The Current | Vol. 31 Issue 15

November 17, 2020 | nsucurrent.nova.edu 8 Sports THIS WEEK SPORTS IN HISTORY On The Bench : A crowd of silent fans As someone who doesn’t follow sports, my normal interactions with the sports world include brief glimpses of professional and college level games while I switch the channels on my TV or in the headlines of news stories that make the front folds of major news sources. However, even from my passing glances or short reads, it is abundantly clear that COVID-19 has dramatically impacted how we watch sports. From delayed seasons to players pulled out after testing positive for the virus, nothing speaks to the magnitude of how much has changed like the silent cardboard fans who have replaced the scores of cheering sports fanatics in the stands of every live game. When I first saw the cardboard cutouts of fans propped awkwardly in the stadium seats in the background of a professional sporting event, I thought it was hilarious. Back in March, when everything spiraled out of control, the thought of sports teams continuing to play despite the pandemic, let alone holding in-person games, seemed ludicrous. However, sports teams made do, adjusting to their new normal. Cutouts of people propped or taped to the seats began to make an appearance at a variety of live games that otherwise would have had full, lively stands of people. Some organizations, including the MLB, have even given fans a way to still feel involved. Now, diehard sports fans can call in and have a cardboard cutout made of themselves to be displayed during games, a touching tribute to days passed when a Sunday afternoon could be spent overpaying for hotdogs and cheering on your favorite baseball team. Perhaps it has been the passage of time or the months of quarantining that have left me contemplative of the world around me, but now, when I think about the silent cardboard fans, I’m stuck with a certain twinge of sadness. To me, they represent an innate desire for human connection that COVID-19 has made nearly impossible in so many facets of life. Fans want to be involved and crave the exhilaration of being in a crowd surrounded by others who love the game. Sporting events aren’t the same without a rowdy crowd to create a fun and competitive atmosphere. If there’s one thing that COVID-19 has shown, it is that people yearn to interact with others. While cardboard cutouts may seem silly, they are a physical embodiment of that desire and a form of coping with the new normal that we must all somehow learn to live with. November 18 On Nov. 18, 1905, the 10th annual Iron Bowl, which is the name given to the American college football rivalry games was held. The Alabama Crimson Tide beats the Auburn Tigers, 30-0 in Birmingham. November 20 In 1866, Pierre Lallement, who is considered to be the inventor of the pedal bicycle, obtained the sole rights of the rotary crank bicycle. November 21 In 1905, the first Australian National Tennis Championship match was played between Australian players Rodney Heath and Albert Curtis. Heath took the title as the winner. November 22 In 1910, Arthur Knight obtained the sole patent rights to steel shaft golf clubs. These are heavier than graphite and are better for players with a heavier swing. November 17 In 1884, boxer John L. Sullivan, also known as The Boston Strongboy, was arrested for a requisition in Nashville, TN during his second round on account of being “cruel.” November 23 In 1982, known as the Father of the modern day Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin, for his pounding of the International Olympic Committee, launched a plan for modern Olympic Games at the Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques AGM (The union society of French sports and athletics AGM). By: Emma Heineman Features Editor November 19 In 1932, Joe Kershalla of The University of Mount Union scored 71 points in a college football game. For some perspective, the average points scored in a modern day American football college match is 30. Staying fit over break Winter break is approaching fast. Although, it is a time to relax and clear the mind after working hard over the first semester, it’s important to not get too lazy. Staying fit can help not only maintain a healthy body, but maintain a healthy mind set as well. Maintaining efficient exercise routines and eating habits are essential to staying fit over the upcoming winter break. Workouts It’s very important to remember that there should be a balance between relaxation time and workout time. There is always time for a workout, even if it’s a short one. Consistency is key. For example, if you are doing a short 10-minute ab workout that consists of a variation of crunches which then transitions into a plank hold for the last minute, make that short workout a daily exercise routine. Remember, quality over quantity. It’s not about how much you do in one day, but about how consistent you are with how much you do because to stay fit it is vital to stay consistent. If you are looking for short workouts, HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts are quick, yet have enough intensity to really get your blood flowing and heart pumping. When “HIIT Workout” is placed in the search bar on YouTube, there are hundreds of videos to choose from. Some HIIT workouts are as short as five minutes. However, five minutes can consist of a good amount of cardio such as jumping jacks and high knees. Making a Youtube playlist of top favorite workout videos can help when it comes to maintaining consistency. Sleep Now, it’s also important to note that staying fit is not just about exercising physically, but about exercising the mind. Keeping a healthy mindset is where balance comes into play. It’s important to find balance between working out and resting. Both are equally important and there is enough time for both. Practicing early sleep patterns can influence a healthier mind and body connection. Setting a sleep routine can be very beneficial to staying fit, such as setting a bedtime for 10 p.m. everyday. Consistency in sleep patterns and consistency in workout patterns are the perfect formula for a fit mind and body. Eating habits When it comes to eating habits, it’s important to be strict, but not too strict. The holiday season is all about delicious food and treats. However, remember that it is okay to treat oneself for a day, but not for the entire season. It is perfectly fine to have a splurge day on a day when there may be a family gathering with a big dinner. Just don’t make splurging a daily act. After a day of well deserved splurging, get back to eating healthy and exercising. Overall, motivation and consistency are key assets when it comes to staying fit during break. Find the best suitable workout, sleeping and/or eating routines and keep motivation and consistency with those choices. Have a great winter break, but remember to not take advantage of it too much. By: Aliyah Gomez Contributing Writer