Most people who decide to become sports reporters do so because they have a profound love of sports. They surely don?t do it for the pay, unstable hours or countless nights away from their families. Often times, sports reporters enter the field with grand visions of covering the World Series, Super Bowl or the Final Four.
That was my original rationale for wanting to be a sports reporter. My dream job was to be the beat reporter for the Boston Celtics following one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. However, as I?m about to enter my second decade in this field, I?ve come to realize the greatest part about my job is not covering millionaire athletes or even those in the college game that are used to being on ESPN on a nightly basis.
Instead, the most joy I get on the job is finding the stories that fly beneath the radar. This has certainly been the case this year, which has had no shortage of quality stories about hardworking student-athletes that display their craft in front of crowds that include just a few close friends and family members.
Tops among that list is the Navy?s women?s soccer team, which just completed its best season ever, including a school-record 21 wins, a victory over nationally ranked Penn State and its first victory in the NCAA tournament. This team, comprised of a mix of talented freshmen and upperclassmen, epitomized everything that the Naval Academy looks to represent in regards to teamwork, leadership and discipline.
Other feel-good stories abound. The Towson and Maryland men?s soccer teams are still alive in their hunt for the national title, advancing to the round of 16 following victories over Fairfield and St. John?s, respectively. Maryland is trying to defend its national title, while Towson has advanced further than any other year in school history.
On the volleyball court, Ian Blanchard has done an outstanding job in his second season as the University of Maryland, Baltimore County coach. The Retrievers improved from 11-18 last season to 15-14 this year while making their first appearance in the America East tournament. At the same time, Towson?s volleyball team has put together another solid season, advancing to the Colonial Athletic Association tournament with hopes of reaching the NCAAs for the second time in three years.
With the fall season winding down and the winter season getting started, local collegeswill offer a number of other highly competitive athletic competitions that could help quench the thirst of area sports fans looking for something different out there.
At Navy?s Halsey Field House, the Midshipmen and 17 other schools will participate in the annual Naval Academy Wrestling Classic Saturday night. Next week, eight of the state?s nine Division II men?s basketball teams will compete in the second annual Provident Pride of Maryland Tournament, which culminates with the championship game Nov. 26 at Goucher College.
Finally, those who think that Michael Phelps is the beginning and end of swimming in Maryland have never watched UMBC?s teams compete. The men are going after their fourth straight America East title and 10th conference crown overall, while the women expect to be in the title hunt, as well.
So, when the Ravens aren?t playing and as we wait for the Orioles to head to spring training, remember the simpler events. Wherever you live, there is probably a wrestling match, basketball game or swimming meet taking place that will provide you with a couple of hours of sports enjoyment. I hope to see you there.
Ron Snyder is a staff writer at The Examiner. He can be reached at [email protected].
