Wet Wednesday

For Dr. Lee's Sport Marketing Class, we were assigned a project called a Sport Experience Audit. We were to divide into groups and chose a sporting event to prepare a questionnaire and to distribute it at the venue. My group members and myself chose to survey Cyclones fans at US Bank, and worked weeks on perfecting the questions. After some minor mishaps, we finally got the approval required from Dr. Lee and the Cyclones staff. Last night was the big night, where we were to find all of our data and get the results from the fans. Going into it, I had a feeling it was going to turn out badly. I was not entirely correct with this theory, but things did not definitely go smoothly. Being a Wednesday night, we weren't sure how the crowds would be, even though it was Wet Wednesday, meaning $1 beer night. With only 3 of us to find people willing enough, it was nearly impossible to obtain the 100 required for the project. After getting denied time after time, I gave up asking people and put the others in charge of recruiting. We came close to meeting our goal of 100 questionnaires completed, which is much more than we could have asked for.
Robby's dad got us one of his friend's suites, which was right behind the goal, and a decent view of the arena. He brought some friends, we reviewed the surveys, made friends with our suite neighbors, and enjoyed the game. The Cyclones dominated the Reading Royals with a 5-0 shutout. All in all, it was a good experience, but definitely a challenging one.

Spring Training

Saturday, February 14th, pitchers and catchers reported for the final time to Sarasota, Florida for the Cincinnati Reds Spring Training. Tomorrow, February 17th, position players must report to start their preseason physicals and warm-ups. Things are going to be run differently this season, as Dusty Baker has a season with the Reds under his belt, and has a better idea of his priorities for the team. On the 40 man roster, there are 4 catchers fighting for the starting position, with some veterans and one youngster. Craig Tatum is a rookie out of Mississippi up against Hanigan, Castillo, and Hernandez for the spot. In the past, we have had decent defensive catchers, but are horrible when behind the plate of an opposing pitcher. LaRue, Ross, Valentin, and Bako are a few names that may ring a bell that didn't last in the organization over the past few years. The Reds continually say they are a young team and always look to the next year. Then, next year comes around, and the same thing is said. The pattern continues with under .500 seasons, and nothing is done to improve the organization. Hopefully, this year, the tides will turn, and the Reds can finish higher than last place in their division.

Health and Food

After writing my paper for my Health Issues class about my personal health and health history, I have come to the realization that I am no where close to as healthy as I want to be. My family has a long history of medical problems, and soon enough, I am going to be another one of them if I don't change my ways. I have always had problems controlling my eating habits, and obesity is the cause of countless issues out there. After eight people in my family being diagnosed with diabetes, I can see that I am a prime target for this disease. If I don't change my ways and become more physically fit, time will only tell when I will be #9. In addition to this, stress plays a key role in determining my health. Although there are not many things I don't worry about, I have realized that where I am now is nothing compared to what it could and will be in the future. I need to soak up all that I can now and not worry about the little things in life, for they will work themselves out.
This weekend, I was determined to take advantage of the warm weather and get healthier one step at a time, so I began by experiencing tennis for the first time in addition to my walk around the neighbor hood. Although I didn't eat as healthily as I would have liked, it tasted good going down, but I know how much harder I have to work to get the fat off. I work out in at my gym twice a week already, but I still have to stay active all the other days of the week to fight off my food obsession.

Happy Birthday

February 10, 1939, my aunt Liz was born the middle child of 5. Things weren't always easy for them, and I can't even imagine how different things were from today. Life without cell phones, computers, and tv's are unfathomable and I don't know if I could have survived, as pathetic as that sounds. I think Liz is the one to blame for my slight obsession and where my love for the Reds all began. Far before I was born, Liz was devoted to the Redlegs. She was played an active role in Rosie Reds and was a season ticket holder for decades. We spent countless nights at Riverfront together and I will never forget the man who sat next in the seats next to her with his 90s earphones and nightly scorecard. If we weren't at the game, we were listening to Marty and Joe or watching it on tv. Liz taught me so much more than just about the Reds, but overcoming obstacles and defeating the impossible. She stuck with something no matter how hard the times were- after the death of her mom, being diagnosed with diabetes, or taking care of my grandpa when he needed her most. After suffering a severe diagnosis of dimentia and later Alzheimer's, she did her best in living the life she had known, and stuck around much longer than anyone thought she would. Last July, she lost this battle but not the game. She is no longer with us, but her view of the ballpark will just be a little higher up in the stands from now on.

Volleyball Withdrawl

It has officially been a week without any volleyball activity (unless you consider Friday night league at Western Sports Mall, which is a poor excuse for any physical activity, and volleyball is a word used lightly). We had our last GWAC game a week ago from Sunday, and I have been in withdrawl to say the least. Even though there were times I swore I was going to walk out of that gym and quit the whole coaching thing even though it has barely just begun, I really do miss the girls and the atmosphere.
St. Al's is not your typical school, for it is barely holding on, with 10-20 people per grade, some grades and classes combined, sacraments recieved such as Reconciliation and Confirmation only take place every other year, and much less room for success because of the small size. The outstanding students have to stoop down to the level of their classmates because the resources are not available for advancement, in both academics and athletics. Although there may be some disadvantages of small school life, there are many things I wish I would have been able to grow up with that I didn't at St. Dominic. The community atmosphere is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. In Sayler Park, everyone knows everyone else, and you can always come to them when you need a favor or help, they have your back. The people I met during this experience are some of the most selfless, compassionate individuals that would do anything for another person. Their priorities are about other people, whereas most other places, people only concern themselves about their own personal interests.
I had enough trouble dealing with withdrawl during Christmas and New Year's, I don't know how well the next 8 months will turn out. I will definitely keep in touch with Anne and her family through e-mail or an occasional lunch, or I may go insane.