David Flores: Athletics still bring out the best in human spirit

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Given the cynicism of our day, it would be easy to write off humans as inherently selfish and self-centered.

That would be wrong, of course.

You know that and I do, too.

Truth is, the human spirit can soar to great heights when people respond to what Abraham Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature."

The generosity demonstrated at a fundraiser for two Texas State athletes Thursday reflected that spirit, reminding us that we are all linked by our humanity.

The "Slam Dunk for Life" basketball camps, a program of free summer basketball camps in San Antonio for at-risk pupils in middle school, also are a shining example of people reaching out to help.

About 700 supporters gathered at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos for the barbecue dinner benefiting injured Texas State track and field athlete James Ortiz and football player Walter Musgrove, who is recovering from Hodgkin's disease.

Victor Rodriguez, former superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District, and two other college track stars from yesteryear, Joe Reyna of Southwest Texas and Sam Volpe of Abilene Christian, were among those at the function.

Rodriguez, a former distance runner at North Texas State, donated autographed copies of his book, "The Bell Ringer," to anyone who contributed at least $20 to the fund that has been established for Ortiz and Musgrove.

Ortiz, a senior from Uvalde, lost part of his right leg in a bicycling accident June 5 and remains at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin.

"If there was a common thread that I saw among the people who showed up, it was the hope and support they offered those two young men," Rodriguez said. "I've never seen such a spirit of support and encouragement. It was so gratifying to see."

Musgrove, an all-conference cornerback who plans to play his senior season this fall, attended the fundraiser and expressed thanks to those who reached out to help.

Musgrove's mother drove to San Marcos from the family's home in Cedar Hill near Dallas for the event and was gracious as she made the rounds.

"It was beautiful," Marsha Musgrove said. "I'm the type of person who always has believed that there's good in people. When I saw all those people, I thought to myself, 'They don't owe my son anything but they're here for the cause.' It shows that people have more in common than they do differences, and we need to remember that."

It's not a stretch to say that many who waited in the heat to get their barbecue plates don't know Ortiz or Musgrove. They simply opened up their hearts and helped.

"This is absolutely overwhelming," said Texas State football coach David Bailiff, who spent most of the afternoon and evening coordinating the event. "This is about people just trying to help people. I couldn't be prouder of this community."

Bailiff also can take pride in his coaching staff and the players who pitched in to help.

Eddie Canales, founder of the Gridiron Heroes Spinal Cord Injury Organization, was among the many volunteers who helped make the event a success. He and his wife, Pita, attended the barbecue with their youngest son, Chris, who has been paralyzed since suffering a spinal-cord injury in a football game for San Marcos Baptist Academy in 2001.

"This shows people have a heart," Eddie Canales said of the large turnout. "When something hits close to home, they come out and support people who need help."

Canales said helping with the barbecue was his way of thanking Bailiff for the support he has given Gridiron Heroes.

Edwin "Eli" Whitney, a San Antonio cardiologist, founded "Slam Dunk for Life" five years ago.

Basically, the mission of Slam Dunk is to use basketball as a forum to teach life lessons. The camps stress education, preparation, dedication, integrity and perseverance as much as basketball fundamentals.

"It's amazing how we've grown," said Slam Dunk executive director Jerry Tyson. "The kids come in on Monday and they don't know if we're going to coach them or eat them. But after a while, they get on board and cooperate with the coaches."

Tyson said about 1,500 boys and girls representing nearly 40 middle schools attend the 16 camps, eight for each gender, every summer.

"It's a great experience for these kids," Tyson said.

Here's hoping they grow up to be strong, highly principled men and women who respond to the better angels of their nature to help others.