I am from Toledo, Ohio – it is the region along the border of Michigan and Ohio, which was officially obtained by Ohio after the Toledo War. Local college football fans in my hometown take the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan very serious. I completed my undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University and it is difficult to hide the fact that I am an avid Ohio State fan. Although I received my undergraduate degree in psychology, my interest in the sociocultural aspects of sport grew when I met with Dr. Spencer in 2010. When choosing what university to attend for my master’s degree, she had a great influence on my decision to come to BGSU. Go Falcons!!
My participation in sports ended when I went to college. In high school I ran cross country and I played lacrosse. Now, I would rather run for fun (if that is possible) and there is no professional women’s lacrosse league (hopefully that will change). I follow both collegiate and professional sports and there are very few sports I will not watch. Currently, if I had to choose one female athlete to see compete it would be Missy Franklin at one of her high school meets. I think that her story in fascinating and if I had the opportunity to interview her that would be an added bonus. The Detroit Tigers are my favorite baseball team as well as my favorite professional team; I follow them from pre- to post- season. Every time I have the chance to see Justin Verlander pitch I feel like I am watching something memorable. However, I’ve always wished that I could have seen "Iron Man" Cal Ripken Jr in person. Specifically, when he broke the record for most consecutive games played on September 6, 1995.
In the graduate program my area of emphasis is Sport Administration (SA). Graduate school has challenged me and I truly enjoy my own classes. However, I have high expectations for the undergraduate courses I TA because I find your options/thoughts on various subjects very valuable. Critical thinking is a necessary skill and this course continues to help you develop that skill. My concern for this course is that discussions will be stalled if people are fearful of sharing their thoughts. I am looking forward to respectful and insightful class discussions. If there is a fear to share thoughts publicly then I hope they are expressed in your journals because it is important to reflect on the content of this course. The readings will supplement the content and your discussions so it helps when you reference them in your journal entries and blogs. I am excited to get to know everyone and this is going to be a great semester.
GO BLUE!!!
ReplyDeleteKara, I just wanted to share a story with you that still amazes me today. This summer, I worked at Comerica Park. The game that Verlander has his no-hitter ruined with one out in the 9th against the Pirates I was working in the D Shop and following the game on the big TV that was in there.
ReplyDeleteBottom of the 9th and the best pitcher in baseball has a no-hitter, and there were STILL people shopping! I couldn't believe it. I couldn't say anything to them at risk of losing my job but I just imagined the thousands of people who wish they could have those people's tickets.
The fact that you said that you always had a chance to see something memorable made me think of that because it is true. Even the people in Kansas City got to see something memorable the other night. It was just the third time in JV's career that he gave up more than 7 earned runs. I hope the boys have a great September and the White Sox fall off the map. Only time will tell though.
-Geoff Roberts
Hey Geoff!
ReplyDeleteThat is an extremely memorable story; it does amaze me that people do not capitalize on their opportunities to witness historical moments in sport. I probably would have been fired for telling people to go back to their seats! I think with all the opportunities to catch game highlights and watch segments of games online has made people unappreciative of seeing games live and in person. There was not as much media coverage in the past; most of the time the sport section of your local newspaper was the only way to find out game scores and details. Now you do not miss much, but the experience and that is both a good and a bad thing. I agree they do not have much of a chance at the wild card so they better win the division. They had a great series against the White Sox, but they left two men on base in the 9th last night and that was upsetting!
Kara