The Pitch, The Scrimmages, and The Fakes
Sport and Society
4/9/11
The Pitch:
The Pitch was about George Bush throwing the first pitch in the World Series after 9/11 at the first game at the Yankee Stadium. It video was shown at the 2004 Republican convention. It was showing how Bush was standing up for the country and saying he was not afraid and that he would keep going. He went out to throw the pitch in a large bullet proof vest, from the top of the mound and still threw a strike. This hit home to people and made them feel easier in a sense.
The Scrimmage:
The Scrimmage was about President Obama. It was when he was trying to win primaries over Hillary Clinton and he need his final to states to vote his way. He had been in a loosing streak to Clinton so he decided to go and play basketball with UNC and the University of Indiana. These were shown on TV and he actually played and eventually won the votes that he needed from those states. He showed that by going to play with these teams that he was an average, everyday person that loves sports too just like most of the country.
The Fakes:
The Fakes were of things that other people in politics have tried but they failed. One was Jimmy Carter where he claimed to be an avid jogger but when his picture was taken on a jog it look like he was about to collapse on the street. John Kerry had a few sports blunders. One was him trying to catch a football and hitting him in the face, in Green Bay he said the name of the wrong field, and on a trip through Ohio and Michigan he said that Buckeye football was the best in both states instead of a school from each state.
These fakes were mostly to do people trying to be something that they are not and saying they can do things that the can't. It wold be better to say that you don't watch to much football than to have the fans of an entire team against you.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior
Why Chinese Mothers are Superior
Sport in Education
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754.html
4/9/11
The article was about how "Chinese" mothers treat their children compared to "Western" parents. They do everything in their power to make a child good at something that they want them to be good at. They do not accept failure and constantly push the child. In their eyes the child can take anything that you say to them because it is ultimately helping them to succeed. They focus on their child being able to succeed through musical instruments or school. They do not let their child attend sleepovers, watch TV or play video games, or even have a play-date with a friend; instead this time is used to practice their instruments and school work.
This article was not about sport but the sport could be substituted with music or school work since this is what they do for their extracurricular activities. I do not really agree with the article because I do think that people need to express themselves in their own way and this may be through sports or music. If we all only stressed music and school work then there would be no variety in the world. I don't think that they should be as strict on their children as they are but there definitely needs to be some strictness. The personal account she gave of her daughter playing the piano made me feel sorry for the girl but in the end it paid off and she learned the piece. There needs to be differences in the world so people can choose how to discipline, teach, and raise their kids in their own way.
Sport in Education
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754.html
4/9/11
The article was about how "Chinese" mothers treat their children compared to "Western" parents. They do everything in their power to make a child good at something that they want them to be good at. They do not accept failure and constantly push the child. In their eyes the child can take anything that you say to them because it is ultimately helping them to succeed. They focus on their child being able to succeed through musical instruments or school. They do not let their child attend sleepovers, watch TV or play video games, or even have a play-date with a friend; instead this time is used to practice their instruments and school work.
This article was not about sport but the sport could be substituted with music or school work since this is what they do for their extracurricular activities. I do not really agree with the article because I do think that people need to express themselves in their own way and this may be through sports or music. If we all only stressed music and school work then there would be no variety in the world. I don't think that they should be as strict on their children as they are but there definitely needs to be some strictness. The personal account she gave of her daughter playing the piano made me feel sorry for the girl but in the end it paid off and she learned the piece. There needs to be differences in the world so people can choose how to discipline, teach, and raise their kids in their own way.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Big Time College Sports Post
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/ncaa-finances.htm
http://www2.indystar.com/NCAA_financial_reports/
We were to choose 3 universities and look at their NCAA financial report. The three schools that I chose to look at were Nevada, Connecticut, and Ohio. I looked at the 2009-10 seasons. We were then to find out which 3 schools spent the most on women's basketball on coaches salary, recruiting, and the teams that generated the most revenue.
The Nevada athletic department made $23,157,140 and spent $23,988,811. They lost $831,671. Their top 3 revenue sources were from 1) direct state or other government with $5,850,604 2) contributions with $4,686,526 and 3) ticket sales $3,126,851. Their expenses were spent on 1) athletic student aid $4,665,206 2) coaching salaries, benefits, and bonuses paid by the university and related entities $4,484,570 and 3) direct facilities, maintenance, and rental $4,146,957.
The Connecticut athletic department made $58,505,719 and spent $58,379,090. They gained $126,629. Their top 3 revenue sources were from 1) Royalties, licensing, advertisements, and sponsorships $11,620,594 2) Ticket sales $11,469,043 3) NCAA/conference distributions including all tournament revenue $9,928,481. Their expenses were on 1) coaching salaries, benefits, and bonuses paid by the university and related entities $12,479,566 2) athletic student aid $9,972,360 3) support staff/entities $9,966,967.
The Ohio athletic department made $23,905,953 and spent $22,875,238 and gained $1,030,715. The top 3 revenue sources were from 1) student fees 416,460,250 2) indirect facilities and administrative support $2,253,715 3) NCAA/conference distributions including all tournament revenues $1,180,974. Their expenses were on 1) athletic student aid $6,569,858 2) coaching salaries, benefits, and bonuses paid by the university and related entities $4,274,001 3) support staff/administrative salaries, benefits, and bonuses paid by the university and related entities $2,325,337.
The 3 schools that spent the most on women's basketball coaches salaries were the 1) University of Connecticut with $1,558,398 2) University of Tennessee with $1,504,297 and 3) Ohio State University with $1,357,009.
The top 3 schools that spent the most on women's basketball recruiting were 1) University of Kansas with $156,547 2) West Virginia University with $149,566, and 3) Auburn University with $147,158.
The top 3 women's basketball teams that generated the most revenue were 1) University of Virginia with $5,923,235 2) University of Connecticut with $5,555,758 and 3) Texas Tech University with $4,139,664.
http://www2.indystar.com/NCAA_financial_reports/
We were to choose 3 universities and look at their NCAA financial report. The three schools that I chose to look at were Nevada, Connecticut, and Ohio. I looked at the 2009-10 seasons. We were then to find out which 3 schools spent the most on women's basketball on coaches salary, recruiting, and the teams that generated the most revenue.
The Nevada athletic department made $23,157,140 and spent $23,988,811. They lost $831,671. Their top 3 revenue sources were from 1) direct state or other government with $5,850,604 2) contributions with $4,686,526 and 3) ticket sales $3,126,851. Their expenses were spent on 1) athletic student aid $4,665,206 2) coaching salaries, benefits, and bonuses paid by the university and related entities $4,484,570 and 3) direct facilities, maintenance, and rental $4,146,957.
The Connecticut athletic department made $58,505,719 and spent $58,379,090. They gained $126,629. Their top 3 revenue sources were from 1) Royalties, licensing, advertisements, and sponsorships $11,620,594 2) Ticket sales $11,469,043 3) NCAA/conference distributions including all tournament revenue $9,928,481. Their expenses were on 1) coaching salaries, benefits, and bonuses paid by the university and related entities $12,479,566 2) athletic student aid $9,972,360 3) support staff/entities $9,966,967.
The Ohio athletic department made $23,905,953 and spent $22,875,238 and gained $1,030,715. The top 3 revenue sources were from 1) student fees 416,460,250 2) indirect facilities and administrative support $2,253,715 3) NCAA/conference distributions including all tournament revenues $1,180,974. Their expenses were on 1) athletic student aid $6,569,858 2) coaching salaries, benefits, and bonuses paid by the university and related entities $4,274,001 3) support staff/administrative salaries, benefits, and bonuses paid by the university and related entities $2,325,337.
The 3 schools that spent the most on women's basketball coaches salaries were the 1) University of Connecticut with $1,558,398 2) University of Tennessee with $1,504,297 and 3) Ohio State University with $1,357,009.
The top 3 schools that spent the most on women's basketball recruiting were 1) University of Kansas with $156,547 2) West Virginia University with $149,566, and 3) Auburn University with $147,158.
The top 3 women's basketball teams that generated the most revenue were 1) University of Virginia with $5,923,235 2) University of Connecticut with $5,555,758 and 3) Texas Tech University with $4,139,664.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Video Response to Magic and Bird: Courtship of Rivals
Magic and Bird: Courtship of Rivals
Sport and Racial Issues
90 Minutes HBO
3/36/11
The video we watched was about Ervin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. Both were very good basketball players. The video gave us the back ground of where each of these players came from and what it meant for them to be playing basketball. Bird was from a small town and family. He was a very hard worker and shy. Basketball was a way for him to escape and be himself. He later went to college at Indiana State two different times and made himself recognizable. We was drafted by the Boston Celtics who loved him because of his hard work ethics and he never gave up. Johnson was from a large town and family. He was always in the spotlight and outgoing. He also had a hard work ethic. He won titles in high school, college, and the NBA. He played for the LA Lakers and helped them develop as a team. He went to Michigan State not far from his house. These players played against each other and with each other on the National team. When they played it was about their team not that they knew each other. Fans of the NBA wanted to see more whites playing and Bird was their answer. Many people, especially blacks, did not think that a white boy could play as good as them until they saw Bird play.
I would like to see the rest of the video to see how their friendship and playing together/against each other turned out. I did not really realize that the NBA was mostly blacks in the 70's. I found it interesting how Bird kept trying to succeed and win a title in high school and college but he failed. I think this was due in part to him being so shy and not going to a college that would fit his playing ability. I wonder what would have happened to him if he was not given a second chance at Indian State. Where would he be today?
Sport and Racial Issues
90 Minutes HBO
3/36/11
The video we watched was about Ervin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. Both were very good basketball players. The video gave us the back ground of where each of these players came from and what it meant for them to be playing basketball. Bird was from a small town and family. He was a very hard worker and shy. Basketball was a way for him to escape and be himself. He later went to college at Indiana State two different times and made himself recognizable. We was drafted by the Boston Celtics who loved him because of his hard work ethics and he never gave up. Johnson was from a large town and family. He was always in the spotlight and outgoing. He also had a hard work ethic. He won titles in high school, college, and the NBA. He played for the LA Lakers and helped them develop as a team. He went to Michigan State not far from his house. These players played against each other and with each other on the National team. When they played it was about their team not that they knew each other. Fans of the NBA wanted to see more whites playing and Bird was their answer. Many people, especially blacks, did not think that a white boy could play as good as them until they saw Bird play.
I would like to see the rest of the video to see how their friendship and playing together/against each other turned out. I did not really realize that the NBA was mostly blacks in the 70's. I found it interesting how Bird kept trying to succeed and win a title in high school and college but he failed. I think this was due in part to him being so shy and not going to a college that would fit his playing ability. I wonder what would have happened to him if he was not given a second chance at Indian State. Where would he be today?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Video Response to "Straight Outta LA"
Straight Outta LA
Sport and Racial Issues
Video Response from ESPN 30 for 30
3/17/11
The video that we watched was from the ESPN collection 30 for 30. It was about the Raiders football team and how they moved from Oakland, to LA, back to Oakland. It was also about how gangster rap is associated with this football team. The rappers from NWA began wearing Raiders clothes and hats when they performed and this connected them to the football team. The black and silver of the team was the groups colors as well so they wore their material. The Raiders were known as a hard team and this made the gangsters want to act tough and hard toward others. They started carrying weapons and getting into fights which lead to people not supporting the Raiders anymore. The Raiders moving from city to city left the fans somewhat divided and no city recognition. When the Raiders were first in LA they were a very good team. Violence came from the gangster rap that people were listening too. More groups and gangs began wearing the Raiders apparel because they wanted to be hard and tough like the Raiders and the NWA.
I liked this video because I never really knew anything about this. I didn't know that the Raiders had ever been successful because they have not been in a while. They helped create an image that people wanted to be like as players and rappers. They brought pride to both Oakland and LA when they were in those cities. After the move the pride faded away. If LA were to get a football team then I think that they would be hesitant because of the rioting and violence that was associated with the Raiders. They would have to be a very straight by the book team so that they would be popular to more people. Hopefully this and these cities will regain their passion and pride of football in the years to come.
Sport and Racial Issues
Video Response from ESPN 30 for 30
3/17/11
The video that we watched was from the ESPN collection 30 for 30. It was about the Raiders football team and how they moved from Oakland, to LA, back to Oakland. It was also about how gangster rap is associated with this football team. The rappers from NWA began wearing Raiders clothes and hats when they performed and this connected them to the football team. The black and silver of the team was the groups colors as well so they wore their material. The Raiders were known as a hard team and this made the gangsters want to act tough and hard toward others. They started carrying weapons and getting into fights which lead to people not supporting the Raiders anymore. The Raiders moving from city to city left the fans somewhat divided and no city recognition. When the Raiders were first in LA they were a very good team. Violence came from the gangster rap that people were listening too. More groups and gangs began wearing the Raiders apparel because they wanted to be hard and tough like the Raiders and the NWA.
I liked this video because I never really knew anything about this. I didn't know that the Raiders had ever been successful because they have not been in a while. They helped create an image that people wanted to be like as players and rappers. They brought pride to both Oakland and LA when they were in those cities. After the move the pride faded away. If LA were to get a football team then I think that they would be hesitant because of the rioting and violence that was associated with the Raiders. They would have to be a very straight by the book team so that they would be popular to more people. Hopefully this and these cities will regain their passion and pride of football in the years to come.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Alive and Kicking Article resonse
Alive and Kicking
Sport and racial issues, youth sports
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1140917/index.htm
March 17, 2011
The article was about a soccer team that had been created in Georgia. It was the Fugee Family team. It was made up of refugees from different parts of Africa and the Middle East. These young boys were brought together by Luma Mufleh. She was from Jordan and grew up on a wealthy family. She wanted to make a difference in the children. She made them do their homework, go to school, was their friend, drove them places, supported them in some ways, and helped their families as much as she could. Her father was proud of her after first not supporting her. She has made a huge impact in these kids lives and has really helped them. She has dedicated her life to making their better. I liked the article. I never have heard of this group of players even though I have played soccer all over Georgia most of my life. I found it interesting to read this story. I never really realized that there were people in that bad of living conditions so close to me that had been affected by insurgents in Africa. I think that it would take a person from another country to help these people like Luma did because she has seen what life is like over there. People here would just pass these kids by without even giving them a second look. Her eye was caught by them playing soccer and she progressed from there.
Sport and racial issues, youth sports
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1140917/index.htm
March 17, 2011
The article was about a soccer team that had been created in Georgia. It was the Fugee Family team. It was made up of refugees from different parts of Africa and the Middle East. These young boys were brought together by Luma Mufleh. She was from Jordan and grew up on a wealthy family. She wanted to make a difference in the children. She made them do their homework, go to school, was their friend, drove them places, supported them in some ways, and helped their families as much as she could. Her father was proud of her after first not supporting her. She has made a huge impact in these kids lives and has really helped them. She has dedicated her life to making their better. I liked the article. I never have heard of this group of players even though I have played soccer all over Georgia most of my life. I found it interesting to read this story. I never really realized that there were people in that bad of living conditions so close to me that had been affected by insurgents in Africa. I think that it would take a person from another country to help these people like Luma did because she has seen what life is like over there. People here would just pass these kids by without even giving them a second look. Her eye was caught by them playing soccer and she progressed from there.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Project Proposal
For my project I am going to focus on the equality of gender in sports. I am going to explore and see if Title 9 is followed by the guidelines. I will have a section about Reinhardt and see if they comply with Title 9 or if they just do the bare minimum. I want to determine if schools are being equal to these female athletes the same way they are toward the men. I want to know what the guidelines that Title 9 follow and if they are followed. I will be looking if schools do the bare minimum or if they really do try to give females a chance.
Video Response to Dare to Compete: Women in Sports
Dare to Compete: Women in Sports
Gender in Sports
March 15, 2011
The video that we watched was an HBO 90 minutes special. It documented the women throughout history that have made a name for themselves in the sporting world when women were not seen as athletes. It was thought that women would hurt themselves if they played sports and that they would not be good for having a child. They were only allowed to participate in sports where a skirt could be worn. These activities included swimming, tennis, archery, golf, and yachting. It was also believed that riding a bicycle was worse for a woman than riding a horse. Suzanna Lenglen was the first women's sports star. She was a French tennis player that drank during her games and jumped around like she was in ballet. Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim the English Channel. She beat all other records of the swim by using a "very" hard and tiring stroke that even a man couldn't pull off. She beat all the other records by 2 hours. The 1928 Olympics also slowed women's participation in sports. The runners after the 800 meter race were to exhausted and could not even stand anymore. They did not run the 800 meter for the next 32 years. I liked the video because it showed the evolution of women's sports and how they first competed or "played" together.
Gender in Sports
March 15, 2011
The video that we watched was an HBO 90 minutes special. It documented the women throughout history that have made a name for themselves in the sporting world when women were not seen as athletes. It was thought that women would hurt themselves if they played sports and that they would not be good for having a child. They were only allowed to participate in sports where a skirt could be worn. These activities included swimming, tennis, archery, golf, and yachting. It was also believed that riding a bicycle was worse for a woman than riding a horse. Suzanna Lenglen was the first women's sports star. She was a French tennis player that drank during her games and jumped around like she was in ballet. Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim the English Channel. She beat all other records of the swim by using a "very" hard and tiring stroke that even a man couldn't pull off. She beat all the other records by 2 hours. The 1928 Olympics also slowed women's participation in sports. The runners after the 800 meter race were to exhausted and could not even stand anymore. They did not run the 800 meter for the next 32 years. I liked the video because it showed the evolution of women's sports and how they first competed or "played" together.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Deviance response to video: June 17, 1994
The video about O.J. Simpson was interesting to watch. I remember when I was younger about the case and how he went free but I never knew that the story was that big to people. People were following Simpson as he was evading the police, people covering the bridges as he would go by, a multitude of people outside his house, and an excessive amount of reporters that were covering the story. The NBA finals, U.S. Open, World Cup, and Stanley Cup were all overshadowed by the O.J. Simpson coverage. From a relativist standpoint people did not think that he was deviant. They wanted the Juice to be innocent no matter what. They believed that he did not commit the murders without knowing any of the facts. O.J. was not willing to pay the price for the murders even though he had not been convicted so he fled and held a gun to his head. As a player O.J. Simpson was not deviant. He was loved by everyone and was in the hall of fame. He did not break rules or play dirty. He was idolized by many people. I believe that the only reason that O.J. was found not guilty was because of the support he had from his fans. I guess it does pay off to not be deviant while playing sports. Even the police man that was convincing him to put the gun down was calling him by his nicknames.
Position Paper #2 Topic
The topic for my second position paper is the negatives of youth sport. This will be from a conflict standpoint. The broad topic that it falls under is youth sports.
Project Topic
My topic for my project is about weather Title IX is followed by the guidelines in most schools with a section about Reinhardt. This will be from the sport and gender topic.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Topic for Position Paper #1
Is the media hurting or helping baseball to stay America's favorite sport? By looking at TV ratings, commercial time and cost for each sport, ticket sales, and average stadium attendance records we will be able to critically develop an outcome.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Response to "Pure Heart"
Pure Heart
Sporting Heritage/Sport and Media
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1005832/1/index.htm
2/3/11
This article was about the famous racehorse Secretariat. He won the Triple Crown in 1973. The article goes into detail about the last year of his racing career. Secretariat was a very well trained race horse that came from a very well established pedigree. His father had been a great racer during his time. Early on it was realized that Secretariat was going to be one of the best race horses of all time. It mentions early on in the article that during his necropsy they discover what had made him such a great race horse. He had a heart twice the size of a normal horse heart. Was more blood pumping through his body what allowed him to win as he did or did he just have his full heart to win those races. The writer explains how he had thought it would be a good idea to keep a journal of the races and days before the races he was to run in New York. By doing this he became close to the horse, leaving the lasting impression of the race horse in his mind like a child of his own. He loved this horse and enjoyed watching him perform his magic on the track. He came to know the personality of this horse and had many stories to tell about him. He devoted these months to capture this amazing horse in hopes that he would pull off the feat that he did when winning the Triple Crown. By spending time with the horse on a regular basis his faith in the horse grew. He saw him beat records and be playful. This young horse captured many fans in the races in New York. The race at the Wood Memorial questioned many of these fans, even the author. Secretariat did not perform well in this race of the few days before the race. Many people questioned him of his abilities to race in the major races. They did not know if he would follow in his father's footsteps and not perform at this level or if he would get it together and succeed. The rider had faith in him after learning the truth of why he had done so poorly in the Wood race. Secretariat had a sore in his mouth that was very discomforting to him. He did not want to race so he did just that; didn't perform. After the next race everyone gained their confidence back in him after he set a new track and Kentucky Derby record at 1:59. He went on to win the next two races, the Preakness and the Belmont, and set new records in both. Later the author finds out that his beloved racehorse is going to have to be put down because of an incurable infection that was causing him a lot of pain.
This article was very interesting to read. The only horse race I have seen was in the movie Seabiscuit. This horse sound like a hero to many people of the horse racing world. he was a great legend that many people will never forget. He did the unimaginable and won the Triple Crown. Not only did he win these races but he broke the records in them as well. I think it would have been exciting to watch these races take place and be caught up in the drama of what the races would hold. After reading this article i went on Youtube and watched videos of this amazing horse. It was interesting to see how far he actually was in front of his opponents in the final Belmont race. he completely blew his opponents out of the water. Here is a link to watch the video of this race: Secretariat Triple Crown Winner: Belmont Stakes
Sporting Heritage/Sport and Media
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1005832/1/index.htm
2/3/11
This article was about the famous racehorse Secretariat. He won the Triple Crown in 1973. The article goes into detail about the last year of his racing career. Secretariat was a very well trained race horse that came from a very well established pedigree. His father had been a great racer during his time. Early on it was realized that Secretariat was going to be one of the best race horses of all time. It mentions early on in the article that during his necropsy they discover what had made him such a great race horse. He had a heart twice the size of a normal horse heart. Was more blood pumping through his body what allowed him to win as he did or did he just have his full heart to win those races. The writer explains how he had thought it would be a good idea to keep a journal of the races and days before the races he was to run in New York. By doing this he became close to the horse, leaving the lasting impression of the race horse in his mind like a child of his own. He loved this horse and enjoyed watching him perform his magic on the track. He came to know the personality of this horse and had many stories to tell about him. He devoted these months to capture this amazing horse in hopes that he would pull off the feat that he did when winning the Triple Crown. By spending time with the horse on a regular basis his faith in the horse grew. He saw him beat records and be playful. This young horse captured many fans in the races in New York. The race at the Wood Memorial questioned many of these fans, even the author. Secretariat did not perform well in this race of the few days before the race. Many people questioned him of his abilities to race in the major races. They did not know if he would follow in his father's footsteps and not perform at this level or if he would get it together and succeed. The rider had faith in him after learning the truth of why he had done so poorly in the Wood race. Secretariat had a sore in his mouth that was very discomforting to him. He did not want to race so he did just that; didn't perform. After the next race everyone gained their confidence back in him after he set a new track and Kentucky Derby record at 1:59. He went on to win the next two races, the Preakness and the Belmont, and set new records in both. Later the author finds out that his beloved racehorse is going to have to be put down because of an incurable infection that was causing him a lot of pain.
This article was very interesting to read. The only horse race I have seen was in the movie Seabiscuit. This horse sound like a hero to many people of the horse racing world. he was a great legend that many people will never forget. He did the unimaginable and won the Triple Crown. Not only did he win these races but he broke the records in them as well. I think it would have been exciting to watch these races take place and be caught up in the drama of what the races would hold. After reading this article i went on Youtube and watched videos of this amazing horse. It was interesting to see how far he actually was in front of his opponents in the final Belmont race. he completely blew his opponents out of the water. Here is a link to watch the video of this race: Secretariat Triple Crown Winner: Belmont Stakes
Response to "Ode to Southern Football"
Ode to Southern Football
Sporting Heritage
2/1/11
This article started off with the author daydreaming and longing for his beloved football season to come back to him. He explains in the article that football in the South is a way of life for many people. They have their idols, heroes, teams, and coaches that they all sit and think about from time to time. Remembering the moments that made history for them and what they were feeling then; wanting to feel that way again. Football fans all over the South have a strong desire to be at every event that has to do with the football season. They stand in the crowds screaming and cheering for the coaches and players like they were little kids at their first game. Most of these diehard fans plan their lives around the schedule of their team. They know better than to even think about planning a wedding during football season unless they plan on not having any guest attend. Fans live and die with the hopes and dreams of the season. All hoping that their team will be the best this year. That maybe they can keep the conversations going for these fans long after the last play has been made for the season. This time in waiting for the next season to begin is like a lifetime for these fans. All they have is their memories of the previous season to keep them going until the next one begins. Football in the South has a deep meaning for these faithful fans. They believe that in some way the games allow them to seek revenge on battles of the past and to let them feel a sense of greatness and accomplishment. Those that travel to the games with their cars decked out in their teams memorabilia have their places that are true to them where they feel like they belong. They eat at the same old restaurants with the same fans every year. They have become accustomed to this way of life. They life by and follow these same rituals year after year. The wait for the new season is finally over and the fans can now feel a sense of ease. They have their life back in a sense. Their rituals can begin again and they will be there making more memories to pass the time between seasons.
This article to me showed how dedicated some fans are to their sports. I have never felt this way about a sport or teams where it is all I think about. These teams are these peoples’ lives. They even bring their family into it. Year after year these fans follow every single move the team makes. The season will either give them either positive memories and heroes, or memories that they try their hardest to never remember again and villains. Either way they will still love their team and do anything to get to see them play. They will travel far, watch the television, go to the home stadium, and spend their money so that they can keep this large part of their life going. Football season drives these Southerners throughout the year, giving them hope that they next year will be even better than the last.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Personal Sports Biography
I have been involved in sports for as long as I can remember. Growing up all of my cousins were involved in sports so we always played together. The first team that I was on was a t-ball team. I played on this team for a few seasons until I was old enough to play softball. I tried softball for a season but then decided it was not for me. The next sport that I tried was basketball. I only played one season because the coaches only played their daughters and their friends. After trying out these two sports I chose soccer because my cousin played it. I started playing soccer in second grade and still continue today. In seventh grade I decided to give basketball another try. I made the team but never played because I was not a very good shooter; the goal was just too high for me. After the disappointing season I gave up basketball for good and focused only on soccer. When I was in sixth grade I tried out for the Forsyth Fusion Select soccer team. I played with this club until I was in tenth grade. Then I tried out for the Atlanta Soccer Academy in Forsyth County. Now I have continued my soccer career here at Reinhardt.
When playing with my cousins as I child we would play baseball, football, soccer, and basketball. I always enjoyed playing these sports even though I was not the best at them. It was all about having fun with them and being competitive. I have a twin sister and we always played the same sports and always competed hard against each other at any activity. This also helped me to become more competitive.
Playing sports has left me with many memories that I reflect on from time to time. Most of these memories are positive but of course there are some negative ones too. A positive memory that I recall was when I was in about eleventh grade. We were playing soccer at the state cup tournament. We were playing one of the best teams in the state in our age group. We played defensively and were tied with them 0-0 until the last fifteen minutes of the game. As word got around of what was going on at our field many of the college coaches there recruiting came to watch our game because they wanted to know who this team was. They eventually scored and won the game but I felt great knowing that people came to watch us and not the other team. A negative time in my sports career was when I played basketball. I was not good at shooting but I was very good at stealing the ball from the other team. The coach never gave me a chance because of my shooting in practice and even during the practice I would sit there and watch the starters practice. This could help me in the future because I know the coach that I do not want to be.
My favorite sports to follow are of course soccer and sometimes football. I follow mostly the U.S. Women’s national team, the Women’s Pro Soccer League, and the U.S. Men’s national team. I also watch any other soccer game that is being played on TV. I will admit that I usually only follow football teams when they are having a good season, such as the Falcons this year. I follow these games by going to games, watching them on ESPN channels, Fox Soccer Channel, their websites, and on Facebook. Sporting events that I can’t miss are the World Cup games and when the games are going to be played on TV. My least favorite sport to follow is baseball. I do not like watching it because it is very slow paced.
One issue in sports that I find interesting is the NFL talking about adding more games to the season. Many players do not like this idea and more injuries could occur during these games before the playoffs. Also women’s coverage in sports is an issue with me because it does not pay tribute to their efforts even though they spend just as much time and energy as men just to never be seen. Alex Morgan is an athlete that I find interesting. She just graduated from the University Of California and was recently the first round pick of the WPS draft. She has been very significant in the games she has played for the National soccer team and will be a legend someday for the team. Also I find Kristine Lilly very interesting. She has played with the U.S. national soccer team since she was 15 and still plays today. She played in the shadow of Mia Hamm during most of her career but she has helped the team do great things.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)