Maelos’s Maelstrom

Today was rugby day. As exciting as it would be to play, I take a bit of a more passive approach. As part of my job with the university recreation center, I standby as a first responder/EMT for the game. The first hour or so was quite calm, the only worry being the vanishing shade. As the guest school arrived the home team began to warm up, no big deal. Things even began to feel better - a few clouds blocked out the sunlight for a few satisfying minutes. It was all fun and practice until the game started…

Wow rugby is vicious. I attended a few of the rugby practices before, but never had I seen a game. The way the players moved, hit, and threw one and other around became much more violent. Even the sidelines grew into a pack of rather lewdly tongued cheerleaders. All of this was merely entertainment, if you will, while I waited for any incidents to occur. Oh boy did I get my fill.

…after an attempt of telling this story with some sort of interesting narration I have found that my will is lacking. Therefore I shall present to you my workload in a freely created list.

• Wrist injury - hospital via teammate car, confirmed fractures
• forehead laceration (nice and bloody) - cleaned and bandaged but will definitely need stitches
• rain - 10 minute, moderate shower (with minor injury in the middle)
• wrist injury - hospital via teammate car, not confirmed
• blurry vision, unable to focus right eye - hospital via parent car
• + at least 5 other injuries - cuts, open scabs, sores, spasming muscle, etc

= awesome

At the end both teams thanked me, which I felt was very nice, and the guest team even had a cheer (well, part of the huddle). They offered me a drink of beer, which I declined, and suggested I join them at the ?state? tournament down near their university of origin. Amongst the chaos, rain, and blood, I had a really great time. I might not have done everything perfectly, and I made note of where I can improve, but I did my best and seemingly helped better more than a few people’s day. I really enjoyed my time at the field, there was never a moment to lose, and though I may not wish it every weekend, I hope there are more memorable moments such as this.

Well that is all. Peace be with and around you.