The Master’s Distance Project is a one of a kind Christian collegiate running program, with a unique emphasis on cross country and distance track. The sole pursuit of the Distance Project is to run with excellence for the glory of God; to worship our Savior with every step we take. Located in Santa Clarita, CA, The Master’s College competes in the NAIA, and is a member of the Golden State Athletic Conference. Our goal is to establish a premier distance program in Southern California intent on one thing, to “run in such a way that we may win” (1 Cor. 9:24), not only in our sport, but all of life.
The Master’s College is a liberal arts Christian university with a unique goal to equip Disciples of Christ for the work He has for them. Our running department is looking for athletes who meet the below seven traits and want collegiate athletics to be an essential part of the college experience. Our belief is that athletes who have an intense passion for running and the Lord have been endowed with these gifts because the Lord has something special planned for them.
What we are:
A team unified by our passion to run for God's glory
Highly motivated athletes; here's a profile:
- Enthusiasm and Desire: Love for Your Sport: Top athletes have a hunger, a fire inside which fuels their passion to achieve an important goal, regardless of their level of talent or ability. To accomplish anything of value in life you need to begin with some kind of vision or dream. The more clearly you can see that picture in your mind, the more likely it is to become reality. Wherever you place your attention, your energy will follow.
- Courage to Succeed: Once an athlete has the desire, he or she needs to back it up with courage - the incentive to make any dream you dare to dream become reality. It takes courage to sacrifice, to work out when you're tired, and to seek out tough competition. It takes courage to stick to your game plan and the relentless pursuit of your goal when you encounter obstacles. It takes courage to push yourself to places that you have never been before – physically or mentally. It takes courage to test your limits and to break through barriers.
- Internal motivation and self-direction: Champion athletes decide early on that they are training and competing for a high purpose – not for their parents, their coaches, or for the medals. Direction and drive need to come from within. The goals must be ones that you have chosen because that's exactly what you want to be doing. Ask yourself, what keeps you running? Who are you doing it for? Those athletes who compete for themselves might achieve great feats, but oh the glory one can give who competes fully for the purpose of praising Him who fashioned every talent!
- Commitment to Excellence: How good do you want to be? Elite athletes know that to excel at their sport, they must decide to make it a priority in their life. They make an honest effort each day to be the best at what they do. At some point you must say, I want to be really good at this; I want this to work. To notice significant growth you must live this commitment and regularly stretch what you perceive to be your current limits.
- Discipline, Consistency, Organization: Winning athletes know how to self-energize and work hard on a daily basis. Because they love what they do it is easier for them to maintain consistency in training and in competing. Regardless of personal problems, fatigue, or difficult circumstances, they can generate the optimal amount of excitement and energy to do their best.
- Being focused and yet relaxed: Champions have the ability to maintain concentration for long periods of time. They can tune in what's critical to their performance and tune out what's not. They can easily let go of distractions and take control of their attention.
- Ability to handle adversity: Top athletes know how to deal with difficult situations. Adversity builds character. When elite athletes know the odds are against them they embrace the chance to explore the outer limits of their potential. Rather than avoiding pressure they feel challenged by it. They are calm and relaxed under fire. Setbacks become an opportunity for learning; they open the way for deep personal growth.
What we are NOT:
A running club
Although team camaraderie is one of the most vital aspects to team unity I want to break the mentality that we are a running club. Running clubs consist of athletes who decide when and how often they train. We are here to compete. The only way to attain the 7 aforementioned traits is to foster one's ability in each area. This can only be done through a supportive team with the same vision.
Individuals who do not buy into the system
It is critical that communication takes place between coach and athlete concerning any topic that affects the program. Although it is my hope that we have a shared vision for the upcoming season, it is necessary to follow leadership no matter what the rationale. We cannot have athletes who want to do things their own ways or follow some other coach's advice.
