Alright folks, gather ’round. Today I’m gonna walk you through what went down when I decided to throw my hat in the ring for the Valley Christian High football team tryouts. Real deal stuff, nerves and all.
First, I Saw the Flyer
Right? Just hanging there in the main hallway, near the cafeteria. Big block letters saying “FOOTBALL TRYOUTS”. Kinda stopped me in my tracks. I mean, I’ve tossed the ball around with buddies, but school team? That’s another level. Felt that little itch, you know? That “maybe I could” feeling.
Digging Up the Details
Couldn’t just show up clueless. Had to find out the real info. First stop was Coach Miller’s office. Door was open a crack, poked my head in. He was cool about it, shoved a printed sheet across the desk. Said “Glad you’re interested, kid. Read it thoroughly.”
Took that paper home like it was gold. Laid it out on the kitchen table. Here’s the gist of what it hammered home:
- When: Three brutal days right after summer break ends. Monday through Wednesday. Bright and stupid early too, like 7 AM sharp.
- Where: Obviously, the main football field out back. Couldn’t miss it.
- Bring: Your gear. Cleats (gotta break those in pronto!), workout clothes that can take a beating, mouthguard – seriously, don’t forget that – and a whole gallon of water. Coach wasn’t joking about hydration.
- Who: Open to basically anyone grades 9-12 who isn’t afraid of hard work. Grades gotta be decent though, no slackin’ off academically.
Also spotted a big, bold warning: Must have a physical exam form signed by a doctor. No exceptions. That lit a fire under me. Booked a doc appointment the next day, felt like getting poked and prodded forever. But hey, got the darn form stamped and signed.
Pre-Tryout Jitters & Prep
Week before tryouts? Man, I was amped and anxious. Knew I needed to get some miles on my legs. Started running around the neighborhood every afternoon after school. Just me and the pavement. Sprints mostly, trying to mimic those quick bursts you need on the field. My lungs were burnin’, legs felt like jelly, but pushed through. Did push-ups in my room too, trying not to hit the floor too loud and annoy everyone downstairs.
Also dug out my old cleats. Felt weird putting ’em on just for running drills on grass. Had to break ’em in again – hello blisters! Packed my gym bag the night before like three times, checking and rechecking: cleats, mouthguard, tons of water, that precious physical form. Didn’t sleep much, just tossed and turned.
Tryout Day One – The Grind Begins
Rolled up to the field just after sunrise. Sky was still kinda pink. Already a bunch of guys milling around, stretching, looking way more chill than I felt. Coach Miller, Assistant Coach Davis, and some older players were already there setting up cones. Whistle blew sharp.
Started with basics. Painfully basics.
- Agility drills weaving through cones. Felt clumsy at first, like a baby giraffe.
- Short sprints. Trying to explode off the line without tripping over my own feet.
- Laps. Oh god, the laps. Coach yelling “Keep pace!”. Felt totally gassed.
- Catch drills with the QBs. That spiral coming at you fast? Took a few tries to get the hands right. Dropped a couple, cringed hard.
Ended the day sweaty, muddy, tired down to my bones, but weirdly… kinda good?
Day Two & Three – Finding My Spot
Each day ramped it up. More specific position stuff. They had everyone try a bit of everything: throwing, catching, blocking, tackling dummies. Coaches were watching EVERYTHING. Taking notes, heads together talking. Tried to hustle my hardest every single rep, even when I wanted to just lie down on the cool grass.
By Wednesday afternoon, after the final whistle blew, felt like I’d run a marathon. My whole body ached, but deep down? Felt proud just for sticking it out, for giving it a real shot. Coach Miller gave a quick speech thanking everyone for the hard work, saying “Decisions will be posted on the locker room bulletin board Friday after school.”
The Waiting Game…
Thursday dragged on forever. Every bell felt like an hour. Couldn’t focus much, just kept thinking about that list. Friday after school? You better believe I was practically running to that locker room door.
Heart was pounding like a drum just standing there scanning the names. That moment? Pure suspense. That’s the rollercoaster ride, folks.
Anyway, that’s how it went down from seeing a flyer to surviving three days on that field. Hardest thing I’ve done in a while, but honestly? Zero regrets giving it a go.