Cornerstone Athletics = Winning At Life
Everyone loves being part of a winning team. But numbers on the scoreboard are just one measure of success. At Cornerstone, we’re preparing students who participate in our fitness and athletic programs to win on the field – and more importantly to win in life – by helping them develop physically, emotionally, and academically.
Cornerstone Athletic Director Elijah Richardson explains, “Our students not only flourish during athletic contests, but in life as a result of our high standards, expectations, and exposure. The habits developed through athletics and fitness, such as professionalism, teamwork, discipline, loyalty, humility, and tenacity, are the same as those essential to living a virtuous life.”
One student athlete who embodies these qualities is Tarrace Turnbow, Jr., an 11th grader and member of the Lincoln-King High School football team. The team’s inaugural season was tough for these rookie players as they finished with a 0-9 record, but Tarrace is philosophical about the results. “It was our first year, so we can’t be upset about the outcomes,” he thoughtfully shared. “We played teams that have been together for years. Losing got frustrating, of course, but we had to save that upset for the field, and not bring it into our relationships with one another. We are brothers and we need to encourage one another.”
Perseverance and inspiration from the coaches were central to keeping them motivated. “Our coaches never give up, especially Coach Green,” Tarrace said of head coach Marcus Green. “He always reminded us to keep pushing and keep fighting until the end. We can’t quit…we will get there!”
These benefits of participation in athletics have been well documented, including on Education.com, which explored the 3 “P’s” that extend beyond the classroom for student athletes: practice, persistence and patience. Practice is required, even when players would rather be doing something else. They learn the harder they work, the better they perform. Persistence means players are more likely to achieve their goals and they experience this when learning new skills. Both practice and persistence require patience: the ability to manage the most difficult situations with grace. These life lessons benefit students on the field and off, and remain with them long after graduation.
Tarrace and Mr. Richardson agree that teamwork is central to success, both on and off the field. “Teamwork is everyone coming together as a unit and working together to reach our goals,” said Tarrace. “What one person does reflects on all of us, good or bad. We aren’t just athletes on game days, but we are athletes every day at school in every class.” Mr. Richardson added, “Our students are encouraged to be leaders who put the welfare of others ahead of themselves, and to exemplify teamwork in all areas of their lives.”
Tarrace carries the skills learned with the team as he prepares for the future and hopes to repair homes professionally one day. He says, “I want to fix people’s houses so that they can have homes where they can be happy. I hope to be able to turn my time playing football into a college education that will help me achieve this goal.”