As March Madness unfolds, basketball fans everywhere agonize over brackets that inevitably unravel by the first weekend. It’s a season that reminds us of the unpredictability of competition and the importance of perspective. And yet, amid the chaos of missed shots and buzzer-beaters, valuable life lessons emerge—not just about basketball, but about life itself.
In the spring of 1989, I had breakfast at Jim’s on I-10 with San Antonio Central Catholic High School basketball coaching legend, Joe Cortez. Over coffee, he asked me what kind of team we would have for the upcoming 1989-90 basketball season. My honest response was, “I don’t know yet.” Coach Cortez replied with something simple yet profound: “Well, Coach! It’s all about players. You’re only as good as your best.”
That piece of wisdom stuck with me, but I couldn’t have known at the time just how true it would prove to be. That season turned out to be the best in Boerne ISD history. We played for the state championship, led by one of the most remarkable players I’ve ever coached, David Shivers. His talent was undeniable, but our team’s success didn’t hinge on him alone. It was the unselfishness and dedication of the role players that made the difference.
The journey to the championship was anything but smooth. We faced adversity early in the season, losing our first game and seeing three players quit before our final roster was set in January. Despite those challenges, out team grew stronger. We finished second in district play, avoided a district playoff against a tough Clemens team, and had a miraculous comeback victory over Kerrville Tivy. With David fouled out, and on the bench, the team rallied, refusing to let adversity define them.
Our playoff run was nothing short of incredible. In the state semifinals, we pulled off one of the greatest upsets in tournament history, defeating powerhouse Port Arthur Lincoln in overtime. That victory, 35 years later, remains a defining moment for Boerne basketball, a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance.
What made that team special wasn’t just talent—it was character. Chris Adamek was a selfless point guard who put the team’s needs above his own. Seth Russell played tenacious defense and made smart shot selections, always putting the team first. Chad Chase dominated the boards, giving us second chances when we needed them most. Robby Shivers was a sharpshooter from the perimeter, hitting big shots when the stakes were highest. Karl Doenges was the enforcer inside, ensuring our presence in the paint and our bench of Jose Escajeda, Jeff Wilson, Shane Carpenter, Chris Vercher and Greg Wright came in during key moments to ensure success. Each player understood their playing and non-playing role that allowed our best player to truly shine. No one’s ego got in the way, and the unity carried us to the state championship game.
This lesson resonates far beyond the court. As Mary Schmich wrote in her now-famous “Wear Sunscreen” article, “Don’t waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind. The race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.”
Now, 35 years later, the members of that team continue to inspire. Their overwhelming message remains: Relationships, Relationships, Relationships—and everything else is everything else. We celebrated this truth during a recent reunion, where we documented our memorable year. To this day, I maintain strong bonds with the team, and it’s incredible to see how they have carried those lessons into their lives.
Chris Adamek, the selfless point guard, is now the head basketball coach at Champion High School, shaping future athletes with the same dedication he showed as a player. David Shivers, our best player and a standout at SMU, is now a minister at Prestonwood Church in Plano. Robby Shivers, who went on to play at Stephen F. Austin, coached for over 20 years and continues to inspire as a teacher. Greg Wright serves as an elementary principal in Blanco, leading with compassion and purpose. Seth Russell has a become a successful lawyer in Houston, exemplifying integrity in his profession. Each member of that team is thriving in their chosen field, a testament to the strength of their character and the power of teamwork.
The 1990 team is rightfully enshrined in the Boerne ISD Athletic Hall of Honor. David and Robby Shivers are also individually recognized for their contributions, cementing their legacy not just as great athletes, but as great people.
When life throws us challenges, it’s how we respond that matters most. Bobby Jones, the legendary golfer, captured this beautifully: “You get good breaks from bad shots; you get bad breaks from good shots—but you have to play the ball where it lies.” Life, like golf, requires resilience and the humility to accept what we can’t control while moving forward with faith.
That sentiment reminds me of how our 1989-90 team handled adversity. There were moments when things didn’t go our way—missed shots, bad calls, or injuries—but the team never lost sight of its purpose. They didn’t let those “bad breaks” derail them; instead, they focused on the next play, the next opportunity.
In the same way, our spiritual journey requires us to “play the ball where it lies.” There will be setbacks, heartbreaks, and moments when we feel like giving up. But those moments are opportunities to grow, to trust in God’s plan, and to lean on the gifts He has given us.
The relationships we build along the way matter most. In John 13:34-35, Jesus tells us, “A new command I give you: Love one another, As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
As March Madness fills our screens, let it also fill our hearts with reminders of teamwork, humility, and trust in God’s plan. After all, the ultimate race isn’t against others; it’s a personal journey to grow closer to Christ and fulfill the purpose He’s set before us. Our spiritual gifts are meant to glorify Him and to bless others—not to elevate ourselves or to inspire jealousy.
So, as you fill out your bracket or cheer for your favorite team, remember the bigger picture. The same principles that guide success on the basketball court—teamwork, selflessness, resilience—are the principles that lead to a fulfilling life. And in the end, the race truly is only with yourself.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” – Colossians 3:23
