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Athletic Department Philosophies
The mission of the Zion Lutheran’s Athletic Department is to develop a first-class athletic program committed to excellence, while building Christian character and “Champions for Christ.”
In addition to excellence, we value professionalism, discipline, fairness, mutual respect, high expectations, good sportsmanship, accountability, and passion.
We are motivated by Col. 3:23 & 24 (NIV), which says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Athletic Department Philosophy
Athletics at Zion Lutheran is an integral part of the school’s educational program. We believe that providing excellence in a Christ-centered educational environment while partnering with the Christian home, requires a “balanced commitment to developing the total child” in mind, soul, and body.
We believe that athletics is one of the most significant tools in the educational process of character development, and helps to encourage students to lead by example. Athletics provide an opportunity to honor God through excellence, maximum effort, self-discipline, sacrificial teamwork, and outstanding sportsmanship.
Athletic Participation Philosophy
It is the intent of the Zion Lutheran Athletic Department to provide the opportunity for students to participate in any of the interscholastic athletic activities offered through the athletic program.
All middle school students are allowed to compete in our athletic program. All fifth through eighth grade students who participate are placed onto junior varsity or varsity teams in football, volleyball, basketball, and track. Zion's varsity teams have been successful throughout the years, with the 2009-10 girls' basketball team winning the District and the State Lutheran Basketball Championships.
Athletic Development Philosophy
In order for continued athletic improvement, and a consistently competitive program, coaches must guide their student athletes in the areas of strength, conditioning, agility, skill development, and mental preparation. The Zion athletic program will provide training that is well structured, disciplined, and fun. Additionally, Zion athletics will provide the opportunities for development of all student athletes through the encouragement of participation in off-season programs.
Sportsmanship
Athletes, spectators, and coaches should exhibit good sportsmanship at all times and adhere to the following guidelines during competition:
1) ALWAYS cheer in a positive manner. Positive cheering leads to positive results;
2) Do not talk to officials before, during, or after competition;
3) Keep all comments about officiating to a minimum. We want athletes to concentrate on what is about to happen, not what has already happened; please try to leave concern for officiating to the coaching staff;
4) Never communicate with our athletes from the start of warm-up, until the end of competition, other than to cheer their efforts; we want our athletes to remain focused;
5) Fans should be seated in the bleachers or remain in designated areas away from the team and playing areas.
Multi-Sport Athletes
All Zion athletes, parents, and coaches should understand the importance of the multiple-sport athlete to our program, and support, encourage, and allow students to participate in one, two, or three seasons as they choose. At no time should a Zion coach encourage a Zion athlete to specialize in one or more specific programs, and should do his or her best to support the multi-sport concept.
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