Athletic success is achieved in competition with an opponent.  But it is only made possible by well coached practice.  Consistent, effective training is at the heart of a winning tradition. 

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. ²⁵ Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. ²⁶ Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; ²⁷ but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 

                                                                                                                                         1 Corinthians 9:24-27 RSV