Man, deciding to try out for UWL football was wild. Always watched games thinking, “Yeah, maybe I could do that.” Reality hit different, trust me. Started simple: figured I needed to know when and where. Dug around online, asked folks. Turned out tryouts were next week at the north practice field. No time to waste.
Getting Gear Straight
First mess-up? Gear. Thought my old sneakers would cut it. Nah. Buddy took one look and laughed. Dragged my butt to the sports shop. Got some actual cleats – felt like bricks strapped to my feet. Grabbed decent athletic shorts and a plain t-shirt too. Learned quick: no fancy stuff needed, just stuff that moves with you. Dug out an old water bottle. Ready? Not yet.
Actually Preparing (Sort Of)
“Beginners” they said. Figured I could wing it. Bad idea. Tried jogging around the block once. Nearly coughed up a lung. Panic set in three days before tryouts. Started doing this:
- Morning sprints at the park: Felt like death after two.
- Jumping jacks: Easy till I did fifty. Legs turned to jelly.
- Tossing a ball at the wall: Kept dropping it. Hands felt like butter.
Muscles screamed things I didn’t know muscles could scream. Should’ve started months ago, no joke.
Tryout Day Dawns
Show up early, stomach in knots. North field packed – dudes stretching, throwing, looking way too comfy. Coach blew the whistle. Split us into groups.
First drill: 40-yard dash. My turn. Took off like a shot… for about ten yards. Legs forgot how to move halfway. Stumbled over my own feet. Clocked slower than a sleepy turtle. Heat rushed to my face.
Next: Catching passes. Quarterback zipped it. Thump. Right off my chest. Tried again. Fingertips touched it… then dropped. Ball felt greased, swear.
Then the dreaded conditioning laps. Running. So much running. Cleats felt like actual bricks now. Breath came in rasps. Vision blurred a little. Saw a couple guys throw up by the fence. Almost joined ’em.
The Real Talk After
Coach gathered everyone. Didn’t call names. Just said, “Emails go out tonight.” Packed up my junk gear. Cleats felt heavier walking off.
Got home. Body felt run over. Showered. Checked email every ten minutes like a madman. Ding. Subject: “UWL Football Tryouts – Outcome.” Heart in my throat. Opened it.
First line: “Thank you for your effort…” Knew it right then. Didn’t make it. That sting? Yeah. Sat there staring at the wall. Not surprised, but still.
Reflecting on the Carnage
So what now? Maybe go back next year. Maybe not. Learned some hard truths:
- Respect the grind: Saw guys who clearly live and breathe this. Their level? Different planet.
- Being “fit” ain’t the same: Thought jogging was enough. Nope. Football shape is pain. Pure, simple, brutal pain.
- Preparation wins: My half-assed “training” wasn’t fooling anyone, least of all Coach.
Yeah, didn’t make it. But walking onto that field? Trying? That took guts I didn’t know I had. Might keep throwing that ball at the wall… just in case. The fire’s still smoldering, man. Just need to add way more fuel.
