All About Me: Sports - Kids on the Net

The year was 1999. My father and I were in the car on the way to a place my dad kept calling, 'The Y.' I wasn't quite sure what he meant by that; I was only six. I remember it was a Saturday, and I was happy that there was no school. I was an energetic and crazy kid, so my dad thought it would be time to introduce me to the sport called basketball.

We finally arrived at 'The Y' which I discovered was slang for the Young Men's Christian Association. My dad and I went inside to the big gym upstairs, where there were seven or eight other father and son combos. I wasn't sure what was going on, so I stayed close to my dad until two older guys came in with bags full of soccer balls, footballs, baseballs and tennis balls. I knew what all the balls were except for one orange one. Little did I know that ball would consume my life.

The fathers and sons began playing football, soccer, baseball, and even tennis. I was having a great time. At my school I played football and soccer at recess, and I really liked playing those sports. After soccer was done the older guys started passing out basketballs so I took one.

The first time I picked up a basketball, a sort of feeling shot through my body. It was like a whole new world was opening up to me. I saw a kid shoot it at one of the hoops in the gym, so I copied him and chucked it up there. It went in! I felt proud of myself and then I thought of how fun this game could be. The dads and sons played a couple of games of basketball and I liked it more than any other game we had played previously. When we got home, I grabbed a basketball my dad had in the garage and used my neighbor's basketball hoop. I played for a good two hours before I had to go inside and get ready for dinner.

That same night, I asked my mom and dad if we could get our own basketball hoop. After a couple of days they agreed, and we went out and bought one. That hoop is easily one of the top ten things I have ever received. I spent hours at a time playing basketball after school. Eventually I became pretty good for my age, and when I got old enough my parents signed me up in the HYAA (Hooksett Youth Athletic Association). I was playing organized basketball for the first time.

My dad played basketball back when he was in High school, he was extremely talented. He probably could have played college basketball at a Division 1 or 2 school. His basketball career was stopped short when he had a child with his girlfriend. He had to get a job and he could not play basketball anymore. When I started playing, I think he felt he had an obligation to teach me the rules, secrets, and skills to become a great player. His teachings have helped me tremendously. He sees if I am struggling with something in basketball and will try to help me out with it so I can get over it.

When I am playing basketball, everything else in the world stops; it doesn't matter. All that matters is winning the game, or working hard at the practices. Some people ask me why I care so much or why I try so hard and I respond by saying, 'How can I not?' I understand not all people can share the same passion of the game as me but when I am playing nothing will or can stop me from doing my absolute best to achieve something.

To me, basketball is not only a sport; it's my life. I am always thinking about basketball, about what I could have done better in my previous game. Especially the day before or after games, I'm always thinking about what I should do or what I should have done. I lose focus on other things when I start to think about basketball. But I would not have known this game, had it not been for my dad. I owe all my basketball knowledge to him and if I ever have a career in basketball, I will play for my dad.
(September 2008)

Me And My First Triathlon

I am so excited!! For what? you ask. For my next triathlon!! I had so much fun. I raced in my first one yesterday and came in second place!! I did really good considering that my bike broke less than half way through the race!! :( But I had fun any way!!
Talk 2 You L8R,
Caitlin (July 2007)

Follow your Heart

It was April 28th, 2007. The day was cold and rainy, but that didn't stop me from racing the Cherry Creek Track Championships. Being a freshman on varsity, I was very nervous. I was scheduled to race two events at the track meet that day, the 4 x 800 and the 1-mile. Nerves were running through my stomach as I stepped on the track. My first two races were a success and I felt amazing inside. After I stepped off the track from racing the 1-mile, I approached my distance coach and pleaded to race the 2-mile. He abruptly replied with a no! My coach then followed by saying I couldn't race because I was a female and he only wanted males on the team to race it. Quickly being offended, I marched to the head coach and explained the situation. With a smile on his face, the head coach gave me permission to race the 2-mile.

At that point I knew I was risking my relationship with my distance coach and my spot on varsity. Butterflies flew through my stomach as I put on my racing flats. Constantly, I was thinking of the result of how my race would go and how my coach would react to my disobedience. Discovering the time, I jogged down to the field and began my warm-ups for my race. Every breath I took was filled with stress and worry. Finding myself in the starting line of the track, my eyes focused only on the gun that would begin the race.

Giving myself faith, I took off when the gun shot. Heavily breathing I began striding through the start of my race. Instantly, I started my heat of the race in the position of first place. Just seconds behind was another racer. Keeping a close eye on my pace, I speed up to create more distance between the first and second place runners. Listening to my fellow teammates support me, I realized my coach not speaking a word of encouragement. My purpose now was to not just race and try my best, but to win the race in first place. Now, I had just pasted the 1-mile mark and I had one more mile to go, I took an immense lead and needed much support to finish the next four laps.
Occasionally I would glance back to see where the other opponents were behind me. Passing the last place girl, my confidence grew, for I had lapped a fellow racer! Quickly, I picked up my pace to finish my final lap with 400 meters to go. Rushing wind beat upon my face attempting to slow me down. Straining my body to finish the last 200 meters, the crowd cheered for my victory. Timing was perfect, I had just won my race! Unaware, I was labeled the Cherry Creek Track & Field 7007 2-mile champion.
Victory covered my presence as my team rushed to congratulate me. With a big smile on my face I glanced at my coach. Xenophobia drove me to realize the look of disappointment on his face. Yearning for his support and praise, I threw him a quick grin, and then joined my team in joyfulness. Zeal filled my face as sadness filled my heart, for I knew my coach was happy but didn't want to show it.
I know the race was an excellent success, however I wish I had the respect from my coach. Longing to apologize for disobeying him, fear took over and I couldn't say 2 simple words, 'I'm sorry.' I knew the second I stepped on the track I was taking a risk, but I also knew I was following my heart. Yet, that risk I took turned into a feud between athlete and coach. Luckily, it was the end of the season and I wouldn't have to deal with him until next year. This attitude I had was negative and I knew I couldn't go through a whole off-season with it. I knew if the problem wasn't settled now more issues would grow in the future.
Even though I felt the coach should be the example, I decided to take a stand and approach him independently to discuss the matter. The talking seemed to last an eternity, nevertheless I knew in the end everything would work out. During the discussion my coach apologized for his choice and wished to be forgiven. With a sign of relief on my face, I accepted his apology and went on my way. After approaching my coach and settling the issue, I felt very wonderful. The little risk I took to follow my heart's instinct on April 28th was the risk I know was taken for the best.
(June 2007)

Karate

Karate is actully a solo sport. The main idea of karate is that it teaches you self defence. I like karate because it teaches you alot. Also all the Sensies are REALLY funny and smart. (June 2007)

Karate

Karate is actually a sport, it's called a solo sport. I LOVE karate. It sometimes helps me calm down, and everybody there is really funny. I've been doing karate in general for 9 years. The place I am now I've been going to for 5 years, but I've been having fun both styles. The senseis are VERY nice, and they're really funny. Karate is AWESOME! (January 2007)

Blue ball

Soccer
Over the grass bouncing
Coming close to the goal
Closer and closer the ball is coming
Eagerly you want to grab it
Run for it while you can
(January 2005)

Baseball

I love baseball. I hit strong and hard homeruns I stole bases
When I slide into the base and the hard rough ground
Scratches my leg the travel team was fun and exciting
At the end I got a giant shiny, smooth trophy I dont like
The steaming hot sun beating down on me and making sweat run
Slowly run down my face I love when I get someone out and the
Ball hits my glove goes snap then I hear the thump of their foot hit the base
(January 2005)

Goal post situation

I was 4 playing footie in my back garden. I scored a brilliant goal (when no-one was in goal). My celebration was to jump on the top of the goal. Guess what happened, the goal post fell on my chin and then on my throat. I was choking on my own blood. My Grandma saved my life by lifting the goal post from me. HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY REAL LIFE STORY! (October 2004)

I like hockey

Hi
I like hockey. First I didn't even know how to hold a hockey stick but now I am a good player of it. I have participated in women's championship of this year which is inter-schools. I want to earn fame in the field of sports or arts. If any one out of you can help me please reply to me. (October 2004)

Liverpool

Gerrard Houllier should stay and so should Steven Gerrard. We should buy a right winger and a striker. (May 2004)

Why the mets never win the play offs

There are 4 simple reasons the mets dont win the division or wild card.
1. The players have injures
2. Not enough support
3. Too new a club
4. Too many jokes
(Mar 2004)

Batting and Bowling

I play cricket and I love it. I usually get wickets in games although I bowl not that fast. In batting.my total runs is 6 although others would make more! Does anyone have any tips on batting? I play for Saliesan College Old Boys Cricket Club Saturday Under 11s. (Feb 2004)

Cricket

Hello, my name is Benjamin. I think Americans should also believe in the spirit of Cricket like Australia, England, India, Pakistan and more countries do. You all know that in America they play baseball all the time. Just because I love the sport of cricket, it doesn't mean that I don't like baseball. Baseball is pretty good and similar to cricket. You can make home runs and more. I even play it a bit in sports lesson. As much as you like it, baseball is one of America's favourite sports. In Australia, more and more children and adults are beginning to play baseball, however America should play the opposite too, just like Australians do. Playing the same sport may get boring. So get out there and buy cricket gear or make your own bat from wood or you may even use a baseball bat to practise with and a tennis ball. It's that simple!(Jan 2004)

Basketball tryouts

As my friends and I were walking down the hall. We were ready to play basketball. The gym was filled with bouncing balls. And kids moving from wall to wall. As we came to the gym, we rushed for a ball. But when we came to the ball rack, the balls where already in the back. The coach called us in to the huddle, the kids scrambled towards him. The screeching shoes, the panting faces, and the bent-over bodies as they came to a halt. But all the coach said was Get running around the gym, now. We ran and ran until we couldnt. The coach called us in and told us who didnt make the team. One by one he told us who did or didnt make it. Then it was my turn. I ran to the coach. He told me the results and I was disappointed to hear that I didnt make the team. I packed up my things and headed home to practice on my game.
(November 2003)

My Senses on the Basketball Court

I see
the toughness of my opponents spreading across the court.
the minutes going down on the scoreboard.

I hear
the cheering of the crowd coming from the stands.
the blowing of every referees whistle before the game starts.

I smell
the victory that is right under our noses.
the hot brisk air that is coming through one of the open doors in the gym.

I taste
the sweat that is pouring onto my lips.
the cold water rushing to the back of my throat.

I feel
the sweat of each of my teammates on the basketball under each of my fingers.
the dirt on the floor as I slide to the ground.

I am a teammate, a defender, a player.
(November 2003)

I love baseball

I love baseball. People mentioned cricket which I think is like baseball. Go Boston Redsocks. (September 2003)

Can you tell what I'm playing?

I am an oval shaped ball being thrown through the air. I am usually made out of leather with five white stripes. In this game it is good to make a touch down. What am I?

Answer: A football! American style!
(September 2003)

Football

Hello, my name is Dean. I am 9 years old. I'm in year 4 at school in Essex. I like football very much. When I grow up I want to be a footballer. June 2003

A message from Chris

Hi my name is Chris. I like football. My favourite football team is Man. United. My favourite football player is David Beckham June 2003

Swimming

I love swimming
it's really fun
some people go to lessons
at half past 1!

I like breaststroke
I think thatis the best
some people don't like that stroke
they like the rest

I don't like front crawl
I think that's the worst
when I do front crawl
i really want to burst!

When it's time to get out
sometimes I start to cry
I never want to leave
or even say bye bye!!!!
(June 2003)

Next 8 Sports>>>

Return to Top

First Time I Played Basketball

Me And My First Triathlon

Follow your Heart

Karate

Karate

Blue ball

Baseball

Goal post situation

I like hockey

Liverpool

Why the mets never win the play offs

Batting and Bowling

Cricket

Basketball tryouts

My Senses on the Basketball Court

I love baseball

Can you tell what I'm playing?

Football

A message from Chris

Swimming