person matures into older-level competition, but results-oriented pursuits at a young age can take the joy out of playing. When “burn out” happens, it becomes likely that a teenager will become less active and less fond of being involved in high school athletics. The negative result of this, of course, is teenagers missing out on the great opportunities to grow in character, leadership, and achieving under pressure that varsity sports will present.
Much more could be said and will be said on the topic of specialization. While studies are ongoing, Nemours Pediatrics among others, have highlighted the negative physical effects of specialization. Future articles will reveal the plain truth in regards to the likelihood of college scholarships through specialization and the potential stunting of character development through specialization.
10/2/2019
Specialization? Should you do it?
Specialization? Should you do it? PART 1
When studying the trends of youth sports there is one trend that is being heavily scrutinized - and for good reason. More and more, young athletes are specializing in one sport. Playing a single sport (verses diversifying over several sports) is often driven by the goal of earning a college athletic scholarship. This pursuit is often driven by parents, trainers, and coaches. Is this the most healthy use of youth sports for your child? I would like to publish a series of articles addressing this question. The following link, however, is a great start to the discussion. Researched by ESPN, the article reveals the strain that "year around" youth sports can add to a young body (Please excuse the Kobe Bryant's use of language toward the end of the article): https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27125793/these-kids-ticking-bombs-threat-youth-basketball
8/26/2019
Back to School 5K
With a beautiful morning in the back drop, over 60 runners lined up on the starting line Saturday, August 24th at Lums State Park. Called "The Back to School 5K," the runners composed of students, friends, family, alumni, and staff. Some where running for the prize, others for enjoyment, but all for the support of Titans athletics! The first runners to come over the finish line were the elementary winners. Their task was to finish the 2 mile course. Ian Rippon came in slightly ahead of Sophia Brown. Ian took home the Chick-Fil-A gift card prize. The 5K race was won by Brandon Burkhart with an overall time of 22:27. Categorically, Faith Hollister won the teenage division with a 24:59 time. Julia Dooley won the 18-25 age division with a 23:52 time. Brandon Burkhart won the 25-35 age division. Garrett Schneider took home the medal for the 35-49 age division (25:56). James Munson's 26:07 was the top time in the 50+ division. Titan's athletics was tremendously supported by way of entry fees and gifts. Thank you for supporting the cause, thank you for being involved, thank you for your generosity!
Titans Athletics would like to thank the following sponsors:
BJ's Whole Sale of New Castle for providing water!
Lee's Produce (inside the Farmer's Market of New Castle) for providing delicious fruit!
Chick-Fil-A of Bear (and soon New Castle) for providing chicken biscuits! 
7/31/2019
HOW TO BE GOOD
You’re killing me, Smalls!
Great line to a great movie. Yes, the movie The Sandlot. No, I will not stamp approval on every scene, as some may raise an eyebrow. The movie, almost in its entirety, takes place in the sandlot. It is the daily destination of every baseball-loving kid in the neighborhood. If you have not seen the movie, the major conflict is how the main character, Smalls, will recover his stepfather’s baseball that was signed by the great Babe Ruth. You will need to grab a box of whoppers and see how the group of boys get Smalls out of “the pickle.”
There is one scene, however, that really brings out the personality of this group of boys. The boys all love baseball, playing all day, every day. But, you could say, they are really a group of misfits. In this revealing scene, the “upper class” baseball boys arrive at the sandlot to challenge the misfits to a game of baseball. The entitiled boys are clad in nice uniforms, riding pristine bikes, and sporting new converse sneakers. In a classic dispute of young adolescent boys, there are barbs and jabs hurled at each other, ending with the sandlot spokesman declaring, “You play ball like a girl!” So it was settled. There would be a baseball game showdown at the “upper class” baseball field (not the ugly sandlot) to settle who was the better team.
The sandlot boys came to the contest with grit but not much flair. Their gloves were old, their equipment was ragtag, and they wore no uniforms - just their everyday shirts and pants. They showed up to do what they did every day. They played baseball...and they played it very well. The contest was not much of a contest at all. The sandlot boys steamrolled, demolished, creamed, embarrassed - pick your verb - the cocky upper class boys.
Within my 18 years of being involved in high school athletics, the “secret” to success is not much of a secret. If you want to be good, then go be good...every day. Simply put: You will be good at what you do every day. I love the contrast illustrated in the movie. The young boys with the perfect appearance could not compete with those that couldn't care less about their appearance. Our 2019 sports society emphasizes flair, style, marketability, showmanship...all things that score a perfect zero on the scoreboard. Somewhere within the glitz and glamour, the “secret” gets lost. Maybe that is why some still call it a “secret.”
Delaware Valley Classical Athletics will not boast the premiere items from an Eastbay catalog. Our facilities may not be confused with the 76ers new Delaware field house. These things, however, have nothing to do with winning. Absolutely nothing. Winning happens when young people commit to being good...they play every day. When the scoreboard does come on, the truth of who put in the effort will come to light! As an athletic community, we want to keep our eyes on the proper emphasis. Fundamentals over frills. Accountability over appearance. Hustle over headlines. Sweat over style points. Brotherhood over brands. Sacrifice over spotlights. Commitment over conceit. Discipline over drama. The best of athletics, and what grows winning programs is found in what comes from within not in what is seen without.
If you frequently read the teachings of Jesus, the parallels are jumping off the page. Like Toto pulling the veil on the Wizard of Oz, Jesus showed everyone who the religious really were. Their pretty robes, long prayers, pioused appearances, and fake spirituality did not impress the Son of God at all. You could say they scored a perfect zero. Jesus made it clear: His kingdom, His team, would be driven by hearts that loved God and loved others (Mt. 22:37). The inside would drive the outside. The outside would be nothing without the inside. The call of the Savior is the call of the DVCS athletics: The inside heart of commitment, determination, sacrifice, unity, and passion will always trump the fading frills of the outside appearance.
Message from the Athletic Director
Welcome to DVCSSports.com - school year 2020-2021.
I think you will find the information on this site helpful as a player, parent, student and especially as a member of our community. Each sport gives you information that should be helpful to you - check throughout the season for rosters, scores, stats, and other info. Be part of Delaware Valley Classical School Athletics!!!
David Corbett
Athletic Director
dcorbett@dvclassical.org
(302) 455-8740
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