Weights, a throwback, a basketball hoop

Athleticism and exercise have been such an important part of my life. In high school, involvement in sports went a long way to establish friendships for me, and built a foundation for exercise and physical fitness. I think back to some of my first sports memories, and I’m fortunate that I got some support to keep me going.

I remember a baseball throwback in our back yard in Henning. It was a metal square with springs and netting, and a square in the middle for the “strike zone.” It was basically a trampoline tipped on its’ side, so that when I threw the baseball, it would bounce back and I could throw again. I remember throwing in the back yard over and over, and in my mind I was a big league pitcher. When I was in Little Leagues, we were playing catch in warm-ups one day. I was trying to get noticed by the coach. I threw a little harder, a little harder, and sure enough pretty soon I was pitching for the team. It was the first time I realized that I could be good at something athletic, and just pitching in Little League, I felt like a star.

Later I remember getting a set of weights to put in a corner of the basement and work out. I remember a clunky old rowing machine. I remember my constant bounce, bounce, bounce, in the driveway of our house as I practiced basketball, but I don't remember my parents asking me to quiet down or go play somewhere else. Someone paid for my athletic shoes and other extras when I got into high school sports. That support helped foster my love for physical activity.

I got a lot of great friendships in high school, college, and beyond through basketball, running, Frisbee, and football. Just as importantly, it’s been so important to my mental well-being. There have been many times when my work-outs pulled me through stress I just didn’t know how to handle. And now I look forward to teaching my own child how to play basketball and enjoy the athletic activities this life has to offer.