Wellness: More Than Just Fitness and Athleticism
There are three aspects to one’s wellness: mind, body, and spirit. These three components work hand in hand, as without one the others will suffer; thus, a person’s wellness suffers. Mr. Jason Kimball has been at Strake Jesuit for the last four years as the head rugby coach and Academic Resource Center (ARC) director. In these last four years, Kimball has emphasized the three components of well-being of the whole person. As a former student of Kimball’s and current colleague, I have witnessed firsthand how he goes beyond caring for the wellness of our students and rugby players.
One example is Kimball’s Spartan 30 challenge to the rugby players. Spartan 30, a challenge based on Exodus 90, inspires players to practice the three components of wellness. For the body, players are challenged to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep, push themselves past their comfort levels, and eat healthy. For mind and spirit, Spartan 30 challenges players to set aside at least 15 minutes of meditation/prayer/reflection, limit use of technology, and promote fraternity among teammates by working with accountability partners.
Fellow coach and Assistant Dean of Students Mr. Lorenzo Nunez says, “The whole culture of the team is driven by his challenge for each person to grow beyond a student-athlete and truly live out being a Man for Others.” Mrs. Christina Manero, a rugby parent, says, “Coach makes it clear to the boys that they are more than an athlete. One of the ways is the importance he places on their Jesuit retreats. He makes it clear to the players that their spiritual growth comes first. He works the season’s schedule as best as he can around the retreat schedule and encourages the boys to plan and sign-up for retreats before the season starts.” Alessandro Directo ’24 says, “Coach Kimball truly cares about the wellness of his players by helping them refine their body through rigorous conditioning and skill work while also helping improve their mind and spirit through daily prayer at the end of each practice.”
One of the most profound moments of coaching I witnessed occurred last season at the Rugby State Championship game. Despite a tough loss against our Jesuit brothers and rivals, Kimball took the time in a post-match huddle to comfort the players. No yelling or blaming, just words of comfort and affirmation to the players, including fond memories of our graduating seniors. I cried with my seniors and rugby players for the loss, but that post-match huddle is what we all needed for our minds and spirits. This is a prime example of how Mr. Kimball has catered to the wellness of his players and colleagues. He is truly a Man for Others.
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