Not a lot of people know this, but I pride myself in keeping a pretty elaborate personal journal. Entries are made periodically, so I thought I would share some of my past sports related entries taking place on the UW campus. Dear Journal...
Thurs, Oct. 6
Intramural volleyball. Not too happy about playing at 10:00 p.m. Gets in the way of too many things. Anyway, had a few roadies before entering the SERF and handed it to a bunch of freshmen, though some appear they may have redshirted last year. Refs call me for multiple net violations. Contemplating getting in the face of the little guy with bangs down to his chin.
After the game, girl on opposite team inquires if we were indeed all seniors. Luke, in his best James Bond-esque response, \Nope ... we're super seniors,"" as he adjusts his hair and walks away full of pride and with a smile from ear-to-ear. After serving a one game suspension the week earlier, we improve our record to 2-0.
Sun, Oct. 9
Intramural dodgeball. Get a surprise call today from Gard looking for a sub with a strong arm. Still nursing a hangover, I reluctantly play. Forget my ID, so I have to sweet talk my way into the Nat. (Really just told the girl I forgot it and she instructed me bring it next time). Rules are pretty similar to the movie and the play is just as intense.
We play a team that looks to be dressed for a '70s workout video. Maybe trying to throw a curveball at us. My crew looks like the cast from the movie ""Trainspotting."" Not too optimistic.
First ball I get, I land a direct head shot from about five feet away. Immediately ejected from the game, but it was worth it. Opposing team talks a lot of smack. I keep my mouth shut. End up sweeping 3-0.
Tue, Oct. 11, 9:55.
Tennis 1. I really enjoy this class. Nothing too difficult, just a little workout in the morning. We practice ball control in a circle and soon have a contest of who can hit the ball the most times on the outer part of the racquet. I don't place in the money. Notice girl still has the plastic on the handle of her racquet. Maybe going to return it later? None of my business.
Later we go over the basics of the forehand. The professor reminds me a little of the Milosh character from Seinfeld. Good guy though. Is Tennis II in my near future?
Tue. Oct. 11, 11:00
Basketball 1. Hustle to my illegally parked purple car and make the 30-second drive to the Nat. Missed this class last week and asked for the notes from Roz Thursday at Brats. No laugh. Either she didn't get the joke or it just wasn't funny.
Quite possibly my most difficult class this semester. Defensive slides and boxing-out drills are something I thought I rid myself of years ago, but they have come back to haunt me once again. I am out of shape, and I need to wear a brace on my knee or I am unable to move. Depressing.
Working on a pick-and-roll drill for 30 minutes is taking a lot out of me. Soon realize I am not good at this sport anymore. I'm tired and out of breath. Finally, we end class and talk about what we have learned today. Today's lesson, ""Have good spacing when you set a pick on the defender."" I hope that one is on the midterm.
Good friends with the T.A., but after six years, still not sure what Weyer he actually is. Should clear that up soon.
Jon is a senior majoring in English and Journalism. He can be reached for comment at jrmcnamara@wisc.edu.
