Church Ball Barn Burners

If you’ve been a member of the LDS church for your entire life or are even a new convert, you know about Church Ball – "The brawl that begins with prayer", unless you've been living in a cave. Think of jungle ball and that should give you a pretty good indication of what this “game” looks like. The only difference is that we have to offer a prayer before playing. Probably because if we didn’t someone would likely die or become injured very badly – broken nose, rolled ankle, concussion, etc.

Our Young Single Adult Stake sponsors a men’s and women’s league each year from January to March. Being the dummy that I am, I sign up each year to play...well not this year, Darby did that for me when I was visiting another ward’s Relief Society and then told me when I got home. I wasn’t too happy. I was hoping I would be able to retire in peace. I mean, I’m sure I hold all the University 5th Stake records for missed shots, turnovers, and any other negative statistic one could think of (but the best worst game goes to Jerrica Hall, that is a blog post in and of itself). I'm only good for rebounding. Also, I might have the record for hottest head in the league even though I have toned that down tremendously in the last year or two. Basketball definitely brings out my temper.
The day after the first game, my G-chat status was “Church Ball Retirement”. I was serious. I was done. I didn’t want to play anymore. A gal that had also played the night before noticed my status and started a chat with me.

Tamra: You're not allowed to retire =D, just so you know :)
me: well, since I can't move my legs and my back is killing me...I'm definitely thinking about it :)
Tamra: hahaha :) welcome to the club =D
you'll be okay in two weeks ;)
me: I've been president of that club for like 5 years. I made the mistake of playing racquet ball during lunch today... My muscles are spent! How are you feeling today? Bball's rough!
Tamra: Life is good :), I was super sore last night but I was surprisingly okay this morning
we'll see how I feel tomorrow
sometimes my soreness is delayed :)
it’s like my body forgets...and then BAM! (oh yeah, I’m supposed to feel sore, lol)
me: ha ha ha. I feel old today :)
I need to get into more lifetime activities... like golf, or tennis, or walking
Tamra: walking is always a good idea :)
me: ha ha ha ha
I just think after about 25, basketball is not really the best form of exercise
Tamra: I still love playing :)

After reading this, I continually ask myself why I subject my body to church basketball. I still stand by the over 25 statement. Basketball is a young person sport. Not that I think I’m old, but my body just doesn’t do what it did in high school. That’s how people get hurt – trying to play as hard as a 16 year old. Not a good idea. Basketball has been interesting this year. I miss playing with the girls in my old ward. We played them this week and it was a barn burner. The final score was 27-26. It came down to the final seconds. We’ve had a few games like that this season. Our problem is not skill, but height. Basically, we don’t have any. I’m 5’3.25”. Most of the other girls are a little taller than me. Our tall girl, Megan, wasn’t at the game. You do the math.

I think I’ll retire the basketball kicks after this season. My body is just protesting.