Caleb Shenk - Senior Statement

“Put into practice...”

Back in middle school, I saw Caleb’s natural skill and athleticism while hitting a tennis ball, and I told him that if he chose tennis for high school, I could see him being our #1 player. Well, four or so years later, and Caleb is part way through a very successful season leading the team from that position. He’s not just a leader because he’s a senior and a #1 player, he’s a leader because the team respects him. And they respect he because they know that he has done all the work.

This summer, I put out a 30 workout plan. The workouts were all supposed to last about 30 minutes, and I challenged the guys to get out and complete these hitting sessions. Caleb was the first to get all 30 done. Maybe he was motivated by the promised prize of 1st in line for showers at tennis camp, but I think it is more than that. He is someone who is willing to do what he’s asked, and believes in the good that it will do him. Because of that belief, I’ve seen him adding layers to his game even in the last week here, crushing the ball and hitting winners that he couldn’t at the beginning of the season.

But even beyond his tennis work ethic, there is a self-control about his life. He is a master of the time, place, and intensity game - knowing the right time, the right place and the right amount of intensity for any activity. Watching him play tennis, he knows just the time to pour on the “C’mons!” to pump himself up or make sure the opponent knows he is in the match. At tennis camp, he would know exactly when I was joking, trying to help the team to loosen up and when I was serious, wanting to drive a point home. I also loved how he takes a journal or notepad with him everywhere, and when I would do devotional lessons, Caleb would take notes on the questions I asked or the verses we read - or whatever. There is a dedication and self-control in the tasks Caleb dedicates himself to.

For our team, he has been incredible. He has reached out to the younger players during prayer times and sharing times we often have. He has encouraged others when they are losing focus or motivation. He has shown us what it is like to have attention to the right things, and how trusting others can help you improve and grow.

I am grateful for Caleb, our dedicated, controlled, and thoughtful leader.

Verse: Romans 8:37-39
In all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.