Tag: football

Politics and Soccer

therightliberalLeave a comment

To someone who is a fan of one or a fan of neither, this may seem like a very odd combination. But for me it is far from it.

As I look towards college there are two fields that I see myself potentially pursuing, politics and soccer. 

To specify, when I say soccer I mean the management side of it. And when I say politics I mean going into the legislative branch in some form.

Now these two may seem to be far apart in the processes and lifestyle but to me they are quite similar. Both are in the eye of the public and both aim to please the public. Both deal with large amounts of money and work on a global scale. And most importantly, both are passions of mine.

I have been involved in the business side of soccer for about 4 years now. It’s surprisingly complicated at times and the attention to detail is large. I have also followed politics closely for some years now and I get a similar vibe there.

So the issue I run into is which one do I choose? I love both, I can make good money doing both and I feel like I have potential in both. But if I end up in one and hate it can I switch to the other?

These thoughts are shared with many young people my age I am sure. It is hard being tasked with choosing where your life will head. At times I wish someone would just choose for me but I know I would have regrets.

As I look towards college I am thinking of all the possibilities and what I could do to keep both doors open as long as possible. I know that now is not the time to make the choice but taking steps to find out is important.

So here is a word of advice for people younger than me: do all you can to figure out what you want to do. My parents have “forced” me to work in the areas I like and it has made a huge difference because I have been able to narrow it down. I know so many kids my age who are worried because they just have no idea. I am sure they will find out soon enough but it takes off so much stress knowing that you know what you want to do.

So for parents and kids, take steps to find out your passion. Sometimes you find out something surprising but all the information is good information.

Setting Out Goals For Yourself, and keeping them.

r3t5nom1 Comment

Tonight I watched a video report on a soldier named Daniel Rodriguez who is a decorated hero from the United States Military. The reason this video was so attention grabbing was not because he was in the military, but because of the ability for him to make a promise to himself and do what so many people can’t do, keep it.

He and a friend of his made promises to themselves as well as to each other that once they were out of the military they would chase after their dreams and do anything that had to be done to achieve them.

A sad turn of events occurred and Daniel’s friend was killed while being ambushed by enemy forces on active duty. A lot of the time a loss like this can affect people and their ability to push through, but Daniel refused to let his dreams and talent as a football player go to waste.

When Daniel got out of the military he immediately went into training to become a football player.

This is a very mature and beautiful thing to see in life, especially because it isn’t something you see too often. I wish to be as dedicated and as committed to achieving my dreams. Daniel is now an inspiration to me that will hopefully drive me towards what I seek in my life.

Fantastic.

What Tim Tebow and the GOP Candidates Have in Common

therightliberal6 Comments

The reason I first made this connection is because I hate both of them. Let me start out explaining why I hate Tebow because I think people know why I hate the GOP Candidates.

Tim Tebow is a great athlete, there is no hiding from that. And like many athletes, Tim Tebow is religious. But what makes Tebow stand out is his proselytizing that he constantly does.

From his Super Bowl anti-abortion commercial to his constant kneeling, Tebow makes it his goal for everyone to know that he loves God.  It is so obnoxious for him to constantly thank God and Jesus for his successes. He can thank them in his head, he doesn’t need to say it out loud.

Yes, I am both an atheist and a liberal so I am predisposed to dislike these characters. But there are many Christians who hate Tebow and just as many republicans that can’t stand their candidates.

So what do these two have in common besides me hating them? They both are putting on a show.

I’m sure Tebow loves god but he wants the attention for his devotion. The GOP candidates (mainly Romney) are making it seem like they have beliefs far more radical than in actuality, just to gain votes.

Now I realize that in our society we have a tendency to act differently to impress others, it’s part of our nature.

But it is stupid that so many people fall for the obvious ploys of these actors. I guess the reason I hate both of them is because they make me realize how ignorant many of my fellow Americans are.

It disgusts me that so many people listen to words without thinking about the meaning behind them. TIM TEBOW WANTS TO CONVERT YOU! THAT IS HIS GOAL! THE GOP WANTS YOUR VOTES!

Do not believe they are good and righteous people just because they tell you they are. Listen to me, I am the Pope. See what I did there? (I’m not the Pope).

Stop being gullible and ignorant. Stop living up to the stereotypes that the rest of the world make about us. Be smart.

Crazy Beginning to a probably crazy week

backinphilly1 Comment

Death and funerals are crazy. I’ve never been a fan of death, but sometimes that just kinda happens. That is what happened last night to a fallen Olivo. John Olivo Sr., my grandfather, passed away. It was a long time coming and I will be returning to Hammonton, New Jersey following the OVS boys football game against Laguna. It is a sad time, but a time where I will be able to go back to my home state and enjoy time with my family in our time of mourning.

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Times past

venturatrekerLeave a comment


Yesterday I had the chance to go back to a place that had a significant impact on my life, Midland School.

It is lovely to go back there because nothing really ever changes except the faces, but even then we all have something in common because of our shared connection to Midland.

One part that makes it the place that it is, is the communal showers. Yeah it sounds gross and not that great, but after a long day, sharing laughs with all your friends in the shower room is really the best thing there is.

When I went back, after my Football game I showered in the Junior bathroom with all my friends, it felt like nothing had changed.  I do miss Midland and the great innocent fun we had, but I am glad to have moved on and to be able to come back and remember those memories.

It really Hurts?

venturatrekerLeave a comment


Today I played my very first ever football game against the Dunn school.  I have practiced about twenty days and was in pads for about 18 of those.  All I can say is the game is much different then practice.

Being completely new to the game meant I had to learn everything, and with the goal of getting eligible for the game I focussed on one position, running back.

First I will say I really enjoy the game, but I’m still very lost.  I learned the hard way how it feels to be tackled and piled on by testosterone fuming teenagers.  To be perfectly honest, it’s not that bad.  Yeah it hurts but the pads do protect you and again and again I got up from being crushed by players. Saying that I think I ended up on the ground almost every play. I am not a great blocker so it ended with me or me and my “guy” on the ground, usually just me…over..and over…and over.. again.

What really hurts though is those precision hits. In the second quarter I got a helmet straight to the side of the knee.  I remember laying there looking up just thinking “Sweet Jesus, that really hurt”

So I walked away from the game with bruises, cuts, and possibly some internal bleeding (jokes)

But really, football hurts, but you gotta love the game.

OVS Football

venturatrekerLeave a comment

Today, Saturday the 24th, was the first OVS football game.  Twenty plus guys and one girl went out and fought valiantly against East Valley.

It was quite a game, and more than a few times I found myself yelling and jumping up and down as OVS players ran the ball up and down the field.

It was quite a good turnout as well, with many OVS Upper students coming down as well as many Lower School students and faculty.  I came to the game with my dad and we brought our lunches, and had a nice afternoon watching testosterone brimming boys pummel each other.

In the end, though, the mighty Spuds were defeated.  There defeat was in no part a lack of heart or effort on the OVS team.  The sweat was visibly dripping down their faces and soaking their clothes yet they never relented.  The “OVS Champions” came out the second half and really stepped it up.  A real scramble at every play OVS made East valley work for every inch or ground gained.

As OVS is a very young  team, this was the first game for many player.  Even with the clear ‘green’ of the team, they did not lack heart what-so-ever.  Many of East Valley’s touchdowns were scored merely off of errors on OVS’ part that, with the continued diligence of coaching staff, will soon be corrected, and OVS football will be a force to be reckoned with.

Calm the “!@$ DOWN!

bedghostLeave a comment

I was just thinking to myself that tomorrow is the first game football game of the season. I’m not on the team, but this point got me thinking. How did I used to feel before a game? (I use to play soccer). And then I remembered That unforgettable feeling.

That feeling that burns your stomach, that feeling that keeps you awake, that feeling that never lets you sleep before a game… Pre-game nervousness. This is the feeling of the devil. The one that can ruin countless practices before a big game or performance. The key for me to overcome this burden, Is to stop right before the show starts and say to myself. “Calm the F%$! Down”. It works 80% of the time. The other 20% you just have to wing it and hope for the best.

If all else fails click here.

It’s Time to Say Goodbye

therightliberalLeave a comment

Old Trafford is one of the greatest stadiums in the world. It is the largest of any of the EPL club’s stadiums and it has an aura of magic. It has played host to many fantastic games and many incredible players. For some United players though, tomorrow’s game against Blackpool will be their last in the Theater of Dreams.

Edwin van der Sar has been a great goalkeeper throughout his time at United. I can still remember his penalty save against Chelsea that won the cup. He has been a great footballer and he will be missed. Sir Alex Ferguson announced that Van der Sar will start in the net in the last game of the season. This will give the fans a chance to thank him for his great work during his time at United.

Edwin van der Sar Edwin Van der Sar of Manchester United saves the penalty attempt from Ncolas Anelka of Chelsea to win during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium on May 21, 2008 in Moscow, Russia.

Although it is not certain that Paul Scholes will retire, there is a very good chance of it. It is a good opportunity for him to go out on a good note. Scholes has been a key member of United for since he came in to the first team squad in 1994. Before that, Scholes has been part of United’s youth program. He has always been a great players for United, getting in trouble at times but always coming off in style. His vicious tackles scarred even the most hardened players. He will always be remembered as one of the United greats.

Although these two players are retiring and others may be leaving, United will keep strong as one of the best teams in the world. They will get new players who have skill and knowledge but the greats that preceded them will not be forgotten.

Gers

therightliberalLeave a comment

Rangers Football Club (or the Gers as some of their loyal fans call them) recently won the Scottish Premier League title. This is the third title in a row they have won.

unfortunately in the SPL it is almost always only a competition between two teams, Rangers and Celtic. This year followed that. Rangers finished the season with 93 points in front of Celtic who had 92. The third place team? They had 63 points.

No other team in Europe has won as many trophies as Rangers, yet on the international scene they don’t get much credit. among many other large numbers, Rangers have won 54 league titles. 54! People are raving about United’s accomplishment of 19 (including me) but 54…that is incredible.

Granted the SPL is nowhere near as difficult as the EPL but it is still amazing.

I love Rangers because of my Protestant Scottish heritage, I’m no bandwagoner. But for those people looking for a team outside of the EPL to support, look in to Rangers.

They play pretty football for a Scottish team partly because they have players from all over the world. They have fanatic fans that give the atmosphere a great feel (usually) and they are a succesful club. They really deserve more credit.

But who deserves credit most of all is Walter Smith. After the last game of the season, Smith retired as coach of Rangers. During his time the team won 21 major titles including 10 times league champions. He has been a wonderful representative of the Ranger organization and he will be honored and missed. I cannot stress enough what a great coach and a great asset he has been. There is a great article on his importance here.

So go Gers! And for any Hoop fan reading this, don’t count on us stopping at 3.