The men who take the blame for everything, who dress up in the same color as zebras, and are always down in the play of battle. Referees have the hardest job in sports. Hands down. They have to make the calls no one else wants to make, and then when they do make calls they get heckled by the crowd for it. All they are trying to do is make the game fair. Sometimes, and we can all probably attest to this, they make mistakes or they might have an uneven number of calls during a game. While watching, but especially while playing, that can be very frustrating and most of the time leads to even more calls called against your team. A rule of thumb is never argue with a referee because most of the time you're not going to win.
Most referees dress up in the traditional black and white uniforms, but umpires in baseball wear all black which differentiates them from the others. In football referees throw a yellow flag if there is a penalty, basketball they use a whistle, and baseball they use arms gestures or wait until the play is over to rule what happened on the field.
In football referees try and keep the trash talk and shoving to a minimum, doesn't always happen but that's their goal. Refereeing in football is so difficult because the game is extremely fast, there are so many things happening at one time, and there is a foul on every play but they can't call everything. For example the holding penalty is the hardest to call. Offensive linemen hold on every single play, but the refs are trained and taught to only call it if it's obvious or if it impacts the result of the play. In basketball the blocking foul is the hardest to call because it's hard to tell whether the player was set or shuffling before getting knocked to the ground. Baseball the hardest thing to judge is the thing that happens on every play. The call of balls and strikes. Every umpire is different with their calls which is common sense because all humans aren't the same. The problem is when umpires start to become inconsistent throughout the game and change their strike zone, which unfortunately happens all the time. This makes both managers and players upset and leads to ejections of people.
In my opinion people are too hard on referees. Do they make a lot of mistakes? Sure they are human everyone does, but for the most part they do their difficult job very well. With the new and upcoming instant replay method bad calls are beginning to be corrected more, which is both good for the fans and the game. The goal is to make all calls perfect but that is an unrealistic expectation. With the new technology given to refs and their training I think sports has changed drastically to the better, and each and every year it will continue to improve. Another key focus of refs are player safety. With the improvement of new rules and the lookout for calls to keep players safe, it will lead to less severe injuries and improve the game in that aspect as well. The world of sports is changing in a positive direction and referees are doing their best to imply that.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Mascots
Everyone loves watching mascots roam up and down the sidelines cheering on their team and pumping up the student section! The excitement a costume can bring to a fan base or to a school is very cool, and it is a symbol of unity between the team and the fans. Many times the power of the mascot is over looked, but who is the person who goes to the middle of the field, court, or ice, and gets everyone rowdy before the game take place. It's almost always the mascot! The energy that person can get from a fan base is humbling to me.
Mascots represent two things; they pump up the crowd before games and represent a school. As an Iowa State fan I've come close to the Cy the Cyclone. Since I was a little boy I remember him running through the tunnel at football games waving his "cyclone power" sign. Every time Iowa State would score a touchdown he would be the first one in the end zone running through it with a huge Iowa State flag. Most importantly he knows how to make 60,000 fans excited.
Mascots are also great with young kids. As a kid you watch TV and see mascots on the sidelines of games and wish to meet them or see them in person. I'm not sure why but there is a nostalgic feel around mascots. When I was a kid I would get a picture with the opposing mascots alongside Cy every football game, that way I was able to say I met all of them and could make a collage of all of the mascots together. I enjoyed it so much! They always came over super happy even though I'm wearing my Iowa State gear and were always willing to take a picture. That means they are doing their job. They keep little kids happy and represent their school at a top level, which gives great impressions on people outside of that college.
A mascot also represents your school nickname and school proud. At Kennedy High School we are the cougars and every time I see our mascot you get a sense of pride because he represents our school. I'm assuming mascots all around the country represent the same concept. I bet while people watch their team on TV they get a little bit of remembrance from their college days every time they see the mascot. I know I will remember my high school every time I see a cougar. The fact is mascots play an important role for the whole sports experience. They get people excited and all represent their own school in the most respectful way possible. Who would have thought bringing a cartoon to life would leave such an impact.
Mascots represent two things; they pump up the crowd before games and represent a school. As an Iowa State fan I've come close to the Cy the Cyclone. Since I was a little boy I remember him running through the tunnel at football games waving his "cyclone power" sign. Every time Iowa State would score a touchdown he would be the first one in the end zone running through it with a huge Iowa State flag. Most importantly he knows how to make 60,000 fans excited.
Mascots are also great with young kids. As a kid you watch TV and see mascots on the sidelines of games and wish to meet them or see them in person. I'm not sure why but there is a nostalgic feel around mascots. When I was a kid I would get a picture with the opposing mascots alongside Cy every football game, that way I was able to say I met all of them and could make a collage of all of the mascots together. I enjoyed it so much! They always came over super happy even though I'm wearing my Iowa State gear and were always willing to take a picture. That means they are doing their job. They keep little kids happy and represent their school at a top level, which gives great impressions on people outside of that college.
A mascot also represents your school nickname and school proud. At Kennedy High School we are the cougars and every time I see our mascot you get a sense of pride because he represents our school. I'm assuming mascots all around the country represent the same concept. I bet while people watch their team on TV they get a little bit of remembrance from their college days every time they see the mascot. I know I will remember my high school every time I see a cougar. The fact is mascots play an important role for the whole sports experience. They get people excited and all represent their own school in the most respectful way possible. Who would have thought bringing a cartoon to life would leave such an impact.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
The Scout Team
The team that doesn't get any credit. The team that works just as hard as the starters but never sees the playing field. The scout team. For those of you who don't know what a scout team is it's a team made up of second and third string players who face the starters. Their job is to run the opponents offense as fast and accurate as possible that way on game day the starters know what to look for and can perform at a high speed.
This past season I was a part of the scout team and was a part of it every day. I embraced my job on scout team because I knew it would make the starters better, but more importantly it made me a lot better going up against our starters every single day. I was the second team center so I played center every day on the scout team which brought a new challenge to me that I've never had before. I had to learn and know calls for the opposing team as well as my team, and make calls to the scout team line so everyone knows what is going on for the upcoming play. This is hard in many aspects. For one I got rotated in with the first team offensive line quite regularly so I knew what I was doing and had support alongside me. On the scout team everyone is not at the skill level of the starters and most of them don't know all of the plays because they never get reps, so I literally have to tell everyone what they do on every play. A second problem is that we will be out manned on every play. The defense is going to be bigger, faster, and stronger than we are and that's just the name of the game. Finally learning the other offense is hard. It takes a summer and the regular season to install and perfect our own offense, we have to learn and try and perfect another team's plays in one week. The leads to high intensity at practices because if we mess up then it's a bad rep and every one lets you know you messed up.
When going up against starters day in and day out you get better. I faced Mason Jacobs and Dalles Jacobus on every snap this past season and wouldn't have traded it for anything. My partner in crime was Gunnar Height. He was always the guard and with me at center we were allowed to double team most of the time. Scout team sessions made practices fun for us two. We made calls that only we knew, always knew what the other was going to do, and always got the defense fired up. How did we do that? We blocked them well, stayed on them until the whistle blew, and continued to block them after the whistle blew. Did this lead to problems? Well sure! Considering Gunnar and I are considerable smaller than both of the guys we blocked the outcome for us didn't always go well. Sometimes one guy would get thrown to the ground, or knock the other guy down and have a little tussle on the ground. No matter what though us four were always friends at the end of practice, and because of it we grew together as close friends throughout the year. I miss that. Some parts of the game aren't missed after the year is done, but that is one thing I would love to do again.
The scout team is important. Without them the starters wouldn't be as good and it correlates. Teams with good scout teams have success during the season and teams who don't prepare as well might not have as much success. I loved every minute of it this year and can't wait to be on the other side this year upcoming year.
This past season I was a part of the scout team and was a part of it every day. I embraced my job on scout team because I knew it would make the starters better, but more importantly it made me a lot better going up against our starters every single day. I was the second team center so I played center every day on the scout team which brought a new challenge to me that I've never had before. I had to learn and know calls for the opposing team as well as my team, and make calls to the scout team line so everyone knows what is going on for the upcoming play. This is hard in many aspects. For one I got rotated in with the first team offensive line quite regularly so I knew what I was doing and had support alongside me. On the scout team everyone is not at the skill level of the starters and most of them don't know all of the plays because they never get reps, so I literally have to tell everyone what they do on every play. A second problem is that we will be out manned on every play. The defense is going to be bigger, faster, and stronger than we are and that's just the name of the game. Finally learning the other offense is hard. It takes a summer and the regular season to install and perfect our own offense, we have to learn and try and perfect another team's plays in one week. The leads to high intensity at practices because if we mess up then it's a bad rep and every one lets you know you messed up.
When going up against starters day in and day out you get better. I faced Mason Jacobs and Dalles Jacobus on every snap this past season and wouldn't have traded it for anything. My partner in crime was Gunnar Height. He was always the guard and with me at center we were allowed to double team most of the time. Scout team sessions made practices fun for us two. We made calls that only we knew, always knew what the other was going to do, and always got the defense fired up. How did we do that? We blocked them well, stayed on them until the whistle blew, and continued to block them after the whistle blew. Did this lead to problems? Well sure! Considering Gunnar and I are considerable smaller than both of the guys we blocked the outcome for us didn't always go well. Sometimes one guy would get thrown to the ground, or knock the other guy down and have a little tussle on the ground. No matter what though us four were always friends at the end of practice, and because of it we grew together as close friends throughout the year. I miss that. Some parts of the game aren't missed after the year is done, but that is one thing I would love to do again.
The scout team is important. Without them the starters wouldn't be as good and it correlates. Teams with good scout teams have success during the season and teams who don't prepare as well might not have as much success. I loved every minute of it this year and can't wait to be on the other side this year upcoming year.
Turnovers
In every sport there are turnovers. A deadly, lethal, concept that leads teams straight to the loss column, or can make a team prevail and escape what could have been a close game. What is the cause to turnovers? Sometimes its pressure, other times it's because the other team just made a great play, or it was just a mistake by the offensive team. Regardless of how the turnover occurred, it happens all the time and impacts teams left and right. A general rule of thumb while watching and playing sports is that the team with the least amount of turnovers normally wins, and if they don't then the game will end up a lot closer than it should have been.
The concept of a turnover happens in every sport. In football the two main turnovers are interceptions and fumbles, in basketball it's the steal or block, in hockey it's steals. Now what do these things have in common? The three ideas listed from earlier. They all result because of pressure, great defense, or a mistake on the part of the offense. Why are they important if every team makes them? Turnovers cause wins but most importantly cause losses. If a team minimizes turnovers throughout the whole year and focuses on getting them then that team should be extremely successful.
I've lived through the heartbreak of turnovers. Last football season my team was in the championship game against West Des Moines Dowling Catholic. The entire year our turnover ratio was incredible as we committed about six and we received about fifteen. The deadly turnover took the ring right from our finger tips. It was our first drive of the game and we already trailed 7-0 and the second play from scrimmage was a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Our team was shocked as we have never trailed by so much the whole year, yet we trailed by that much within the first 3 minutes. Right before halftime it struck again. We trailed 7-21 and yet another fumble recovery for a touchdown occurred. That took the wind right out of our sails and caused a defeat the whole second half. That turnover broke the game wide open and caused our guys to semi give up at half time. Without those mistakes the championship is a totally different ball game and it would have been fun to see what would have happened.
In basketball the steals for dunks are always shown on TV. Each time one of those occurs the game takes at minimum a four point swing and could be five. Just think if the steal didn't occur and the other team scored. The scoreboard is way different plus it leads to a major momentum shift. Which is my final reason why turnovers are so costly. Momentum is everything in sports and each time a mistakes happens it leads to the opposing team and crowd to get a new source of life. I don't know how or why it works but it does. A team could dominate the whole first half of a game, commit a turnover in the opening minutes of the second half and lose the entire game because of the momentum swing.
Sports are a crazy deal. How could something so little have such an impact or change the outcome of a game? It's weird to think about but it's true. Next time you watch or play in a game focus on the turnovers. Think about which team commits more and what impact that leads in the game, and finally look at the final score. Nine times out of ten the team with the least mistakes will prevail.
The concept of a turnover happens in every sport. In football the two main turnovers are interceptions and fumbles, in basketball it's the steal or block, in hockey it's steals. Now what do these things have in common? The three ideas listed from earlier. They all result because of pressure, great defense, or a mistake on the part of the offense. Why are they important if every team makes them? Turnovers cause wins but most importantly cause losses. If a team minimizes turnovers throughout the whole year and focuses on getting them then that team should be extremely successful.
I've lived through the heartbreak of turnovers. Last football season my team was in the championship game against West Des Moines Dowling Catholic. The entire year our turnover ratio was incredible as we committed about six and we received about fifteen. The deadly turnover took the ring right from our finger tips. It was our first drive of the game and we already trailed 7-0 and the second play from scrimmage was a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Our team was shocked as we have never trailed by so much the whole year, yet we trailed by that much within the first 3 minutes. Right before halftime it struck again. We trailed 7-21 and yet another fumble recovery for a touchdown occurred. That took the wind right out of our sails and caused a defeat the whole second half. That turnover broke the game wide open and caused our guys to semi give up at half time. Without those mistakes the championship is a totally different ball game and it would have been fun to see what would have happened.
In basketball the steals for dunks are always shown on TV. Each time one of those occurs the game takes at minimum a four point swing and could be five. Just think if the steal didn't occur and the other team scored. The scoreboard is way different plus it leads to a major momentum shift. Which is my final reason why turnovers are so costly. Momentum is everything in sports and each time a mistakes happens it leads to the opposing team and crowd to get a new source of life. I don't know how or why it works but it does. A team could dominate the whole first half of a game, commit a turnover in the opening minutes of the second half and lose the entire game because of the momentum swing.
Sports are a crazy deal. How could something so little have such an impact or change the outcome of a game? It's weird to think about but it's true. Next time you watch or play in a game focus on the turnovers. Think about which team commits more and what impact that leads in the game, and finally look at the final score. Nine times out of ten the team with the least mistakes will prevail.
Athletic Trainers
The role of athletic trainers are so important, yet sometimes as fans and players we forget about how much time and effort they have to put into their job. Constantly at the school for all of the activities, involved in all types of sports, and always on the sideline. Injuries happen and in order to recover from them and stay healthy a great athletic trainer needs to be there for support.
Luckily at Kennedy we have a great athletic trainer. Her name is Lynn and I've never seen a woman more dedicated and more involved than she is. As previously read in my blog posts, I play football. In my career I've never gotten a serious injury due to the sport, but for the first time ever I had to see the athletic trainer this past season. At the beginning of the year I got a pretty bad turf burn on my knee and down the side of my leg. It was very painful and for about a week walking was hard for me because the burn was on my knee, which needs to bend in order to walk. Fortunately for me Lynn was there to tape me up before practices and help me heal my wounds that way I wouldn't have to deal with them the whole season. In you have ever seen football you should be well aware that it is extremely physical and incidents happen. After three weeks of taping my knee and leg up my leg was finally healed and my knee was very close, and then it happens again. I was making a block and somehow someone's cleat scrapped off my knee, and the previous three weeks all unraveled. The first person there for me was Lynn. We restarted my taping and over the course of the year my knee was healed and I was able to play at full speed again.
That was just my experience with Lynn but she does so much more. The amount of hours athletic trainers have to put into their job outside of the school day is crazy. Some nights they have to bounce around to different practices helping out with the injuries during practice, but some nights they just have to sit there, waiting patiently, hopefully not having to see anyone. That's the thing I find most intriguing about athletic trainers. They help people and treat people during injuries but their whole goal is to not see anyone get injured. Luckily for my team not a whole lot of people got injured last year, but that also means that Lynn sat on those bleachers on the side of practice for hours, with nothing to do but wait. That's dedication.
Athletic trainers are the glue that help hold sporting teams together but aren't the finished product that everyone loves and enjoys. They are the support that is always there for the team but sometimes forgot about or even taken advantage of. I appreciate all that athletic trainers do and without them sports wouldn't be the same and the care towards the players would not nearly be as great. You can't build a sculpture without glue and you can't have a team with a trainer.
Luckily at Kennedy we have a great athletic trainer. Her name is Lynn and I've never seen a woman more dedicated and more involved than she is. As previously read in my blog posts, I play football. In my career I've never gotten a serious injury due to the sport, but for the first time ever I had to see the athletic trainer this past season. At the beginning of the year I got a pretty bad turf burn on my knee and down the side of my leg. It was very painful and for about a week walking was hard for me because the burn was on my knee, which needs to bend in order to walk. Fortunately for me Lynn was there to tape me up before practices and help me heal my wounds that way I wouldn't have to deal with them the whole season. In you have ever seen football you should be well aware that it is extremely physical and incidents happen. After three weeks of taping my knee and leg up my leg was finally healed and my knee was very close, and then it happens again. I was making a block and somehow someone's cleat scrapped off my knee, and the previous three weeks all unraveled. The first person there for me was Lynn. We restarted my taping and over the course of the year my knee was healed and I was able to play at full speed again.
That was just my experience with Lynn but she does so much more. The amount of hours athletic trainers have to put into their job outside of the school day is crazy. Some nights they have to bounce around to different practices helping out with the injuries during practice, but some nights they just have to sit there, waiting patiently, hopefully not having to see anyone. That's the thing I find most intriguing about athletic trainers. They help people and treat people during injuries but their whole goal is to not see anyone get injured. Luckily for my team not a whole lot of people got injured last year, but that also means that Lynn sat on those bleachers on the side of practice for hours, with nothing to do but wait. That's dedication.
Athletic trainers are the glue that help hold sporting teams together but aren't the finished product that everyone loves and enjoys. They are the support that is always there for the team but sometimes forgot about or even taken advantage of. I appreciate all that athletic trainers do and without them sports wouldn't be the same and the care towards the players would not nearly be as great. You can't build a sculpture without glue and you can't have a team with a trainer.
The Thrill of the Buzzer Beater
I've never seen fans watch a basketball game with a buzzer beater and not enjoy themselves! Those crazy shots lead to a court storming, a standing ovation as the team goes into the locker room, smiles all around. Or if on the other side of the spectrum it could lead to defeat, tears, bending over and looking at the floor because they can't take the sight of the other team cheering. As a matter of fact I've only seen one buzzer beater in person before and have never actually been a part of one so I don't exactly know what it feels like to be on either of these sides from a player's standpoint. Fortunately the one game I was at that this occurred the team I was routing for was the team that performed it, and won the game for them.
It was an Iowa State game and I honestly can't tell you who it was against. All I remember is watching the ball float helplessly in the air as the backboards turned red, and then seconds later the sweet sound of the bottom of the net. The fans went crazy and it must have been an upset because the court was stormed and the players were lifted high into the sky. If there is one thing I've learned about being an Iowa State fan it's that Hilton Magic is a real thing; I've seen it happen.
When watching games on TV buzzer beaters happen all the time. Each time I watch one I am so amazed, whether it was a close easy shot or a half court launch, the thrill is the same. The reactions of the fans and players make the game worth watching! A couple weeks ago a couple friends and I were eating dinner at a sports bar and one of my friends has never played and doesn't enjoy the game of basketball. We watched this buzzer beater occur on TV, which was breath taking because it made that team win, and the look on his face was pure astonishment, mixed with a little bit of joy. He turned to me and said, "Austin, did you see that? I hate basketball but that was one of the coolest things I've ever seen." I think that comment pretty much sums this up. One shot can change a game, change the impression on people, and can ultimately lead to the greatest or worst memories of people's lives.
It was an Iowa State game and I honestly can't tell you who it was against. All I remember is watching the ball float helplessly in the air as the backboards turned red, and then seconds later the sweet sound of the bottom of the net. The fans went crazy and it must have been an upset because the court was stormed and the players were lifted high into the sky. If there is one thing I've learned about being an Iowa State fan it's that Hilton Magic is a real thing; I've seen it happen.
When watching games on TV buzzer beaters happen all the time. Each time I watch one I am so amazed, whether it was a close easy shot or a half court launch, the thrill is the same. The reactions of the fans and players make the game worth watching! A couple weeks ago a couple friends and I were eating dinner at a sports bar and one of my friends has never played and doesn't enjoy the game of basketball. We watched this buzzer beater occur on TV, which was breath taking because it made that team win, and the look on his face was pure astonishment, mixed with a little bit of joy. He turned to me and said, "Austin, did you see that? I hate basketball but that was one of the coolest things I've ever seen." I think that comment pretty much sums this up. One shot can change a game, change the impression on people, and can ultimately lead to the greatest or worst memories of people's lives.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Championship Week
The college football championships. The best teams of each conference square off for a chance to be the best, number one. It's not very often that you can say that your number one in something especially on the football field so these teams put their heart and souls out on the line. The power five conferences are the Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-10, SEC, and ACC, and all have a conference title game besides the Big 12 because they have a round robin system in the regular season with all of the teams. The conference title games are the next greatest thing to the national championship, and raises excitement for all people involved. The championship games also have bowl implications based on who wins, and how close some of the games are. All the winners will most likely be in the BCS playoffs besides one team who wins their title game will be left out. Regardless if you're a conference champion then your bowl will be very good and well deserving.
This year while watching the conference championships, I watched them through a different pair of glasses, a new perspective. I was able to compare these teams to my team. My team was able to make it to the state championship game this past year and in comparison to other sports that's like the national championship or Super Bowl in football terms. Even though we didn't have a conference championship game like these college teams do, I'm still able to understand what they are going through because I lived a similar situation. The press is on your team 24/7, the crowds are bigger than ever thought imaginable, and the stakes are higher than ever thought possible. This year the Iowa Hawkeyes made the Big Ten conference championship which hasn't happened in a quarter century. Even though I'm an Iowa State Cyclone fan I wanted them to win badly because they are representing our state on a national level, and that's a great feeling. Unfortunately the Hawkeyes lost to Michigan State this year and we runner-ups in the Big Ten. That is what really made the connection for me. My team unfortunately was unable to get in down in the championship game as well, giving us the honor of being runner-ups. When I watched those players walk off the field with tears in their eyes I could feel their emotion inside myself; I did the same thing. When you're on the opposite sideline and all you can do is look at the trophy in the other teams hands, it stings. When you walk into the locker room and the only noise you can hear is the other team partying in the other locker room. It's one of the toughest feelings to take in and can't be described unless it has happened to you. And for the first time this year I was able to relate what it's like to be so close to a championship and fall short. I'm never going to be able to watch a championship again the same way without thinking about how the losers are feeling, it's a feeling that lasts with you forever. One thing the Hawkeyes are able to do that we weren't though is they have a bowl game left to play, and a big one at that. The Rose Bowl, the granddaddy of them all. I hope they finish their season on a strong note and are proud of their season because even though they didn't accomplish everything they wanted to, they can still accomplish something that would forever be remembered in their school history, just as we had done.
This year while watching the conference championships, I watched them through a different pair of glasses, a new perspective. I was able to compare these teams to my team. My team was able to make it to the state championship game this past year and in comparison to other sports that's like the national championship or Super Bowl in football terms. Even though we didn't have a conference championship game like these college teams do, I'm still able to understand what they are going through because I lived a similar situation. The press is on your team 24/7, the crowds are bigger than ever thought imaginable, and the stakes are higher than ever thought possible. This year the Iowa Hawkeyes made the Big Ten conference championship which hasn't happened in a quarter century. Even though I'm an Iowa State Cyclone fan I wanted them to win badly because they are representing our state on a national level, and that's a great feeling. Unfortunately the Hawkeyes lost to Michigan State this year and we runner-ups in the Big Ten. That is what really made the connection for me. My team unfortunately was unable to get in down in the championship game as well, giving us the honor of being runner-ups. When I watched those players walk off the field with tears in their eyes I could feel their emotion inside myself; I did the same thing. When you're on the opposite sideline and all you can do is look at the trophy in the other teams hands, it stings. When you walk into the locker room and the only noise you can hear is the other team partying in the other locker room. It's one of the toughest feelings to take in and can't be described unless it has happened to you. And for the first time this year I was able to relate what it's like to be so close to a championship and fall short. I'm never going to be able to watch a championship again the same way without thinking about how the losers are feeling, it's a feeling that lasts with you forever. One thing the Hawkeyes are able to do that we weren't though is they have a bowl game left to play, and a big one at that. The Rose Bowl, the granddaddy of them all. I hope they finish their season on a strong note and are proud of their season because even though they didn't accomplish everything they wanted to, they can still accomplish something that would forever be remembered in their school history, just as we had done.
College Football Bowls
It's my favorite time of year...College Football Bowls! The excitement each one brings, the passion each team shows on the field, the support by all of the fan bases, it's unimaginable! None stop action of football every day during Christmas break and the thrill of upsets and celebrations.
Each year bowl season brings a whole different level of excitement to me and my family, and it's the time of year that I can sit down and enjoy college football and really get involved with the sport. During the season I'm participating in my own football and mix that with school and there isn't much time to watch it during the regular season. That's why bowl season is so rewarding and a fun time for myself. Also one of my favorite things is filling out a bowl sheet and predicting the winners. Each year my family and neighbors go in on a pool and play against each other seeing who can get the most games correct. Most of the time I do pretty well and this year I expect nothing different! It reminds me of March Madness, when everyone around the nation is filling out brackets hoping to be that one that wins every single game. What makes bowl season fun is, just like March Madness, upsets happen daily so fans have to sit on the edge of their seats for every game. Another reason why I can get so involved in the college football bowl games is because I'm on Christmas break. Every year Christmas break is the best, lasting two weeks, normally a little bit of snow on the ground so I can go sledding, and I get to hang out with friends and family the whole time. My family and I bond over the bowl games and it makes watching them that much more exciting because I get to compete and hopefully brag to my siblings. It's especially amusing when either Iowa or Iowa State makes a bowl game. This year only Iowa did but they made a great one! The Rose Bowl. Whenever one of our two teams make a bowl game we throw a party for that game, and most of the time that results in a great time and a great night of hanging with friends.
Finally I enjoy watching the college football bowls because I can feel the emotion and effort from each team. Sometimes watching the NFL teams don't try a week, or do things to be flashy and fancy for the fans. They always have another week ahead of them and if their team doesn't make the playoffs then they always have another year. In college football some teams don't make bowls very often, and for the seniors, most of them end their football career after that game. Watching them play is truly inspiring especially since now I am in their shoes. I have one year left of football. It still hasn't set in yet but after I watch these games over break I think I will finally feel the emotion of one year left. These teams put their all on the line for their fans and for themselves, and besides high school football, that doesn't happen.
I'm so excited to watch the upcoming games and can't wait to watch all of the greatest athletes around the nation compete with one another. College football is my favorite and it's because of the next three weeks. I can't wait to see, feel, and experience the emotions from every team this year!
Each year bowl season brings a whole different level of excitement to me and my family, and it's the time of year that I can sit down and enjoy college football and really get involved with the sport. During the season I'm participating in my own football and mix that with school and there isn't much time to watch it during the regular season. That's why bowl season is so rewarding and a fun time for myself. Also one of my favorite things is filling out a bowl sheet and predicting the winners. Each year my family and neighbors go in on a pool and play against each other seeing who can get the most games correct. Most of the time I do pretty well and this year I expect nothing different! It reminds me of March Madness, when everyone around the nation is filling out brackets hoping to be that one that wins every single game. What makes bowl season fun is, just like March Madness, upsets happen daily so fans have to sit on the edge of their seats for every game. Another reason why I can get so involved in the college football bowl games is because I'm on Christmas break. Every year Christmas break is the best, lasting two weeks, normally a little bit of snow on the ground so I can go sledding, and I get to hang out with friends and family the whole time. My family and I bond over the bowl games and it makes watching them that much more exciting because I get to compete and hopefully brag to my siblings. It's especially amusing when either Iowa or Iowa State makes a bowl game. This year only Iowa did but they made a great one! The Rose Bowl. Whenever one of our two teams make a bowl game we throw a party for that game, and most of the time that results in a great time and a great night of hanging with friends.
Finally I enjoy watching the college football bowls because I can feel the emotion and effort from each team. Sometimes watching the NFL teams don't try a week, or do things to be flashy and fancy for the fans. They always have another week ahead of them and if their team doesn't make the playoffs then they always have another year. In college football some teams don't make bowls very often, and for the seniors, most of them end their football career after that game. Watching them play is truly inspiring especially since now I am in their shoes. I have one year left of football. It still hasn't set in yet but after I watch these games over break I think I will finally feel the emotion of one year left. These teams put their all on the line for their fans and for themselves, and besides high school football, that doesn't happen.
I'm so excited to watch the upcoming games and can't wait to watch all of the greatest athletes around the nation compete with one another. College football is my favorite and it's because of the next three weeks. I can't wait to see, feel, and experience the emotions from every team this year!
What a Year
Today was a wrap up of the most memorable football season I've ever had. We celebrated our spectacular 13-1 season with an awards banquet and appreciation ceremony. Looking back on the year everything was perfect besides the outcome of the last game. The banquet tonight put everything into perspective to me tonight, and in all reality we have half of our guys returning and half leaving.
A lot of my good friends are moving on and continuing their sporting careers both in football and in other sports. Shaun Beyer just received an offer from the University of Iowa, Dalles Jacobus is getting scholarships for both football and track, Tyler Dralle is getting looked at around the state for baseball. A lot of guys will go off and play football and sports elsewhere, but this team, the 2015 Cougars, have officially ended their season tonight. All the blood, sweat, and tears put into the last 12 months are over. The great memories at team bonding events, practices, the locker room, team breakfast/meals, they won't happen with these same group of guys ever again. Tonight brought a finality to the great thing that we had and accomplished. In the middle of the season when the practices are hot and everything is a little dreary, players might want the season to end. But its nights like tonight that remind you how special the year was, and reminds you of all the great stories and memories, that will last a lifetime, that took place. The first ever "family's" chapter has closed and now it's up to us juniors and sophomores too keep the train rolling.
I've learned a lot from my upperclassmen about what makes a good leader and how to become a better football player; now it's my time to be that leader, to make the plays. In all aspects of the game I'm a senior now. I'm the highest in the school. People will look up to me. My coach while talking about all the players individually, called me out. Not in a bad way, but he made sure I heard what he was saying in a way only coaches can do. He challenged me to become the starter for next year and challenged me to put in the time during the off season to make it happen. I've never been more excited in my life! This is the year I get to make my mark, put everything I have out there onto that field. I start tomorrow morning at 5am.
Lastly I talked to my good friend Dalles Jacobus before leaving tonight. I was thanking him for all he taught me this year and thanking him for an absolute remarkable season. He looked to me and said, "Maus...I'll be back here for you next year and I can't wait to see you lead this team because I know you can do it. I'm really looking forward to cheering you on." I will never fulfill the shoes of Dalles Jacobus. He is a once in a lifetime teammate that I'm forever grateful to have been around, but I'm going to use everything he taught me to become the best I can be. The new chapter is opening tonight. Who's in it with me?
A lot of my good friends are moving on and continuing their sporting careers both in football and in other sports. Shaun Beyer just received an offer from the University of Iowa, Dalles Jacobus is getting scholarships for both football and track, Tyler Dralle is getting looked at around the state for baseball. A lot of guys will go off and play football and sports elsewhere, but this team, the 2015 Cougars, have officially ended their season tonight. All the blood, sweat, and tears put into the last 12 months are over. The great memories at team bonding events, practices, the locker room, team breakfast/meals, they won't happen with these same group of guys ever again. Tonight brought a finality to the great thing that we had and accomplished. In the middle of the season when the practices are hot and everything is a little dreary, players might want the season to end. But its nights like tonight that remind you how special the year was, and reminds you of all the great stories and memories, that will last a lifetime, that took place. The first ever "family's" chapter has closed and now it's up to us juniors and sophomores too keep the train rolling.
I've learned a lot from my upperclassmen about what makes a good leader and how to become a better football player; now it's my time to be that leader, to make the plays. In all aspects of the game I'm a senior now. I'm the highest in the school. People will look up to me. My coach while talking about all the players individually, called me out. Not in a bad way, but he made sure I heard what he was saying in a way only coaches can do. He challenged me to become the starter for next year and challenged me to put in the time during the off season to make it happen. I've never been more excited in my life! This is the year I get to make my mark, put everything I have out there onto that field. I start tomorrow morning at 5am.
Lastly I talked to my good friend Dalles Jacobus before leaving tonight. I was thanking him for all he taught me this year and thanking him for an absolute remarkable season. He looked to me and said, "Maus...I'll be back here for you next year and I can't wait to see you lead this team because I know you can do it. I'm really looking forward to cheering you on." I will never fulfill the shoes of Dalles Jacobus. He is a once in a lifetime teammate that I'm forever grateful to have been around, but I'm going to use everything he taught me to become the best I can be. The new chapter is opening tonight. Who's in it with me?
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Thanksgiving Week!
It's that time of year again, it's Turkey Week! The week that you get to spend with family and friends, and give thanks to all of the wonderful things in your life. Besides that sports is at an all-time high this week, and there are always big match-ups. Thanksgiving week is home to basketball tournaments, college football, and mostly commonly known for, NFL on Thanksgiving. These sporting events are a great way to bond with family over the holiday, and gives people something to do after eating all day long.
Thanksgiving week is important in regards to the sport of football. Each year in the NFL the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys play on Thanksgiving along with one other game of choice. These two teams get major publicity throughout the week leading up to their games because they are always on Thanksgiving and the audience knows what to expect year in and year out. Alongside the annual three NFL games on Thanksgiving, it is also the last regular season week in college football. This sparks a lot of interest into fans all around the country, and viewers who love the game of football. The last week of the season always brings great upsets, great match-ups of high quality teams, and sets up who is in a bowl game or not. A lot is at stake during this week, and that makes watching the games that much more intriguing. The game my family has a get together for every year is the Iowa vs. Nebraska game. The game is held the day after Thanksgiving and has been that way for the last four years. The excitement in this game is never a letdown because they are rivals, which leads to a very physical and fun to watch game. This year it will especially be important because Iowa has a chance to make the BCS playoffs if they win, but Nebraska needs to win in order to get to a bowl game. The stakes are high and I can't wait to watch the battle.
Since Thanksgiving is in late November, we as Iowans know what happens late in the year. It gets cold. Real cold. With the first snow this past weekend, that means the football games are going to be freezing outside and will add a new element to the game. For those crazy fans who love going to the games in the winter, they have to bundle up and drink hot cocoa because those three hours outside can be long. For those fans who don't enjoy the cold as much have another option. Basketball season has started. Thanksgiving week is the second main week of basketball season, and each year is host to great games. Early on in basketball season teams go into tournaments, meaning the good match-ups will be the semi-finals or championships of those tournaments. During Turkey Week the basketball tournaments are in those rounds which make it very enjoyable!
Whether it's a football game or a basketball game, Thanksgiving week is home to great sports and great atmospheres. These is one of the biggest weeks in sports in the entire year and I look forward to it annually. I'll be here eating all day and watching my favorite sports teams face off in some of the best match-ups of the season. I can't wait for the best Turkey Week yet!
Fantasy Football
A game played by many all around the country, a way to bond with friends, and ultimately a way to keep track of the biggest stars around the NFL. Fantasy football.
Why would a game be based off of an actual human being and their progress each Sunday on the football field? Why do people pay such an interest in this game, and in some leagues bet money week in and week out on something they have no control over? Fantasy football is the most popular fantasy sports game around the world, and is an enjoyment every Sunday. I started playing this game with a group of friends about three years ago. It's fun for me because I get to play against a friend every week, and it's a helpful way to keep in track with the NFL and see what teams are having success. The concept of the game is to draft a team of stars from different teams in the NFL and put them to together to form an "All-star" team. Each week the players gain points in real life, which makes watching the games on TV that much more intriguing as you can cheer for certain players within a certain game.
The reason why this game is so popular, especially among men, is because most guys have an interest in football, and this is a way to bond or have competition with friends. Competition is always good. The best feeling is after you beat a friend and walk into school the next morning with a big grin on your face. The game can lead to friendly "bragging" rights for week, and in my opinion that's priceless.
Fantasy football is also much advertised so it is able to get a lot of people interested in it. Every time I watch a game at least one commercial per quarter is a fantasy football ad. What's the big deal? The point is that constant repetitive thought going into the consumers mind gets them to like the idea. Also on websites such as CBS or ESPN, when searching scores or looking at the latest headline, a fantasy football ad or tab is always on the main screen. This marketing technique is part of the reason why this game is so popular and has taken flight to men in the United States.
Fantasy football. A game completely based off of real life players for the personally enjoyment and satisfaction of people all around the nation. This game has brought a whole different dimension of entertainment to the game of football, and has given the sport new eyes. This game has changed the marketing technique of major sports companies, and has gained revenue for them based on the number of participates they were able to receive. This game has so many upsides and makes every Sunday something to look forward too.
Why would a game be based off of an actual human being and their progress each Sunday on the football field? Why do people pay such an interest in this game, and in some leagues bet money week in and week out on something they have no control over? Fantasy football is the most popular fantasy sports game around the world, and is an enjoyment every Sunday. I started playing this game with a group of friends about three years ago. It's fun for me because I get to play against a friend every week, and it's a helpful way to keep in track with the NFL and see what teams are having success. The concept of the game is to draft a team of stars from different teams in the NFL and put them to together to form an "All-star" team. Each week the players gain points in real life, which makes watching the games on TV that much more intriguing as you can cheer for certain players within a certain game.
The reason why this game is so popular, especially among men, is because most guys have an interest in football, and this is a way to bond or have competition with friends. Competition is always good. The best feeling is after you beat a friend and walk into school the next morning with a big grin on your face. The game can lead to friendly "bragging" rights for week, and in my opinion that's priceless.
Fantasy football is also much advertised so it is able to get a lot of people interested in it. Every time I watch a game at least one commercial per quarter is a fantasy football ad. What's the big deal? The point is that constant repetitive thought going into the consumers mind gets them to like the idea. Also on websites such as CBS or ESPN, when searching scores or looking at the latest headline, a fantasy football ad or tab is always on the main screen. This marketing technique is part of the reason why this game is so popular and has taken flight to men in the United States.
Fantasy football. A game completely based off of real life players for the personally enjoyment and satisfaction of people all around the nation. This game has brought a whole different dimension of entertainment to the game of football, and has given the sport new eyes. This game has changed the marketing technique of major sports companies, and has gained revenue for them based on the number of participates they were able to receive. This game has so many upsides and makes every Sunday something to look forward too.
With End in Sight
Seasons in sports are long; after a while the practices drag, you get behind in school, people stop trying their hardest every day. What happens when it's over though? What type of feelings will be going through your head on that last day of practice, or the last time you take the field?
That feeling started this week. That feeling of a finality that can't be stopped. I'm sure it will be similar to the feeling of someone on their last day of senior year. Of course there is excitement, but a little bit of sadness also, and maybe a little bit of longing to go back and do it again. To relive some of the greatest experiences and moments of your life.
This is our last week of the season. The end is staring us in the face, and we can't do anything to slow it down. Our season has made dreams come true, and has brought our school to new levels of excitement and pride. We have accomplished something that has never been done before. An undefeated season. The job is not done yet though, we have a state title to play for. We have accomplished goals but not the ultimate dream.
I can't believe it's almost over. I have been playing with these group of guys, this team, for the last six months. Some for the last twelve. Waking up at the crack of dawn, busting our butts, and sweating our asses off day in and day out. All for one goal. For one purpose. Now that goal is staring us in the face, and one team is left in our way. I'm honored to have worked with these group of guys for the past six months, and I have never felt a closer knit group than the one I'm a part of. We will do anything for each other, any time any place. The work ethic of the seniors has also pushed me to new places, and has made me prepared for next year. The fact of the matter is I have less than a week left with these guys until our journey is finished.
Sure as the year goes on practices lag and some days you really don't want to go, but its weeks like this that you are thankful you went to everyone because there are so few left. I can't remember what my life was like without football. My schedule will definitely free up, but I'm not convinced that's a good thing. I like being busy, it's all I know how to do. With extra time I will be able to focus more on school and hang with friends and family more, but I won't have a group of guys to see every day. I won't be able to talk to Dalles, Mason, or Elijah every day. I won't ever be on a team with those guys again.
This season has meant more to me than a lot of things in my life, and to have it end makes me realize what I have had in front of me the whole time. I have been able to hang with a bunch of friends, and play a game that means so much to me. I'm savoring this last week because I don't know if I will have these feelings or experience ever again.
That feeling started this week. That feeling of a finality that can't be stopped. I'm sure it will be similar to the feeling of someone on their last day of senior year. Of course there is excitement, but a little bit of sadness also, and maybe a little bit of longing to go back and do it again. To relive some of the greatest experiences and moments of your life.
This is our last week of the season. The end is staring us in the face, and we can't do anything to slow it down. Our season has made dreams come true, and has brought our school to new levels of excitement and pride. We have accomplished something that has never been done before. An undefeated season. The job is not done yet though, we have a state title to play for. We have accomplished goals but not the ultimate dream.
I can't believe it's almost over. I have been playing with these group of guys, this team, for the last six months. Some for the last twelve. Waking up at the crack of dawn, busting our butts, and sweating our asses off day in and day out. All for one goal. For one purpose. Now that goal is staring us in the face, and one team is left in our way. I'm honored to have worked with these group of guys for the past six months, and I have never felt a closer knit group than the one I'm a part of. We will do anything for each other, any time any place. The work ethic of the seniors has also pushed me to new places, and has made me prepared for next year. The fact of the matter is I have less than a week left with these guys until our journey is finished.
Sure as the year goes on practices lag and some days you really don't want to go, but its weeks like this that you are thankful you went to everyone because there are so few left. I can't remember what my life was like without football. My schedule will definitely free up, but I'm not convinced that's a good thing. I like being busy, it's all I know how to do. With extra time I will be able to focus more on school and hang with friends and family more, but I won't have a group of guys to see every day. I won't be able to talk to Dalles, Mason, or Elijah every day. I won't ever be on a team with those guys again.
This season has meant more to me than a lot of things in my life, and to have it end makes me realize what I have had in front of me the whole time. I have been able to hang with a bunch of friends, and play a game that means so much to me. I'm savoring this last week because I don't know if I will have these feelings or experience ever again.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
A Dream
Ever since I was a little boy I dreamed of this week. The first time I watched the Super Bowl I knew that was something special and to someday be a part of something like that would be life changing. My team did it. We accomplished something that I've only dreamed about. We are in the state title game. We are living the championship week. I am five days away from completing my dream. Now we just have to prepare and go for it.
The state title. Two great teams playing for the ultimate prize. Regardless of what happens I'm so proud of my team and all we have accomplished this year, as we are undefeated going into the final game. A little bit would be left behind if we don't win though. We have made history this entire year, and making it to this game has never been done before in school history. With being so successful brings a whole new challenge. That challenge is this week. We have prepared the last twelve months for this game, one final game. This game is not only important for us but also for our school, our city. Everyone is cheering for us in hope that someone from the east side of the state can finally take down a school from Des Moines. This is the year.
As each week has progressed in the playoffs the focus as became clearer and clearer. This week will be our most focused week of the season. We are going to put our best foot forth and have the best game plan of the year. As I said this is a dream for all of us. For many of us it has yet to sink in that we are of two teams left in this state. Out of 46 schools, we are one of the two. We have to get past the hype, enjoy the moment, but not dwell in it. If we focus on all of the activities happening around us we will ultimately not be prepared and watch the title slip from our fingers. I know here at Kennedy we will be prepared.
A dream has become a reality. I will enjoy every minute of the next week because I don't know if this chance will ever come around again. We will soak it all in and make memories that will last a lifetime within the next week. I've never been more proud of a group of guys than the group I will walk out of that tunnel with on Friday. As we have chanted all year, "It's our year, and I love it." Let's go make it happen.
The state title. Two great teams playing for the ultimate prize. Regardless of what happens I'm so proud of my team and all we have accomplished this year, as we are undefeated going into the final game. A little bit would be left behind if we don't win though. We have made history this entire year, and making it to this game has never been done before in school history. With being so successful brings a whole new challenge. That challenge is this week. We have prepared the last twelve months for this game, one final game. This game is not only important for us but also for our school, our city. Everyone is cheering for us in hope that someone from the east side of the state can finally take down a school from Des Moines. This is the year.
As each week has progressed in the playoffs the focus as became clearer and clearer. This week will be our most focused week of the season. We are going to put our best foot forth and have the best game plan of the year. As I said this is a dream for all of us. For many of us it has yet to sink in that we are of two teams left in this state. Out of 46 schools, we are one of the two. We have to get past the hype, enjoy the moment, but not dwell in it. If we focus on all of the activities happening around us we will ultimately not be prepared and watch the title slip from our fingers. I know here at Kennedy we will be prepared.
A dream has become a reality. I will enjoy every minute of the next week because I don't know if this chance will ever come around again. We will soak it all in and make memories that will last a lifetime within the next week. I've never been more proud of a group of guys than the group I will walk out of that tunnel with on Friday. As we have chanted all year, "It's our year, and I love it." Let's go make it happen.
The Helping Hands
What makes a team successful? How are teams consistently good even though each year they get brand new players? The answer is coaching. Coaches are a huge part of the success of teams, and sometimes, in my opinion, are left out to dry and don't earn enough appreciation. They are the ones who come up with the scouting reports at 3 in the morning, come in early all summer long to teach you plays and help you lift. They are the people that no matter what have your back, and are willing to give it everything they have in order to make you a successful player, and a successful person.
Last winter and spring I came into school three times a week at 4:45, in hopes of getting stronger. Now why in the world would I go in that early to lift when I could easily do it during the school day or after school? I did it because I was able to lift with my senior friends, who have happened to have great seasons this year, and to lift with one of my coaches. Coach Knock. What a man. Always representing his Iowa State Cyclones, which I liked because I'm a cyclone at heart, and always willing to push you to that next level. He played at Iowa State, so he knows what it takes to be successful, he knows what hard work can get you. So it was my first time meeting him, he knew everyone else from the previous year, and he gave me a huge welcome. I was scared out of my mind because this was my first year on varsity, wanted to impress him, and just looking at the guy intimidated me. Once I got to know him though, waking up that early wasn't a chore, it was something to look forward too. Every time I went in he made me better, both physically and mentally. Over the course of twelve months he went from an intimidating coach to a best friend. This season wouldn't have been the same without his help in the off season.
My other coach that really helped me this off season was coach Mehmen. He is my linemen coach and has helped me learn so many things this year. He was also there every day after school last year, helping me lift and helping me snap. In the summer we went over the play book and how I should block different situations. He also has groomed me into a better football player by always putting with the seniors, and up against the biggest and toughest guys. He gives me first team reps every week even though I'm not a starter that way I get used to that type of play. I can't thank him enough for that because it truly has made me better and challenges me every week. Next year when I hopefully have that spot on the field, I can reflect back to this year think of all the opportunities I was granted, even though I wasn't a starter.
Helping hands. A lot of people put time and effort into this program to make the heavy load, a light one. I look forward to working with these coaches this off season, and continuing to make stronger bonds with them and my teammates. We couldn't do it without these guys behind the scenes. The media and everyone gives up as players all of the credit. This is a way to say thank you to those behind the scenes.
Last winter and spring I came into school three times a week at 4:45, in hopes of getting stronger. Now why in the world would I go in that early to lift when I could easily do it during the school day or after school? I did it because I was able to lift with my senior friends, who have happened to have great seasons this year, and to lift with one of my coaches. Coach Knock. What a man. Always representing his Iowa State Cyclones, which I liked because I'm a cyclone at heart, and always willing to push you to that next level. He played at Iowa State, so he knows what it takes to be successful, he knows what hard work can get you. So it was my first time meeting him, he knew everyone else from the previous year, and he gave me a huge welcome. I was scared out of my mind because this was my first year on varsity, wanted to impress him, and just looking at the guy intimidated me. Once I got to know him though, waking up that early wasn't a chore, it was something to look forward too. Every time I went in he made me better, both physically and mentally. Over the course of twelve months he went from an intimidating coach to a best friend. This season wouldn't have been the same without his help in the off season.
My other coach that really helped me this off season was coach Mehmen. He is my linemen coach and has helped me learn so many things this year. He was also there every day after school last year, helping me lift and helping me snap. In the summer we went over the play book and how I should block different situations. He also has groomed me into a better football player by always putting with the seniors, and up against the biggest and toughest guys. He gives me first team reps every week even though I'm not a starter that way I get used to that type of play. I can't thank him enough for that because it truly has made me better and challenges me every week. Next year when I hopefully have that spot on the field, I can reflect back to this year think of all the opportunities I was granted, even though I wasn't a starter.
Helping hands. A lot of people put time and effort into this program to make the heavy load, a light one. I look forward to working with these coaches this off season, and continuing to make stronger bonds with them and my teammates. We couldn't do it without these guys behind the scenes. The media and everyone gives up as players all of the credit. This is a way to say thank you to those behind the scenes.
Cougar Nation
The jungle. The greatest student section I've ever seen or been a part of. They have for sure been the "12th man" and have helped us be so successful. This Friday night we need them.
This week at school is going to be a great one. Championship week and everyone is buying into it. The school is decorated with green and gold everywhere! The cheerleaders have done great all year, but this week they went above and beyond. Green and gold streamers, the football teams' names on the wall, beat Dowling everywhere! How could that not get you excited for Friday? Our principal Jkline has hyped us up all year, but this week he is really bringing the spirit, and I love all of it! He declared a spirit week for the whole week. He has also ordered pep buses for the game, has made half-days for events, orders for a sendoff before every event on game day. I've never met a principal so involved and with more spirit than good ol' Jkline!
The student body has also taken it to a whole different level. The student sections for all of the games this year were incredible! I've never played in and felt a more electric atmosphere at a high school game than I have this year. It has helped us win too! When we go into a game and know the support we are going to get, it's so rewarding. The other team also hates it. From the other perspective, there isn't a worse feeling than walking into a game and seeing the other team's student section double or triple theirs. This Friday night we need everyone! The stands need to be rocking! This is our first time to the title game and we are hoping to bring it home to CR.
On social media I love seeing all of the support and spirit we have for our team too. Everyone at school has bought into the family idea, and that's made us so much stronger. The polls are great on twitter because we are able to make student wide decisions and get more hype for the game.
Cougar Nation has never been stronger, and this week we is going to be something truly special. I can't wait to see all of the school spirit and support this week! You guys come on Friday and we won't let you down!
This week at school is going to be a great one. Championship week and everyone is buying into it. The school is decorated with green and gold everywhere! The cheerleaders have done great all year, but this week they went above and beyond. Green and gold streamers, the football teams' names on the wall, beat Dowling everywhere! How could that not get you excited for Friday? Our principal Jkline has hyped us up all year, but this week he is really bringing the spirit, and I love all of it! He declared a spirit week for the whole week. He has also ordered pep buses for the game, has made half-days for events, orders for a sendoff before every event on game day. I've never met a principal so involved and with more spirit than good ol' Jkline!
The student body has also taken it to a whole different level. The student sections for all of the games this year were incredible! I've never played in and felt a more electric atmosphere at a high school game than I have this year. It has helped us win too! When we go into a game and know the support we are going to get, it's so rewarding. The other team also hates it. From the other perspective, there isn't a worse feeling than walking into a game and seeing the other team's student section double or triple theirs. This Friday night we need everyone! The stands need to be rocking! This is our first time to the title game and we are hoping to bring it home to CR.
On social media I love seeing all of the support and spirit we have for our team too. Everyone at school has bought into the family idea, and that's made us so much stronger. The polls are great on twitter because we are able to make student wide decisions and get more hype for the game.
Cougar Nation has never been stronger, and this week we is going to be something truly special. I can't wait to see all of the school spirit and support this week! You guys come on Friday and we won't let you down!
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Fine Arts vs. Football
Two activities thought of as opposites; the jocks and the drama kids. What's it like to be on both sides? What challenges do people face being both in fine arts and football? What sacrifices do they have to make?
I'm involved in both, and enjoy every minute of it. I wouldn't trade anything, and I love the diversity I get to see when I go from football practice to show choir practice. In all honesty the types of people are completely different. My football teammates are bigger, stronger, and all guys. While show choir has a mixed sex environment, and the people are all very different. In show choir there are big and strong kids, but a lot of them are smaller than me, they incorporate different sexual orientations, ranging from gay to straight to bisexual. Normally my show choir friends take a pride in their appearance and have a very artsy style of clothing compared to that of football players, who wear athletic clothing every day of the week.
What is important about these differences? Not a lot besides the fact that these two groups of people are very different, and care about different things. This makes being on both sides challenging sometimes because when two different groups of people come together, conflict arises. At Kennedy I'd like to say that football players and show choir people get along for the most part, but there is definitely tension between the two. Over social media things are said to one another; who can draw the biggest crowds is also a thing talked about over social media. When a fine arts activity is at the same time as a big sporting event, complications arise on which one is more important, and why more people go to one over the other. I'm here to say that both are equally important no matter the circumstance. It's hard to compare the two because they are so different, which is why I enjoy participating in both the fine arts and sports.
Alongside the constant battle between the two groups, I also run into conflicts because I participate in both. In sports, teams of the same school try and have one event happening at a time that way fans can go to that event. When there is a fine arts and sports thing at the same time, you have to pick and choose. An example of when I had to do this was for my All-State Auditions. The Iowa All-State is a state wide choir that kids tryout for every year. The process is intense as us kids have to learn seven songs, form a quartet, and sing cuts of those songs for a judge. The judges around the state then have a certain number of kids that they can allow into the actually All-State choir. This year I had both a playoff football practice and my audition on the same day. This was extremely hard for me because I practiced my tail off for the past three months preparing for this All-State audition, but my team had made the playoffs and if I missed the practice that would put me behind, and potentially cost me of playing in the game. I had to make a decision. My decision was to go audition, and then after I had gone, head back to football practice that way I could make both. What I was giving up was a potential recall I could get, which I would then not be able to attend, making me ineligible to make the choir. Luckily I made the choir after the first round of auditions, meaning I was able to play in the playoff game and make my desired choir.
The fine arts and football are different there is no doubt about it. The common similarity between the two however is that the people are nice, hard-working, and are willing to give everything they have in order to achieve a common goal. I love being on both sides of the spectrum because I think it makes me a well-rounded individual. Even though sometimes it's hard being on both sides, it's worth it and the memories I make will last with me forever.
I'm involved in both, and enjoy every minute of it. I wouldn't trade anything, and I love the diversity I get to see when I go from football practice to show choir practice. In all honesty the types of people are completely different. My football teammates are bigger, stronger, and all guys. While show choir has a mixed sex environment, and the people are all very different. In show choir there are big and strong kids, but a lot of them are smaller than me, they incorporate different sexual orientations, ranging from gay to straight to bisexual. Normally my show choir friends take a pride in their appearance and have a very artsy style of clothing compared to that of football players, who wear athletic clothing every day of the week.
What is important about these differences? Not a lot besides the fact that these two groups of people are very different, and care about different things. This makes being on both sides challenging sometimes because when two different groups of people come together, conflict arises. At Kennedy I'd like to say that football players and show choir people get along for the most part, but there is definitely tension between the two. Over social media things are said to one another; who can draw the biggest crowds is also a thing talked about over social media. When a fine arts activity is at the same time as a big sporting event, complications arise on which one is more important, and why more people go to one over the other. I'm here to say that both are equally important no matter the circumstance. It's hard to compare the two because they are so different, which is why I enjoy participating in both the fine arts and sports.
Alongside the constant battle between the two groups, I also run into conflicts because I participate in both. In sports, teams of the same school try and have one event happening at a time that way fans can go to that event. When there is a fine arts and sports thing at the same time, you have to pick and choose. An example of when I had to do this was for my All-State Auditions. The Iowa All-State is a state wide choir that kids tryout for every year. The process is intense as us kids have to learn seven songs, form a quartet, and sing cuts of those songs for a judge. The judges around the state then have a certain number of kids that they can allow into the actually All-State choir. This year I had both a playoff football practice and my audition on the same day. This was extremely hard for me because I practiced my tail off for the past three months preparing for this All-State audition, but my team had made the playoffs and if I missed the practice that would put me behind, and potentially cost me of playing in the game. I had to make a decision. My decision was to go audition, and then after I had gone, head back to football practice that way I could make both. What I was giving up was a potential recall I could get, which I would then not be able to attend, making me ineligible to make the choir. Luckily I made the choir after the first round of auditions, meaning I was able to play in the playoff game and make my desired choir.
The fine arts and football are different there is no doubt about it. The common similarity between the two however is that the people are nice, hard-working, and are willing to give everything they have in order to achieve a common goal. I love being on both sides of the spectrum because I think it makes me a well-rounded individual. Even though sometimes it's hard being on both sides, it's worth it and the memories I make will last with me forever.
Rivalry
Good cross town rivalries, conference foes; the games you circle on your calendar at the beginning of the year. Those are the games that are exciting. Rivalry games. The games that you go into knowing it will be a fight, a challenge. Those are the games that make me lose sleep at night. That's what playing sports is all about.
As a Kennedy Cougar we have three big rivals: Washington Warriors, Xavier Saints, and Jefferson J-Hawks. In my opinion, Washington is my biggest rival. I know going into the game that it will be physical, a close game, and everyone will give it their best shot. Every time I've played Washington, as far back as when I was in 4th grade, its been a great game! Over the years the wins and losses have been about even between us, and this year we got the best of them for both of our games, including a big quarterfinal showdown. I've never felt so excited and so anxious for a game in my life. I couldn't sleep the whole week leading to that game because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I always thought about the game plan, and who I was going to be facing on every play; wearing the red and blue. That's the sign of a good rivalry. When you know them and they know you.
Xavier used to be a big rivalry game, but they moved down to 3A and now we will never play them. The reason,why that was such a big game was because it was the battle of 42nd Street. Going into that game you played to say that you were the best school on the street. Playing them in football we always knew it would be a physical game. Both of us run the ball first and pass if we have too, so we knew going in that the defenses had to be on the top of their game. Also it brought another sense of rivalry because we are a public school and they are a private school. That gives you that extra motivation to beat the other team.
Finally, Jefferson is a rival school from the west side. The reason why this is a big rival game to Kennedy is because people know a lot of students from the other school, and we are both from Cedar Rapids. As sports go, Kennedy usually get the better of them and has a lot of success. This year in football we continued that success and beat them back in week 5. They always love to trash talk before the games, and I use that as motivation. In all rivalry games trash talking occurs and that makes them that much more special.
I love playing teams in the city. It just gives me a sense of pride to do well and represent my school well. Each team in this city brings a great challenge and I look forward to it every year. Until next year I'll be waiting.
As a Kennedy Cougar we have three big rivals: Washington Warriors, Xavier Saints, and Jefferson J-Hawks. In my opinion, Washington is my biggest rival. I know going into the game that it will be physical, a close game, and everyone will give it their best shot. Every time I've played Washington, as far back as when I was in 4th grade, its been a great game! Over the years the wins and losses have been about even between us, and this year we got the best of them for both of our games, including a big quarterfinal showdown. I've never felt so excited and so anxious for a game in my life. I couldn't sleep the whole week leading to that game because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I always thought about the game plan, and who I was going to be facing on every play; wearing the red and blue. That's the sign of a good rivalry. When you know them and they know you.
Xavier used to be a big rivalry game, but they moved down to 3A and now we will never play them. The reason,why that was such a big game was because it was the battle of 42nd Street. Going into that game you played to say that you were the best school on the street. Playing them in football we always knew it would be a physical game. Both of us run the ball first and pass if we have too, so we knew going in that the defenses had to be on the top of their game. Also it brought another sense of rivalry because we are a public school and they are a private school. That gives you that extra motivation to beat the other team.
Finally, Jefferson is a rival school from the west side. The reason why this is a big rival game to Kennedy is because people know a lot of students from the other school, and we are both from Cedar Rapids. As sports go, Kennedy usually get the better of them and has a lot of success. This year in football we continued that success and beat them back in week 5. They always love to trash talk before the games, and I use that as motivation. In all rivalry games trash talking occurs and that makes them that much more special.
I love playing teams in the city. It just gives me a sense of pride to do well and represent my school well. Each team in this city brings a great challenge and I look forward to it every year. Until next year I'll be waiting.
Making History
Doesn't setting a record make you feel good? How about accomplishing something that has never been done before? These things are goals of mine, and this year I've been able to live out some of these dreams with my football teammates as we have done what seemed like the impossible. We are having an undefeated season, and we are not done yet.
Last year at Kennedy our varsity team went 3-8. Not what the goal is. As an incoming junior I knew we would have to work harder than ever before and buy into what we were doing in order to have great success. We worked harder than I've ever worked before during the 8 months that followed that last game, and we came back better than ever. This year we have done the unimaginable. We have come back from a 3-8 season, and are now 12-0 and playing in the state semi-finals.
The first piece of history we were going for was to become 6-0. No one in Kennedy history has done that. We past it and have now doubled it. We also won our district for the first time this year. Districts are a newer concept that established only a couple years ago, but winning a district is a huge step in the right direction. Even though we wanted to meet these goals, are ultimate goal at the start of the year was to make it to the dome. Only one football team in Kennedy history has ever made it to the semi-finals, and at that time the dome was not used for high school football. We have done it! We have made it to the dome, and have proved everyone in the state that we are a force to be reckoned with.
What has all this done for us? It has given us an experience of our lives; it makes you feel like all the hard work you put into it during the off season is paying off! One thing I love is getting all the support from people around the community. Everyone is paying attention and cheering us on to do well. Alumni from all over the country are sending us videos, telling us good luck and how proud they are to be a Kennedy Cougar. To me, nothing is cooler than that. When a Cleveland Browns football coach, and a player from the University of Oregon, send good luck videos and tell you how proud they are of what we have done, and are currently doing, it just makes you feel special.
I've never been closer to a group of guys in my life, and I know that we will give it all we have to keep this streak and this year alive. It's not about reaching goal, sure that's fantastic and makes you feel great about yourself, but it's ultimately not what you want. Our expectation for ourselves is to set the bar so high that it can only be met and never overcome.
Last year at Kennedy our varsity team went 3-8. Not what the goal is. As an incoming junior I knew we would have to work harder than ever before and buy into what we were doing in order to have great success. We worked harder than I've ever worked before during the 8 months that followed that last game, and we came back better than ever. This year we have done the unimaginable. We have come back from a 3-8 season, and are now 12-0 and playing in the state semi-finals.
The first piece of history we were going for was to become 6-0. No one in Kennedy history has done that. We past it and have now doubled it. We also won our district for the first time this year. Districts are a newer concept that established only a couple years ago, but winning a district is a huge step in the right direction. Even though we wanted to meet these goals, are ultimate goal at the start of the year was to make it to the dome. Only one football team in Kennedy history has ever made it to the semi-finals, and at that time the dome was not used for high school football. We have done it! We have made it to the dome, and have proved everyone in the state that we are a force to be reckoned with.
What has all this done for us? It has given us an experience of our lives; it makes you feel like all the hard work you put into it during the off season is paying off! One thing I love is getting all the support from people around the community. Everyone is paying attention and cheering us on to do well. Alumni from all over the country are sending us videos, telling us good luck and how proud they are to be a Kennedy Cougar. To me, nothing is cooler than that. When a Cleveland Browns football coach, and a player from the University of Oregon, send good luck videos and tell you how proud they are of what we have done, and are currently doing, it just makes you feel special.
I've never been closer to a group of guys in my life, and I know that we will give it all we have to keep this streak and this year alive. It's not about reaching goal, sure that's fantastic and makes you feel great about yourself, but it's ultimately not what you want. Our expectation for ourselves is to set the bar so high that it can only be met and never overcome.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
For the Family
What is a family? What brings people so close together that they do everything for each other and not for themselves? The answer is a bond between people or teammates towards a common goal that wants to be achieved. This year a new family was created at Kennedy High School.
The idea came from Kansas State University. Their football team uses a block of wood with the word family on it to bring their team and fan base together. This year we decided to try it. We brought back the block of wood idea and hoped it would work. Luckily we bought into it and the "family" has spread like wildfire around Kennedy High School.
Many question the method? How can a block of wood do this? Is this some sort of publicity stunt? The answer is no, and in my opinion, the family stick has brought greatness out of our team. The stick has sixteen points on the back, each one representing how we are going to stay together and our commitment to the team. Once we acknowledged these things we signed the back, marking our dedication towards the team. The wood gave us a set of ground rules to go off of, and this team has definitely made the most of them.
The coolest part to me is the impact this has had on people outside of the team. Sure there is always going to be haters of the idea, people who say that it's stupid, and make fun of it. But what has made it work so well this year at Kennedy is that the majority has believed in it. The student section tweets about it, young people look up to it, and alumni take interest in it. A story to prove this "family" concept has truly worked is with a fourth grade football team. Two cougar teams were playing each other and one team had a false start on a play. In order to teach the kids and get them disciplined not to do this anymore, the coach made that team do ten up-downs. A player on the other team started doing the up-downs too and the coaches were so confused. They asked, "Why are you doing that? You weren't the one who made the mistake." The boy looked at his coach and said, "I know, but we are all family at Kennedy." That proves that it works. That shows how great of an impact the stick has on more people than the players on the varsity team.
Finally the alumni. Calls from all around the US have contacted coach White telling him how proud they are of what we have accomplished, and wishing us luck moving forward. A special one that I got to see was a video sent to us by one of the Cleveland Browns coaches. That made the whole thing real to me. It proves that what we are doing actually has an impact, and is making alumni keep track of us from all over. In addition we now invite three alumni to every football game we play. They stand on the sideline and enjoy the experience with us, making it a cool for everyone.
The "family" idea has skyrocketed out of this world! The impact it is leaving is unimaginable, and to be a part of it is truly inspiring. I now know how much this program and school mean to people, and it put everything into a new perspective for me. I can't wait to take this idea and accomplish a dream.
The idea came from Kansas State University. Their football team uses a block of wood with the word family on it to bring their team and fan base together. This year we decided to try it. We brought back the block of wood idea and hoped it would work. Luckily we bought into it and the "family" has spread like wildfire around Kennedy High School.
Many question the method? How can a block of wood do this? Is this some sort of publicity stunt? The answer is no, and in my opinion, the family stick has brought greatness out of our team. The stick has sixteen points on the back, each one representing how we are going to stay together and our commitment to the team. Once we acknowledged these things we signed the back, marking our dedication towards the team. The wood gave us a set of ground rules to go off of, and this team has definitely made the most of them.
The coolest part to me is the impact this has had on people outside of the team. Sure there is always going to be haters of the idea, people who say that it's stupid, and make fun of it. But what has made it work so well this year at Kennedy is that the majority has believed in it. The student section tweets about it, young people look up to it, and alumni take interest in it. A story to prove this "family" concept has truly worked is with a fourth grade football team. Two cougar teams were playing each other and one team had a false start on a play. In order to teach the kids and get them disciplined not to do this anymore, the coach made that team do ten up-downs. A player on the other team started doing the up-downs too and the coaches were so confused. They asked, "Why are you doing that? You weren't the one who made the mistake." The boy looked at his coach and said, "I know, but we are all family at Kennedy." That proves that it works. That shows how great of an impact the stick has on more people than the players on the varsity team.
Finally the alumni. Calls from all around the US have contacted coach White telling him how proud they are of what we have accomplished, and wishing us luck moving forward. A special one that I got to see was a video sent to us by one of the Cleveland Browns coaches. That made the whole thing real to me. It proves that what we are doing actually has an impact, and is making alumni keep track of us from all over. In addition we now invite three alumni to every football game we play. They stand on the sideline and enjoy the experience with us, making it a cool for everyone.
The "family" idea has skyrocketed out of this world! The impact it is leaving is unimaginable, and to be a part of it is truly inspiring. I now know how much this program and school mean to people, and it put everything into a new perspective for me. I can't wait to take this idea and accomplish a dream.
The Core Lifts
In weightlifting there are three basic lifts that are always done; the bench press, hang clean, and squat. They are known as the "core" lifts because everyone who does weightlifting knows what they are, and they are used to measure increases. The point of lifting is to increase weight because that means that you are getting stronger. These three lifts are the ones you max out on and are the center of all other lifts.
The hang clean in my opinion is the hardest of the three. It requires both arm and leg strength, and is a hard maneuver to accomplish. To do the lift you must grab the bar, lift/throw it towards the ceiling, jump under it, and stand up. The reason this is hard for me is because it's hard to even attempt this motion when a lot of weight is on the bar. The reason it is important in lifting is because it sets up the weight for other over the head lifts, and sets the bar for some both arm and leg lifts.
The squat is the easiest lift in terms of technique. They can be done in either the front or back, but the goal is to lower the bar until your legs are at a ninety degree angle, and then stand back up. This helps make your legs so much stronger and help every muscle on the lower half of your body. This sets up all future leg lifting weights and is important because with stronger legs, it will allow you to run faster, jump higher, and be more athletic in general.
Finally the bench press. The most commonly known lift among people. The reason it is important is because most people have either done it or have seen it been done. This lift is when you extend your arms straight up while laying down, and bring the bar down to your chest and then back up. This lift is pretty straight forward as it comes to technique and helps both the arms and the chest. This is important to lifters because it helps set a common weight for all arm exercises, and when people ask if you're a lifter, the first question they will ask is how much you bench. The reason for this because everyone knows about this lift!
These core lifts are important, and help make people stronger and more athletic. I hope this shows more insight on the world of lifting and why it's important, especially these three lifts. Because of these, your whole body benefits, leading to a healthier lifestyle for the future.
The hang clean in my opinion is the hardest of the three. It requires both arm and leg strength, and is a hard maneuver to accomplish. To do the lift you must grab the bar, lift/throw it towards the ceiling, jump under it, and stand up. The reason this is hard for me is because it's hard to even attempt this motion when a lot of weight is on the bar. The reason it is important in lifting is because it sets up the weight for other over the head lifts, and sets the bar for some both arm and leg lifts.
The squat is the easiest lift in terms of technique. They can be done in either the front or back, but the goal is to lower the bar until your legs are at a ninety degree angle, and then stand back up. This helps make your legs so much stronger and help every muscle on the lower half of your body. This sets up all future leg lifting weights and is important because with stronger legs, it will allow you to run faster, jump higher, and be more athletic in general.
Finally the bench press. The most commonly known lift among people. The reason it is important is because most people have either done it or have seen it been done. This lift is when you extend your arms straight up while laying down, and bring the bar down to your chest and then back up. This lift is pretty straight forward as it comes to technique and helps both the arms and the chest. This is important to lifters because it helps set a common weight for all arm exercises, and when people ask if you're a lifter, the first question they will ask is how much you bench. The reason for this because everyone knows about this lift!
These core lifts are important, and help make people stronger and more athletic. I hope this shows more insight on the world of lifting and why it's important, especially these three lifts. Because of these, your whole body benefits, leading to a healthier lifestyle for the future.
The Fun of Going on the Road
Walking into enemy territory, wearing the green and gold, boos from every direction, holding hand in hand. A family just walked onto the field, and nothing is going to get in their way.
Road games are my favorite. The home games are fun because special events happen and all of your fans are their cheering you on, but road games just have a special aroma to them. I don't know whether it's playing on a new field, or knowing that your teammates are the only ones who are going to support you, but there is something special. I love being routed against or being an underdog. Most people would think "why?" I like being routed against because it gives you motivation, something to play for. If you are projected to win every game then the pressure is on so you don't lose. If expected to lose, the game is much more relaxed and it makes the victories that much sweeter. Also when you play on the road there aren't any distractions. During home games they are fun, for example a homecoming court, or friends and family come to watch. But this takes your mind off of the game, and changes routine. For road games, this doesn't happen. Sure family and friends still come and support, but there isn't a whole side cheering for you, just a little crowd. That brings more will to do better. As a player you want to make it worth the trip for the fans and make them proud. Make those few who are on your side feel excited.
However, nothing is more rewarding than making the opposing teams fans stop cheering. In sports cheering helps make teams perform better, which is why we have done so well this year because our student section is great! When you play on the road the less cheering the better your team is doing. Also when my team runs out on the field I love the adrenaline I get from being booed from the other teams fans. Most people don't like it which is totally understandable. I mean to get booed or get cheered for, I'd pick to get cheered for too, but I get an extra surge from getting booed. I think it's because it makes me want to play that much better, and show the fans how great we are.
Road games are fun. You get to travel, get new scenery, and play as the underdog. One thing remains the same though. My team expects to win, and believes in each other for every snap.
Road games are my favorite. The home games are fun because special events happen and all of your fans are their cheering you on, but road games just have a special aroma to them. I don't know whether it's playing on a new field, or knowing that your teammates are the only ones who are going to support you, but there is something special. I love being routed against or being an underdog. Most people would think "why?" I like being routed against because it gives you motivation, something to play for. If you are projected to win every game then the pressure is on so you don't lose. If expected to lose, the game is much more relaxed and it makes the victories that much sweeter. Also when you play on the road there aren't any distractions. During home games they are fun, for example a homecoming court, or friends and family come to watch. But this takes your mind off of the game, and changes routine. For road games, this doesn't happen. Sure family and friends still come and support, but there isn't a whole side cheering for you, just a little crowd. That brings more will to do better. As a player you want to make it worth the trip for the fans and make them proud. Make those few who are on your side feel excited.
However, nothing is more rewarding than making the opposing teams fans stop cheering. In sports cheering helps make teams perform better, which is why we have done so well this year because our student section is great! When you play on the road the less cheering the better your team is doing. Also when my team runs out on the field I love the adrenaline I get from being booed from the other teams fans. Most people don't like it which is totally understandable. I mean to get booed or get cheered for, I'd pick to get cheered for too, but I get an extra surge from getting booed. I think it's because it makes me want to play that much better, and show the fans how great we are.
Road games are fun. You get to travel, get new scenery, and play as the underdog. One thing remains the same though. My team expects to win, and believes in each other for every snap.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
The Extra Inch
How much does an inch or two really matter? What effect on the game could that have? Does it really make me that better if I'm off the line by an inch or on it? Sports is a game of inches, both on and off the field.
Games are decided by inches all the time. In football it can be whether a team gets a first down, or a touchdown. In volleyball it determines whether a ball goes over the net, or if the ball is in or out. In baseball a matter of inches is the strike zone. It's crazy how such a little thing has such a big impact. My own games have been decided on inches. Whether it was on a field goal or a defensive stop I've witnessed the joy or sadness that an inch can bring.
In practices coaches make sure to make that a point. For example during conditioning, they might tell you to make sure you're behind the line before running, or finish through the line. Will this extra inch actually make you better? Physically no, an inch is an inch, but mentally it can make a player or team so much better. This concept teaches discipline, and also can teach how every little thing you do matters. Even though you might think that what you do doesn't affect the team; it really does.
Think about all the replays that are shown on TV during college or NFL football games. Did he catch the ball? Did he have a foot in? Is that a touchdown? All of these things are always decided by inches. Championship teams are the ones who fight for the extra inch. The team that doesn't settle for average, but strides for excellence. The team that works the hardest, and is the most prepared. Those teams get that inch. They are on the joyous side after their defense gets a stop on fourth down to win the game, by inches.
It's undeniable. A little thing has a big impact. What type of person are you? The one who goes to the line or through it. An inch is a mere image of what people in sports should be thinking about. The thing that makes a team from good to great are the little things. Focusing on the details is everything. So next time you are on the line and thinking to yourself that you can't do anymore; don't cheat yourself or your teammates. Because champions finish through it.
Games are decided by inches all the time. In football it can be whether a team gets a first down, or a touchdown. In volleyball it determines whether a ball goes over the net, or if the ball is in or out. In baseball a matter of inches is the strike zone. It's crazy how such a little thing has such a big impact. My own games have been decided on inches. Whether it was on a field goal or a defensive stop I've witnessed the joy or sadness that an inch can bring.
In practices coaches make sure to make that a point. For example during conditioning, they might tell you to make sure you're behind the line before running, or finish through the line. Will this extra inch actually make you better? Physically no, an inch is an inch, but mentally it can make a player or team so much better. This concept teaches discipline, and also can teach how every little thing you do matters. Even though you might think that what you do doesn't affect the team; it really does.
Think about all the replays that are shown on TV during college or NFL football games. Did he catch the ball? Did he have a foot in? Is that a touchdown? All of these things are always decided by inches. Championship teams are the ones who fight for the extra inch. The team that doesn't settle for average, but strides for excellence. The team that works the hardest, and is the most prepared. Those teams get that inch. They are on the joyous side after their defense gets a stop on fourth down to win the game, by inches.
It's undeniable. A little thing has a big impact. What type of person are you? The one who goes to the line or through it. An inch is a mere image of what people in sports should be thinking about. The thing that makes a team from good to great are the little things. Focusing on the details is everything. So next time you are on the line and thinking to yourself that you can't do anymore; don't cheat yourself or your teammates. Because champions finish through it.
Upperclassmen
Most people look up to their peers and think, "wow they are big" or "I wouldn't want to mess with them." Sure most the time they are bigger, and stronger, but they can teach you a lot of things. Becoming friends with upperclassmen is so important because you are able to learn a lot and it's fun to meet new people.
In football this year I became friends with a lot of seniors. It all started out when we came in during the summer for OTAs and weightlifting. You would always be by them and watch and see how they did things. Since I'm an offensive linemen I really connected with those guys and was able to gel pretty easy. The one thing I was able to gain from this was new knowledge about the position I had been playing for seven years. They taught me and showed me how to be more aggressive, how to block better, and most importantly how to communicate. I didn't know until I played this year how important the center's job is with communicating to the other linemen. And at the same time while learning I'm also having fun! We are able to hang out and joke around now, and it all started because of football.
Seniors are better teachers by showing you rather than telling you. A good friend of mine Dalles Jacobus is a great example of this during the season this year. He has taught me two important things, to play with emotion, and to communicate. Anyone who has seen Dalles play football will know he plays with a lot of emotion, and being with him day in and day out at practice he showed me how that happens. He has made me a much better football player in that aspect. He also is the linemen that makes sure I communicate with everyone else. At the beginning I was quiet. I was nervous about being on varsity, nervous about messing up, and he and the other linemen have taught me it's ok. They have my back and will try their hardest to help me out. In practices he constantly reminded me to talk, and make calls, and because of that I now do it as second nature. I walk up to the line, tell everyone what's going on, and we are all on the same page. This has led me to success and has made me a better player.
Upperclassmen also know how to push you to a whole new level. They are leaders, and show you what it takes to be successful. I lifted with a lot of senior friends during this past summer and because of that I got a lot stronger. I was more prepared for the season than I ever have been before. I couldn't have done it without upperclassmen.
The point is to branch off and don't be "scared" of people that are older than you. They don't bite and they won't get mad. They have a lot to teach you, and have great insight on a lot of different things. Along the way friendships will be made that could last you a whole lifetime.
In football this year I became friends with a lot of seniors. It all started out when we came in during the summer for OTAs and weightlifting. You would always be by them and watch and see how they did things. Since I'm an offensive linemen I really connected with those guys and was able to gel pretty easy. The one thing I was able to gain from this was new knowledge about the position I had been playing for seven years. They taught me and showed me how to be more aggressive, how to block better, and most importantly how to communicate. I didn't know until I played this year how important the center's job is with communicating to the other linemen. And at the same time while learning I'm also having fun! We are able to hang out and joke around now, and it all started because of football.
Seniors are better teachers by showing you rather than telling you. A good friend of mine Dalles Jacobus is a great example of this during the season this year. He has taught me two important things, to play with emotion, and to communicate. Anyone who has seen Dalles play football will know he plays with a lot of emotion, and being with him day in and day out at practice he showed me how that happens. He has made me a much better football player in that aspect. He also is the linemen that makes sure I communicate with everyone else. At the beginning I was quiet. I was nervous about being on varsity, nervous about messing up, and he and the other linemen have taught me it's ok. They have my back and will try their hardest to help me out. In practices he constantly reminded me to talk, and make calls, and because of that I now do it as second nature. I walk up to the line, tell everyone what's going on, and we are all on the same page. This has led me to success and has made me a better player.
Upperclassmen also know how to push you to a whole new level. They are leaders, and show you what it takes to be successful. I lifted with a lot of senior friends during this past summer and because of that I got a lot stronger. I was more prepared for the season than I ever have been before. I couldn't have done it without upperclassmen.
The point is to branch off and don't be "scared" of people that are older than you. They don't bite and they won't get mad. They have a lot to teach you, and have great insight on a lot of different things. Along the way friendships will be made that could last you a whole lifetime.
Why do Sports?
Why in the world are sports so popular? It's just a game! People live their lives playing a game! In reality, would sports really impact the world? Sure people enjoy playing them, and they bring enjoyment to people everywhere, but what lasting impacts do they really have?
Sports are complex. There are team sports and individual sports; balls, pucks, bats, helmets, you name it and it's in a sport. The main purpose of a sport is to entertain the audience, which I feel is happening very successfully. While the audience is being entertained, the players also have a lot of fun and can learn valuable life lessons while playing them. For example in football, a lesson learned can be to get up whenever you get knocked down; be able to bounce back when adversity strikes. This relates to life because some time or another either adversity will hit you, or someone knocks you down. Football, although is only a game, can help young men this skill. In a game people get knocked down, whether they are being tackled, or blocking someone, people fall down. If you get blocked onto the ground it's a little upsetting, but most people will be able to get up from a little blow. How will a person react when they are on the ground the whole night? When the person across from you is just bigger and stronger than you are? It's demoralizing to a person when you are able to push them back ten yards or pancake them onto the ground, but it's what the person on the ground has to do in order to get back up that builds character.
In volleyball, teams have to be learn how to battle back after losing sets. In volleyball teams must rally. This means they have to get a lot of points in a row and keep focused. They have to keep their heads up and get playing. This happens in life too. Sometimes you can feel like you're so far behind or can never succeed no matter how hard you try, but this just proves that you can. In volleyball momentum swings and teams can score up to 15 points in a row. In life instead of scoring points, something will go your way and success will happen.
In baseball, have you ever wondered how pitchers can go back to pitching like normal after giving up a home run? They have to learn how to flush something bad and play like it never happened. If they didn't the game would snowball. The batters after would get hits, more runs would score, and the whole complexity of the game would change. This relates to life because sometimes mistakes happen, and people need to learn how to bounce back from them and not dwell on it. People need to flush things sometimes, whether that means to forgive someone, or just move on from the mistake, it will make decisions in the future go better.
Whether sports are for entertainment or to teach people valuable lessons, we will never truly know. The fact is they do both which is something special. So why do them? They are fun while teaching you valuable lessons along the way.
Sports are complex. There are team sports and individual sports; balls, pucks, bats, helmets, you name it and it's in a sport. The main purpose of a sport is to entertain the audience, which I feel is happening very successfully. While the audience is being entertained, the players also have a lot of fun and can learn valuable life lessons while playing them. For example in football, a lesson learned can be to get up whenever you get knocked down; be able to bounce back when adversity strikes. This relates to life because some time or another either adversity will hit you, or someone knocks you down. Football, although is only a game, can help young men this skill. In a game people get knocked down, whether they are being tackled, or blocking someone, people fall down. If you get blocked onto the ground it's a little upsetting, but most people will be able to get up from a little blow. How will a person react when they are on the ground the whole night? When the person across from you is just bigger and stronger than you are? It's demoralizing to a person when you are able to push them back ten yards or pancake them onto the ground, but it's what the person on the ground has to do in order to get back up that builds character.
In volleyball, teams have to be learn how to battle back after losing sets. In volleyball teams must rally. This means they have to get a lot of points in a row and keep focused. They have to keep their heads up and get playing. This happens in life too. Sometimes you can feel like you're so far behind or can never succeed no matter how hard you try, but this just proves that you can. In volleyball momentum swings and teams can score up to 15 points in a row. In life instead of scoring points, something will go your way and success will happen.
In baseball, have you ever wondered how pitchers can go back to pitching like normal after giving up a home run? They have to learn how to flush something bad and play like it never happened. If they didn't the game would snowball. The batters after would get hits, more runs would score, and the whole complexity of the game would change. This relates to life because sometimes mistakes happen, and people need to learn how to bounce back from them and not dwell on it. People need to flush things sometimes, whether that means to forgive someone, or just move on from the mistake, it will make decisions in the future go better.
Whether sports are for entertainment or to teach people valuable lessons, we will never truly know. The fact is they do both which is something special. So why do them? They are fun while teaching you valuable lessons along the way.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Injuries
Injuries are devastating. No one wants them, but they always happen. Some injuries are less impacting than others, but they prevent players from playing at their top speed. In the sport of football injuries are inevitable, but the game is still played by millions and the risk is always there.
Two teammates of mine have gotten hit by season ending injuries, one with a broken collar bone and the other with a torn ACL. Jackson Behn is my teammate who tore his ACL and ended his senior year a couple week ago. I feel terrible for him, not only because he has to miss the rest of this season, but because he is a senior. Any senior who gets a long term or season ending injury is tough. The fact of the matter is he will never be able to take another high school football snap, and potential another snap of football in his life. That's why injuries suck. They prevent players from finishing seasons, and sometimes can prevent players from fulfilling their dreams all the way. This is why my full support goes to my friend Jackson as I hope he gets better soon, and it gives us as a team more to play for.
I've also been injured so I know the pain of sitting to the side and watching. It's not same. I was luckily injured during the spring, running track, and was able to bounce back and play my football season, but I did have to sit out practices during the summer. It's a hard thing to do. For one; you aren't able to improve your game. Everyone around you is getting better while you aren't able to do anything about it. Also it's not the same sitting on the side of the field as it is on the field. The reason people play sports is because they enjoy the game. When you are sitting on the sideline, that pure enjoyment isn't as sweet as when you are in the game. Injuries can also make you feel helpless. I fractured my hip so I could only walk with crutches otherwise a jolt of pain went down my leg. I like to think of myself as a tough person when it comes to these things because I don't complain about pain and push through a lot of it. When I got this injury it was the first time I couldn't do that and it gave me a new perspective. It allows you to focus on what really matters, and to me at that time, the only thing that mattered was being able to walk normal again. This is why support during injuries are imperative. Injured players need support so that they can feel normal, and get through the tough time.
Not all injuries are that serious. For example, a sprained finger, or a bad turf burn. Those things can be played through, although they do affect how well the player can play. A common injury in football is a concussion. These can be very serious because of the fact that they are in your brain. They normally sideline guys from between 2-6 weeks depending on the extent of the injury. Since this is common, most players are able to come back from them during the season and continue to play, but for the weeks those players are out it's hard for them.
The bottom line is injuries are hard to deal with, but they are the risk that players take. Every team has them no matter how serious they are. For seniors in high school it's especially tough if a serious one hits during the season, but that's what support is for, and teams can bond over that. No one enjoys an injury, but the response to them makes them a stronger and more driven individual.
Two teammates of mine have gotten hit by season ending injuries, one with a broken collar bone and the other with a torn ACL. Jackson Behn is my teammate who tore his ACL and ended his senior year a couple week ago. I feel terrible for him, not only because he has to miss the rest of this season, but because he is a senior. Any senior who gets a long term or season ending injury is tough. The fact of the matter is he will never be able to take another high school football snap, and potential another snap of football in his life. That's why injuries suck. They prevent players from finishing seasons, and sometimes can prevent players from fulfilling their dreams all the way. This is why my full support goes to my friend Jackson as I hope he gets better soon, and it gives us as a team more to play for.
I've also been injured so I know the pain of sitting to the side and watching. It's not same. I was luckily injured during the spring, running track, and was able to bounce back and play my football season, but I did have to sit out practices during the summer. It's a hard thing to do. For one; you aren't able to improve your game. Everyone around you is getting better while you aren't able to do anything about it. Also it's not the same sitting on the side of the field as it is on the field. The reason people play sports is because they enjoy the game. When you are sitting on the sideline, that pure enjoyment isn't as sweet as when you are in the game. Injuries can also make you feel helpless. I fractured my hip so I could only walk with crutches otherwise a jolt of pain went down my leg. I like to think of myself as a tough person when it comes to these things because I don't complain about pain and push through a lot of it. When I got this injury it was the first time I couldn't do that and it gave me a new perspective. It allows you to focus on what really matters, and to me at that time, the only thing that mattered was being able to walk normal again. This is why support during injuries are imperative. Injured players need support so that they can feel normal, and get through the tough time.
Not all injuries are that serious. For example, a sprained finger, or a bad turf burn. Those things can be played through, although they do affect how well the player can play. A common injury in football is a concussion. These can be very serious because of the fact that they are in your brain. They normally sideline guys from between 2-6 weeks depending on the extent of the injury. Since this is common, most players are able to come back from them during the season and continue to play, but for the weeks those players are out it's hard for them.
The bottom line is injuries are hard to deal with, but they are the risk that players take. Every team has them no matter how serious they are. For seniors in high school it's especially tough if a serious one hits during the season, but that's what support is for, and teams can bond over that. No one enjoys an injury, but the response to them makes them a stronger and more driven individual.
Mistakes
In sports, and in life, mistakes happen. People are not perfect, and never will be perfect so mistakes will always occur. Great teams try and minimize their mistakes and take advantage of other teams mistakes in order to win. Penalties and turnovers are two types of in mistakes that can occur. Human mistakes could be misreading a play or not blocking the right guy. These things happen in every game; otherwise what's the point of playing? Learning from these mistakes is the important thing. Sometimes it's easier than others, depending on the impact it has on the game, but the whole point of making mistakes is to learn from them and become a better player and a better person.
My sophomore year I vividly remember making a mistake at the end of a football game. The reason I remember this one, and not a lot of other ones, is because this one had an impact of both me and the team. It was third and goal and my team made a freeze call, meaning we wouldn't snap the ball and try and draw the other team offside. I was so focused on the guy across from me that I snapped the ball and since the quarterback wasn't expecting it, he didn't catch it and it rolled 15 yards back. Luckily my teammates bailed me out of this particular play because my quarterback picked up the ball and was able to throw it for a completion instead of the other team getting the ball and ending the game. However, because of my mistake we were down to our last play. Less than 30 seconds to go and I knew I couldn't make anymore. The last play I had a good snap, but I see the ball deflect off my teammates hands and fall to the ground in the end zone. We lost. Two mistakes cost us that football game at the end; a bad snap on my part, and a dropped pass in the end zone. That was a tough one to take in. I remember walking into the locker room about as sad as I've ever been after a loss. But I knew I had something to learn from and something to build upon. This year I don't make those mistakes, and especially against that team. We were able to beat them in both the varsity and JV game this year, getting revenge from last year, and improving upon our previous mistakes.
If you listen to sports analysis people who break down games, they always pin the loss on the mistakes of the team that lost. Whether it was a penalty at the end of the game, or an interception on the last play of the game, that one play is always pin pointed. In reality, there are many plays during the game that affect the outcome, not just one or two. This past weekend the Michigan punter on the last play of the game fumbled the ball and the other team returned it for a touchdown, making them lose the game. All the blame is put on the punter for the loss because if he punted the ball is team would have won. Sure the man messed up, but if the offense would have gotten a first down, he wouldn't have ever been on the field. If the offense could have made less turnovers earlier in the game and scored more, then that last play wouldn't have had such a big impact. The reality is the mistake happened. What people need to realize though is that it's just a game. Far greater mistakes in life can be made than dropping a football. Making a bad snap is minimal to other mistakes that can happen.
Learn from your mistakes and from others. They are used to grow and used to improve upon. No one is ever perfect. Everyone has those days when you screw up, or make a bad decision. The important thing to remember is that people are always there for you to help pick you back up, just like my teammates were there for me on that play. No one is perfect, that's the beauty of life, but it's how you respond to adversity that builds true character and makes you into a better person.
My sophomore year I vividly remember making a mistake at the end of a football game. The reason I remember this one, and not a lot of other ones, is because this one had an impact of both me and the team. It was third and goal and my team made a freeze call, meaning we wouldn't snap the ball and try and draw the other team offside. I was so focused on the guy across from me that I snapped the ball and since the quarterback wasn't expecting it, he didn't catch it and it rolled 15 yards back. Luckily my teammates bailed me out of this particular play because my quarterback picked up the ball and was able to throw it for a completion instead of the other team getting the ball and ending the game. However, because of my mistake we were down to our last play. Less than 30 seconds to go and I knew I couldn't make anymore. The last play I had a good snap, but I see the ball deflect off my teammates hands and fall to the ground in the end zone. We lost. Two mistakes cost us that football game at the end; a bad snap on my part, and a dropped pass in the end zone. That was a tough one to take in. I remember walking into the locker room about as sad as I've ever been after a loss. But I knew I had something to learn from and something to build upon. This year I don't make those mistakes, and especially against that team. We were able to beat them in both the varsity and JV game this year, getting revenge from last year, and improving upon our previous mistakes.
If you listen to sports analysis people who break down games, they always pin the loss on the mistakes of the team that lost. Whether it was a penalty at the end of the game, or an interception on the last play of the game, that one play is always pin pointed. In reality, there are many plays during the game that affect the outcome, not just one or two. This past weekend the Michigan punter on the last play of the game fumbled the ball and the other team returned it for a touchdown, making them lose the game. All the blame is put on the punter for the loss because if he punted the ball is team would have won. Sure the man messed up, but if the offense would have gotten a first down, he wouldn't have ever been on the field. If the offense could have made less turnovers earlier in the game and scored more, then that last play wouldn't have had such a big impact. The reality is the mistake happened. What people need to realize though is that it's just a game. Far greater mistakes in life can be made than dropping a football. Making a bad snap is minimal to other mistakes that can happen.
Learn from your mistakes and from others. They are used to grow and used to improve upon. No one is ever perfect. Everyone has those days when you screw up, or make a bad decision. The important thing to remember is that people are always there for you to help pick you back up, just like my teammates were there for me on that play. No one is perfect, that's the beauty of life, but it's how you respond to adversity that builds true character and makes you into a better person.
Playoffs
The playoffs. What an achievement they are. Teams play their whole season striving to be in them. The playoffs are the "extra" games a team gets to play; the important ones. In football the playoffs are a one and done deal. You win and you move onto the next round, but if you lose, the seasons over. In baseball a series of either five or seven games is played to determine who goes onto the next round. The higher up a team gets the more pressure is put on them, and the closer they get to their ultimate goal.
This year in football we are 8-0. Off to the greatest start in school history, but we know that if we want to succeed and have the year we are hoping for; then we are only half way done. In Iowa in order to win the title you would have to play fourteen games, which brings you to the end of November. Playoffs bring a whole new sense of the word pressure to a team. Our team especially has a lot of pressure on it now because we haven't lost. When we win out the rest of the regular season, that much more pressure will be added to our plates because we no longer can "lose." In the regular season a loss isn't good, but a team can bounce back from it and learn from it. Our team might not get that this year meaning we will have to continue to get better week by week; otherwise that first loss might end our year. The playoffs are also very hyped up by media sources and newspapers. Once the playoffs are set everyone pays attention because it's a big deal for both cities and supporters.
The playoffs also bring a new challenge. All teams that make them have earned it and have been successful in their season, which brings a challenge because every team is good. Every week that advances brings on a better and better team forcing you to prepare more, and play at the best of your ability. Along with each week becoming more challenging each week also becomes more rewarding. The farther your team gets the sweeter each win becomes. A win is a win, whether playoffs or not, but a win in the playoffs also seems to feel better and make fans more excited. The thrill of being one of the only teams left, and the school spirit behind that is incredible. This year when my team takes the field during the playoffs you can guarantee that we will be prepared for our opponent and give everything we have. This next month is going to be exciting and I hope everyone is going to be a part of it because you wouldn't want to miss it.
This year in football we are 8-0. Off to the greatest start in school history, but we know that if we want to succeed and have the year we are hoping for; then we are only half way done. In Iowa in order to win the title you would have to play fourteen games, which brings you to the end of November. Playoffs bring a whole new sense of the word pressure to a team. Our team especially has a lot of pressure on it now because we haven't lost. When we win out the rest of the regular season, that much more pressure will be added to our plates because we no longer can "lose." In the regular season a loss isn't good, but a team can bounce back from it and learn from it. Our team might not get that this year meaning we will have to continue to get better week by week; otherwise that first loss might end our year. The playoffs are also very hyped up by media sources and newspapers. Once the playoffs are set everyone pays attention because it's a big deal for both cities and supporters.
The playoffs also bring a new challenge. All teams that make them have earned it and have been successful in their season, which brings a challenge because every team is good. Every week that advances brings on a better and better team forcing you to prepare more, and play at the best of your ability. Along with each week becoming more challenging each week also becomes more rewarding. The farther your team gets the sweeter each win becomes. A win is a win, whether playoffs or not, but a win in the playoffs also seems to feel better and make fans more excited. The thrill of being one of the only teams left, and the school spirit behind that is incredible. This year when my team takes the field during the playoffs you can guarantee that we will be prepared for our opponent and give everything we have. This next month is going to be exciting and I hope everyone is going to be a part of it because you wouldn't want to miss it.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Being a Student-Athlete
What does it mean to be a student-athlete? Many forget that there is a life outside of sports for many athletes. School is important, alongside music and other club activities. Kids now days are extremely busy trying to balance sports, school, clubs, and work. It takes a lot to be a successful student-athlete.
The number one priority for high school players should be their school work, not sports. For many this is reversed and it shows in their report cards. If a student doesn't take care of what they need to in the classroom they can become ineligible for a game/games, which is bad for the student and the team. I make sure to take care of my academics personally because I know that it's important to be successful in the classroom, just like it's important to be successful on the field. The thing that I believe many athletes forget is that for the majority of them, sports will not be there for them after high school. Many will go on to do different careers and jobs, which is why being a good student should come first. Some people are more athletically gifted than others, that's a fact of nature, but all people should focus on school and then sports as a backup.
I also believe that student athletes should be well rounded. What does this mean? I think there is more to life than just school and sports. Music is a tremendously important thing to me. I'm in different choirs and show choir and enjoy all of it, yet I also enjoy sports. Many people have the stereotype that a person is either a jock or a person interested in the arts. I provide both and I think more people should. It opens up other friend groups and allows a person to have different sides of them.
Student-athletes also must take a lot of pride and focus in their sport. They must want to put in the work to be successful, and help their team. In order to be a successful athlete a player must buy into the team and focus on improving their game. Another thing athletes focus on the season at hand. Many play multiple sports, and coaches want to work with them for that sport year round. In order to become the best you can be a player should take one season at a time and not get distracted by non-season issues. If there is a conflict with a club sport or activity during the season they should focus on the in-season sport and worry about the other thing later.
Student-athletes have to juggle a lot of different things. Football? Music? School? It takes a lot of effort, but if a person can be well rounded and successful at everything they do then life is going to be great! Success will be earned in all of their activities and goals will be met in school. This will lead to options after high school that can lead to great things the rest of their lives.
The number one priority for high school players should be their school work, not sports. For many this is reversed and it shows in their report cards. If a student doesn't take care of what they need to in the classroom they can become ineligible for a game/games, which is bad for the student and the team. I make sure to take care of my academics personally because I know that it's important to be successful in the classroom, just like it's important to be successful on the field. The thing that I believe many athletes forget is that for the majority of them, sports will not be there for them after high school. Many will go on to do different careers and jobs, which is why being a good student should come first. Some people are more athletically gifted than others, that's a fact of nature, but all people should focus on school and then sports as a backup.
I also believe that student athletes should be well rounded. What does this mean? I think there is more to life than just school and sports. Music is a tremendously important thing to me. I'm in different choirs and show choir and enjoy all of it, yet I also enjoy sports. Many people have the stereotype that a person is either a jock or a person interested in the arts. I provide both and I think more people should. It opens up other friend groups and allows a person to have different sides of them.
Student-athletes also must take a lot of pride and focus in their sport. They must want to put in the work to be successful, and help their team. In order to be a successful athlete a player must buy into the team and focus on improving their game. Another thing athletes focus on the season at hand. Many play multiple sports, and coaches want to work with them for that sport year round. In order to become the best you can be a player should take one season at a time and not get distracted by non-season issues. If there is a conflict with a club sport or activity during the season they should focus on the in-season sport and worry about the other thing later.
Student-athletes have to juggle a lot of different things. Football? Music? School? It takes a lot of effort, but if a person can be well rounded and successful at everything they do then life is going to be great! Success will be earned in all of their activities and goals will be met in school. This will lead to options after high school that can lead to great things the rest of their lives.
Upsets
Upsets are the face of sports. Those are the games that make fans excited, and change up the pace of sports. Every team loves to be the upset as well. There isn't any better feeling than going into the game being projected to lose by everyone and then come out on top. Upsets prove that any team on any given day can beat anyone.
An upset is when an underdog team beats a great team or beats a team that is projected to beat them. When these games happen, which happens every week, it proves for a great story and shakes up the standings. A great upset game I went to was when Iowa State played the second ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys. It was a cold November night and everyone picked Oklahoma State to win. This was both teams last game of the year and the cowboys haven't lost all season, until that night. Iowa State ended up beating them in double overtime and changed the mindset of all college football. Instead of Oklahoma State going to the championship game, they went to a lesser bowl, which allowed the opportunity for another team to go to the title game.
These games are fun and peculiar at the same time. They are fun because everyone cheers for an underdog team if they are close to beating a great team. Fans love to see this! Also they are peculiar because no one besides the team that is playing expects them to actually win. Fans will cheer for an underdog team just because they can, but they don't actually expect them to win. The only people with faith are the team playing. Those players bond together more during weeks when they can underdogs on the sole fact that no one else does. I've been on that team. I've walked onto an opponent's field that had no respect for my team. They thought that they were better in every way imaginable. But one of the best feelings in sports is when you are able to do the unthinkable. When your team is challenged and succeeds. Those boos off the field were the best because we knew that we had succeeded.
Upsets. What a concept. The games that are "easier" turn out to be deciders. They end up changing the outcome of a season, or become the hardest game of the season. Upset bids happen all the time, and most of the time don't end up happening. But when they do, it changes sports and gives it a new life.
An upset is when an underdog team beats a great team or beats a team that is projected to beat them. When these games happen, which happens every week, it proves for a great story and shakes up the standings. A great upset game I went to was when Iowa State played the second ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys. It was a cold November night and everyone picked Oklahoma State to win. This was both teams last game of the year and the cowboys haven't lost all season, until that night. Iowa State ended up beating them in double overtime and changed the mindset of all college football. Instead of Oklahoma State going to the championship game, they went to a lesser bowl, which allowed the opportunity for another team to go to the title game.
These games are fun and peculiar at the same time. They are fun because everyone cheers for an underdog team if they are close to beating a great team. Fans love to see this! Also they are peculiar because no one besides the team that is playing expects them to actually win. Fans will cheer for an underdog team just because they can, but they don't actually expect them to win. The only people with faith are the team playing. Those players bond together more during weeks when they can underdogs on the sole fact that no one else does. I've been on that team. I've walked onto an opponent's field that had no respect for my team. They thought that they were better in every way imaginable. But one of the best feelings in sports is when you are able to do the unthinkable. When your team is challenged and succeeds. Those boos off the field were the best because we knew that we had succeeded.
Upsets. What a concept. The games that are "easier" turn out to be deciders. They end up changing the outcome of a season, or become the hardest game of the season. Upset bids happen all the time, and most of the time don't end up happening. But when they do, it changes sports and gives it a new life.
Early Mornings
How much to athletes truly sacrifice during off season workouts? How much time do they spend in the weight room or on the football field? The answer is; a lot of time! Successful athletes put in a lot more time than many spectators think for only a few months or the year.
For varsity football players there isn't an off season. Once the year ends after school activities start back up to train for next year. The one thing players have to get used to however, are early mornings. Last year I lifted every other day during the school year at 5am. I did this because I was able to lift with one of my coaches and some of my teammates, that way I was able to make a friendship with them and get to know my coach a little more. Also this opportunity was a great one for me because the teammates I lifted with tried their personal best every day, which made me try harder and eventually made me more successful. Now some might think that three days a week, waking up at five during the school year is a bit extreme. I'm not going to sugar coat it and say it was always easy because it wasn't. Many nights I would be up late finishing homework and then have a quick turnaround the next day. Even though sleep was on the underside of average I survived. I maintained being successful in school and improved myself physically.
Along with waking up early during the school year, the summer was when practices and weightlifting really picked up. Every other day we would go back and forth between the gym and the football field, starting at either 6 or 6:30, all summer long. Sure this is a lot of work. While friends can stay up late and hangout with each other and sleep in all summer long, I have to wake up early every day and try and stay on a schedule so that I'm not overly tired. This sucks sometimes knowing that you could be out hanging with the guys or the girlfriend, but the ultimate goal is to be making yourself better for your season.
I used to think waking up was the worst at 6 am. And some days 6am still feels terrible, but I've adapted and made this time change a part of my life. Sure it sucks sometimes, and makes you think, "Why am I doing this?" But the bonds you make with people and the better you become is a great feeling, and by the time you finish all of your work, everyone else is just getting up. No need to waste the day away when you can be productive.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Pressure
Sports are crazy are they not? People play a game for an income, the newspapers and news reports shed light on local teams daily. Yet, it is also a fun recreational activity that is inviting for all. How come so much emphasis is put on this subject? Why does there have to be so much pressure?
The higher up I've gone in sports the more pressure mounts on top of me. I started out playing MYFA football in the fourth grade, and nothing could have been more relaxed and carefree. Middle school comes around and you feel older. You are finally able to travel to other schools to play games, and have the first student section of your life (all ten of them). Then high school. Freshmen year you feel like a big kid, going around eastern Iowa representing your school. Sophomore year is one step better than that because you play directly in front of the varsity game, so the student section starts filling in right as leave the field. This year is varsity. This is the year you get the big student sections, thousands of fans at your games. The media is putting it on TV, your teammates get interviewed. The football team is the face of the school. Everyone has a response to the game whether positive or negative. How in so little time has the game I love been hyped up to something I've dreamed of?
The reason why I think so much hype and pressure is put on sports is because of the media, the reputation, and the pride of the school. Media tends to hype up everything. They like to make stories into a bigger deal than what they are so that they can make a good story. Their job is to hype up games and make everyone seem important in their own unique way. The reputation of the school is also added pressure. If you play for a school that expects winning and expects greatness, then players try and live up to that. They have a goal to achieve. If a school isn't known for a particular sport and then has a great season, its incredible the response the school sends off to them. They jump on the bandwagon and believe in their team. This is an incredible feeling for the team when this happens but applies a little pressure on their backs. And finally the pride that comes with it.
I use the word pride to describe what Kennedy High School has going on right now. The family stick. The purpose of that is to bond the team as one, but also represents every player on the team now and every player who ever wore a Kennedy football uniform. We invite three alumni back for every football game we play in order to incorporate them into our team. The pressure this adds is for us to make them proud. To make them remember Kennedy football and believe in us once again. Another thing I incorporate with pride is all of the younger players associated with Kennedy at either the elementary or middle school level. I used to be that kid. I used to look up to the varsity football team and think they were the greatest guys ever. When you play the game, you want to make those kids proud. You do it for them. You are seen as a role model to the whole program, and you use that to motivate yourself.
Pressure isn't always a bad thing, it's just something you must live with. Whether you want it or not it's going to be there. I've looked forward all my life for the two years I'm living right now. I'm not going to wish them away for anything. Throw all the pressure you got onto me, and I guarantee you I can handle it.
The higher up I've gone in sports the more pressure mounts on top of me. I started out playing MYFA football in the fourth grade, and nothing could have been more relaxed and carefree. Middle school comes around and you feel older. You are finally able to travel to other schools to play games, and have the first student section of your life (all ten of them). Then high school. Freshmen year you feel like a big kid, going around eastern Iowa representing your school. Sophomore year is one step better than that because you play directly in front of the varsity game, so the student section starts filling in right as leave the field. This year is varsity. This is the year you get the big student sections, thousands of fans at your games. The media is putting it on TV, your teammates get interviewed. The football team is the face of the school. Everyone has a response to the game whether positive or negative. How in so little time has the game I love been hyped up to something I've dreamed of?
The reason why I think so much hype and pressure is put on sports is because of the media, the reputation, and the pride of the school. Media tends to hype up everything. They like to make stories into a bigger deal than what they are so that they can make a good story. Their job is to hype up games and make everyone seem important in their own unique way. The reputation of the school is also added pressure. If you play for a school that expects winning and expects greatness, then players try and live up to that. They have a goal to achieve. If a school isn't known for a particular sport and then has a great season, its incredible the response the school sends off to them. They jump on the bandwagon and believe in their team. This is an incredible feeling for the team when this happens but applies a little pressure on their backs. And finally the pride that comes with it.
I use the word pride to describe what Kennedy High School has going on right now. The family stick. The purpose of that is to bond the team as one, but also represents every player on the team now and every player who ever wore a Kennedy football uniform. We invite three alumni back for every football game we play in order to incorporate them into our team. The pressure this adds is for us to make them proud. To make them remember Kennedy football and believe in us once again. Another thing I incorporate with pride is all of the younger players associated with Kennedy at either the elementary or middle school level. I used to be that kid. I used to look up to the varsity football team and think they were the greatest guys ever. When you play the game, you want to make those kids proud. You do it for them. You are seen as a role model to the whole program, and you use that to motivate yourself.
Pressure isn't always a bad thing, it's just something you must live with. Whether you want it or not it's going to be there. I've looked forward all my life for the two years I'm living right now. I'm not going to wish them away for anything. Throw all the pressure you got onto me, and I guarantee you I can handle it.
Fitness for a Cause
Many people think of fitness as a chore or task, but in reality there are a lot of fitness activities that can be done in your community every week. Along with doing the physical activity, many people still help donate and support organizations helping a cause with the help of sports.
Since it is now October, many sports teams and organizations support the color pink and breast cancer awareness. A simple and easy physical activity I was able to do in order to express my support was the Especially for You walk in downtown Cedar Rapids. This walk is to help support breast cancer and always seems to bring a large crowd. The walk is a fun and easy way to do a physical activity with friends and family, and still support an important cause. We took an extra step at Kennedy High School by making a group of Happiness Inc. members get together and do the walk. This for sure made it worthwhile, and demonstrated how a single group can have an impact. We all did the 5k run, which turned out to be a fantastic turnout as thousands from around the area came out to support, and participate. This just shows how the use of fitness can help people in need, and how it can be used in a fun manner. Fitness isn't a hard thing. It really isn't. As long as you are actively trying your personal best, activities can be found anywhere.
Along with actively participating, many people also use sports to help support causes. I think this is an extremely cool concept, and is effective because so many people are involved in sports. The NFL especially does a lot with breast cancer because they paint the pink ribbon on the fields, and allow the teams to wear pink uniforms and equipment during October. This recognition of breast cancer makes a lot of viewers aware of what's going on, and also helps with the donation of money to different foundations. I think it is really cool that for a whole month the NFL uses their TV publicity to support this cause, and has phone lines so people can call in and donate while watching the games. Many other sports don't make this kind of effort or support as the NFL does, and I respect the sport of football for all that it does.
I think the use of fun recreational activity, and professional sports, make one aware, and fosters support and promotes awareness to major diseases is something truly special, and should be appreciated more than what they are. I also enjoy doing activities in the community that go towards helping a certain cause so I think that more walks or promotions should happen; allowing for more support to go to these foundations.
Since it is now October, many sports teams and organizations support the color pink and breast cancer awareness. A simple and easy physical activity I was able to do in order to express my support was the Especially for You walk in downtown Cedar Rapids. This walk is to help support breast cancer and always seems to bring a large crowd. The walk is a fun and easy way to do a physical activity with friends and family, and still support an important cause. We took an extra step at Kennedy High School by making a group of Happiness Inc. members get together and do the walk. This for sure made it worthwhile, and demonstrated how a single group can have an impact. We all did the 5k run, which turned out to be a fantastic turnout as thousands from around the area came out to support, and participate. This just shows how the use of fitness can help people in need, and how it can be used in a fun manner. Fitness isn't a hard thing. It really isn't. As long as you are actively trying your personal best, activities can be found anywhere.
Along with actively participating, many people also use sports to help support causes. I think this is an extremely cool concept, and is effective because so many people are involved in sports. The NFL especially does a lot with breast cancer because they paint the pink ribbon on the fields, and allow the teams to wear pink uniforms and equipment during October. This recognition of breast cancer makes a lot of viewers aware of what's going on, and also helps with the donation of money to different foundations. I think it is really cool that for a whole month the NFL uses their TV publicity to support this cause, and has phone lines so people can call in and donate while watching the games. Many other sports don't make this kind of effort or support as the NFL does, and I respect the sport of football for all that it does.
I think the use of fun recreational activity, and professional sports, make one aware, and fosters support and promotes awareness to major diseases is something truly special, and should be appreciated more than what they are. I also enjoy doing activities in the community that go towards helping a certain cause so I think that more walks or promotions should happen; allowing for more support to go to these foundations.
Discipline
What do you relate to the word discipline? This word takes on many negative and positive connotations, allowing for people to have completely different meaning of its definition. In sports this word is used to describe successful teams and players who show a lot of commitment. Discipline can look bad in the eyes of some because of past experiences; such as practices or workouts, where disciplined showed up a lot. Others find it as a goal. They strive to be disciplined because they know that it brings success, and with success comes memories.
Discipline is also known as mental toughness. In this case the mental toughness of teams and players and how they use it to become better athletes, and even use it in their workouts to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Discipline is also known as mental toughness. In this case the mental toughness of teams and players and how they use it to become better athletes, and even use it in their workouts to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In football, discipline brings good teams to great teams. Being able to change up the snap counts, avoid penalties, and focus on having proper technique is what makes teams had to beat. During practice adversity is thrown at you all the time. The coaches want to prepare you for Friday night because undoubtedly adversity will strike during the game. Also, coaches do this to make the players more disciplined and more focused on the task at hand. For example, if a drill is messed up the coaches are there to help you learn from your mistakes. If a player is disciplined they take the correction, apply it, and learn from it.
Conditioning; the last word an athlete wants to hear. Conditioning is done at the end of practices and is really determined by the teams discipline. The team has two options in front of them. Either go hard and get better, or give up, not try, and remain the same. Some days are harder than others that's for sure, but the harder you can push yourself the better you will become. In football I've been pushed to what I thought was my limit, but then I decided to stay disciplined and find another side of me that I didn't know I had. Coaches somehow find a way to motivate players during conditioning to excel them to the next level and find out just how dedicated they are. During conditioning it is apparent what guys are disciplined and who aren't based on how hard they try and what mistakes they make. The great players, mentally, find another place to go, get done what they need to, and at the same time find it deep within them to motivate their teammates at the same time. This breeds success and leads to great things.
Discipline is only accomplished if the athlete can focus on what the task at hand is, and mentally tough enough to push through hard times and strive to help their team. A drive to succeed has to be burning inside and the dedication to do well must been seen in order to gain discipline. However, if a team can bond together and focus on the little things, they will be successful and be extremely hard to stop.
Discipline is only accomplished if the athlete can focus on what the task at hand is, and mentally tough enough to push through hard times and strive to help their team. A drive to succeed has to be burning inside and the dedication to do well must been seen in order to gain discipline. However, if a team can bond together and focus on the little things, they will be successful and be extremely hard to stop.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
The Importance of Lifting
Weightlifting is seen as a positive and a negative in the eyes of parents and people everywhere. Some say it affects their son or daughters body in a negative way by putting too much strain on their bodies to early in their life. Others argue that it is very effective because it allows for their child to get stronger and fit during a time of development. I agree with the fact that lifting is a great thing for kids to do, although there are some caveats if the exercise is not done properly.
I started lifting in seventh grade. I started because I wanted to get stronger so I could have more success in my sporting activities, and so I could stay physically fit. In middle school I did common lifts so that I could get my arms and legs stronger, but didn't do anything too strenuous so I wouldn't hurt myself. Once I got to high school however, I started lifting more often and made it into a lifestyle.
One reason why lifting is important is because it helps keep your body fit. As I talked about in a previous blog staying active is very important, and this is one activity that can be done for an hours worth of time. One thing to keep in mind when you lift though is that the body needs a break. Lifting every day of the week, every week is not good on your body at all. Lifting builds up lactic acid in your muscles because it uses all of them, and if a days rest between lifts is not used, then injuries can occur. Especially for heavy lifters, one day between lifts should happen otherwise eventually the body will get to warn out and eventually injure itself.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to lift smart. Lifting with friends or teammates is a great thing to do because it gives you a person to work with and they can also help motivate you. The one thing to be careful of is to not "overdue" yourself. Many kids try and match what their friends do, but in lifting this can't happen. The most injuries come from having to much weight on the bar, causing bad form, which leads to injuries. The lifter needs to know in their mind how much they can do and stick with that number no matter what their friend or partner is doing. It is a great thing to push yourself when you lift because that allows you to get stronger and make gains on your weights, but trying to do too much at one time can end badly.
Lifting is used in sports because it helps the athlete get stronger and more "athletic". I started lifting because of sports and then once I started, enjoyed it so much that I continue to do it in my daily life. The reason why coaches stress lifting as much as they do is because it can help prevent injuries during the season. The stronger your muscles are the better! A lot of injuries in sports are muscle related, whether that be a tear or strain of a muscle. Lifting can help strengthen this muscles so it is harder to injury yourself. It by no means prevents injuries 100%, but does help lower the number of injuries.
I use lifting as a common way to stay active and stay fit in my life, and it has allowed me to make new friends and grow closer to teammates. As long as the right protocols are taken by the lifter, I don't see any issue in doing it. It makes you look better, makes you feel better, and helps you in athletics. This is a fun activity to participate in, and I think all people should experience!
I started lifting in seventh grade. I started because I wanted to get stronger so I could have more success in my sporting activities, and so I could stay physically fit. In middle school I did common lifts so that I could get my arms and legs stronger, but didn't do anything too strenuous so I wouldn't hurt myself. Once I got to high school however, I started lifting more often and made it into a lifestyle.
One reason why lifting is important is because it helps keep your body fit. As I talked about in a previous blog staying active is very important, and this is one activity that can be done for an hours worth of time. One thing to keep in mind when you lift though is that the body needs a break. Lifting every day of the week, every week is not good on your body at all. Lifting builds up lactic acid in your muscles because it uses all of them, and if a days rest between lifts is not used, then injuries can occur. Especially for heavy lifters, one day between lifts should happen otherwise eventually the body will get to warn out and eventually injure itself.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to lift smart. Lifting with friends or teammates is a great thing to do because it gives you a person to work with and they can also help motivate you. The one thing to be careful of is to not "overdue" yourself. Many kids try and match what their friends do, but in lifting this can't happen. The most injuries come from having to much weight on the bar, causing bad form, which leads to injuries. The lifter needs to know in their mind how much they can do and stick with that number no matter what their friend or partner is doing. It is a great thing to push yourself when you lift because that allows you to get stronger and make gains on your weights, but trying to do too much at one time can end badly.
Lifting is used in sports because it helps the athlete get stronger and more "athletic". I started lifting because of sports and then once I started, enjoyed it so much that I continue to do it in my daily life. The reason why coaches stress lifting as much as they do is because it can help prevent injuries during the season. The stronger your muscles are the better! A lot of injuries in sports are muscle related, whether that be a tear or strain of a muscle. Lifting can help strengthen this muscles so it is harder to injury yourself. It by no means prevents injuries 100%, but does help lower the number of injuries.
I use lifting as a common way to stay active and stay fit in my life, and it has allowed me to make new friends and grow closer to teammates. As long as the right protocols are taken by the lifter, I don't see any issue in doing it. It makes you look better, makes you feel better, and helps you in athletics. This is a fun activity to participate in, and I think all people should experience!
Preparation
The key to winning a game or losing a game is determined by the preparation the team puts forth. If a team looks past an opponent or doesn't watch film and discover what plays they like to run, it will be difficult for them to win the game. Preparation is looking at the opponent, practicing what the opponent does, hard work, and creating a strategy that will hopefully beat the opponent.
In football, preparation is the difference between good teams and less successful teams. Good teams study their opponents and train for them week by week. Poor teams don't care what the other team does because they think they are better than them no matter what. If a team does this wins will be very hard to come by. As a football player I watch film every day for the opponent I have the next week. This allows me to look and find their "star" players, and get a sense of the offense and defense that they run. This also allows me to look at the guy/guys I will be blocking that night and see what they are like.
Each week at practice we have what's called a "scout offense" and "scout defense" units. These teams mimic what the opponent will look like. These players are very helpful to the team because they make the starters better by giving them a good look, and allows the coaches to see their skill even though they aren't the starters. The only thing a scout team normally can't simulate is the speed at which the other team does their plays. Since the opponent runs these plays every day for months on end, a week of doing the plays will be the same speed as in a game.
Another part of preparation that is important is never overlooking an opponent. Teams tend to do this all the time! When a better team faces a team that might not be the same level that they are, teams tend to look towards the team the play the following week, or just don't prepare. This is a terrible habit! This leads to upsets in sports, and asks for unsuccessful play if this occurs.
The last thing a team needs to do to be as prepared as possible is work hard all week. No matter the opponent the effort should always be there. Naturally teams work harder if they have a difficult opponent the next week, but if a team works hard every week, success happens. Hard work has a correlation with success, and it feels great when you know you have done everything in your power to prepare for a game, and when you play well. This leads to confidence and a sense of pride of what you're doing, and that leads to success and winning.
In football, preparation is the difference between good teams and less successful teams. Good teams study their opponents and train for them week by week. Poor teams don't care what the other team does because they think they are better than them no matter what. If a team does this wins will be very hard to come by. As a football player I watch film every day for the opponent I have the next week. This allows me to look and find their "star" players, and get a sense of the offense and defense that they run. This also allows me to look at the guy/guys I will be blocking that night and see what they are like.
Each week at practice we have what's called a "scout offense" and "scout defense" units. These teams mimic what the opponent will look like. These players are very helpful to the team because they make the starters better by giving them a good look, and allows the coaches to see their skill even though they aren't the starters. The only thing a scout team normally can't simulate is the speed at which the other team does their plays. Since the opponent runs these plays every day for months on end, a week of doing the plays will be the same speed as in a game.
Another part of preparation that is important is never overlooking an opponent. Teams tend to do this all the time! When a better team faces a team that might not be the same level that they are, teams tend to look towards the team the play the following week, or just don't prepare. This is a terrible habit! This leads to upsets in sports, and asks for unsuccessful play if this occurs.
The last thing a team needs to do to be as prepared as possible is work hard all week. No matter the opponent the effort should always be there. Naturally teams work harder if they have a difficult opponent the next week, but if a team works hard every week, success happens. Hard work has a correlation with success, and it feels great when you know you have done everything in your power to prepare for a game, and when you play well. This leads to confidence and a sense of pride of what you're doing, and that leads to success and winning.
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