Adventures in Odyssey Home Page

The Winning Edge

Album: Gold Audio 08: Beyond Expectations

Episode: 124

Lesson/Theme: Competitiveness.

Bible Verse: Romans 15:2

Characters: Bart, Whit, Tom

Writer: Phil Lollar

Sound Designer: Dave Arnold

Original Air Date: August 18, 1990

Last Air Date: June 23, 2008

Description:
Summertime in Odyssey means softball, and this summer is no exception. Robyn Jacobs is on the Coyotes, coached by Tom Riley. Traci Needlemeyer, however, is on the Stingrays, the biggest losers in their division. She isn't happy about it at all, until she meets their new coach, Bart Rathbone. He immediately gives Traci a pep talk and bolsters her self-confidence, doing the same for the rest of the team. Bart whips them into shape and makes them better players. But he also tells the team that winning is everything--and should be attained at any cost. Traci isn't sure about this philosophy. But when the Stingrays begin rising in the ranks, Traci starts believing that winning is all that matters. And when the team clinches the Western Division title, Traci is a full-fledged convert. The Stingrays will meet the Eastern Division champions, the Coyotes, in the playoffs. Bart sends Traci to the Coyotes' victory celebration at Whit's End to rattle Robyn. Traci does this by dumping a malt all over her. Whit recognizes the symptoms of a deeper problem and talks to Bart about easing up on his win-at-all-costs message. But Whit's plea falls on deaf ears. The Stingrays find themselves in trouble in the championship game because of Robyn's powerhouse hitting. Over Traci's objections, Bart orders one of his players to "take [Robyn] out of the game." Zelda, one of the Stingrays, slides into Robyn, injuring her. The Stingrays end up winning, but Traci is horrified and cannot enjoy the victory. She visits Robyn at the doctor's office and is relieved to learn that Robyn has suffered no permanent damage. Traci begs for her forgiveness, which Robyn grants. Everyone learns a valuable lesson about not letting their competitive spirit get out of hand.

Questions:
Is it wrong to be competitive? Why or why not? Why was it so easy for Traci to give in to Bart's win-at-all-costs philosophy? Is winning at all costs always wrong? Can you think of some instances where it might be okay? If so, explain.