My name is Kevin Shiley and I am currently a senior at Bowling Green State University in the Sport Management program. I am from Avon Lake, Ohio which is about 20 minutes West of Cleveland. Growing up so close to Cleveland, I am a huge fan of all Cleveland sports. Needless to say, I absolutely hate Lebron James.
Coming to BGSU I was very interested in trying out the sport of rugby thanks to my cousin who played here for four years. Not having any background of the game other than watching a few matches throughout the years I immediately loved everything it had to offer. Despite a recent injury in the Fall of 2009, I was forced to quit rugby in the Spring as I started my practicum with the BGSU Football program as a student-manager. After completing my practicum requirement, I continue to work with the football team as I assist Coach Nick Monroe who works with the safeties. After a very long and grueling camp, I am very excited to start the season as the college football season kicks off Thursday, September 2nd (BG doesn't start until Saturday the 4th at Troy).
When thinking of a global sport/event to witness in person, I have a few sports I would like to see. After the conclusion of the recent FIFA World Cup being able to watch one of those games would be an experience of a lifetime, whether it is hosted with the vuvuzela's in South Africa or the soccer fanatics in Europe, going to the World Cup would be unbelievable. Another global sporting event I would like to go to would be the Olympics, specifically the Winter games. Without a doubt, I would like to go back a few months and travel up to Vancouver and watch the U.S. beat Canada in hockey. I am a big fan of hockey and I will never forget watching that game on TV (the gold medal game was a heart breaker). However, the #1 global sporting event I would like to go to would be the Rugby World Cup. Just being able to travel to the host country (New Zealand) would be a trip to remember but seeing an international rugby match in New Zealand would be amazing. Although you might not have a clue what is going on, the following link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdZ7dQrjQzs&feature=fvw) shows some of the intensity and impressive plays of the 2007 Rugby World Cup hosted by France.
Hi Kevin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about your global sports' interests. The music on the video you posted sounds about right for watching rugby. What intrigued me about the game was that it is continuous action (much like soccer--or futbol, as it is called throughout the rest of the world). In addition, I was amazed to see how hard the players hit each other, and yet with very little padding, as we see in the NFL. As I recall, players cannot pass the ball forward, is that correct? But they can kick it forward. Anyway, I am glad you posted this and look forward to seeing more rugby clips in class.
Dr. Spencer
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ReplyDeleteNow, I have a hard time commenting on a blog that has originated in the mind of a westsider. BUT, I am a Cleveland fan too, and hate Lebron with a burning passion.
ReplyDeleteI have not entirely understood the rules of rugby, but frankly never needed to. If I was not so involved with soccer, I would have picked up lacrosse or rugby- despite my size. Not because of the short- shorts, but because of the nature of the game...one with little equipment and lots of endurance.
Long and grueling camp- I almost thought you played...but I bet holding a clipboard was hard enough...
See you in class Mr. Shiley.
I didn't know there was antagonism between east-siders and west-siders. I thought it was just between Akron and Cleveland:-)
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