I just heard that two more universities, Rutgers and James Madison, are ditching men's swimming while spending zillions on football and golf. My own alma mater almost cut women's swimming several years ago. They were saved by alumni fundraising, but not until the swim team put itself up for sale on ebay. Endurance sports get no respect. It makes no sense. I thought open water swimming and triathlons and road racing were on the rise even among young kids. If so, why cut all those sports in college? I guess it's still just a miniscule percentage that participate compared to other sports, like my least favorite youth sport -- travel soccer.
This game called soccer is very popular with the boys, or the boys around here anyway. But, let me tell you, you want to see some grumpy parents, ask a soccer parent about the time committment required. I think I'll shoot myself if soccer ever comes up at my house.
I have a secret theory on soccer, which I will make public. Basically, all kids can run around in a pack and flail wildly at a ball, from day one. Swimming, like some other skill based sports, requires a good deal of practice. You can't just jump in and go for it, unlike soccer.
Now, before all the mini van drivin' crazy soccer moms start getting on my case, I'm only talking about base skill, not advanced skills. I realize it takes a lot of work to be good at soccer, but not as much as is required with swimming, sorry.
This game called soccer is very popular with the boys, or the boys around here anyway. But, let me tell you, you want to see some grumpy parents, ask a soccer parent about the time committment required. I think I'll shoot myself if soccer ever comes up at my house.
I have a secret theory on soccer, which I will make public. Basically, all kids can run around in a pack and flail wildly at a ball, from day one. Swimming, like some other skill based sports, requires a good deal of practice. You can't just jump in and go for it, unlike soccer.
Now, before all the mini van drivin' crazy soccer moms start getting on my case, I'm only talking about base skill, not advanced skills. I realize it takes a lot of work to be good at soccer, but not as much as is required with swimming, sorry.
