Pacello 1

Nathan Pacello
Ms. Ingram
UWRT 1103
11/17/2015
The sports industry is a multi-billion dollar business that has evolved to
become an influential component of American culture. Athletics has played an
enormous role in my life and shaped my character. Ever since I was young, I
cherished the competition and rivalry of sports which ultimately can enhance the
bond between teammates, and communities. Working with fellow coaches and team
members to achieve a common goal motivates me to become a better person. I
loved devoting time off the practice field to developing my skills and abilities
through workouts, lessons, camps, clinics, etc. The wonderful memories from
spectating and participating in athletic events will remain with me forever. I
participated in pop warner tackle football leagues ever since I was six years old. My
early childhood weekend consisted of playing football on Saturday with a pop
warner team, and watching the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The loyalty I have to
my favorite professional teams has become a part of my identity. Most of the
clothing that I wear on a day to day basis is branded with the Phillies or Eagles
logos. Even when I am hanging out with a group of friends, the ESPN headlines and
news about our favorite teams are the main topics of discussion. Peoples allegiance
and loyalty to a certain team can bring a community together and generate pride
for those individuals. My passion for athletics derive from the benefits,
entertainment, traditions, and experiences from participating in sports.

Pacello 2
Sports were a catalyst that enabled me to network and develop strong
friendships. The strenuous workouts, practices, competitions, and camps were
excellent team bonding experiences for my high school football team. Players were
often put in situations where they needed to work together and communicate to
overcome obstacles. This enhanced the leadership, perseverance, and team
chemistry of the players. For example, at the end of the first week of offseason
workouts, Coach Hastings would create the most horrifying workouts with even
more frightening names. The Death March tested the limits physically and
mentally of every player. The head coach never needed to cut players or host
tryouts because his offseason workouts were so strenuous that inadequate and
unqualified players would quit on their own. In order to complete The Death
March, my teammates and I each would hold a fifteen pound medicine ball and
lunge around the school, football field, and parking lot (a three mile journey). Every
step along the way was required to be a lunge. However, at certain check points
throughout the course we were imposed to halt and complete pushups as well as sit
ups. Everyone was split into ten teams and the top three groups to finish were
allowed to leave practice early and avoided conditioning at the end of the training.
A quarter of the way through the players were exhausted, sore, and frustrated but
the words of encouragement from teammates inspired our group to advance
together. I wanted to give up and didnt believe I could lunge for another two miles,
but there is nothing more motivating than an angry 300 lb. linemen that is yelling at
you to keep your skinny ass moving! As we progressed closer to the finish line,
my group barely surpassed the third team. I had lost feeling in my legs and I was
drenched in sweat by the end of the event but it was an amazing feeling to
accomplish a goal with my teammates. The entire gang of players that battled to

Pacello 3
finish third in that contest, resolved to travel to McDonalds in an attempt to recover
from the debilitating workout. We were walking towards the entrance of the fast
food restaurant when a fellow wide receiver, Blake, tripped on the curb and fell
straight into a large flower pot. Due to a lack of coordination and muscle control
from the exhausting workout, Blake took a tumble that caused everyone to breakout
in uncontrollable laughter. Through this Death March training during my
sophomore year, I met the group of kids that are now my closest friends. We all
enjoy recalling past memories from our games together. The adventures that we
have been through and hardships that we faced together has strengthened our
relationship.
The competitive nature of sporting events makes it an entertaining pastime
and recreational activity. I really enjoy getting a large group of my buddies together
for a game of basketball, football, baseball, or even disc golf. These backyard or
pickup games increased the community camaraderie and improved social skills.
When the friendly game becomes contested and cutthroat it is a lot more enjoyable.
Madden, 2k15, or FIFA are the preferred videogames when I am just hanging out
with friends. Even when we are not on the field, we like the challenge and strategy
involved in virtual sports. Also, it is exciting and thrilling to watch professional
athletics at the stadium due to the atmosphere. I can still remember the energetic
environment at Citizens Bank Park when I attended my first Philadelphia Phillies
game. The uproar and pandemonium of the crowd when the team hit a homerun
intensified the game experience. It is captivating and absorbing to witness a game
firsthand because of the communal fan base with thousands of people cheering
collectively as one. Sporting events preoccupy a lot of my free time because I
appreciate the challenge and competition.

Pacello 4
Philadelphia Eagles fans are well known for their devout passion and loyalty
to their football team. As a Philly native, my family and I embody the traits of diehard fans who bleed green. Every Sunday we come together to watch our
favorite team. There is nothing better than eating wings, hotdogs, hamburgers, and
chips while watching football. When the team makes a big mistake, we shout and
scream in anger and disgust. When the Eagles score a touchdown, we cheer with
hilarity and exuberance. I can vividly remember watching the Eagles and Patriots
Super bowl when I was nine years old. Donavan McNabb tossed the first touchdown
pass of the game to L.J Smith, then the Eagles took the lead and my family and I ran
around the house screaming E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES! It was an entertaining and
contested affair that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire game. But the
Patriots won the game in the fourth quarter and I got so emotional that I cried in my
room for a half hour. I schedule all of my activities to ensure I dont miss the
opportunity to root for my team. It is a tradition and custom for me to unite with
family and friends for delicious food and Eagles football.
In conclusion, my experiences with sports has shaped my character. Working
with a team has bolstered my communication, social skills, and leadership. Athletics
has given me the opportunity to connect with new people and make friends. I often
spend my free time playing recreational activities on the field, court, or Xbox. It is
fun to attend a sporting event in person due to the competitive spirit of the
spectators. I love that sports has the ability to bring people together. Athletics has
enhanced my relationship with family and friends. Involvement in organized sports
in necessary to youth development considering the advantages and life lessonssportsmanship, goal setting, friendships, preparation, discipline, collaboration,
leadership, etc.