Life’s lessons

Lessons being learned by the Clarendon College men’s basketball team aren’t just being taught on the court this year.

The team is working to serve others and learn more about the game of life in the process.

“We feel like the message of being a servant and of having a servant’s heart is a lifelong lesson that maybe the kids can take with them.,” CC men’s basketball head coach Tony Starnes said. “They should give of themselves for the good of the whole.”
The idea of serving others applies also applies on the court.

“We tell the kids all time if they are more interested in serving their teammates, then we will not have to obsess over winning and losing; it will take care of itself.”
In recent weeks and months the team has answered phones at the MDA telethon, served meals at Faith City Mission in Amarillo, served meals at the Community Care Center, read to kids at the elementary school, put on basketball clinics in the area, participated in food drives, brought drinks to the Clarendon High School Football team after one of their practices, and much more.

“We have received a lot of positive feedback from people in town and the surrounding communities. There are such great people in Clarendon and in the Panhandle,” Starnes said.

And it’s not just the players who benefit.

“The people we serve appreciate the help, but they really appreciate and benefit from getting involved with the college kids. They see it as a mission field and are very willing to be positive role models for these kids.”
Coach Starnes’ classes have even joined in on the action.

His sports officiating students gathered canned goods last week and donated them to the First Baptist Church’s Downtown Ministry Center.

To expand upon their volunteer work, the men’s basketball team began hosting guest speakers last week.

“Every Wednesday at about 2:55 p.m., we have a guest speaker from the community who talks for about five to 10 minutes,” Starnes said. “The talks focus on being a success in life by being a good husband, a good father, and a responsible adult.”

Coach Starnes hopes to teach the players how blessed they really are through gratitude, selflessness, and an appreciation of others.

“I have learned that God has blessed me with an opportunity to play ball and get an education,” said men’s basketball player Barry Johnson, a sophomore from Lubbock. “I want to give back and be able to help others.”

You can catch the Bulldogs in action around town September 23-24. They will each be working three-hour shifts serving the community in local businesses.

Coach Starnes himself will be waiting tables at Bronco Burger after the football game on Friday, September 23.