Saturday, May 27, 2006;

I'm an 'A' division player.
I'm a team player.
I play with my friends and some of my enemies
but I respect everyone when it comes to my sport.

I know I'm not going to get a multi-million dollar contract to play professionally.
I know I may not even get my name in the paper.

I play for the love of the game.
For the pride and honour
For the blood, sweat and tears it takes to make the team, earn the spot, to win the game.
I play because I can.
I play because I know my life would be empty without the sport I play.

I would have a lack of everything my sport gives me;
Integrity, Courage, Talent, Fearlessness, Pride, Strength, Stamina, Will,
and the heart of a champion.
If I didn't playI would lose a part of myself. How true

I'm an athlete.
I'm a guy.
I'm a champion.
Not because my team always wins, but when we don't,
We learn from our mistakes.
We try to fix them,
but most of all,
because we have fun. Always rooted in fun. :) I love every moment out there.

I've built lifelong friendships and memories because of my being as an athlete. Definitely
I leave everything on the pitch and continue to push myself.
I'm never happy with a second place,
but I've learnt to accept it.
'Whats said and done on the pitch stays there - always'
I've learnt to get over and through my anger to be an athlete
and a player I've always dreamt of being.

I don't play for my parents, for my family, for my friends.
I don't play for my coach or my teachers or my school.
I play it for MYSELF
but when I'm playing,
I represent them. And they mean a lot

It's not just about winning or losing,
but I hate to lose.
I won't settle for a tie
and I'm not satisfied with 100%.
To play,
you've to sacrifice everything,
your body,
your work,
your time,
your sweat,
blood and tears and everything...
For your team.
Nothing great comes without sacrifices, its the team that makes it worthwhile
I'm a player, and athlete, and a champion,
not because I know what it's like to win
but because I know what it's like to lose.
I know what's like to feel the anger and pain
that comes along with the "second" best.

I've been that guy with tears in his eyes,
walking out to receive the second play trophy
and clapping as the other team, my opponents,
receive the first place trophy.

I know what's like to lose,
to win,
to want to quit,
to want to cry,
to not want to get up. The process is never easy
I really appreciate this, even if its just a silent presence.
I know what it's like to hear the cheers and yells for you.
I know what it's like to feel the pressure of everyone on your shoulders,
and I know what it's like to choke under the pressure. First hand

I know what it means to be an athlete,
a true player,
and that's why I play.

I'm an athlete,
a champion,
a true player.

11:23 PM

Wednesday, May 24, 2006;

Damn, I think I know more SA cheers than NJ ones.

And I've only been to two SA matches.

Made that 3 if you count today's game, which was more like a revision.

Something's definitely not right here.

9:19 PM

Saturday, May 20, 2006;

And its all over. This year's hockey season is over and so is assessment week. Gonna have a lot more time on my hands, time to do different stuff and I'm already looking forward to the june hols where I foresee an exciting and fruitful time. But somehow, I just feel that something's missing. Its gonna be a whole long year before the next season. Although I must admit that the timing of the season this year made for one hell of a crazy term, it was memorable nonetheless and definitely one of the best or the best team I have played in before. I'm relishing the prospect of playing with or against the people from my year in SJI. Should definitely be interesting.

I saw God's hand at work yesterday. Really tugged at me. It wasnt happiness, it was joy. And wow, He's so real. Moving on, I found out some interesting stuff about my grandma too, stuff that my parents never told me about since I was born for some reason or another. I won't fill in details on these here, can always talk to me if you want to know, but i have no doubt that this will no doubt be a huge part of my testimony one day.

Funtasia was great today. Had quite a bit of fun myself showing people about the route. Really proud of both our classes for all the hard work and stuff we put in. And I'm glad that some of my friends managed to come. Was good fun but rather tiring.

Oh yea, Zameer called from the Maldives. Nice to hear from him again although the convo was rather brief. Just nice to keep in touch and get to know the people over there are still going great.

That's all for today folks. Till later.

9:26 PM

Wednesday, May 17, 2006;

I left Delta Sports Complex today with cheers of "GO SA, GO SA, GO! Bring them down! Bring them down!" ringing in my ears. They were playing after our match against RJ.

But WOW.

That's passion for you. Its the way they cheer. I don't think you can ever ask for anything more as a player.

What a stark contrast.

I'll post a super long entry some other time soon.

But for now, its,
"GO SA, GO SA, GO! Bring them down! Bring them down!"

7:46 PM

Thursday, May 11, 2006;

Went to bed last night and woke up today with a mind full of thoughts. We got a chance, albeit an uphill one. Guess I'm still stunned by how luckless we were. Maybe murphy's law applies here. Our usual solid pen corners became shaky, their defender stopped a rising shot right on the line. Gosh. This team has got to be one of the best I've played with. I've seen people who have never played hockey in their lives join us for 6 months and become a star in their own right. I've seen those who have played before undergo a rejuvenation. One thing I cannot question is the desire and passion. I really respect that a lot. Enough bout hockey, we're still in it. And while we still have a chance, we will push it all the way. No quarter.

Was looking through some of my old photos. Made me realise how much I miss St Joseph's. Whilst I have to agree that IP has given me more opportunities, there is an unmistakleble spirit in SJI. Don't think you'll ever see it replicated elsewhere. Brought up a lot of old memories. Great ones made during great times.


The place where we played hockey before and after school almost everyday. Loved that culture. Just came naturally, no one gotta force us or anything. We loved it.


Beautiful hall.


The pond outside our classroom where a fish once swallowed a ping pong ball and floated to the surface for a couple of days. Always a picture of serenity.


Holiday training schedule for sec2.


And I say amen to this.


Need I say more? Iconic.

9:18 PM

Monday, May 08, 2006;

Headshot.

10:34 PM

Friday, May 05, 2006;

This is shaping out to a great season. Started out with 3 wins from the 1st 4 games. With a number of goals coming from short corners. Just goes to show how impt they are. Now we’re in the second round and a win away from the semis. The match nx wed against MI will definitely be do-or-die. May even be the most impt match this season. Its probably gonna be filled with lots of fire and passion. Let’s go all out for it NJ!

Hockey aside, school’s getting busy, with assignments, tests etc. all coming up. Stress levels are rising and with that im getting to know a lot more about people. It brings out the best qualities in some people and reveals a totally different side in others. Stuff that you thought you knew but never knew. I guess it comes from the different things we value and stand for and the different perspectives we arrive from. Ive seen how it has brought out the best in some. Im not a believer in chance. I believe that God has blessed me so much by placing these amazing people around me, and for that im grateful.

Gonna turn in early today. Had one really crazy and tiring week.

A verse from one of my favourite hymns:

No guilt in life, no fear in death.
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from
His hand 'til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Till later!

8:46 PM