My Last Blog!

It is a great feeling that this semester is coming to an end because of all the hard work and time that was dedicated from all of us. This semester really was a challenge balancing my teaching, refereeing and classes. I had to effectively utilize my time management and stay on a strict schedule to ensure that I stayed on top of my game for all of my priorities. I am so excited about this winter vacation because I can finally let loose and enjoy some free time. This is such a great time of the year because everyone is so excited and joyful during the holidays. I love going out and partying during this time of the year, because everyone is in a good mood because everyone is looking forward to Christmas. I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season, and also a happy and safe new year! Lastly, I will like to thank everyone for all of your hard efforts and your part of my learning in this class!

-Nick

Will Indy go undefeated?

The Indianapolis Colts are still undefeated this season under the reigns of Peyton Manning. They have squeezed out many close games this year against many formidable opponents, including Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. We actually kind of gave that game to them, with some coaching blunders from the "best coach" in the NFL. But nobody is perfect... does that mean that Indy will lose this year..........YES!

You can find this picture at: www.patriots.com

They are going to receive their first loss of the year in the AFC championship against... yes, you know.... theeeee New England Patriots! Come on Tommy, I hope your wife is taking care of the baby and letting you sleep. I would actually like to see Tom reside at a local 5 star hotel and not be distracted from the baby and her. Personally, I think Giselle needs to let Tom be on his own from here on out into the playoffs, to let him focus and get his head in the zone. He cannot put himself in the position of sleepless nights and fatigue in his mental game, because that is his strongest attribute to the team. Come on Tommy, lets get some momentum today against the Buffalo Bills going into the end of the season for the playoffs!

Teaching Presentation

I am very excited to present my lesson to everyone this week on the last day of class. I take a quick tour of my gymnasium so everyone can see my "classroom" at Selser School! Everyone last week did such a great job and it gave me great ideas to use in my presentation. I really have enjoyed my first semester here at Springfield College. I have met so many great people and created many friendships. I really enjoyed class and learned so much from everyone and their presentations. I have used many of the new strategies that I learned this semester and have created a more effective lesson that I taught to my students. Thank you Dr. Lorenzo for your efforts in creating such an effective class and your creation in the projects that we have presented. I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season, and celebrate this New Years Eve because we all deserve it with all of our hard work!

Nick's view from the Couch

Hello sports fans and welcome to this weeks blog of my recap of sporting events that are too important NOT to talk about!

First up, I would like to congratulate the Dallas Cowboys on their huge upset over the previously undefeated New Orleans Saints. I must say Dallas did play well, and Tony Romo had a productive game for his inconsistent self. I think Romo played to his potential last night, but when I watch the Cowboys I am never certain of the performance I will see from him. He is very up and down, and on any given Sunday, he could throw 4 touchdowns, or 4 interceptions.... you never know. Dallas played very well, but New Orleans definitely didn't play their best game. Drew Brees did not look good at all, very inaccurate and not looking like the Drew Brees I watched against the Pats. Drew Brees, just the opposite of Tony Romo is very consistent. He has played very well all season, and last night he played very poorly.

You can find this picture at: http://www.espn.com/

Next lets move onto a different subject in College Football. The past two seasons we have been incredibly spoiled with the competition that has identified collegiate football. I strongly believe that we have witnessed the best college football player in NCAA history. His name is Tim Tebow, and was, in my mind, the greatest college football player to ever play. His desire, maturity, leadership, faith, and competitiveness really put a stamp on the game. He has been the college football poster boy for the last few years, and really became a great role model for all the younger fans. I will surely miss watching him, and really hope he can improve his game to be an NFL quarterback.

You can find this picture at: www.espn.com

2009 coming to an end!

January 1, 2010 is upon us! Celebrating a new year, and all of the great times, memories and accomplishments. 2009 was a great year with many new beginnings. I started the second year of my new job, I started graduate school at Springfield College, I became a soccer referee and also a basketball official. I am looking forward to a new year and many new challenges that I will face. It is incredible how fast time really flies by. It seemed like this year went by so fast, and everyone needs to remember to enjoy the ride, because once we get to our destination, it will all be over! You can find this picture at: www.elektroaddict.com

2009 WAS A GREAT YEAR, BUT 2010 WILL BE EVEN BETTER!

The Power of Mental Imagery

You can find this picture at: www.eruptingmind.com

In my opinion, I believe that mental imagery is one of the most important parts of a performers success. The ability of a person to see themselves performing a skill, and then executing it exactly how they imagined, is a very powerful skill. Lets take the golf swing for example, before you take that swing, stand behind the ball, and close your eyes. Picture yourself from a birds eye view and watch yourself produce a nice and fluid swing. Watch your arms and what they are doing in the back swing, and then how you come down and contact the ball with the follow through. This cognitive tactic is extremely effective while performing different types of motor skills. This a very important skill to practice and use as a physical educator. I have used this skill in my classes this week as I teach new discrete skills and the students take time before and after in mental imagery watching themselves perform. The students find it to be very effective and enjoy participating in the activities.

Nick's view from the Couch

The New England Patriots (10-6) are going into this Sundays game on a 2 game losing streak. The Carolina Panthers are coming to Gillette Stadium for a much needed win for the Pats. The simple fact that the Patriots are not playing well, and need to step it up for a much needed win coming down to the end of the regular season. Being a die hard Patriots fan it is very hard for me to watch my teams mediocre play this season. Tom Brady is now a little beat up and may not be 100%. He is not playing like the old Tom Brady of the super bowl seasons. He has stated that he needs to play better, and I'm not sure we will see that this season. I think that his knee surgery and minor injuries this year have slowed Tom down, but I also believe that he will be back next season, and look like his old 1997 self!

You can find this picture at www.patriots.com