A Goal That’s More Important Than “The Big Win”

BeyondtheUltimate.org: University of Washington Coach Lorenzo Romar, Former UCLA Coach John Wooden, NC State Coach Kay Yow, and Other Top Athletes Discuss Victory Beyond the Ultimate NCAA Basketball Championship

ATLANTA, March 22, 2007—As the "Sweet 16" kicks off today, anticipation is building to a fever pitch for the Final Four. In less than two weeks, the big dance will be over and only one team will remain as the 2007 NCAA Men's Basketball National Champion. It's an exciting time, but the thrill is fleeting. That's why University of Washington Coach Lorenzo Romar, Former UCLA Coach John Wooden, NC State Coach Kay Yow, and numerous players are using the BeyondtheUltimate.org Web site to share personal stories of a faith that offers a satisfaction greater than any championship win can provide.
 
"Points. That's all I cared about growing up," said Romar on BeyondtheUltimate.org. "Now, I'm thankful to know that whether I experience failure or success, God always has my back. Furthermore, my win/loss record has zero bearing on my status with Him. God loves me for who I am, not what I do."
 
BeyondtheUltimate.org was originally developed in partnership with Athletes in Action, the sports ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, as a platform for Super Bowl coaches Tony Dungy, Lovie Smith, and their players to share the important role that faith in Jesus Christ has played in their lives. BeyondtheUltimate.org has since expanded to reach basketball fans during March Madness.
 
BeyondtheUltimate.org is just one venue Athletes in Action uses to connect faith and basketball. In addition, Athletes in Action and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, in partnership with Upward Unlimited, will host the annual Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast during the NCAA Final Four weekend. The breakfast, held March 31 at the downtown Hilton Atlanta, is designed to honor athletes and coaches who model exemplary character, values, integrity, and faith. The Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast will feature sports celebrities such as Georgia Tech All-American and former NBA All-Star Mark Price, CBS Basketball Analyst Clark Kellogg, Phoenix Suns Chairman and CEO Jerry Colangelo, Inside the NBA host Ernie Johnson as emcee, and interviews with NCAA Men's Basketball Division I coaches and players.
 
Tickets for the 2007 Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast are $150 or $1500 for a table of 10. For registration information, call (800) 416-9473 or visit www.LegendsBreakfast.com. 
 
Athletes in Action, the sports ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, works with athletes and coaches to use the unique platform of sport to help people around the world with questions of faith. For more information about Athletes in Action, visit www.AIA.com. 

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