Miss Black's Handball Debut

To say that sports are big here at DA would be an understatement. Our girls and boys varsity volleyball teams, girls and boys intermediate soccer, varsity and junior varsity softball teams are all on the go. In addition, intramural handball started this past weekend. "What is handball?" you may ask. I myself was unfamiliar with this somewhat obscure sport. It could be described as a hybrid of basketball and soccer. You can dribble the ball three times and take three steps before passing or shooting. Players may not cross the goal crease, and ultimately the objective is to score on the opposing team's net. The game is played on the 'petit poteaux' court which looks like a cement hockey rink.

Those of you who knew me "way back when" may remember that I was, at one time, very athletic. For others of you who have come to know me in more recent years, this may sound somewhat far-fetched, but alas, it is the truth. Here's a trivia question for you, my reading public: Do you know which middle school AND high school sport I played back in the day? (Answer to come in an upcoming post)

So handball...last year I was a spectator, but found myself unexpectedly saddened to be sitting on the sidelines. There's something about the lights at night, the music, the excitement, that made me want to be a part of it all. I wanted to jump in, so this year I did. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, terrified really. I had visions of myself falling over children, falling into the net...falling in general. I couldn't think of other embarrassing feats, but I was sure I would accomplish something epically ridiculous in front of staff, students, and parents. I went so far as to arrange a tutorial and practice before the 'season' began. All my best intentions were for naught. I showed up to school for the season opener feeling like the inexperienced, insecure, rookie that I was. As I approached my team, the Royal Pains, waving my hellos, my foot caught on a stone and I found myself splayed across the pathway...backpack, water bottle, and shoes strewn about. I think my teams morale faltered as they helped me up and brushed me off. My worst fear had come true before I even stepped on the court.

Though I wasn't the MVP I did have a great time and I played hard. We are 2 for 2 after the first weekend. Next weekend will be a challenge as we are up against two tough teams.

Mr. Austin is the unofficial photographer at DA. He takes hundreds of photos at any given event and posts them almost immediately. He caught some amazing images of jump shots and great plays as seen below, but as I was browsing through the album I lamented to my friends Danielle and Cori that my athletic prowess had not been recorded for friends and family at home.

Rudyo takes a jump shot to score as Blue crushes Orange.

Aaron approaches defender, Phil, as he launches the ball

Amber, Royal Pains team captain, scores on her jump shot. We win 6-3 over the Midnight Furries.

In response to my laments, today I received the cartoon below, capturing my handball debut, compliments of my friend Danielle. She’s been having a lot of fun with ‘microsoft paint’ lately. Check out her artwork…and entertaining anecdotes at: http://missbowers.blogspot.com/ In other news, she also had to confiscate a machete recently…she has all the fun.

And so, without further ado...Miss Black (aka Alicia)'s Handball Debut: