Spartans in Russia 7

September 4th, 2010: Anapa, Russia

Today began a little differently. We woke up and had our team devotional session at 8am right away in the morning. This one was about hiding places and how people/athletes find their hiding place or identity in a variety of things to avoid reality. The team was challenged to come out from their hiding places and to seek refuge in Christ. It was a very good time for the team and there was some great discussion coming from it.

After the session and breakfast the team headed down to the beach to watch the Russian National Beach Championships. The guys met a bunch of the women's indoor players and the Beach Olympians among other dignitaries from the Russian volleyball world. Some of the guys traded gear with some local players. That combined with all the Russian souvenirs the guys are buying we are looking more and more like the locals all the time. Now if all the fellas could speak the language as well as Aaron Vandenbrink and Marc Howatson we would really be on to something.

After the beach and dinner the team departed for our evening match. It was to be two matches as we would divide our team into two and play two separate matches at the same time. To make things more interesting one of the matches would be on an outdoor court in the blazing hot sun. Upon arrival to the facility it was quickly evident we were in for a much bigger deal than we were led to believe. We drove into the resort and there was a multi sport competition going on for people of all ages. Apparently we were to be the feature match of the whole competition that ran for three days.

After changing in the assigned team room we were led to the gym and after a 30+ minute pregame ceremony where every important person in Anapa had a speech. The indoor game wasn’t the best. The team looked like we had only practiced two times. We were very rusty and poor in our game play. To make things worse we were playing a number of pros on the other team that was supposed to be a University team but in true Russian fashion, they were not prepared to risk losing. We dropped the first two sets but then began to find our match rhythm and play well. We won the third quite easily. The fourth was tight but the momentum began to swing our way when...crash...snap...groan...moan...Marc Howatson dislocated his ankle in one of the most horrific injuries any of us have ever seen live. It was like one of those top ten videos you see on Sports Centre or youtube of the worst sports injuries. Complete ankle dislocation was the prognosis hours later. At the time all we know is that our teammate, friend and brother was rolling on the floor in agony. Immediately those able to stomach the sight ran to Marc's aid while the rest of the team dropped to their knees and immediately began to pray for Marc. It was one of the tensest times in a gymnasium that most of us have been a part of. The not knowing how serious the injury was, how much pain Marc was in and the helpless feeling of watching someone we love in pain and the ability to do nothing for him.

After quite some time the ambulance arrived and stretchered Marc away to the hospital. By ambulance I mean army truck and by stretcher I mean the one from Saving Private Ryan. Total time from injury to departure was around 25-30 minutes and after there was still the matter of the game to attend to. The team tried to warm up quickly and get their heads together but it was obviously very difficult and a two-point game went to a 9-17 deficit. At that point and a couple time outs later the team heard the call from Dave Johns about playing a tribute performance for Marc. They were able to refocus their emotion and minds and began to play some of the most inspired volleyball a Spartan team has ever played. It started slowly but built into a roar as the emotion peaked and the team was playing like rabid dogs that play volleyball really well. What once was a done deal became a 22-20 game. 23-20, 23-21, 24-21, 24-22...game over. The comeback was valiant and one Marc or any other Spartan would be proud of. The Spartans showed the spirit that has come to be a major part of our culture of competition. Our Russian opponents and the fans who witnessed the match and the injury were all enthused about the match and showed a very heartfelt appreciation after all was said and done.

After the match the team was very somber but we were invited to attend the closing ceremonies for the competition and a banquet to follow. It was difficult to put a good face on for the hosts but the team did a great job in trying. Things really perked up when a special teammate made a surprise return from the hospital. Marc made a royal entrance to the banquet and all of our Spartans rushed to greet their fallen comrade. In a really classy move the Russian team we played came over to greet and wish Marc well too. The two teams then spent the majority of the rest of the evening talking, laughing and sharing stories. It was truly a great sight to see all of these talented young athletes all sharing together in harmony and that it took an injured guy to make that happen.

I had the chance to talk to Marc on the phone right after he come back to after sedation and he wasn’t making much sense but he did say two things that were clear:

1- Tell the guys I love them, and
2- What a ministry opportunity this is huh?

Marc was right. God works through all situations. This time it was a half sedated injured cue-tip who had the wisdom to put it all into perspective.

What a ministry opportunity…huh?

Go Spartans!!!