Wheaton Academy Athletic Philosophy

What We Believe

We believe that the principles and lessons learned in the classroom, at home, and through the local church, can be put into practice through athletics. A microcosm of society, athletics allow the student to develop and use his or her God given ability to glorify God. Because the arena of competition is usually surrounded with pressure, the athlete is tested and the true character revealed. Consequently, the opportunity for character growth readily presents itself through athletic competition. Therefore, athletics at Wheaton Academy is considered an integral part of a student athlete's high school curriculum.

Our Commitment To Excellence

Our philosophy can best be summed up by the phrase "doing our best as we strive to be the best. We believe as Christians we are commanded by Scripture always to do our best. As believers we are not to waste the talent God has given us by giving anything less than total commitment, thorough participation, and maximum effort. We also believe we should strive to be the best at what we do. Being the best at anything, whether it be a National Merit Scholar or a state champion in basketball, is a worthy and admirablegoal of any Christian. Becoming the best may not always be the result of our athletic program, however doing our best must be!

Role Model Coaches

Because of our commitment to excellence, coaches at WA become one of the most significant components of our athletic program. They have the responsibility to model Christ-like attitudes, behaviors, and desires for our student athletes while under pressure themselves. They are participants and teachers at the same time. One of the coach's most pivotal roles is to work with athletes whose character, revealed under pressure, needs to become more Christ-like. In order to be considered an effective coach and role model, our coaches must also be thoroughly knowledgeable in their sport, capable of detailed preparation, able to motivate athletes, able to make adjustments during competition, and actively give meaning to each situation a team or individual athlete may face. Coaches have great responsibilities, to mold young lives for Christ.

Our Programs

We believe each individual sport at WA should be developed into "a program." The head varsity coach shall be responsible to provide a consistent structure and ensure that similar philosophies are implemented at all levels of the program. The program should build pride among the participants and support among the student body. Parents should be valued as partners in this process of athletic education. Off-season conditioning, camps, etc, should be promoted for serious athletes. College bound athletes and their parents should receive sound counsel on their potential. All activities within an individual sports program should exemplify the school's commitment to a Christ-like witness, and reflect the school's athletic department's policies, procedures and philosophy.

The Wheaton Academy Athlete

We believe all WA athletes should be diligent in preparation, relentless in effort, disciplined by nature, respectful in actions, self-controlled with words, humble in spirit, and aggressive in pursuit of excellence, without regard to the score, opponent, time, referee, etc. As Christian athletes display these characteristics, good things usually happen: teams are successful; players are motivated; fans are supportive and enthusiastic; parents are proud; prospective athletes want to participate, and very often nonbelievers are drawn to Christ.

The Bottom Line

Because a high school student's participation in athletics often helps foster a pattern of how to approach difficult tasks, major challenges, and intense pressure, athletics should be viewed as a crucible for developing Christian character. In order for the WA athletic program to be successful, we equip our student athletes for their real test: life as a follower of Christ.