My grandmother always used to tell me that if you’re bored, you’re boring. Well, sorry, Grandma, but it’s been almost a month since the fall sports season ended and I have to face the facts: I’m bored and I know I’m not the only one.
As any athlete knows, the end of the season is a bittersweet moment. It means more free time, fewer people breathing down your neck and counting on your every move, and a chance to think and act as an individual—instead of as a team member.
But it also means you wake up in the morning knowing there will be no guarantee of a physical challenge, no teammates to yell at or laugh with, no inspiration to defy your own limits and no songs to sing in the locker room.
It’s a lonely life fall season athletes are dealing with right now. Luckily, some of us have found some innovative ways to deal with the pain (or lack thereof) and cure the boredom.
Probably the easiest transition is to become a fan of another sport. I applaud the Peglegs for leading the pack on this one. The spirited bunch provided fantastic support for the girls’ swimming city championship meet against Townsend Harris High School, complete with painted chests and an American flag. Sure, it wasn’t the same as running around on a football field, but everyone had a great time, and by the end of the meet, we were perfectly happy with second place.
Another way to keep up with the sports world is to become a manager. This is a strong tradition for both the Penguins and the Pirates, the boys’ and girls’ swimming teams respectively. Seven of the eight managers for the Pirates this season are Penguins. Coaches welcome managers to keep statistics, mark down accomplishments and just be there for support.
Another fun way to stay in the game is coaching. With various youth organizations and grammar school leagues getting their seasons together, voluntary coaches are almost always welcome. This is especially the case with teams from your old elementary or middle school.
After speaking with the parent coordinator, it is not difficult to obtain a position as coach. I have been a swimming coach for four years, and I know it is an incredibly rewarding experience. It helps you understand your own sport better. Plus, it’s nice to be the one in charge for a change.
Of course, if none of these suits you, you can waste the rest of your winter watching SportsCenter and NYC on Demand reruns of old games from the ’90s you swear you remember. Tough choice, I know. Just keep your chin up, and think of how August is only eight months away.