With a good lead off of second base, Texas A&M outfielder Sharonda McDonald sprinted to third after teammate Jana James knocked a single through the infield. But knowing her own ability to get from third to home in a mere 2.4 seconds, McDonald wasn’t stopping. Realizing the throw would cut it close, she slid cleats-first into home and scored the first run of the Aggies’ game against the Missouri Tigers.

As the dust settled, however, McDonald knew something was wrong.

Chosen Attribute: Commitment

Dictionary definition: “The act of engaging oneself; a pledge, promise or obligation.”

My definition: “To hold steadfast to something. To set your mind on a specific goal without deviating from that direction no matter what comes your way.”

Yogi Berra once said, “Baseball is 90 percent mental, and the other half is physical.” While Yogi’s math might be a little off, he is right on target with the importance of training the mind.

Unfortunately, American culture has created weak-minded, undisciplined, unfocused people. We think multi-tasking makes us more productive, but it destroys concentration.

As many as 10 million females and one million males in the United States struggle with a life-threatening eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia - a number equivalent to the combined population of New York City and Los Angeles. Of the number of men and women who struggle with eating disorders, 95 percent are between the ages of 12 and 25.

Further revealing the severity of the situation are stats from the Renfrew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders. They claim that the mortality rate associated with anorexia is 12 times higher than the death rate of all causes of death for females ages 12-24. It is estimated that 480,000 people die every year from complications related to eating disorders.

Selected struggle: Patience

Dictionary definition: “Quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence.”

My definition: “An ability to endure trials or wait for blessings in God’s time. Waiting for God’s will and purpose to be fulfilled in your life.”

More than two years ago, I was feeling concerned about the fact that two of my teenage boys were not plugged into a Christian group. Demanding sports schedules were a contributing factor. A ministry like FCA would be perfect, my husband and I thought.

As we began to pray, we thought about starting an FCA Huddle at our sons' high school. I was very excited, but then it became clear that my husband's schedule was not going to allow him to join me in this new adventure. Just like that, I was the leader — instead of assistant.

Ex-Eagle Star Logan Still a Safety For Troubled Kids
By Don Leypoldt

Randy Logan walked into a mess.

The collegiate All-American, the team captain at Michigan who was voted the Wolverines’ MVP his senior year, found himself starting in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 1973 opener.

Across Pennsylvania at this time Pittsburgh’s notorious "Steel Curtain" began to re-define great defense.

The 1973 Eagle defense was not a Steel Curtain.  They were more like a Shower Curtain.  The Eagles ranked second to last in the NFL in scoring defense en route to an ugly 5-8-1 finish.