Steeler Nation

Going to school in Western, PA from Albany, NY really is one interesting adventure. The one thing I want to make note of is the hard core Steeler fan base. I have never seen anything like Steeler fans before. Painting their houses, their cars, their rooms. Hanging posters, signs, and flags. Owning multiple jerseys, knowing every statistic, past and present players, and watching every single football game. These fans are truly the most dedicated sports fans I have ever known. The one thing that was such a huge shock to me was that the ladies are just as into football and just as knowledgeable as the guys! Back at home, football means nearly nothing to most of the girls/women and most of us probably couldn't tell you the names of more than 3 players on our so called "favorite" team. Another big difference is that all of Pennsylvania are for the most part dedicated Steeler fans whereas New York is split between the Buffalo Bills, the New York Jets, and the New York Giants. Being here in Western Pennsylvania really goes to show you the amount of impact that a single professional sports team can have on people.

New York State High School Wrestling Championships

This past Friday and Saturday was the NYS High School Wrestling Championship tournament located in Albany, New York. This tournament is near and dear to my heart for I was a wrestling manager for my high school team for five years and have been going to this tournament since middle school. I still know many of the boys who competed and was extremely sad to be missing it this year. For the second year in a row, the Shenendehowa Plainsmen took the state title turning up one champion, and three bronze medalists. On top of their team state title, their coach, Robert Weeks, was named New York State coach of the year. As for my high school's team, The Burnt Hills Spartans, they only had one wrestler compete and he did not earn a place in the tournament.  This tournament is truly an event that shows off great skill, dedication, and hard work. The boys competing here have been putting in months and years of hard work. Everything they do is in preparation for the state tournament. College coaches are on the look out and sit in the stands scouting out new wrestlers for their teams. This tournament really is my favorite sporting event.

Athletic Directing

I was never really sure on what I wanted to do when "I grew up," but I have done a lot of research within the last year and have been setting my mind on Athletic Directing. In the fall of my Sophomore year (this year) I switched my major to Health and Physical Education and picked up a minor in Sport Management. I love sports and being involved with athletics which is why these areas of study fit me well. My career plan is to start off teaching and coaching for several years in either an elementary or middle school setting. My goal is then to sink a postition as that school districts athletic director after my several years experience in the Physical Education department. I feel that this is the perfect career route for me because I love athletics and the interscholastic setting, but I know I do not want to teach my whole life. Athletic directing is the perfect way to stay in the setting that I enjoy while being on the business side instead of the teaching side.

New Technology in PE

As a Physical Education major, new technological advances are very important to me. Within the last decade, many new advancements have been and are in the process of being made in the Physical Education Department. Some of the new products that catch my eye are the game bikes and the 3 kick. Both of these machines are an interactive way for children to stay physically active and can be brought into a school's fitness room. Both of these machines provide a great cardiovascular workout while keeping it fun for the children. The 3-Kick also enhances speed and agility. Since it would be too expensive to buy enough for an entire class, I would add these machines in as part of a circuit where the kids would rotate using them with another type of physical activity. From what I have heard, the school's that use them now are seeing great success and the students really enjoy using new machines.