Class Basketball great, Bob Cousy once said, "Sports give your life structure, discipline and a genuine fulfillment that few areas of endeavor provide."  I couldn't agree with him more. Sports can make a lasting impact and difference on every athlete's life. It's about facing adversity, handling the challenges of competition and dealing with the pressures of the game. Those, combined through athletics, forge our character and reveal our class. What is class? I believe it's an easily recognizable quality that is hard to define. Class is demonstrated by athletes and coaches through their actions under pressure, in both victory and defeat. There are two basic ways to do anything in sports and in life: with class or without class. Class involves being a good person, showing sportsmanship and taking responsibility for your actions. You have class if you show humility and self-confidence without being arrogant. Class handles victory with humility and defeat with dignity. Class doesn't brag after winning or make excuses for losing. Class always shows whether you win or lose. Class never: - Runs scared. - Makes excuses. - Tries to build itself up by tearing others down. In every high-pressure situation, you can react like most people, or you can choose to be different. When under the pressure to conform, class stands firm on the foundation of "God's way is the best way!" Maintaining class begins and continues with a decision. 1. Do you have class? 2. Do you make excuses for your actions? 3. How can Romans 12:2 help you to have class? "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." -Romans 12:2 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Coach Pat Street is the Huddle Coach at River Valley High School in Marion, Ohio. He writes a weekly "God's Coaching Tip." If you'd like to receive the "Tip of the Week," e-mail Coach Street at coachpatstreet@timeoutsports.org. Also check out www.timeoutsports.org. For more information about FCA please visit FCA.org.