Donahue,+Dylan


 * Winter/Spring 2011 Mr. Dunne **

** A Pre-Game Warm-up **

What do sports mean to you as an athlete and as a fan?

Sports are a big part of my life. Everyday I watch and talk about sports with my family and friends. In the past I have played many sports such as football, baseball and lacrosse. I am a big fan of the New England sports teams, mainly the Patriots and the Red Sox. Football is my favorite sport, I played until sophomore year and I watch almost every game.

What has been your experience with youth sports? Describe your best and worst experiences.

I played many youth sports, including hockey, baseball, football, and soccer. My best experience was my first year of football in sixth grade when I played for my town. It was the super bowl and we were loosing by two touchdowns. In the second half I recovered two fumbles which allowed us to score twice. We ended up winning the game and I got best defensive player. My worst experience was when I broke my wrist in hockey in sixth grade. I was playing for my old school and it was only the second game. I got slashed and ended up breaking my wrist. I ended up being six games.

Do athletes make good role models? Identify one or two professional athletes to make your case.

I think it depends on the athlete. While most athlete stay out of trouble, people do make mistakes. I don't think a mistake necessarily makes an athlete a bad role model, but how they handle the situation after. Some athlete like Mike Vick make bad mistakes, but end up returning to sports and turning his life around, while others like Plaxico Burress, who won't return to football.

What sports/teams do you pay attention to the most? How much time do sports occupy in your life? How do you spend that time (attending, watching, reading, talking, participating)?

I mainly watch the Patriots and the Red Sox. I watch every game and attend a lot. When I was younger I spent more time playing sports than now, but I still watch, play and talk about sports with my friends. I also read Sports Illustrated every month.

What sports-related issues would you be disappointed //not// to cover in this class? Why?

A sports related issue that I would be disappointed not to cover would have to be the helmet to helmet contact in the NFL. I am curious to know what the NFL has done and will do to help keep the player safer.