Crazy

Life has been pretty crazy lately. In truth, the life of a high school athletic trainer often is crazy. There is no “off-season” for us. From August until May we are virtually 24/7. So, by nature we can handle the crazy. So don’t take this as a complaint. It’s just the fact of life as I know it to be true.

We are currently at the beginning of the end. The school year is winding down. The big TAKS test was completed last week and End of Course (EOC) exams will be sporadic over the next two weeks. Add to that the AP exams starting Monday and the kids are at the end of their ropes.

Just.three.more.Mondays!!!

In my little world we have spring football and playoff baseball to look forward to.

Spring football is not a new concept, but I have never done it at the 5A level in Texas. It consists of not one, not two, but FOUR weeks of full-contact practice four days a week. So far there are some kinks to be worked out. There are some injuries that need attention and some students who need to make the switch from Junior and follower to Senior and Leader.

The morning treatments are the hardest for Doc and I. Out-of-football-shape kids are hitting for the first time since November. The training room is FULL!! Treatments begin at 615am. Have you ever tried to get a high school boy up and out of the house to put ice on his body at 615am? I personally think Doc and I are miracle workers for that alone!

They ALL come.

Crazy!

As I mentioned baseball is also in the playoffs again this year. We are actually co-District Champions. I’m very proud of the boys and the coaching staff. They have done a great job staying motivated and focused on the big goal.

They won their first playoff game last night and have to wait until Saturday to find out who their opponent will be in the second round. Yep, the won one game and advance.

You see, our coach wanted to play a traditional 3-game series to determine who advances. However, the other team won the toss and got to choose. When Doc asked their athletic trainer why the coach opted for only a one-game series the trainer said “We aren’t that good, and are hoping to steal one from you.”

Wow, gamesmanship!

It almost worked. We played and uninspired game, but I feel a bounce back coming.

Our next opponent had their own little bout of gamesmanship. One coach wanted one game and lost the toss. So, the coach who won chose a three-game set starting on Friday night. Meaning they play Friday night at one location and Saturday at Noon at the same location. IF a third game is needed that would be played at the OTHER teams field at 7pm. Play three hours in Texas heat turn around and get back to your field to set up and play a third game in two days?

Gamesmanship. Well done coaches.

CRAZY!

I love spring time, new beginnings and whatnot. You just have to take the crazy with everything else.

The craziness does not stop once spring football and baseball are done. May 22 will be the annual spring sports physicals held on our campus. 350 boys and girls will file through our hallways getting poked and prodded and tested by athletic trainers, coaches, and doctors.

Because I didn’t think I would be busy enough that night I scheduled a Bone Marrow Registration Drive in honor of BigBrother at the same time! It will be one of my more taxing evenings and to be honest I am worried. Not because I don’t think it will go well, it will.

I just worry about things. It’s CRAZY!

I hope and pray we get people out and educated on Bone Marrow Donation. I hope there is someone who can be a match for BigBrother. I hope people can set aside their fear of the physical pain donation could cause them.

Maybe I’m not so worried as I am hopeful?? Whatever the word, my stomach is in knots.

In the long run I have faith it will work out. But I won’t relax until the night is over.

I’m a little crazy.

Embrace the craziness.

“Difficult doesn’t mean impossible. It simply means that you have to work hard.”

Inspiration Song...Crazy by Aerosmith