Sporting Biography -- Sport and American Society

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Date Posted: 17:38:58 09/04/03 Thu
Author: Jen Sterling (T.A./Message Board Moderator)
Subject: Sporting Biography

Well, as message board moderator I was supposed to kick this discussion off and sort of lead the way for you all but I see that Adesanya has beaten me to it. Regardless, here is my contribution and kick-off to the message board 'season.'

I am a doctoral student in the Sport Commerce and Culture program within the Kinesiology department here at Maryland. I was born and Iowa and moved here recently from Seattle. My sporting involvement encompasses the full spectrum of the work to play continuim, minus the professional athlete. Occupationally I have been involved in athletic training and within the administrative structure of USA Volleyball, as well as making the pursuit of this sociological perspective of sport my professional aspiration. I also make some spare change as a whitewater guide during the summer. My leisure participation ranges from competitive collegiate athletics to hiking; although some of you may want to argue the categorical placement of collegiate athletics as a subgroup of leisure, rather than professional, participation. I am an avid ultimate frisbee participant and an outdoor enthusiast. I much prefer actually participating in the game but given the choice I would rather see the game in person (active participation) than watch it on TV or read about it (passive participation).
The outcomes of my involvement in sport involve all the E's; some more than others. For me, sport has most often provided excitement, expression, exercise and an economic impact. The sports that I play add variety and excitement to my life and allow me to express certain world views (see above chosen sports) all the while providing exercise. Economically, sport has allowed me to pay my rent for the last two years. The education and entertainment E's have had a lesser impact on my life. Although a younger version of myself was once socialized via sport its impact has lessened. As far as entertainment goes, I honestly find sports more fulfilling than entertaining. Not to say that I don't get caught up in the frenzy but most likely less than the average sport lover.

Well, that's enough I think.
Remember, 9:00am on Monday is the cut-off for postings.
Have a good weekend.
Men's soccer, Terps vs. UCLA (1 & 2 in the nation) Friday at 8pm.

Jen

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