Jesuit Father Tom Shanahan has served as the chaplain for the Creighton University men’s basketball team for close to 10 years, mixing counsel with a dash of team spirit. His presence on the bench provides a reminder to students, alumni, staff and visitors of the important role faith plays in all aspects of university life.

Fr. Shanahan said his prayer for the team is a cross between a prayer and a cheer — focusing on fun, joy and victory.

“Alumni have said to me ‘I’m really glad you’re there.’ And that makes me feel good that they see that as an important part of Creighton athletics,” said Shanahan.

“It’s a great experience to have Father on the bench helping us not only see the basketball side but also the faith side,” said player Taylor Stormberg.

Jesuit Father William Kelly has been lending his Jesuit influence to Marquette University’s men’s basketball team for 26 years as the team chaplain.

What does the role of team chaplain entail?

“Show your alums some Jesuit presence. Be available to the coaches and the team in good times and in bad. … Sacramental presence, availability, a willing ear and encouragement,” Fr. Kelly said.

“I take these losses much harder than the kids,” he said. “They have to go right back to work the next day. I have to linger with the loss and put up with all of the nitpicking that the newspapers do with why we lost.”

For more on Kelly, watch the video below.

Jesuit Father William Kelly has been lending his Jesuit influence to Marquette University’s men’s basketball team for 26 years as the team chaplain.

What does the role of team chaplain entail?

“Show your alums some Jesuit presence. Be available to the coaches and the team in good times and in bad. … Sacramental presence, availability, a willing ear and encouragement,” Fr. Kelly said.

“I take these losses much harder than the kids,” he said. “They have to go right back to work the next day. I have to linger with the loss and put up with all of the nitpicking that the newspapers do with why we lost.”

For more on Kelly, watch the video below.