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Sport of choice strengthens faith
Two years ago, when Larry and Joyce Davenport purchased a dirt bike for their son Craig, they had no idea how it would change Craig’s life for the better.
Craig is not only excited about his sport of choice, motocross, he is also excited about the spiritual growth it has helped to bring into his life. According to his dad Larry, Craig’s participation in motocross has greatly enhanced his faith in God.
“It has made his faith in God stronger. You see it all at these events. There are some kids who have been killed. Others have had life changing injuries,” he said.
Craig said that he prays for God’s protection before each race that he performs in.
“Every time you line up, you are putting it all out there, so I say a prayer before racing,” he said.
Not only does Davenport rely on God for much needed protection while he is racing, but also for strength and endurance to get the job done to the best of his abilities, he said. The skills that Davenport needs in order to compete against others in his own age group are not easily attainable. He said that he often spends two hours a night for four nights a week practicing for upcoming events.
Davenport’s dedication does not stop with his motocross career, his dad, Larry said.
“Craig is a good student. He is in advanced math classes and receives high grades at school,” Larry said.
Davenport said that it is not always easy to get school work finished from days missed to go to a race, but he always finishes it on time. He said that he knows he needs a good education even though he has hopes of pursuing motocross as a career.
“I need to have something to fall back on,” he said.
According to Davenport’s dad, Davenport also has plans of pursuing a college degree in plastics engineering. This degree would enable Davenport to design equipment for the sport that he is so fond of, Larry said.
Davenport said that one of the main obstacles that he must face when competing in the different racing events is that he is away almost every Sunday. These absences mean that he must miss attending service at his local church, Community Christian Church. Davenport said that even though he misses many services, his youth minister Joe Banker consistently lifts him up in prayer. According to Davenport, several track-side ministries exist for those who are involved in the sport. Some even have a mid-week service if the racing event is a week-long adventure, he said.
Davenport has accumulated 70 trophies while competing in races in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas, a written statement provided by his mother Joyce said. On Oct. 10-14, Craig Davenport competed in his third national competition. He competed in four classes and made it to the finals in the 250 modified Novice class on his Yamaha, according to the statement.
“He competed against over 80 riders from across the United States, and came in 15th in the finals. This is his third national competition but the first time to reach the finals. He has participated in many races in the past two years since he has been competing,” the statement said.
Davenport’s brother Chris, 12, is also a Motocross competitor. According to Davenport’s dad, Larry, motocross is a family sport.
“If something doesn’t go right on the track with another rider,” Larry said, “before we leave, we will make sure everything is okay. Everybody counts on each other,” he said.
“In this sport, my best competitors are also my best friends,” Davenport said.
Davenport said that he knows he would not be able to continue to participate in motocross without the support of his parents. Since a lot of the youth who participate in the event are homeschooled, they are able to train for the events year-round. Davenport does not have as much time to spend in training, but he is still able to succeed in bringing home trophies from winning events by working hard and continuing to develop his faith in God, he said.