All over the country, “Senior Night” marks the end of one’s career in high school or college athletics. As I take notice of this special night for many basketball programs across America, I cannot help but think of the young men and women. To some it marks the end of an era and the beginning of new and more challenging experiences in life. Take the Student Athlete in college for example.   For many it was at least four hard years of work in the classroom and on the court. One could only imagine how difficult of a challenge it was competing for just the opportunity to attend. Then to maintain the academic levels necessary to participate and then balance the interpersonal hardships and challenges they face playing college basketball. Oh yes, having your name called on this eventful night is much more than meets the eye. Seeking success is more about one’s faithfulness throughout the process because life doesn’t end after college. That is why it is so important to have the irresistible urge not to quit, even when the challenges that you face at times gives you every reason in the world to do so.

This past Saturday was “Senior Night” for the Men’s Basketball Team at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), in Richmond, Virginia. This is the college that I attended and the school that I admire most, but not just for that reason. I love the family atmosphere it created and the life lessons that were learned. Many of those lessons are still being used today.

The three seniors honored on this night were, Treveon Graham, Briante Weber and Jarred Guest. Graham and Weber were leaders on this team that was known nationwide for its “Havoc” style of defense. However, Guest is the player who I choose as my focus for this blog. He stands about 6’8” tall and weighs 225lbs., with the athletic ability to jump vertically at a level that others could only imagine. Yet, when I look at his career statistics I see a person who averages only 8.1 minutes of playing time per game, 1.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and about .1 of an assist. On paper those stats aren’t very attractive, but it speaks volumes to who Guest is as a person. He has that irresistible urge not to quit, but to seek success throughout the process. Guest is on schedule to graduate on time this May. No matter what area of study, the degree alone gives him an excellent opportunity to succeed in life.   I believe that he could also have a future in professional basketball, if he wants it.

Guest showed tremendous promise when he came to VCU from Charis Prep School in North Carolina. He led his team to a 35-5 record and his coach (Carlos Peralta) was quoted saying, “that the big reason for the record was the play of Jarred Guest”. He was also a member of the first team to ever make it to the Final Four from VCU. It would have been understood if he decided to transfer when his playing time declined and join another program that would have welcomed a person with his special skill level.

Jarred Guest is a great example for anyone seeking success in life. I admire the fact that he stayed the course and did not quit. Things are not going to always go your way or the way that you feel that they should but always keep the faith, so that you are ready when the time comes. It reads in 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Success is about faithfulness throughout the process. I’d love to hear your thoughts or likes.