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Don't play couch potato
this summer. Spruce up your sport skills with
the AAU!
Turn Summer Slacker
Syndrome Into Super-Sporty Success
By Lynda Kessler
May 2001
The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- Ever notice
how some of your favorite ballplayers look flabby
and out of shape when it's off-season? Imagine
how physically fit they would remain if only they'd
continue to practice while on break?! So what
about you?
With high school sports
seasons coming to a close, you may not have anywhere
to play during these next few months. If you're
a junior who needs to sharpen your skills for
potential college scouts, or a senior who aspires
to play college sports straight out of high school,
however, play you must. That's why we've searched
for an athletic option -- the Amateur Athletic
Union (AAU).
The AAU's motto, "Sports
for All, Forever," is shared by 500,000 members
and 50,000 volunteers nationwide. With numbers
like that, how could you imagine getting off track?
Instead, get smart... Expose yourself to more
than just the sun this summer. We've asked the
questions for you!
Is it really possible
to get great summer exposure through AAU participation?
Absolutely, explains John Hodges, director of
marketing at AAU. "Because of the history
of the AAU, we have certain events that draw a
number of college coaches and scouts," he
says. "There are opportunities to be seen
at this level that may not have been [available
even during one's regular] school career."
What sports programs
does AAU offer? It runs the gamut, says Hodges,
including the chance to play baseball, basketball,
hockey, in-line skating, soccer, and softball.
Plus, if you're looking to earn additional exposure
and possibly bring home a trophy or two, the Disney
Complex sponsors ongoing tournaments that work
in conjunction with the AAU.
How can I get more visual
presence -- in a different sort of way? You
can vie to become a candidate for AAU's "The
Complete Athlete." This one-of-a-kind program
places an emphasis on SAT and ACT scores, personal
hygiene, and other non-sports-related stats that
will affect your life beyond athletics, Hodges
explains.
What else can AAU offer
me? As the largest non-profit amateur sports
union in the country, the AAU is willing and able
to offer top advice on fundraising activities
for your athletic organization, and allows both
the team and individual athlete (that's you!)
to gain extra exposure.
How can I be down?
Get to first base by surfing AAU's official Web
site, then sign up online. Once you become
a member (dues are $10-$14), you can obtain the
official rules of your chosen sport, and correspond
with other players nationwide on the message boards.
You also have the option of submitting photographs
of your team in action and applying for accident/injury
insurance.
So, whether it's badminton
or basketball, weightlifting or wrestling, you
know where to go. Don't let your tush turn to
mush. Rock those coaches with your skills and
show 'em you're a champ!
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