<p>El Cajon, CA — At Catholic Answers, it’s not always about winning souls. Sometimes it's about winning games.</p><p>For the past fifteen years, Catholic Answers staff members have hit the nearby basketball court for pickup games during their lunch break in a tradition that has come to be known as “lunchsketball.”</p><p>Beginning as early as 6 a.m., shipping supervisor Gary Lucero Sr.—the de facto league commissioner—starts texting and emailing in an effort to line up players. By lunchtime a motley crew of enthusiasts is divided into teams for a competitive game. Staff members from all departments not only rub elbows on the court, sometimes they end up taking elbows. Passion is never lacking in these pickup games.</p><p>“There is a camaraderie that forms on the court that unites us off the court,” Lucero said. “Basketball allows for the opportunity to bond with folks from other departments you might not regularly interact with.”</p><p>Regular players say the competition offers the right boost of endorphins to reinvigorate them for the remainder of the workday.</p><p>“The thought of a good game of basketball is a great motivator when it comes to getting the morning workload done,” marketing manager Kerry Beck said. “And the energy that comes out of the game is a great help when tackling your afternoon tasks.”</p><p>Lunchtime basketball has become part of the culture at Catholic Answers. “When I was interviewed for my first job at Catholic Answers, I was asked if I played basketball,” radio department director Darin DeLozier said. “I was told I gave the perfect answer: I said, ‘Yes, but I don’t play particularly well.’”</p><p>Over the years lunchsketball has seen a variety of players. The Catholic Answers staff forms the core group, but regular participants have included family members and even a couple of guys from Taylor Guitars, Catholic Answers’ next-door neighbor. Personalities such as Dr. Ray Guarendi and some visiting Miles Jesu priests have joined the game. Former Catholic Answers employees occasionally return to the court on their days off.</p><p>Of the many players who have come and gone, few have avoided being tagged with a nickname. These monikers can be based on a player’s abilities, appearance, idiosyncrasies, or even on word association. One regular has earned the nickname Captain Hook because of his defensive style. Another known for perspiring profusely was tagged Swamp Thing. Longstanding players usually end up with several nicknames.</p><p>The liveliness of the competition and the ardor of the communal bond these Catholic Answers staff members share is a testament to the faith they live out daily. As Matthew’s Gospel says, “You will know them by their fruits” (7:20).</p><p>And possibly their stats.</p><p><em>— Richaél Smith</em></p>