Heart of a Coach

Kevin Jackson
USA Wrestling Coach

Chosen Attribute: Optimism

Dictionary definition: “The tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or expect the most favorable outcome.”

My definition: “To be positive and to expect, think and believe the best-case scenario.”

Who has helped me become optimistic: “My parents. I grew up in the Spirit and in the Word. I’m not saying I didn’t struggle with the world side of life, but I think that positive attitude was something instilled by my parents.”

Favorite Scripture that deals with optimism: Psalm 27:1-3 (NIV) – “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall” (v. 1-2).

Why I chose this passage: “These verses help me stay positive every day. They help motivate me. They talk about the fight and your enemies and how God will help you stay confident, no matter what happens. We are only humans, and we are going to have some doubts, fears and apprehension, but we can’t get wrapped up in those things. Sports are not the end-all. They’re not who I am. My hope in the Lord is the greatest thing.”

How I remain optimistic when coaching: “This year our team faced a tough situation. In 2006, the U.S. World Wrestling Team was third in the world and had a great performance with four medalists in the World Championships. But in 2007, which was an Olympic qualifying year, we had only one medalist and no World Champions.

“I felt a lot of heat from my superiors and from the wrestling public. I started stressing a little bit and panicking knowing we had to get two more weight classes qualified. I kept thinking, ‘We can’t have a performance like this at the Olympic Games; we have markers of getting at least four medals out of seven weight classes.’ Those things started to add up, but reading the Scriptures, praying and staying close to God allowed me to see that if God is for me who can be against me (Romans 8:31)? Regardless of how well we perform at the Olympic Games, I am still going to Heaven. And that is the bottom line.”

How I apply optimism in life: “We have five children, and my wife and I try to be as positive as possible. We tell them that we believe in them and that they will accomplish great things. But we also understand that they will have failures. They might not get a good grade or make a team, but we love them and care about them and think they are the best in the world. We just try to be as supportive as possible and try not to be negative.”

About the Coach: Kevin Jackson has been the National Freestyle Coach for USA Wrestling since 2001. In his first season, he led the team to a World Cup Championship, and at the 2004 Olympics, Jackson helped the U.S. capture three medals, including one gold. In 2006, he coached the team to a third-place finish at the World Championships, and this year he hopes to help his athletes earn more medals as the 2008 Olympic coach.

As an athlete, Jackson, a member of both the national and international wrestling halls of fame, competed on five U.S. World or Olympic teams and won gold medals at the 1992 Olympics and the 1991 and 1995 World Championships.

In his efforts to be a good role model, Jackson recognizes the importance of groups like FCA to provide examples for athletes. “I truly believe that all of us need mentors and guidance—people in our lives who are a little wiser than we are,” he says. “FCA does that and puts God in front of our youth.”

*For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Photo courtesy of USA Wrestling