courtsidegal

[courtsidegal]

Final Blog Post

As I reflect on the ‘Sports Writing in America’ course, I am reminded of all the underlying themes we have learned. My blog has included an array of responses to articles read in class, a sports column, and a nonfiction expository essay. All of these things included a bigger picture idea, a theme that can resonate with us all. In the first week I touched on the tribal aspects that can be found in sports. The sense of community that can often turn into a form of tribalism is one that continued to be touched on throughout the quarter. By my last assignment, the multimodal project, I dived into the battle of the sexes specifically in the WNBA and NBA. These themes among an array of others proved to be common in weekly readings. These readings provided specific examples of common themes discussed throughout the entirety of the course. Ranging from the father/son relationship, human rights in sports, and others, these all proved to be important to major concepts taught in the class.

As a writer, I have been pushed to always search for the bigger picture. Underlying themes and concepts could be disregarded easily but an emphasis was placed on their importance. This tip in itself proved to help shape my papers into well-crafted pieces. Being pushed to explore new possibilities in writing was difficult at first, to say the least. Writing a plot proved to be one short of challenges and naturally easy. Searching for a deeper truth, theme, and bigger picture was the most difficult task of all. However, this is what taught me makes a paper, article, or essay resonate with people. To find a common denominator that others can identify with allowed the intended audience to grow and made all material have more meaning.

This course pushed me to use what I know as a sports-lover to grow in new ways academically. By combining sports with a WRD class, I was able to grow academically with connection to one of my favorite subjects, sports. Realizing that I can combine multiple talents to produce work that I care about has been the most rewarding aspect of this class.

[courtsidegal]

The Growth of Jaxson Hayes

A lacrosse game isn’t the first place you’d think about finding a 6’3” high school freshman. A person of this stature would simply stand out from the rest, tower among opponents, and possibly look unnatural in the game. The truth of the matter is that as a society we are groomed to understand the confinements placed around us. In terms of sports, anyone with that height running down a lacrosse turf may draw some attention. It wasn’t until after Jaxson Hayes competed in lacrosse for several years that he began to let go of this dream. It simply wasn’t the norm for him to pursue this sport. Luckily an ending of one dream began the beginning of a lifetime for another.

           After dabbling in football for some years as well, Hayes was led to where he finds himself today, basketball. As a freshman in high school, watching Hayes as a then-sophomore, switch from football to basketball was a no brainer. Someone with that height and potential would enter a field that would cater to them and accept his full athletic possibilities, right? The answer to this initially wasn’t clear, would he settle down with the one main sport that everyone hoped he would pick? – His train of thought was not evident at first. The only thing for certain was that the rest of his journey would be challenging to say the least.

           To make the sudden switch from sports like lacrosse and football to basketball was comical to many people. He was immediately faced with apprehension from high school fans who only accepted greatness. It was not clear if he would help contribute to their success over the years or hinder it. True fans who considered his high school team to be one of the best in the state were in it for the long haul. We (myself included) identified ourselves as extreme basketball fans who would support our team through the good and the bad. Luckily for us, the mix of both would create an interesting ride over the years to come.

           Due to the severity of the fandom, the community was vocal about their apprehension for Hayes. They continued to count him out as the seasons went on. One night, in particular, a rival high school, Elder, began chanting “he’s overrated” at the top of their lungs. It drowned out the cheers in the gym and caused all attention to fall on them. At the time fans wanted to believe the opposite but gave their attention away to the opposing guests. The fandom that he was surrounded by believed that he had to prove himself, this alone would not be an easy journey.

Jaxson wasn’t groomed to become a basketball player, it almost kind of happened in the last seconds. Although he’s grown up in a basketball family the game almost slipped away from him until he decided to focus on it. Trial and error with other sports, experimentation for that matter all led him to basketball. He could’ve moved on to the next one, not realizing his potential or allow people to count him out. Realizing that no, this is something that I can excel in as long as I give it my all changed the course of his life. Watching players like the rest of us on TV and then becoming friends with them, catching flights to away games, playing against people we all idolize, this became his reality.

           In his sophomore basketball season, Hayes found himself on the JV team at Archbishop Moeller High School. Immediately faced with adversity through his team, it became unclear whether or not he would contribute to the team in a positive or negative way. Here you had boys whose parents were paying thousands of dollars to send their kids to a prestigious school. Not only to give them the tools they needed for academic success but in sports as well. Hayes was not fighting for a future spot on a varsity team with weak opponents. Instead, these boys were hungry for more and wanted to prove themselves to the large community following their every move.

           In a time where high school basketball was becoming more competitive than ever, Hayes found himself falling behind his teammates. His sophomore season proved to be mediocre as he found himself benched for a majority of the time. Instead of giving up on his third sport of choice, he decided to stay in it for the long haul. This decision was met with excited cheers from fans, players, and coaches who wanted to see him reach his full potential. Up until this time, he was the only one standing in the way of his dreams. The day he realized that they weren’t unattainable through hard work, perseverance, and dedication, his life changed for the better.

           After an underwhelming sophomore season, it was time to turn it up a notch. Junior year Hayes approached the game differently and proved to everyone that he was up for the challenge. Moeller’s 2017 varsity basketball team found itself to be one of the best in the state of Ohio and the best in the city of Cincinnati.

           A Catholic all-boys private school was known in the city and nation for producing some of the brightest stars. Names like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin echoed throughout the hallways as reminders that they too had grown up here. Sports fans for these crusaders were attached to the greatness that continued to come from their programs. For sports like basketball, they packed out parking lots and tailgated for hours before the games would even start. In the bleachers, you could find families in Moe gear dressed from head to toe. In the student section, you could find one of the loudest cheering sections in the tri-state, often holding large cut-outs of the players. On the court, you could find cheerleaders who came from an array of local all-girls schools to cheer on the boys. The support they had was undeniable, the community promised to be behind them every step of the way.

           So here you have Jaxson Hayes, a junior trying to mature into his body while not letting down the thousands that watch him. Coming from a sports centered family, it naturally made sense for him to pursue the footsteps of his parents. Mother, Kristi Hayes, played college basketball and passed down her height to him. Father, Jonathan Hayes, was a former Cincinnati Bengals tight end coach who now is the head of the St. Louis franchise in the XFL. Sister, Jillian Hayes, is a current high school senior basketball commit to the University of Cincinnati. Two younger brothers complete his family and follow in their steps as a basketball family. It would be a lie to say he wasn’t groomed to become a pro-baller. In many ways he was without even noticing, however it was up to him to determine the rest of his fate.

           As his junior season came to an end, him and the rest of his team found themselves finishing up an unprecedented season. An unbelievable regular season stretch earned them 0 losses and 22 wins instead. In the top 15 high school basketball polls, attention was brought to Moeller who still was yet to lose. The championship, held at The Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center was soon underway.

           Here Jaxson would find himself in his first round of state semi-finals. The competition proved to be difficult and pushed him to his limits. In the highly anticipated semi-finals against Pickerington North high school, Hayes found himself up against future stars. Two players in particular, Sterling Manley and Jeremiah Francis went on to continue their run at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill less than two years later. Not only was Hayes playing in the biggest arena he was yet to face, he was playing alongside teenagers who knew what their future held. They had the comfortability in knowing where their Nike shoes would take them, the college recruitment process was over for them but just beginning for Hayes. This alone placed him in a lower ranking beneath boys who at the time had national attention.

           Although they had the upper-hand in that regard, Moeller went on to beat Pickerington North and won a spot in the 2017 state championship final. With a perfect regular season and tournament run, Moeller fans counted on Hayes and the rest of the team to get the job done. In the last few minutes of the final game, a foul was called on Hayes, giving the possession back to the opposing team and allowing them to shoot free throws. For the first time in state history, a team had lost by one point and ended their record 27-1. This would not be the only taste of defeat to come Hayes’ way but was one of the first on this level to snap him into reality.

           In a class that featured future NBA stars like Zion Williamson, Coby White, Trae Young, RJ Barret, and so many others, it was time to make a name for himself. He had no choice but to turn it up a notch and prove to the rest of the world that his name deserved to be amongst the greats. The summer of 2017 shaped up to be the period of growth that he needed, literally and figuratively. Undergoing a major growth spurt of five inches, now 6’11” Hayes was taller than a majority of his peers. The athletic abilities in his DNA plus experiences from lacrosse and football had prepared him for this moment. It was his time to level up in every way possible.

           Personal training from one of the best in all of Cincinnati pushed him to his limits and got him ready for his highly anticipated AAU season. Finding himself on a travelling team that would face major competition proved to be no problem for him. In the game that gained nationwide attention, Hayes made a nasty block against Zion Williamson. A teenage boy who towered amongst his teammates was known in the state of Ohio but not on a wider range. This block alone changed the course of his life and what was to come.

           Waking up from a tremendous block that was featured on every major social media sports outlet, Hayes was living in a dream. Met with calls from the University of Kentucky and the University of Texas at Austin, decisions began to be made. After going back and forth between two incredible basketball programs it became clear what his move would be. The University of Texas at Austin would become his home and Coach Smart would become one of his best teachers.

           After completing his senior season and winning the same championship title him and his team had lost before, the next phase of his life began. A one-way ticket to Austin, Texas ultimately changed his life. As a benched freshman, he soon defied all odds and continued to grow his game in front of thousands to watch. His freshman season alone proved to be substantial enough to earn him a spot in the 2019 NBA draft. Officially leaving UT and beginning a process with the NBA, Hayes was becoming a star. With the seventh first round pick going to the Atlanta Hawks, Jaxson Hayes was drafted and then traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

One of the greatest stories I’ve ever seen brought to life through sports. A kid benched, counted out, and overlooked turned that into momentum to fuel his fire. How do you go from blocking Zion Williamson (the closest thing to Lebron James in recent years) to him being your teammate on an NBA team? That doesn’t just happen normally, that is not something a lost teenager in Cincinnati, Ohio could’ve ever imagined. If you would have told the freshman version of himself that the NBA was in his future he would’ve laughed. Lacrosse and football were underworks but his natural ability in basketball would outshine them both.

[courtsidegal]

Week 9

In Amanda Ripley’s piece titled “The Case Against High School Sports” multiple elements of writing are used to fully captivate the reader. By including a specific scenario in which a high school eliminated sports to focus on academics, she was able to support her argument. Ripley strategically picked a story about Premont Independent School District which helped further her message and present a case where her suggestions were effective. To establish a connection between education in America and abroad, Ripley begins by exposing the harsh truth in academics in the U.S.. By giving insight to other countries and providing context to their education systems, she can back up her argument. Readers are urged to see the blatant difference that she has presented through contextual evidence regarding the state of academics in other countries. These elements helped Ripley achieve her purpose of showing her audience that there is in fact a case against high school sports. Her article helps place an emphasis on a topic that is often debated or ignored. In Daniel Bowen and Colin Hit’s “High School Sports Aren’t Killing Academics,” they take a different approach to combat the argument at hand. By providing an array of statistics and personal accounts, credibility is established between the reader and authors. The use of more contextual evidence in this one allows for the point to be made and expanded upon in a well dome manner. Bowen and Hit also use logos to appeal to the logic of a reader, creating a deeper connection to the text. A larger theme that can be found in “The Case Against High School Sports” is the idea of tribalism. For the first time in school district history, Premont Independent eliminated sports in hopes of increasing academic success rates. As a result students transferred to other schools, taking fans along with them. The need for participation in a high school sport and the larger community aspect of it is revealed. In “High School Sports Aren’t Killing Academics” the theme of the student-athlete persona is shown. Here they dive into the pros of being both a student as well as an athlete.

[courtsidegal]

Week 5

In Robert Vivian’s, “Death of a Shortstop,” the introduction paragraph seamlessly blends in the focus of the narrator as well as the character of Wob. Although this piece falls under a personal narrative writing, the author structures this story by reflecting on his own life as well as another. Intertwining the storyline of both in such a smooth fashion reveals a broader picture. He plays on the fact that the end of his baseball career opened his eyes to a world full of new possibilities. In contrast to that, he provides insight to Wob, also mentioned as Bruce, who ended his life because he could not see anything past the sport. The difference between both characters represents how many athletes function as well. Due to the common language that sports give us, people often find solitude in knowing something completely and fully. Mentioned in the other piece, “Mavericks” by Alice Gregory, there is a luxury “in the experience of knowing something for sure without having to think about it at all” (321). However, Vivian separated himself from the sport before he allowed it to take over his identity. Wob, on the other hand, found his identity through baseball and tragically ended his life after his career ended. This presents the idea that is often overlooked in sports, is the common language that so many people find comfort in too powerful for some? Through Vivian’s introduction and closing that circles back to Wob’s death he addresses a bigger picture for us to all reflect on. The use of this element of writing brings attention to a larger concept that is difficult for most to accept. This issue applies to other facets of life as well. People so often think about how they can leave their mark on the world and sometimes become ingulfed in this concept. Whether they choose to become a musician, a doctor, or an athlete like Vivian and Wob, some lose sight of all that life has to offer. These readings make me think of anyone who feels like one thing defines them which directs the course of their life. I think it’s important to not overlook people like this and instead show them that the world is an expansive place full of an array of possibilities for everyone. Limiting yourself to being one thing may be exhausting and can even lead you to not see that there is more to your life. I hope that this discussion is one that can begin to be talked about in not only the sports community but others as well.

[courtsidegal]

SA #2 - The Courtside Girlfriend

On April 29, 2016, famous Canadian rapper, Drake, dropped a song titled “Child’s Play.” Beginning the track with an intro from DJ Eric who states that if a woman is seen at a season opener basketball game, she has to be with someone on the team. Nearly four years later and the world continues to sing the song loud and proud, ignoring the fact that women are degraded subtly. Since then, conversations on Twitter have continued to spark up the discussion of women attending NBA basketball games. Due to this, the question resides, if a woman is courtside or at a season opener game, can she not just be a fan?

Of course, she cannot just be a fan! There is simply no way a woman could attend a basketball game for herself and care for the game. Women who are seen sitting courtside have to be there for any reason other than basketball. Maybe it’s the uniforms, women are generally known to be into fashion and could be mesmerized by the pretty jerseys, shorts, socks, and shoes. The fashion statements that these players make on the court are impeccable, this could be what draws them to the games. Maybe it’s the mascot that reminds them of their favorite stuffed animal that they slept with as children, Benny the Bull is kind of adorable. Maybe it’s excitement that comes from the possibility of ending up on TV, she might become famous just from her looks. Better yet, maybe she is a fan but then again that is just certainly impossible to ever happen.

Despite the plethora of women who have grown up playing basketball themselves, watching their brothers in countless games, and given insight from their fathers on the sport, that should simply be disregarded. All of those long road trips to nearby cities to see AAU games, cheer on friends in state championships, and watching endless amounts of the NBA should be forgotten. Things of that matter do not stick for women it is not something that genuinely resonates with them. The excitement they may have shared in the midst of thousands cheering on their favorite team was simply a charade. The ridiculous amount of money spent on merchandise that they can wear to represent their team doesn’t matter. Don’t you get it? Women cannot be real basketball fans.

According to some Twitter users, if a woman is sitting courtside at a game, she has to be dating someone on the team. The reasoning behind this opinion makes complete sense and is not sexist at all. These users believe that money of that magnitude would never be spent on a sporting event. We live in a world full of purses, dresses, and heels, exactly what the average woman would choose to spend her money on. Buying a ticket to see your hometown team profit and hopefully win is Ludacris when she knows deep down that she could be buying a new handbag. After extensive research done by thousands of devoted Twitter users who have their Doctorate in male domination, a result has been found. It is in fact, impossible for a woman to just be a fan if she is seen courtside or at an opening game. Sure, she may be sitting in one of the most expensive seats in the United Center, a $1,955 ticket to be exact. Sure, she may have a lucrative job and love the Bulls but remember, she is not there for the game. She is there to sit and look pretty because a woman cannot be a true basketball fan.

[courtsidegal]

Sports Column - Fuel From a Foul

The defeat that overcame the entirety of Archbishop Moeller’s high school basketball team and half of the arena was evident. Here in the Schottenstein Center at The Ohio State University, a heartbreaking game had just taken place on the night of March 23, 2017. For the first time in state history the finals came down to one game altering call and ultimately one point. One point that left Moeller feeling defeated but taught them to come back stronger than ever in the following season.

As avid sports-fans critiqued the season of a team ranked #15 in the nation, they were faced with some challenges. Moeller had an unprecedented season, one that most coaches would pray for. After finishing the regular season with no losses, they made their way almost effortlessly to the state finals. #1 in the state, 28-0 until the final game, and a team that featured some of the brightest basketball stars that would come out of Ohio, you couldn’t make this up. Despite a perfect season the last game ended in a unique way. With 49 seconds left to go, Jaxson Hayes received an intentional foul call that changed the ending of the game. The opponent, Solon High School took the lead and ultimately won the game by one point, 39-38 was displayed on the scoreboard for thousands of fans to see.

Over the course of the next year Moeller went through a rebuilding phase. Bringing in a new transfer player, a junior from another prominent team. Facing an injury of star guard, Miles McBride, who would miss all of the upcoming regular season. As well as letting senior, Jaxson Hayes, start for his first time in his final season as a crusader. Many fans were unsure of how the 2018 season would play out but little did they know that victory would soon be there’s again. Not only did Moeller finish 27-3 and #2 in Ohio, they blew out the #1 team in the state final. After bringing in McBride for semifinals after being injured for months and developing Hayes as a key player, this team became the 2018 basketball state champions. Initial apprehensive fans cheered loud and proud as their team cut the net and received the golden trophy. Opposing fans looked at the court in disappointment and left promptly after the game. Although this was the last time this team would be together, it would not be the last time that attention fell on them.

Two-star players went on to show the state of Ohio what defeat truly meant to them. It motivated them to continue to level up in every aspect possible. In the summer of 2017, Hayes went under Cincinnati’s top personal trainer and grew into his seven-foot body. He joined an AAU team that would allow him to gain nationwide exposure. After dunking on his future NBA teammate, Zion Williamson, college teams near and far were calling him. Ultimately picking The University of Texas at Austin for his freshman year of college before entering the draft. A then, 18-year kid who was benched until his senior year of high school would end up being the #7 lottery draft pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. On the other hand, Miles McBride went on to West Virginia University and became the leading scorer off the bench. Oftentimes making an appearance in highlight reels that ESPN showed. To think that a team that once felt hopeless would birth two-star players seemed far-fetched. However, the fuel that came from that game altering foul led them to greatness ultimately.

A true tale of what it means to allow a loss to fuel your fire. Taking time away from the court, these young men realized their potential and came back with an undeniable drive. One that made them want to prove themselves to a greater audience. They were used to being the players that went from nothing to something, now it was time to continue to make a name for themselves. If you would’ve told any fan sitting in the Schottenstein Center on that March night in 2017 what was to come, they probably would’ve laughed. Who would’ve thought that two now household names would come from that same team? If it wasn’t for the fuel that came from that foul, their story could’ve ended differently. Allowing that loss to push them in a new substantial way worked in their favor. They never lost sight of what was important, basketball.

[courtsidegal]

Week 1

In McKinley Jr.’s article, SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY; It Isn’t Just a Game: Clues to Avid Rooting, a scientific approach is presented. As the writer shares strong examples of scientific research readers are groomed to take a new approach to a familiar topic, sports. Diving deep into the hidden layers of what makes a sports fan so special uncovers truth. The emphasis placed on identifying with a community attributes to the tribal aspects of these fandoms. Research supports the idea that people with low self-esteem experience the falls and rises of the game deeply. The perspective of taking a scientific quantifiable stance presents the matter in one hard to challenge. However, it engages the reading in a way that makes them question the own mannerisms they do themselves. In Taibbi’s, Why Sports Are For Losers, he takes a different approach as he addresses the cynical fan perspective. Exploring the difficulties found between failure and loss helps identify the need for sports. Fans connect themselves to something despite the ups and downs that come with it. He even refers to the need for sports as being an addiction which for some, may hold some truth. This perspective unveiled a different take to the different type of fan found in the world.

As I take a look at these readings I have realized how much I identify with the matter discussed. From the psychological perspective, I can understand how there is such strong evidence to support McKinley’s findings. Not only have I experienced a surge of self-esteem thanks to some of my favorite teams, I have also experienced heartbreak because of them as well. I think it’s important to consider how people may not even be able to control their emotional connection to sports. It may be deeper than it just being their favorite team, this may fill some deep void in their life. From the other perspective of cynical fans and the connection to failure and loss, this has also been valid in my life. Loyalty is one common theme I constantly find myself coming back to. Once you feel deeply connected to a team you are with them through thick and thin, through the highs and lows. Although some people would never admit it, they’ll secretly cheer on teams with losing seasons because of the deep sentimental connection they have to them. Although they may be disappointed at times their loyalty lies there regardless.