On the Topic of Sports (and etc)

After a month's worth of observation, I've made an executive decision that there is absolutely no one who trumps America when it comes to competitiveness in sports. Seriously. We are so diehard for these games that we have built shrines to seat 80,000, we plaster the faces of our athlete-superheroes on sides of buildings, we get in fistfights over a single call in our petty intramural game. Some non-Americans come close... and I can vouch for this, being a ref at Murdoch's social basketball league. Yes, there's definitely intensity here also, but I can't say Aussies or any other nationality demonstrate quite the fanaticism of the States.

That said, Australian League Football (AFL) or just "footy" as it's more commonly known, is a massive source of pride and celebration in this country. I have yet to make it to a real match, but even in getting a feel for it on TV you can tell there's a lot of emotion riding high on it. Allegedly, the triumphant team's hometown's bars go absolutely crazy for the night... reminiscent of Wisconsinites and their Packers, hey?? (On a side note, I just heard Favre's back for another year. Shocker.)

Other BIG sports here that we know little of:
-Squash. Played in a racquetball court or something very much like it. Beyond that I have no clue whatsoever.
-Netball. If you could imagine an "Ultimate Basketball," this would be it. Same equipment, different rules. You cannot move when you have the ball, except for a step or two to pass; the court is divided into thirds and there are certain times you can and cannot occupy these; the more professional players have to shoot standing only on one leg... many other bylaws I can't remember. I've heard it is rather frustrating.
-Cricket. Here is all I know about this bizarre sport-- the pitcher must throw the ball with his elbow locked throughout the motion. Yeah, try that one at home. After this, people run bases for some amount of time.... and there are points. Yep!
-Footy. Footy appears to be a cross between rugby, soccer, and American football... The field is oval shaped. The ball is a sort of lopsided football. Play is continuous, like soccer; the goals consist of four posts which create three side-by-side zones. Kicking it through the middle posts is worth 6 points, through the outer posts is worth 1 point. You can run with the ball, shovel pass, or kick it.. and you can tackle freely at any point, EXCEPT for a player who's successfully caught a kicked ball-- they are "safe." Sounds confusing, maybe? If you ever get a chance to watch a game on the tele or something, go for it, its intense!

On the level of amateur sports, I recently received an unofficial invite to play on the Murdoch women's basketball team here. I was stoked!! But don't be too impressed-- basketball is definitely not quite on the same level as collegiate ball in the U.S. I've been to a practice (they're held only weekly) and it feels more like a club team... which is perfect for me :). The girls are extremely nice and we have a coach, an intimidating black guy named Vince, who played for the University of Colorado back in the day. Most importantly, being on the team (and a solid $200) means I get to represent Murdoch at the Uni Games, essentially an annual Australian Olympics that is held in Perth this year. It takes place over the second study break; a 7-day period of competing and cheering during the days, then party party party (with water and veggies trays of course) during the nights. I am already so stoked for this adventure!!! What an awesome opportunity :) :)

Well, some of my friends have revealed a nerdy streak and are currently watching Avatar, the original animated show out in the living room. I should probably join them. First, though, I think I may have to scoop some cookies from my flat... they are Momma Peterson's and despite 10 days' and 18000 miles' travel, they are still delicious!!! Love you Mom :D