The Sportsman's Prayer

"Dear Lord, in the battle that goes on through life.

I ask but a field that is fair,

A chance that is equal will all the strife,

A courage to strive and to dare.

And if I should win, let it be by the code.

With my faith and my honor held high.

And if I should lose, let me by the road,

And Cheer as the winners go by.

And Lord, may the shouts be ungrudgingly and clear.

A tribute that comes from the heart.

And let me not cherish a snarl or a sneer,

Or play any sniveling part.

Let me say, "There they ride on whom laurels bestowed.

Since they played the game better than I".

Let me stand with a smile by the side of the road.

And cheer as the winners go by.

So grant me conquer, if conquer I can.

By proving my worth in the fray.

But teach me to lose like a regular man,

And not like a crave, I pray.

Let me take off my hat to the warriors who strode,

To victory splendid and high.

Yes, teach me to stand by the side fo the road.

And cheer as the winners go by.