The recruiting process can be a confusing thing to a young student athlete who doesn't know anyone who's gone through it before. If you are feeling totally lost like I was in high school, here are 3 simple steps to get your recruiting journey on its way.
Step One-
Where do you want to play? Everyone has their dream program where they've wanted to play ever since they started playing football. But you've got to leave yourself open to other options because life doesn't always work out the way you planned. Make a list of the top five schools you want to play for (for most people these are the big name Division 1 schools). Then make a list of about ten to fifteen other schools that may not be your all time favorite but that you would like to play for. Then pick around twenty to twenty five programs that are schools where you would like to play for because of varied reasons like their geographic location or maybe have an education program that you are interested in i.e. you want to be a writer and they have an excellent journalism school. Don't just limit yourself to Division 1 schools either. Of course they are going to be on the top of your list but you should also include Division IAA schools, Division II and III as well as Junior Colleges and NIAA's. To increase your odds you should be contacting anywhere from close to 50-100 coaches.
Step Two-
Write your Educational and Athletic Cover Letter and post it. This is usually a document that is no longer than one page with all of your important school and football information on it. You'll have things like your name and contact information, GPA, Class Rank, as well as your ACT and SAT scores if you have taken them at that point, and any extracurricular activities. You will also have things like your height, weight, position, maybe any accurate combine numbers, your statistics by year and any honors you have received like All Conference. Also include references like your high school coaches phone and e-mail number. This should be brief and to the point. If you think some information is not important, then don't include it, because coaches see tons of these things all the time and only look for certain things. Now start posting this on online recruiting sites, as well as mailing or e-mailing it to coaches. Do not mass email your Cover Letter to coaches without first taking the time to personalize it, like putting Dear, (Coaches Name), and writing a few lines about why you want to play for their program. If you don't do this it makes you look lazy. If you don't take the time to personalize it, the coach probably won't take the time to look at it. If you need more help you can always Google search "Athletic Cover letter" or "Athletic Resume".
Step Three-
Create a Highlight video. Back when was in high school (wow that makes me feel old) most of the games were filmed on VHS and you had to get two VCR's to edit your highlight tape. Now it is much easier to upload your video to a computer edit it and then post it online, so a coach can watch it over the internet. This makes things a lot cheaper. Coaches usually want to see a highlight tape and then a film of a full game if they are interested in you. When it comes to your highlight tape, don't worry about cool effects or good music. The coach will most likely just mute the video and you don't want silly effects distracting from what's really important, you making plays. On your highlight tape try and put all your better plays towards the front because coaches don't have much time to be watching your video all day. When you send your video to the coach make sure you also attach your Cover Letter.
2013年10月14日星期一
First Time Playing Paintball
People often anticipate and fear the first time they play paintball. Questions that typically come to mind are, "Does it hurt?" and "Is it dangerous?" The truth is, paintball is a fun game for most people who don't mind a little minor pain here and there.
To begin, players are going to need paintball markers to shoot paintballs, goggles, a face mask, knee pads, elbow pads, and a cricket box if the player is a male. Goggles should not be removed. This is to prevent damage to the eye while players are firing in the person’s direction.
Since there is some pain associated with being hit on bare skin, it's best to cover up as much exposed skin with clothing as possible to lessen the pain. The heavier the clothes, the less soreness. This game is very safe, as long as players provide proper protection to their eyes, mouth and ears. Teeth can be chipped and eardrums can be ruptured without taking necessary precautions. Markers should be kept around 280 feet per second (FPS), plus or minus 15 FPS.
As for the stings, most of the time they last for only a minute, and sometimes the pain isn't there at all. Paint that hits exposed skin hurts much more than contact with layers of clothing. If a close range shot hits a player, it will likely sting as well as bruise. The closer the shot, the more pain. The paint will wash out of clothes, but it may cause some tearing and ripping. It's best for the player to wear clothes he or she can easily do without for everyday school or work activities.
The breakage of skin and some bleeding may be caused by paintballs shot at close range, but typically, these minor injuries are nothing to fuss over. Bruises or welts caused by shots typically go away in less than a week.
Other players will often target others known to be new to the game. Often, people that are new can be easily identified by them standing around and just shooting. When a player is known to be new, many may swarm to his or her spot and begin to shoot. One hit may only sting, but many shots at once hurts, especially if those shots are at close range.
It's best for people to approach the game of paintball with strategy. Playing with a teammate and staying concealed is the best way to be victorious. New participants may not understand the game at first, but as they get better, they usually come to love this excellent sport.
To begin, players are going to need paintball markers to shoot paintballs, goggles, a face mask, knee pads, elbow pads, and a cricket box if the player is a male. Goggles should not be removed. This is to prevent damage to the eye while players are firing in the person’s direction.
Since there is some pain associated with being hit on bare skin, it's best to cover up as much exposed skin with clothing as possible to lessen the pain. The heavier the clothes, the less soreness. This game is very safe, as long as players provide proper protection to their eyes, mouth and ears. Teeth can be chipped and eardrums can be ruptured without taking necessary precautions. Markers should be kept around 280 feet per second (FPS), plus or minus 15 FPS.
As for the stings, most of the time they last for only a minute, and sometimes the pain isn't there at all. Paint that hits exposed skin hurts much more than contact with layers of clothing. If a close range shot hits a player, it will likely sting as well as bruise. The closer the shot, the more pain. The paint will wash out of clothes, but it may cause some tearing and ripping. It's best for the player to wear clothes he or she can easily do without for everyday school or work activities.
The breakage of skin and some bleeding may be caused by paintballs shot at close range, but typically, these minor injuries are nothing to fuss over. Bruises or welts caused by shots typically go away in less than a week.
Other players will often target others known to be new to the game. Often, people that are new can be easily identified by them standing around and just shooting. When a player is known to be new, many may swarm to his or her spot and begin to shoot. One hit may only sting, but many shots at once hurts, especially if those shots are at close range.
It's best for people to approach the game of paintball with strategy. Playing with a teammate and staying concealed is the best way to be victorious. New participants may not understand the game at first, but as they get better, they usually come to love this excellent sport.
Paintball Is More Popular Than Ever
Paintball has been one of the most exciting and adrenaline pumping sports of modern day. Invented 30 years ago for use in military exercises and training, the game would slowly move to the private sector where it was then played residentially by a number of weekend warriors.
By the early 1990s, the game had become a national sensation where leagues, tournaments, and eventually champions were born. There are a few different types of play that people enjoy. There is the traditional open-air environment where Capture the Flag is the most enjoyed game, and there are warehouse games, or speedball play, where players use barriers and rapid-fire techniques. Equipment has also came a long way from simple pistol grip single-shot guns to automatic rifles and even special paintball pants instead of sweats.
Open Air Play For many, open air play is the only way to play the game. Open air play consists of a large field where there have been artificial barriers erected as well as many natural barriers and hiding places. Open air play is usually a flagged, wooded area where anything within that field is fair game. The game most often played on these fields is some version of Capture the Flag. Capture the flag is where players are divided into two teams. Each team has a flag placed within their side of the field, usually somewhere in the rear. Once game play begins, the two teams attempt to capture each others' flag without being shot.
Warehouse Play Warehouse play is slightly different than open air play. Warehouse play usually involves a warehouse converted into a paintball field, simulating close combat. Players do not hunt one another as in open air play but mainly stay in a strategic position in an attempt to hit other players. This type of game play incorporates rapid fire techniques, which is when a player uses both the middle-finger and index finger to pull the tripper in rapid succession. Players may use over 100 paintballs in one game.
Tools of the Trade Equipment has undergone many transformations over the last few years. There are guns that are fully automatic. There are even paintball grenades, which are paint filled plastics that explode in a large radius. For those that don't like getting their clothes covered in paint, there are paintball pants, paintball jerseys, and even paintball helmets that can be purchased. There are even different types of paintballs such as high velocity and increased accuracy paintballs. One can find used equipment on many classified internet trading websites as well as their local paintball field.
By the early 1990s, the game had become a national sensation where leagues, tournaments, and eventually champions were born. There are a few different types of play that people enjoy. There is the traditional open-air environment where Capture the Flag is the most enjoyed game, and there are warehouse games, or speedball play, where players use barriers and rapid-fire techniques. Equipment has also came a long way from simple pistol grip single-shot guns to automatic rifles and even special paintball pants instead of sweats.
Open Air Play For many, open air play is the only way to play the game. Open air play consists of a large field where there have been artificial barriers erected as well as many natural barriers and hiding places. Open air play is usually a flagged, wooded area where anything within that field is fair game. The game most often played on these fields is some version of Capture the Flag. Capture the flag is where players are divided into two teams. Each team has a flag placed within their side of the field, usually somewhere in the rear. Once game play begins, the two teams attempt to capture each others' flag without being shot.
Warehouse Play Warehouse play is slightly different than open air play. Warehouse play usually involves a warehouse converted into a paintball field, simulating close combat. Players do not hunt one another as in open air play but mainly stay in a strategic position in an attempt to hit other players. This type of game play incorporates rapid fire techniques, which is when a player uses both the middle-finger and index finger to pull the tripper in rapid succession. Players may use over 100 paintballs in one game.
Tools of the Trade Equipment has undergone many transformations over the last few years. There are guns that are fully automatic. There are even paintball grenades, which are paint filled plastics that explode in a large radius. For those that don't like getting their clothes covered in paint, there are paintball pants, paintball jerseys, and even paintball helmets that can be purchased. There are even different types of paintballs such as high velocity and increased accuracy paintballs. One can find used equipment on many classified internet trading websites as well as their local paintball field.
2013年10月13日星期日
Athletes World Records Electrolytes,Hydration,& Performance
Kick It Into High Gear!
Electrolytes, Hydration, & Performance. When your body is working at high performance levels, body temperature is raised, increasing sweat production and the need for re-hydration, as well as electrolyte replacement. The rise in body temperature is caused by a few different factors: muscles are working at peak performance to enhance athletic ability, and they are producing energy in the form of heat, which raises the core body temperature. Also contributing to this rise in temperature is the increased blood flow, which is a result of the sweating process as your body tries to cool the skin.
As sweat output increases, water input isn’t generally maintained to the proper equilibrium needed to keep you body at a stable hydration, therefore causing dehydration. This can lead to decreased daily athletic ability and an increased risk of injury, as well as unnecessary fatigue and exhaustion.
Because these factors cause your body to be at high risk of dehydration during athletic performance, re-hydration play a major role in maintaining a healthy athletic regimen. Some athletes may believe that water is sufficient for hydration, and although water intake is very important, water alone cannot replace the minerals lost during exercise and sweating. This is because sweat contains vital minerals and nutrients know as electrolytes.
Electrolytes are essential to all higher life forms and are a composition of sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, chloride and phosphate. A excellent quality sports drink will contain all six. Beware of those that short-change you in the electrolytes. Without electrolyte replacement, over-hydration or hyponatremia (a condition which can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache, and in extreme cases, coma) can occur. Adequate electrolyte supplies also help stimulate the thirst mechanism which lags behind the need. It also helps reduce post-workout soreness and helps prevent muscle cramps. Beware of sports drinks that tout themselves as "sodium free". "Low sodium" is a sales pitch for foods, but for a sports drink, it is most inappropriate. You need about 100 mg of sodium to adequately absorb the water for proper hydration.
But now, to energy replacement. The last thing an athlete needs to run out of is energy. Energy means blood glucose which goes into the muscle to form muscle glycogen to power the muscle. You can maintain a proper supply by consuming about 25 grams of carbohydrate every half hour as you exercise. Most sport drinks tend to be too low in carbohydrates, about 3.9%. Research shows 25 grams of carbohydrate or 11% to be optimal for energy replacement.
The Shaklee Corporation consistently takes a different approach. The difference is that they developed a product called Performance, based on solid research and then proved that the product works. The most amazing development and test of a sports drink was the Daedalus Project. A human powered airplane called the Daedalus was to be powered 74 miles across the Aegean sea. This meant 74 miles of a man pushing bicycle type pedals to keep a propeller going and the plane aloft.
This is a phenomenal endurance test. The energy output is equal to running three marathons back to back. Performance is a patented carbohydrate delivery system called "Opticarb".
The flight took place April 23, 1988. After four hours and 74 miles later, the flight ended successfully. The pilot was monitored during and after the flight. Now read this carefully.
His heart rate never exceeded 142
At no time during the flight did he experience any significant fatigue.
This is important: his blood glucose stayed constant.
He drank nearly four quarts of fluid.
Body weight loss was minimal showing he was well hydrated.
(They predicted an eight pound weight loss.)
His electrolytes remained in a normal range.
The ONLY source of fluid, electrolyte, and energy replacement was Performance by the Shaklee Corporation. That was 1988; the formula has not been changed because it is still on the cutting edge of nutritional research, and Shaklee has the proof to back it up.
Proper fluid replacement can enhance and improve the performance of any athlete. Anytime you are doing anything physical (athletics, yard work, your job) and perspiring 30 minutes or more, choose Performance. (See links below article for more info, pictures and more.
Electrolytes, Hydration, & Performance. When your body is working at high performance levels, body temperature is raised, increasing sweat production and the need for re-hydration, as well as electrolyte replacement. The rise in body temperature is caused by a few different factors: muscles are working at peak performance to enhance athletic ability, and they are producing energy in the form of heat, which raises the core body temperature. Also contributing to this rise in temperature is the increased blood flow, which is a result of the sweating process as your body tries to cool the skin.
As sweat output increases, water input isn’t generally maintained to the proper equilibrium needed to keep you body at a stable hydration, therefore causing dehydration. This can lead to decreased daily athletic ability and an increased risk of injury, as well as unnecessary fatigue and exhaustion.
Because these factors cause your body to be at high risk of dehydration during athletic performance, re-hydration play a major role in maintaining a healthy athletic regimen. Some athletes may believe that water is sufficient for hydration, and although water intake is very important, water alone cannot replace the minerals lost during exercise and sweating. This is because sweat contains vital minerals and nutrients know as electrolytes.
Electrolytes are essential to all higher life forms and are a composition of sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, chloride and phosphate. A excellent quality sports drink will contain all six. Beware of those that short-change you in the electrolytes. Without electrolyte replacement, over-hydration or hyponatremia (a condition which can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache, and in extreme cases, coma) can occur. Adequate electrolyte supplies also help stimulate the thirst mechanism which lags behind the need. It also helps reduce post-workout soreness and helps prevent muscle cramps. Beware of sports drinks that tout themselves as "sodium free". "Low sodium" is a sales pitch for foods, but for a sports drink, it is most inappropriate. You need about 100 mg of sodium to adequately absorb the water for proper hydration.
But now, to energy replacement. The last thing an athlete needs to run out of is energy. Energy means blood glucose which goes into the muscle to form muscle glycogen to power the muscle. You can maintain a proper supply by consuming about 25 grams of carbohydrate every half hour as you exercise. Most sport drinks tend to be too low in carbohydrates, about 3.9%. Research shows 25 grams of carbohydrate or 11% to be optimal for energy replacement.
The Shaklee Corporation consistently takes a different approach. The difference is that they developed a product called Performance, based on solid research and then proved that the product works. The most amazing development and test of a sports drink was the Daedalus Project. A human powered airplane called the Daedalus was to be powered 74 miles across the Aegean sea. This meant 74 miles of a man pushing bicycle type pedals to keep a propeller going and the plane aloft.
This is a phenomenal endurance test. The energy output is equal to running three marathons back to back. Performance is a patented carbohydrate delivery system called "Opticarb".
The flight took place April 23, 1988. After four hours and 74 miles later, the flight ended successfully. The pilot was monitored during and after the flight. Now read this carefully.
His heart rate never exceeded 142
At no time during the flight did he experience any significant fatigue.
This is important: his blood glucose stayed constant.
He drank nearly four quarts of fluid.
Body weight loss was minimal showing he was well hydrated.
(They predicted an eight pound weight loss.)
His electrolytes remained in a normal range.
The ONLY source of fluid, electrolyte, and energy replacement was Performance by the Shaklee Corporation. That was 1988; the formula has not been changed because it is still on the cutting edge of nutritional research, and Shaklee has the proof to back it up.
Proper fluid replacement can enhance and improve the performance of any athlete. Anytime you are doing anything physical (athletics, yard work, your job) and perspiring 30 minutes or more, choose Performance. (See links below article for more info, pictures and more.
Poontoon Boats and Hurricanes
Small pontoon boats and other boating vessels are particularly vulnerable to storms, hurricanes in particular. When a hurricane is bearing down on your area, it can be frightening for lots of reasons. As we're going through our preparations, there's a long list of things to check off, and it can be easy to forget some of the little things. But one thing that shouldn't be forgotten is to prepare your boat. It's dangerous to assume that your boat will be safe because it is a natural floating device, but it doesn't take much to unleash a boat from a dock and send it out into the water, after which you may never see it again.
Your boat is a big investment, so if you have time, make sure it's ready. And even if there isn't a hurricane on the horizon, if you live in a hurricane-prone area it can't hurt to put some of these measures in place at all times.
What to do before the storm comes
If you want to be safe from a hurricane, here are some steps to take on the boat:
· Check all of the boat's windows, ports, doors, and hatches to ensure that they are completely watertight. To be safe, you might want to use some duct tape to seal them up.
· If you have hurricane insurance, take pictures of everything that you have on the boat, including all furniture, gear, and equipment.
· Make sure the boat's fuel and water tanks are full and that any batteries are charged.
· Keep all of your insurance and boat registration documents in a safe location where they won't be damaged.
· Make sure everything on the boat is tied down or securely stored away.
And if your boat is too large to be trailered and taken away from the dock, here are some steps you can take dockside to make sure your boat is safe:
· Double up all ropes and lines attaching the boat to the dock.
· Make sure all the lines are tied high up on the pilings. This will protect the connection from storm surges.
· If there are strong trees or other nearby fixtures that are very secure, consider using extra lines to tie the boat to these.
· Cooperate with others on the dock for additional solutions that benefit everyone.
· If the hurricane is bearing down and your boat is secure, be a good neighbor and help others on the dock.
Trailered boats
Of course, if your boat is easy to trailer, the best idea is to take it out of the water and secure it safely in a warehouse or garage. However, if you must store it outside, here are some tips to keep in mind:
· Keep the boat somewhere where it will be protected from flying debris and falling branches.
· Deflate the trailer tires and add as much secure weight to the boat as you can.
· Secure the boat to nearby fixtures, especially secure buildings and large trees. If possible, lash the boat on all four corners.
And those are just a few ways to protect your pontoon boat and other sea faring vessels.
Your boat is a big investment, so if you have time, make sure it's ready. And even if there isn't a hurricane on the horizon, if you live in a hurricane-prone area it can't hurt to put some of these measures in place at all times.
What to do before the storm comes
If you want to be safe from a hurricane, here are some steps to take on the boat:
· Check all of the boat's windows, ports, doors, and hatches to ensure that they are completely watertight. To be safe, you might want to use some duct tape to seal them up.
· If you have hurricane insurance, take pictures of everything that you have on the boat, including all furniture, gear, and equipment.
· Make sure the boat's fuel and water tanks are full and that any batteries are charged.
· Keep all of your insurance and boat registration documents in a safe location where they won't be damaged.
· Make sure everything on the boat is tied down or securely stored away.
And if your boat is too large to be trailered and taken away from the dock, here are some steps you can take dockside to make sure your boat is safe:
· Double up all ropes and lines attaching the boat to the dock.
· Make sure all the lines are tied high up on the pilings. This will protect the connection from storm surges.
· If there are strong trees or other nearby fixtures that are very secure, consider using extra lines to tie the boat to these.
· Cooperate with others on the dock for additional solutions that benefit everyone.
· If the hurricane is bearing down and your boat is secure, be a good neighbor and help others on the dock.
Trailered boats
Of course, if your boat is easy to trailer, the best idea is to take it out of the water and secure it safely in a warehouse or garage. However, if you must store it outside, here are some tips to keep in mind:
· Keep the boat somewhere where it will be protected from flying debris and falling branches.
· Deflate the trailer tires and add as much secure weight to the boat as you can.
· Secure the boat to nearby fixtures, especially secure buildings and large trees. If possible, lash the boat on all four corners.
And those are just a few ways to protect your pontoon boat and other sea faring vessels.
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