By: Raven Lingard
“Hey Manager, the sun is in my eyes. Can’t you do something about it?” “Charlie Brown, the sun is ruining my naturally curly hair.” “I could strike him (Charlie Brown) out on three straight pitches!”
Lucy, Frieda, Peppermint Patty. Charles Schulz created these wonderful characters, and everyone has parts of each in them. Lucy talks trash a lot, but doesn’t have much athletic skill. Frieda is just there to look good. And Peppermint Patty, a “dumb jock,” tries to win at all costs.
What kind of athlete are you, and how does that affect your personality and the way others see you? Do sports help you fit in at school? Take this quiz to see how you score both on and off the field, and add up your points as you go. [“A” = 5 pts.; “B” = “3" pts.; “C” = “1" pt.; “D” = 0 pts.]
1. It’s Saturday morning. A friend calls to see if you want to go to the gym. Do you . . .
A. Jump out of bed, throw on your sweats, and put in two hard hours?
B. Meet her three hours later for a light workout after you shower, fix your hair, and update your Facebook page?
C. Beg off because you would rather grab a latte and walk around the mall?
D. Roll over and go back to sleep.
2. The softball coach asks you to join the team. Is this a chance to . . .
A. Take charge, replace the current pitcher, and carry the squad to State?
B. Improve your skills and get some fresh air at the same time?
C. Make new friends and encourage them on?
D. Get out of the house and just “hang out”?
3. You’ve lettered in three sports. Do you . . .
A. Strut down the halls and make incoming freshmen carry your books and do your homework?
B. Expect extra privileges, but still call your teachers “Sir” and “Ma’am”?
C. Still work on student government and associate with the band and debate team?
D. Skip the awards assembly, stay home, and watch re-runs of American Idol?
4. When preparing for a game, do you . . .
A. Practice body blocks, steals, and your custom end zone dance?
B. Loosen up, stretch, and eat a light meal?
C. Alter your uniform to show your curves better?
D. Skip it – who needs practice?
Okay, it’s time to tally the score.
- 18 – 20 You’re taking sports way too seriously. It’s adversely affecting your personal relationship. Lighten up.
- 14 – 17 Way to go. You’re using sports as a way to make friends and stay healthy. Your classmates respect you and enjoy your company.
- 8 – 13 You’re well adjusted, but with a little more effort you would help out your teammates more.
- 0 – 7 You’re not carrying your weight. When you let the team down, you’re letting yourself down, too. Speak with you coach and fine out ways to improve your performance
On this quiz, the “winning” score was between 10 and 17. Participating in sports is a great outlet. It gives you the opportunity to make friends, gain popularity, and earn others’ respect. Real superstars are always remembered not only for their athletic skills, but also their humility and treatment of others. Respect and a nice personality go a long way. So cheer your teammates on; play hard; try to win; above all, have fun!
