“Do we want to win the State Championship? YES. But, really, we already won.” That is what basketball coaches, Tim Drisdom and Josh Longoria, relayed throughout the interview regarding this unique 2020 season. A week out from the State Tournament, ICS was ranked by Deseret News as the #1 team in the state. This ‘19-’20 basketball season has without a doubt been unprecedented in its success, and I’m not even referring to their 17-5 regular-season record or the 1,000 point hurdle Caleb Koski achieved in only two years (27.0 ppg is 1st in Utah 1A & 3rd in all classes). Instead, the higher premium of spiritual growth is evident on this team. This growth is where the coaches have rooted their perspective in regards to the success of this season.
When Caleb came to Coach Longoria in December with a tattoo idea of Jeremiah 29:11, his response was, “Do you believe this is true, and do you believe the rest of the Bible is true?” These questions and Caleb’s responses define the success of the season. Coach Drisdom went on to say, “I’ve known Caleb personally for 10 years. Last year was a culture shock and was hard for him. But now I’ve never seen him happier. He’s a different dude. I know what’s happening in his heart.” Caleb confessed Christ is Lord this basketball season. In regards to that moment, Caleb said, “I’ve been saved.” Tim replied after a pause, “This has been our championship.”
These athletes are full of passion for their sport and coaches oftentimes share an influence on them that is unmatched outside of parents and pastors. These ICS basketball coaches are committed to an authentic relationship, transparency, challenge, accountability, and being a part of each individual’s transformation. These athletes are not fed inauthenticity, but real, face-to-face challenge to a life of pursuing Christ. Now we know. Now we see the victory. Beyond the stats, beyond the championship, this victory is eternal.
Written by Rachel Larson, Marketing Director