Is it really like that?

The locker room...what really goes on?  I mean is it all inspiring and motivational in between half-times, intermissions, or breaks;  or are there times when there is nothing but silence and the team members basically do as they please?  From my past experiences, locker rooms really were not where the talks happened, but instead it all took place on the bus to and from meets and competitions or car rides to and from.  It also happened at the starting line and the gate to take the ice.  There were times though where high school basketball teams came out after their break and the team looked completely different.  Sometimes the girls came out and looked as if they were crying, others came out looking like they were ready for war, and the men came out as if they were out for revenge.  The football team really never had anything inspirational or motivational to say so they mainly laid down in their lockers and and just tried to catch their breath.  The coach got to them during the game and in practice after games days when the films were viewed.  I really do not know which is best.  I feel as if we all respond differently and certain tactics work better than others in different circumstances.

Watch Him Run

The Steelers game against Tampa Bay ended in a very surprising score of 38-13, which they thought was going to be a closer game.  The Steelers looked strong and so did Charlie Bach in the pocket.  Bach only made a few errors throughout the entire 4 quarters.  For me though, the highlight of the game was when Brett Kiesel caught the tipped ball for an interception and ran it all the way back for a 79 yard touchdown.  I mean we all expect the guys with speed and agility to run the ball all the way down the field, but personally it is nice for a change of pace to see someone step up their game and make plays they normally would not make.  Everyone on the Steelers team and in the stands appreciated it that as well.  Kiesel was rewarded with his first ever touchdown that game and truly deserved keeping the ball.  To see someone of his size running down the field with his fellow teammates protecting him, is just something that you do not think is going to happen every game, but when it does, it just opens everyone's eyes.  Anyone is capable of anything; it is just if they apply themselves or not and if they want it bad enough to keep pushing and reaching for better.

Having the Talent and No Desire

Why is it that most of the athletes that have the talent do not have the desire, but end up getting far.  At the same time, athletes that have all the want and desire in the world end up falling short of their dreams due to insufficient funding or injuries.  It just does not seem fair to see those who do not wish to be where they are succeeding, while those who are willing to risk everything sitting at the bottom wondering where they went wrong.  Too many talented athletes don't live up to expectations for various reasons, whether its drugs, alcohol, or abuse charges, but they are still given a chance and make the decision not to follow through with chance they have been given.  Meanwhile, an athlete that would never have gotten into that type of trouble is sitting at home moving on to a profession in the business world instead of following their dreams in the sports world.  It's just funny how things have way of working out even if they really don't make much sense.

Another Game We CANNOT See...

Ok so the hockey season is up and running now, well at least the pre-season and nothing annoys me more than not being able to see the game.  Listening to the radio versus watching it on television is just not the same.  I know everyone wants to be there in person, but unfortunately, most of us cannot be.  One major complaint of mine is that most of the teams and most competitive games cannot be viewed on normal television.  I mean some of us do not live the pampered life and get all of the extra satellite channels here at college.  It would be nice to see a successful team such as the Penguins, get more television time over some of the others that might be struggling.  Due to their recent success and new arena it just seems fair.

Just a Tid-Bit of Me...

My name is Stephanie Clark and currently I am a sophomore attending Slippery Rock University, majoring in journalism and minoring in sport management.  I graduated from Fort Cherry High School and reside in a small town on the outside of Pittsburgh, PA.  Here at the university I participate in cross-country and track and field, but when I am back home I also ice-skate as well.
While I am back home I coach ice-skating lessons both privately and as a group along with working at Adidas at the Tanger Outlets.
Either place, whether it be at home or the university there is always something for me to be doing. There is never a dull moment.  Not only am I involved in sports around campus, but I also take part in a few other activities as well as being a member of the Honors Program, writing blogs for the school and serving as a Peer Leader for FYRST Seminar.
That is definitely a load and at times very trying on top of school work to balance and manage, but it works itself out eventually even if that means not getting a lot of sleep.  It definitely becomes less of a necessity once college hits, so when I get a free moment relaxing and sleeping is normally a top priority as sad as that is.  When I am not sleeping and I have a free moment I like to keep busy and hangout with friends, and watch movies, go shopping, and just have a good time and try to stay positive and in a good humor as much as possible no matter what.
In the end, at the commencement of my education here I would ultimately like to pursue a career as a   sports journalist.  So, thats just a tid-bit of me!  :)