My unsuccessful athletic career began at a young age. Little league t-ball led to live-pitch baseball, in which I beamed several batters over my short stint as a pitcher. My lack of hand-eye coordination remained steady throughout tennis lessons, pick-up basketball, and gym class soccer. In seventh grade I decided to play a sport in which I wouldn't have to kick, throw, or hit a ball: football.

Though drastically undersized, I began playing offensive and defensive line. Through years of intense workouts coupled with eating habits that can only be described as American, I put on some weight, gained some strength, and became somewhat successful on the football field. Donning number 55, I was named captain of my varsity football team in 2006, the first year Holland Christian had ever made it to the MIAA high school playoffs.

I should have stopped there.

After my last football game in the fall of '06, I quickly became bored. I was convinced to try out for Lacrosse -- a sport that requires incredible skill and coordination. Common sense aside, I decided to tryout. I may have been the least coordinated player on the team, but my coach seemed to think I was valuable enough to keep on the team; I got a fair amount of playing time (mostly filling in for injured and suspended players). I was a role player.

Upon graduating from Holland Christian, I was immediately hired onto the football coaching staff coaching freshman offensive line and defense. Sadly I will not be able to coach at HC this coming fall, but hope to coach again someday.