Me so happy!

[Xiong]

I just wanted to share some happy thoughts in light of all the negativity that has been going around here.

I've just rejoined the Oakland Warthogs Rugby team for another season

I played for them last year for a season and I loved it. I was one of the lightest guys on the team, and I was discouraged at first because I would be playing along side players that were up to twice as big and heavy as me. Despite that fact, joining the team is one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had.

I played as a forward last year, in the position of a lock and jumper.

Something that amazed me about the team was the bond all of the players shared. When we first played and practiced together, we were complete strangers to each other. On the field, it didn't matter who we were, where we were from, or what the color of our skin was. The only thing that mattered was the sport. We treated each other like brothers, as if we knew each other since we were born. Everyone looked out for each other and when someone is injured or hurt, there are for sure going to be at least two or three other players by their side to assist. If we performed poorly or if someone messes up, everyone tells each other to pick up their heads and learn from their mistakes. In the team, there was no put downs of any sort and there was nothing but full support from everyone.

People that were playing against us certainly were surprised at our good sportsmanship. We never picked fights or anything, and if there were, everyone would've been made up at the end of the game. To the opposing teams' surprise, even though most if not all of us, were from the deep ghettos of Oakland, we were one of the teams that showed the best sportsmanship in the whole league. But then again, who wouldn't be scared if a team of 15 thugs were charging down your way?

What amazed me most about the team, was certainly the coaches. They're all fully grown men, long out of college, working, had families and children to look after. Every single one of them managed to set aside 6 to 10 hours a week, commit to the team and the players, and spend all of their valuable time teaching us how to play a sport. Not only did they spend time coaching us, they had to deal with our paperwork, keep track of our grades, organize plays and games, and everything else a coach has to do. They also spent money out of their own pocket to pitch in for food or snacks for the whole team after a game. As a player on the team, that meant much to me since I know how I feel when I put in hours of my week out for rugby or any other activity. The coaches are all volunteers, not paid a penny, and share a love for the sport.

Anyways, I wasn't planning to enroll this season because I ran out of medical insurance. But, my coach found a way to cover expenses for the players without insurance. So here I am, extremely happy that I get to be part of this team again.

Oh, here is the 2011 Varsity Silver Division Game.

Anyways, catch you all around. I'll be busier for the next 6 months.

I'll still be on Thursdays , Fridays, Sundays, and possibly other days if I have time.

Edited October 24, 2012 by Xiong 1st MRB