A few questions running through my mind while my wife watched Downton Abbey while the Seahawks are getting ready to kick off. Compromises, Compromises.
-Did Joe Maddon and Kris Bryant really make that much difference for the Cubs? They would lead any other division in baseball, after being an average or less team for several years.
-The Seahawks are 0-1 before tonight's game, but it's not time to push the panic button. The Champion always gets everyone's best shot. The Seahawks are still the NFC Champions, a couple of yards and one completion away from back-to-back Super Bowls. Or one Marshawn Lynch run. At least I'm not bitter about it.
-Are the Blue Jays really a juggernaut? Their trade deadline moves have been solid, and the team has played very well. Look out for them in the playoffs.
-Interesting how the Big Ten has the first two spots in the weekly poll. So much for it being an SEC world and we're living in it. Maybe Brett Bielema should have stayed in Wisconsin. Gotta wonder how this will play out. Love College Football.
-The United States found a way to win the Solheim Cup today. Controversy showed the way. Match play, for the uninitiated, means that sometime putts are "given" or "conceded". A nice way of saying you're going ot make it, so it's good. Suzanne Pettersen refused to concede a put and the U.S. rode the momentum to the win. Moral of the story:-Just do the right thing.
-If you read this blog consistenly, you know that I have gone from coach to official. This week found some last minute work including my first Varsity Volleyball match. It went without incident, but the truth is, the match was over before it started. One team was overmatched, both by talent and experience. It was hard to watch.
-Had my one round of golf for the year, too. I shot 86, with two balls in the water. I spent a day to treasure with my oldest brother. Just the two of us, playing golf together on the course our dad played, the one I grew up playing. He shot a career best. Glad I could see it.
-So, am I off base?
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Why I Love Sports
I have a son who used to love sports. He played baseball the most, hockey pretty well, a little basketball and soccer. I played a little bit of everything over the years, mosty recreational because the opportunities to play organized sports were much less in my day. If I had been wiser, maybe I would be a household name. You're right, probably not.
Still, I love sports. They are a part of my life and will be as long as I live. I guess the question is Why?
Did you watch Joe Montana take the 49ers down the field to win a Super Bowl, turning Sam Wyche into a certified basket case?
Do you know the feel of a perfectly struck iron shot?
Remember Dr. J setting up practice in such a way Magic had his jaw on his shoe tops?
Ever tried to hit a back door slider on a 2-2 count?
Three words: Spin and Win.
How about Lefty Mickelson and his imaginative short game.
The Intimidator lining up his next victim.
The Great One in his office behind the net.
Pele changing soccer in America. "Love. Love. Love."
The Golden Bear stalking a major. Arnie still wowing people with his drink in his 80's. The Black Knight still in better shape than most people as an octogenarian.
Barry Sanders breaking a long run by breaking DB's ankles.
The Dolphins making a dynasty the old fashioned way.
Petty making Daytona his personal playground.
MJ taking off at the foul line.
John Wooden and his rolled up program.
The point is they show what we can do if we work hard enough and use the talents we are given. They are people, too, with their strengths and weaknesses. They didn't stop when they got it right. They loved it enough not to stop even when they couldn't get it wrong.
Do they fail? Yes. So do we. Just a matter of getting up one more time.
I could go on for a long time. You have your own memories and reasons you love sports. Insert them here.
Still, I love sports. They are a part of my life and will be as long as I live. I guess the question is Why?
Did you watch Joe Montana take the 49ers down the field to win a Super Bowl, turning Sam Wyche into a certified basket case?
Do you know the feel of a perfectly struck iron shot?
Remember Dr. J setting up practice in such a way Magic had his jaw on his shoe tops?
Ever tried to hit a back door slider on a 2-2 count?
Three words: Spin and Win.
How about Lefty Mickelson and his imaginative short game.
The Intimidator lining up his next victim.
The Great One in his office behind the net.
Pele changing soccer in America. "Love. Love. Love."
The Golden Bear stalking a major. Arnie still wowing people with his drink in his 80's. The Black Knight still in better shape than most people as an octogenarian.
Barry Sanders breaking a long run by breaking DB's ankles.
The Dolphins making a dynasty the old fashioned way.
Petty making Daytona his personal playground.
MJ taking off at the foul line.
John Wooden and his rolled up program.
The point is they show what we can do if we work hard enough and use the talents we are given. They are people, too, with their strengths and weaknesses. They didn't stop when they got it right. They loved it enough not to stop even when they couldn't get it wrong.
Do they fail? Yes. So do we. Just a matter of getting up one more time.
I could go on for a long time. You have your own memories and reasons you love sports. Insert them here.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Officially Working
It had to happen sooner or later. The law of averages catches up with everyone. It finally got to me.
I worked my first volleyball match as an official since the Bush Administration. The first Bush Administration. I called lines for Bethel volleyball's final home match in 1990. The hiatus ended tonight.
I filled in for another official and worked a Junior High match at Jimtown. They played Northwood, an occasional rivalry in the past that became a conference match for the first time. Jimtown plays in the Big 11, which means very little outside of St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties in Northern Indiana. It is, however, the biggest Junior High Conference in the area and encompasses most of the Junior High Schools in the Elkhart, Penn, Mishawaka and Concord School Districts, among others. The quality of the competition is ususally pretty good.
Let me say something right now. Nothing nasty was said. No coaches yelled at me. No players rolled their eyes, unusual for 12-14 year old girls. Both schools were class acts and had good kids learning how to play together. My partner for the evening, who I met for the first time, carried me. Amanda was gracious and helpful, and worth a lot more than she was paid tonight. I am grateful to have such an experienced partner for my first foray into the valley of death in a while.
The first match, I was first official, the one on the ladder. On the whole, I did well. I crossed my signals up a couple of times, and couldn't remember how to end a set and a match. Amanda gave me a gentle reminder and we made it work. As second official in the eight grade match, I had a rotation check. I am absolutely sure I got it right. I caught the touches at the net, and had still struggled to hear the coaches call for substitutes.
I didn't feel like a fifth wheel. I knew what was going on from one point to the next. Didn't see any obvious or subtle overlaps. Had a setter that wanted to move early, but she only did it once, and it didn't effect the outcome (they lost a quick rally.) I didn't call attention to myself, and I don't want to. It's still about the kids playing a game. I just want to keep it fair and fun.
Will I get better? Absolutely. There is only one direction to go, really. Was I obviously, noticably bad on my mechanics? Maybe if you knew what you were looking for. Did I enjoy it? Yes. The volleyball was decent, Northwood winning the Seventh Grade, Jimtown winning the Eighth Grade, both in straight sets.
I learned a lot. I have a lot more to learn. I just need reps. More opportunities to work, to learn. I have the next four Tuesdays, two in front of fans I usually announce for at Elkhart Christian Academy. I have two High School Freshman matches upcoming, and I hope it goes like tonight at best.
I learned something else. How much I enjoy volleyball as a game. It is one of the most true team efforts you will find anywhere. Sacrifice is rewarded, and building your individual skills only helps build the team. It takes a combination of athleticism, speed of mind and solid hand-eye skills. It is fun to watch, fun to play, and I can see how teams get to be so tightly knit.
Just follow the rules and don't make me blow the whistle.
I worked my first volleyball match as an official since the Bush Administration. The first Bush Administration. I called lines for Bethel volleyball's final home match in 1990. The hiatus ended tonight.
I filled in for another official and worked a Junior High match at Jimtown. They played Northwood, an occasional rivalry in the past that became a conference match for the first time. Jimtown plays in the Big 11, which means very little outside of St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties in Northern Indiana. It is, however, the biggest Junior High Conference in the area and encompasses most of the Junior High Schools in the Elkhart, Penn, Mishawaka and Concord School Districts, among others. The quality of the competition is ususally pretty good.
Let me say something right now. Nothing nasty was said. No coaches yelled at me. No players rolled their eyes, unusual for 12-14 year old girls. Both schools were class acts and had good kids learning how to play together. My partner for the evening, who I met for the first time, carried me. Amanda was gracious and helpful, and worth a lot more than she was paid tonight. I am grateful to have such an experienced partner for my first foray into the valley of death in a while.
The first match, I was first official, the one on the ladder. On the whole, I did well. I crossed my signals up a couple of times, and couldn't remember how to end a set and a match. Amanda gave me a gentle reminder and we made it work. As second official in the eight grade match, I had a rotation check. I am absolutely sure I got it right. I caught the touches at the net, and had still struggled to hear the coaches call for substitutes.
I didn't feel like a fifth wheel. I knew what was going on from one point to the next. Didn't see any obvious or subtle overlaps. Had a setter that wanted to move early, but she only did it once, and it didn't effect the outcome (they lost a quick rally.) I didn't call attention to myself, and I don't want to. It's still about the kids playing a game. I just want to keep it fair and fun.
Will I get better? Absolutely. There is only one direction to go, really. Was I obviously, noticably bad on my mechanics? Maybe if you knew what you were looking for. Did I enjoy it? Yes. The volleyball was decent, Northwood winning the Seventh Grade, Jimtown winning the Eighth Grade, both in straight sets.
I learned a lot. I have a lot more to learn. I just need reps. More opportunities to work, to learn. I have the next four Tuesdays, two in front of fans I usually announce for at Elkhart Christian Academy. I have two High School Freshman matches upcoming, and I hope it goes like tonight at best.
I learned something else. How much I enjoy volleyball as a game. It is one of the most true team efforts you will find anywhere. Sacrifice is rewarded, and building your individual skills only helps build the team. It takes a combination of athleticism, speed of mind and solid hand-eye skills. It is fun to watch, fun to play, and I can see how teams get to be so tightly knit.
Just follow the rules and don't make me blow the whistle.
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