It's that time again; fall 2008 registration is upon us and as a Board Member I'm currently volunteering a few hours this morning to help shuffle people through registration.
Last year our association contracted with a firm to take the registration process online and let's say it was a little painful for the first 2 online events. The 3rd started out even more painful but things seem to have settled down now that we're out of the beta period. Today's registration, in the office, is merely for those that don't have access to the Internet, have misunderstood how to register online, need a little hand holding through the process, or need to sign release forms.
Volunteering for a non-profit organization has been interesting as I get a peek behind the scenes of how an organization that consistently registers 2500 - 3200 players functions. Everything from the financials, the politics, the volunteerism, and the perks is disclosed in board meetings and exhibited on the fields in some form or fashion. But the spirit of volunteerism is at the heart of the organization. While it's not easy for some to volunteer their time, they make the effort because they believe in the organization, they love the sport, they have family involved in the association and they either want to give back or feel compelled to make a difference.
My motivation is covered by all of these. I feel it's import to serve. I desire to give back to an organization that helps foster good competitive and social relations for my children. I adore the sport, likely too much. I want to make a difference in the organization.
I was challenged by the then VP and now Pres of the association to volunteer my time on the board when I challenged the need to have Sunday games scheduled for any of my teams. A perk I receive on the Board is scheduling priority where none of my teams play Sundays and my schedule essentially comes first and has a great priority. What a difference this makes in how we associate ourselves in our community. We do not have to be apologetic for missing games that are scheduled on Sunday's and we extend this blessing to others by preserving their right to worship on the Sabbath.
I find it interesting as I've served over the last year to listen to many excuses from parents as they try to justify one need or another with zero interest in lending support to the association. "I just don't have time." "I have no experience." These are the most common. Well, I'll be coaching 4 teams, organizing 2-3 traveling teams among those, running practices, attending Board meetings, volunteering time to monitor on the fields and giving some time to referee a few games. Think I have time? Experience is another thing. While I'm not the most proficient coach, I give it a try and that makes the difference.
So for those of you that may contemplate volunteering at your organization or mine, I say give it a go. It's worth it from many different angles. But most importantly, the service is at the heart of the cause and what better reason is there?
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Re-Cap of an Exciting Croatia v. Turkey Quarter Final Euro 2008
Re-Cap of an Exciting Croatia v. Turkey Quarter Final Euro 2008 taken from espn's Gamecast. Pretty exciting, for a soccer nut.
- 124'
GOAL! Croatia have won it! Klasnic!!
- 124'
- Amazing!
Modric goes on another run, Rustu came wandering out as the ball broke
and as Modric swung it in Klasnic nods into the net from six yards out!
- 125'
Poor
old Rustu! He's looked uncertain all night and now he's stumbled into
no-mans land right at the death! Fatih Terim is apoplectic.
- 126'
GOAL! Semih has equalised!! Turkey are level!
- 126'
- Unbelievably amazing!! A long punt downfield breaks to Semih who has whacked it into the roof of the net!!
- 127'
- What
is it with Turkey and comebacks! We've sat through nearly 120 minutes
of turgid football then witnessed two minutes of incredible drama. The
full time whistle went as soon as the ball hit the net. Penalties to
follow!
- 128'
Croatia will take the first pen. Modric comes forward...
- 128'
- Modric misses! Amazing!
- 128'
Arda for Turkey.
- 128'
- Arda scores! Croatia 0-1 Turkey!
- 128'
- Srna scores! Croatia 1-1 Turkey!
- 128'
Semih comes forward.
- 129'
- Semih scores! Croatia 1-2 Turkey.
- 129'
- Rakitic misses! Croatia 1-2 Turkey!
- 129'
- Hamit Altintop scores! Croatia 1-3 Turkey!
- 129'
Croatia must score. Petric steps up...
- 129'
- Petric misses! Rustu saves and Turkey are through!
- 129'
- You can't say they deserved it, and they might struggle to field a team in the semi-final
given all their injuries and suspensions, but my word Turkey don't know
when they are beaten! The Croatian players are crushed...
- 130'
- What
a cruel game football can be. Croatia deserved to win that game, on
their approach to it alone, and when they scored in the 92nd minute
they must have thought they were through (I certainly did!) but now
they're out. Astonishing.
- 131'
- Join
us for Holland Russia tomorrow night. I've been Chris Murphy, and you,
you have been the football loving public. Ta ra for now.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Championship Secured: Knee Damaged
After 3 points into the game by our team (one coming from my direct assist), a concussion-like collision with an opposing team sent shockwaves up my newly rehabilitated leg and doctor cleared knee, jolting my knee laterally and sending me to the turf. When I stood up my knee was loose and my spirits sank.
Backing up just a bit may be helpful for those not previously following my knee injury story on HansonHarmony. 1.5 yrs ago, just a few days before Christmas 2006, I blew my knee out on a 1-1 drive on goal that was unimpeded and self contained. My knee hyper extended, my Lateral Collateral Ligament detached (not good) and my Articuate Complex Ligament on the backside of my knee severed (even worse and without repair can immobilize the victim). After a traumatic surgery to repair the ligaments and realign the knee I began a very serious and painful recovery process filled with physical therapy and delayed strength training.
I began my foray into indoor soccer last fall and was highly excited to rejoin the ranks of the risky and aging 30+ mens on the same team I had formed a year earlier. Though the team had changed dramatically, the passion for the game persisted and we made a run for a championship, well t-shirt (no rings at our level). With the apprehension of my knee giving out, I remained braced and we left my first season back with a 2nd place finish.
The next season decimated us with our top scorers unable to attend many of the games. We were knocked down a division for this last season and things didn't start off too well either with a tie and a loss in our first two matches.
From there we never looked back, winning the remaining games and staying healthy throughout the season. We were joined last week by a player that had sat out for 2 season while his ankle break recovered. This was particularly good timing as our lead scorer suffered a near identical knee injury as I had and has been left to surgery, two blood clots and a long road to full recovery.
After having been given the go ahead to play without my brace, I fretted about the decision, knowing that one event can rock my hard training and leave me in pain and remorse. But how can I live life with fear and remain in a "what would happen if" stupor? That wouldn't be fair to my competitive side and always having that question in the back of my mind would drive me to distraction.
I began the game without the brace but brought it for security in case my knee felt weak or I lacked confidence. As it turns out, it was the right decision to bring the brace to recover from both weaknesses.
After the new injury, I hobbled off the field during play, limping slightly, and immediately berated myself for being injured. What was more frustrating was I believe that the injury would have occurred regardless of wearing or not wearing the brace. After putting the brace back on, I sidelined myself long enough to regain some confidence and head back out onto the field. While I felt my knee slip a little and show more play laterally than I would have liked, the pain was bearable and I had a team to support. Within a couple of minutes I had a goal and was satisfied I could survive the game and see us through a victory.
The victory came, the victory photograph was taken, the victory t-shirts were dispersed and I left the arena fretting over a new injury, unable to fully enjoy the team's first victory in 1.5 years of "Storm" existence. Upon my arrival and home and after showering, I iced the knee for an hour while reading before retiring to bed.
This morning, even as I write this entry, I'm still in some minor pain and highly concerned over the well being of my knee. Should I go back to the ortho and confess my folly? Should I take a season off? Should I continue on as normal, bracing each game and continue with my strength training hoping that the injury, whatever it may be, will magically go away? I have this legitimate concerns and others and I constantly find myself distracted by the questions.
Time will be the wise deliverer of the answer to my questions. Eventually I'll heal and my aggressive thirst/hunger for the sport I've loved my whole life will be a memory in life. But for now, the pain is real, the discomfort annoying and the championship accomplishment overshadowed by a singular moment of happenstance. Such is life.
Backing up just a bit may be helpful for those not previously following my knee injury story on HansonHarmony. 1.5 yrs ago, just a few days before Christmas 2006, I blew my knee out on a 1-1 drive on goal that was unimpeded and self contained. My knee hyper extended, my Lateral Collateral Ligament detached (not good) and my Articuate Complex Ligament on the backside of my knee severed (even worse and without repair can immobilize the victim). After a traumatic surgery to repair the ligaments and realign the knee I began a very serious and painful recovery process filled with physical therapy and delayed strength training.
I began my foray into indoor soccer last fall and was highly excited to rejoin the ranks of the risky and aging 30+ mens on the same team I had formed a year earlier. Though the team had changed dramatically, the passion for the game persisted and we made a run for a championship, well t-shirt (no rings at our level). With the apprehension of my knee giving out, I remained braced and we left my first season back with a 2nd place finish.
The next season decimated us with our top scorers unable to attend many of the games. We were knocked down a division for this last season and things didn't start off too well either with a tie and a loss in our first two matches.
From there we never looked back, winning the remaining games and staying healthy throughout the season. We were joined last week by a player that had sat out for 2 season while his ankle break recovered. This was particularly good timing as our lead scorer suffered a near identical knee injury as I had and has been left to surgery, two blood clots and a long road to full recovery.
After having been given the go ahead to play without my brace, I fretted about the decision, knowing that one event can rock my hard training and leave me in pain and remorse. But how can I live life with fear and remain in a "what would happen if" stupor? That wouldn't be fair to my competitive side and always having that question in the back of my mind would drive me to distraction.
I began the game without the brace but brought it for security in case my knee felt weak or I lacked confidence. As it turns out, it was the right decision to bring the brace to recover from both weaknesses.
After the new injury, I hobbled off the field during play, limping slightly, and immediately berated myself for being injured. What was more frustrating was I believe that the injury would have occurred regardless of wearing or not wearing the brace. After putting the brace back on, I sidelined myself long enough to regain some confidence and head back out onto the field. While I felt my knee slip a little and show more play laterally than I would have liked, the pain was bearable and I had a team to support. Within a couple of minutes I had a goal and was satisfied I could survive the game and see us through a victory.
The victory came, the victory photograph was taken, the victory t-shirts were dispersed and I left the arena fretting over a new injury, unable to fully enjoy the team's first victory in 1.5 years of "Storm" existence. Upon my arrival and home and after showering, I iced the knee for an hour while reading before retiring to bed.
This morning, even as I write this entry, I'm still in some minor pain and highly concerned over the well being of my knee. Should I go back to the ortho and confess my folly? Should I take a season off? Should I continue on as normal, bracing each game and continue with my strength training hoping that the injury, whatever it may be, will magically go away? I have this legitimate concerns and others and I constantly find myself distracted by the questions.
Time will be the wise deliverer of the answer to my questions. Eventually I'll heal and my aggressive thirst/hunger for the sport I've loved my whole life will be a memory in life. But for now, the pain is real, the discomfort annoying and the championship accomplishment overshadowed by a singular moment of happenstance. Such is life.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Knee is Cleared: Going Braceless...Officially
Yesterday I had an appointment with my orthopedic (I had previously blogged this but my entry was somehow lost in transit). The great news is things look normal and all tests check out. I've been cleared to play without a brace so long as I am not terribly aggressive and no slide tackling. Since I'm fairly non-confrontational and wouldn't slide tackle even if I tripped in the right trajectory, I'm good.
The good news about this clearing is I'll shave off an extra couple of pounds off of my leg and add more agility to my play. I'm completely apprehensive about my ability to play without the brace and I'm very nervous about any lateral hits I may take. However, you can't live life in fear of something happening. You have to make things happen and pray for the best.
That being said, tomorrow night marks the first game I'll go braceless.
The good news about this clearing is I'll shave off an extra couple of pounds off of my leg and add more agility to my play. I'm completely apprehensive about my ability to play without the brace and I'm very nervous about any lateral hits I may take. However, you can't live life in fear of something happening. You have to make things happen and pray for the best.
That being said, tomorrow night marks the first game I'll go braceless.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Argentine Soccer Star Pauses Career for Mormon Mission
I think it's great to see good press for the church and when it relates to soccer, even better. This young man is pausing his stellar career to serve the Lord on a mission for the LDS church. How many can say they would be willing to sacrifice the fame and glory, especially in soccer which is world-wide fame, for 2 years in the service of their God? Hit the link above to find out why. It's in espanol so for you english readers you may need a translator.
Foot/Ankle Good but Bruised: Teammate Out w/Knee Injury
Posted from my iPhone to the mobile site:
The foot is feeling quite well and should be well enough for tonight's game.
On the down side, a fellow teammate apparently twisted his knee in last week's win and is having to undergo knee surgery tomorrow to have his LCL re-attached. Sound familiar? Yep, that's exactly what I had to under go 1.5 yrs ago and I'm still recovering.
All for the love of the game though :)
The foot is feeling quite well and should be well enough for tonight's game.
On the down side, a fellow teammate apparently twisted his knee in last week's win and is having to undergo knee surgery tomorrow to have his LCL re-attached. Sound familiar? Yep, that's exactly what I had to under go 1.5 yrs ago and I'm still recovering.
All for the love of the game though :)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Update on Sprained Foot
As I went to bed last night, I noticed with some clarity that my foot had swollen quite a bit and was turning a nice purplie color along side my sole. Some would be quite discouraged by this and get completely off their feet (elevated, of course), seek medical professional help or just cry like a baby until the pain subsided.
Me? Well, I got up this morning and did side steps, as per my usual aerobic workout, and pushed through the swelling, the pain and the discomfort. And the results? After a full workout (steps, strength training, no yoga on Wii-Fit this morning), I felt great. The swelling had nearly dissipated and the pain had greatly subsided. I wish I could physiologically describe why this exertion caused the logically opposite effect on my foot but this is not the first time for me.
The precedent setting experience was 2 years ago when I sprained an ankle (could be the same side but I don't recall). After mercilessly waiting on my butt for 3 days I just couldn't take it any longer and I went for a 4 mile run. Felt better and kept running after that. Of course I haven't played basketball since (which was how I rolled it) and really lost any drive to play again.
This injury is different, however, in that the sporting cause of the injury is a life long passion; one that I do not intend to give up. Soccer has become a balm to me when I'm stressed or in need of an inner exertion release. While the comradeship is pleasant (if they keep their language clean), the sport itself is my companion. To bend the ball to my will through power, finesse, skill and physical tenacity is a delight in its own. While the injury is recent and likely will be painful tomorrow night, there is just something luring me to play and feel good about it. Will I be timid? Certainly? Top game? Likely not. More importantly, will my playing fulfill an inner desire expressible only on the short field? Definitely!
Injury or no injury, I'm there tomorrow night!
Me? Well, I got up this morning and did side steps, as per my usual aerobic workout, and pushed through the swelling, the pain and the discomfort. And the results? After a full workout (steps, strength training, no yoga on Wii-Fit this morning), I felt great. The swelling had nearly dissipated and the pain had greatly subsided. I wish I could physiologically describe why this exertion caused the logically opposite effect on my foot but this is not the first time for me.
The precedent setting experience was 2 years ago when I sprained an ankle (could be the same side but I don't recall). After mercilessly waiting on my butt for 3 days I just couldn't take it any longer and I went for a 4 mile run. Felt better and kept running after that. Of course I haven't played basketball since (which was how I rolled it) and really lost any drive to play again.
This injury is different, however, in that the sporting cause of the injury is a life long passion; one that I do not intend to give up. Soccer has become a balm to me when I'm stressed or in need of an inner exertion release. While the comradeship is pleasant (if they keep their language clean), the sport itself is my companion. To bend the ball to my will through power, finesse, skill and physical tenacity is a delight in its own. While the injury is recent and likely will be painful tomorrow night, there is just something luring me to play and feel good about it. Will I be timid? Certainly? Top game? Likely not. More importantly, will my playing fulfill an inner desire expressible only on the short field? Definitely!
Injury or no injury, I'm there tomorrow night!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Barefoot Soccer @ Party Yields Sprained Foot
As I'm not in the health industry, I'm sure someone will correct my self-diagnosis as impossible or unlikely but I'll throw it out here regardless and wait for the clever retorts.
In celebration of an undefeated season, including end-of-season tournament, my oldest son's team got together at a neighborhood pool with an enticing soccer field adjacent to the pool. I knew I'd be playing and brought my gear along for the occasion. The players were having a great time in the pool and after they had their share of pizza I suggested playing over on the field.
As some didn't bring proper shoes for playing, I made the brilliant suggestion that we play barefooted so as to not crunch anyone's toes. This turned out to be my fatal flaw as my ankles and feet apparently aren't as stable without my shoes.
On the first play I touched the ball, my ankle rolled and I felt something pop and give in the upper potion of my foot, below the ankle and slightly off-center on the top of the foot. I limped for a few minutes and felt it starting to give way to pain but did that send off red flags in my stubborn head other than to slow me down a bit? No. I kept on playing and enjoyed my time with my kids and players.
The ride home was filled with embarrassment as I tried to logically explain to my wife my inner drive and ambition to have fun regardless of the pain. She thinks I'm a bit foolish. Of course at the time I was boasting of a broken bone which really sounds much more serious.
2 full days later, the top of my foot is slightly swollen and I can tell it will color into a nice brown/yellow bruise. My ankle is a bit soar up through my outer calf and stretching the tissue on the top of the foot is still tender. Walking is somewhat painful but the more I do it the better it feels. Yesterday's church services, while long, were actually tolerable (meaning the pain in the foot not the services or religious presenters ;) ).
So the question I keep asking myself is this: Will I be ready to play in Wed night's final season match up against the #2 team and will I contribute to our team's victory, sealing #1, or be a hindrance? The next 2 days will tell. Until then, ibuprofen, ice and elevation are my friends.
In celebration of an undefeated season, including end-of-season tournament, my oldest son's team got together at a neighborhood pool with an enticing soccer field adjacent to the pool. I knew I'd be playing and brought my gear along for the occasion. The players were having a great time in the pool and after they had their share of pizza I suggested playing over on the field.
As some didn't bring proper shoes for playing, I made the brilliant suggestion that we play barefooted so as to not crunch anyone's toes. This turned out to be my fatal flaw as my ankles and feet apparently aren't as stable without my shoes.
On the first play I touched the ball, my ankle rolled and I felt something pop and give in the upper potion of my foot, below the ankle and slightly off-center on the top of the foot. I limped for a few minutes and felt it starting to give way to pain but did that send off red flags in my stubborn head other than to slow me down a bit? No. I kept on playing and enjoyed my time with my kids and players.
The ride home was filled with embarrassment as I tried to logically explain to my wife my inner drive and ambition to have fun regardless of the pain. She thinks I'm a bit foolish. Of course at the time I was boasting of a broken bone which really sounds much more serious.
2 full days later, the top of my foot is slightly swollen and I can tell it will color into a nice brown/yellow bruise. My ankle is a bit soar up through my outer calf and stretching the tissue on the top of the foot is still tender. Walking is somewhat painful but the more I do it the better it feels. Yesterday's church services, while long, were actually tolerable (meaning the pain in the foot not the services or religious presenters ;) ).
So the question I keep asking myself is this: Will I be ready to play in Wed night's final season match up against the #2 team and will I contribute to our team's victory, sealing #1, or be a hindrance? The next 2 days will tell. Until then, ibuprofen, ice and elevation are my friends.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Soccer: An American Game
Do most people realize that soccer (American's name for Football) is truly an American sport? OK, maybe not born in the USA but certainly a well accepted and loved sport. I've heard that youth soccer is the fastest growing sport in the US and as such many adults are clamoring to participate.
The love of the game is definitely felt in our family. With a tournament now behind us (last weekend), we enter into a period of summer isolation. Yet something competitive within me yearns to keep our kids going. My wife, the ever provider of balance and normalcy regarding sports and any obsession, is good to remind me that momentary breaks in aggressive training is healthy and wise. The sage has a point and from that I derive some peace in our summer long break from sports.
Yet...
I'm off to the Soccer Corner in a few to pick up a B-Day present for my youngest boy. Guess what it could be? I'll post pictures later tonight after he opens it.
The love of the game is definitely felt in our family. With a tournament now behind us (last weekend), we enter into a period of summer isolation. Yet something competitive within me yearns to keep our kids going. My wife, the ever provider of balance and normalcy regarding sports and any obsession, is good to remind me that momentary breaks in aggressive training is healthy and wise. The sage has a point and from that I derive some peace in our summer long break from sports.
Yet...
I'm off to the Soccer Corner in a few to pick up a B-Day present for my youngest boy. Guess what it could be? I'll post pictures later tonight after he opens it.
Split Blog out for Soccer
Ever wonder if that inner self is just crying to get out? Well, I know I happen to have multiple personalities all crammed into one (not really a psychological disorder, yet) and I must release this inner beast: the soccer soul.
There is a fair amount of blog entries at my main blog regarding soccer that I figured it was time to specialize and break out the soccer specific posts into their own niche. The Hanson Harmony on Soccer blog will be dedicated to just entries on our Hanson life as it relates to the wonderful game of soccer.
Much of the content will be dedicated to our families interaction with this phenomenal game but some may be newsworthy entries from the game itself. Please feel free to drop me a comment if you have suggestions on blog entries.
There is a fair amount of blog entries at my main blog regarding soccer that I figured it was time to specialize and break out the soccer specific posts into their own niche. The Hanson Harmony on Soccer blog will be dedicated to just entries on our Hanson life as it relates to the wonderful game of soccer.
Much of the content will be dedicated to our families interaction with this phenomenal game but some may be newsworthy entries from the game itself. Please feel free to drop me a comment if you have suggestions on blog entries.
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