Cambridge Athletics Philosophy

Overview.
Cambridge School of Dallas (Cambridge) is a Christian academic institution. purpose is to develop emotional, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual strength and breadth of character in each of its students, acting in community with teachers, parents, coaches, and otherOur aim is to equip students to love and serve God with all their minds in order to serve Him with all their heart, soul and strength. The School’s desire is to see students glorify God in every area of their lives.

We are a school that is attempting to raise the standards on spiritual fervor and athletic ability so as to graduate students who have developed an appreciation for athletics as a tool to serve the Lord. As well as being able and willing to be an antidote to cultural decline and spiritual drift.

Self-discipline plays a key role in the development of Christian character. Through hard work, commitment, and attention to detail, a student’s pursuit of athletic endeavors allows the strengthening and development of his or her physical, emotional, and spiritual depth of character. As is the case in any field of serious endeavor, the athlete’s time, talent, hard work, attention to detail, and dedication are absolutely required in order to make real progress. At Cambridge, within the limits imposed by the requirements of a rigorous secondary education, by our facilities and coaching staff, and by the athlete’s own desires, strengths and weaknesses, we seek to make athletics as powerful a tool as possible for growth, in each sport, in each participating athlete, in each of these areas. Thus, those involved in Cambridge athletics will be challenged to make every effort (2 Pet. 1:5-8) to add as much as possible to each and every athletic endeavor, and strive to train, work, and comport ourselves, with coaches, fellow athletes, opponents, referees, and all others involved, as unto the Lord Himself. In this manner, the athlete who gives their all gets as much as students possibly can, and ultimately, comes to see their athletic endeavors in relation to a truly Christian world view. In short, students makes significant strides toward “owning” the ability to do, and to be, one’s very best, for the sake of Christ - win, lose, or draw.

Christian values are essential. As suggested by the Cambridge athletic philosophy above, a clear understanding of Christian beliefs and values, as well as the commitment to doing the will of Godbeing a disciple of Christ, are “musts.” Only with these principles in mind can an athlete view their practice and performance, and victories and losses, in relation to their ongoing commitment to Christ.

Academics are primary. We recognize, as should the athlete, that academic achievement is the primary purpose for attending Cambridge. Becoming informed in a variety of disciplines is a worthy goal of any Christian education. Learning is a life-long process, and being able to combine learning along with athletics should be the goal of each athlete at Cambridge.

Rules set minimal standards. Cambridge, other schools, and various disciplines and sports related to athletic endeavors set behavioral guidelines by which the players and others are expected to adhere. However, established rules are not the maximum, but rather the minimum.

Freedom goes hand-in-hand with responsibility. Athletes are encouraged to develop individual freedom and leadership in their respective sports. Concomitantly, they are also expected to develop, portray, and exercise the classic Christian virtues, including strength of character, humility, and moral responsibility.

Winning is not everything – but giving your all is required. Students first, winning second. Winning is important, and Cambridge athletes will be challenged to win in every possible situation, and even in impossible ones. Indeed, the Cambridge athlete will be rigorously challenged at all times, but not just to win – rather, to develop and strengthen the internal, Christ-centered motivation to give “110 percent,” win or lose, until the last whistle or the end of the match, and to strive to become an intensely focused, self-directed, unselfish, thoughtful, contributing, team-playing athlete - committed to doing the will of God, for the good of the team, for Cambridge, and for the athlete, in that order. Thus, at the end of the day, the athlete who gives 110% and walks off of the court or field, knowing he has “left it all out there,” can hold his head high, and give glory to his faithful Creator - win, lose or draw.