Dean Reynolds' track and cross-country career at Spring Arbor has been nothing but spectacular. The fifth-year senior has racked up the accolades in his time as a Cougar, including multiple All-Crossroads League honors in Indoor Track, Outdoor Track and Cross Country, three-time All-American honors in the 4x800 in Outdoor Track, multiple All-American honors in Indoor Track, along with being the 2023 National Champion in the 4x800 in Outdoor Track. With all this success, it would be easy to revel in it and let it define you, however, Reynolds places his identity in something greater. A man of deep faith in Jesus Christ, Reynolds lets that faith drive everything he does, in both life and his sport. Here is how he does just that:
 
How do you connect your spiritual and athletic life here at SAU? 
My spiritual and academic life is a way of life. More so in the aspect that whatever I do, it is for Jesus. The way I conduct myself athletically is through my spiritual walk with Jesus. I ask myself, "Is this what Jesus would say?" or " Is this how Jesus would act?".  For this question I'm reminded of Colossians 3:23. 

How do you see God currently working in your sport? 
God is working in the [Cross Country and Track Team] by bringing us more together. More so than ever, out of all the years I've been here, surprisingly enough, we are all pretty much running together, which is building our community. In past years, running together as a whole was a struggle some days. This doesn't seem to be much of a problem this year, and God's Hand seems to be moving by bringing us closer. Another way God has been moving is through our team Bible studies. Here there are tons of questions asked to foster more growth. 
 
Do you have a favorite Bible verse or spiritual practice that encourages you as an athlete? 
I really like Matthew Chapter 6. Specifically, verse 33. Along with this verse, I also like Proverbs 3:6-7. These two verses shape the outcomes of what God wants. He desires my trust, my eye fixed on Him and His will, He desires my obedience, intimacy, and desires righteousness. As I believe highly that God speaks the loudest in the silence, I usually before a race, spend some time in silence and thank God for everything and the gift that it is that I can be here. 
 
What advice would you give to younger athletes who want to keep faith at the center of their sport? 
I would advise that if one wants to keep their faith strong, alive, and vibrant, that they must find the way in which they meet God's presence the most, and do it daily. For instance, if you feel God's presence the most by reading your Bible, meet Him every day by reading your Bible. For a relationship to be alive, you need to literally talk out loud to the person you are in a relationship with... the same is with God too, you must be talking to Him daily to maintain a strong faith and relationship. Another thing I'd say is that you must believe in the identity that Jesus has places upon you. Jesus tells us that "it" will be done unto you according to your faith... if you don't believe the truth Jesus says about you or His power, then you are getting what you've earned according to your faith, i.e., your faith is weak and small. But if you believe the Lord Jesus, you apply what He says, and you live in His truth, then your faith is strong because it is in accordance to your faith. 
 
In what ways has being a part of SAU XC+TF helped you grow in your faith? 
Being a part of my athletics has deepened my walk in leadership. It has also deepened me in praying for people by encouraging me to pray any time for anyone. In other ways, it has also made me a better listener, being more selfless, and more patient. 
 
How do you wrestle with the struggle of putting your identity in Christ vs. the temptation of putting it in your sport/success? 
Well, this used to actually be the case. My identity was in my sport and success. There comes a serious conviction when you seek to know God deeper, yet place "things" above Him. When you desire to get closer to God, He purges you. And that's what He did; He showed me that there are things in life that matter and things in life that don't matter (Matt. 6:33). Running matters not that much. A better question is are you living out Colossians 3:23? Are you doing everything as if you were doing it for Jesus? It's a perspective; it's pride versus humility. It's being the best for yourself or being the best for Jesus. The temptation to put your identity in yourself is a real one, but it's no different from other temptations. And I would argue that if this is a struggle, then the person is also struggling to see and believe their identity that Jesus has placed over them. This is a huge fundamental that one must believe.