Six Signs Your Intramural Teammates are Former High School Athletes
They are crazy competitive.
Conjuring images of Leigh Anne Tuohy in "The Blind Side," these students are uber competitive. Make a mistake and you can count on these serious athletes to supply "constructive" criticism. On the sidelines they cheer with the zeal of your high school pep squad. They are certain a team’s chance to win rests solely on their shoulders.
Photo by Campus Recreation
They perform pre-game rituals.
Forty-five minutes before game time, they stretch like it’s the high school football playoffs. Pre-game is their own Beats by Dre commercial, followed by a team meeting and a big team chant. If something works, you can count on these people to repeat it time and time again.
Photo by Campus Recreation
They have "brand name" gear.
Yeah, the guys and gals dressed in Under Armour head-to-toe with all the "right" equipment. They may “Protect This House,” but they often leave their wallets exposed. Students dish out cash to be like an idol. Their extensive collection is a most prized possession. Look good, play good...right?
Photo by Campus Recreation
They reminisce about the “Glory Days.”
On or off the field, a high school pastime is still a favorite subject for casual conversation. It should be listed on resumes since they talk about it so much. We all know the guy who “one ups” everyone with “Did I tell you the time when…?” Yes, you told us last week before that game, too.
Photo by Campus Recreation
They attempt trick plays, because the t-shirt they win is just that cool.
Attempting trick plays is what places them in the “former high school athlete” category. Just because you have a trick play drawn up that involves returning a missed field goal the distance, doesn't mean you should use it. Why not just play like you practiced?
Photo by Campus Recreation
They show up on “coaches’ time."
If you aren't there at least 15 minutes before you’re supposed to be, there are consequences. Whenever there’s a game, you can bet money they are scheduling a practice 24 hours in advance, along with setting a team curfew. If the team wins, it only validates their schedule. If the team loses, more practice and an earlier bedtime it is! Game days you’ll find them in the stands fully dressed two hours before game time.
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Auburn Campus Recreation