August may not mark the beginning of a new calendar year, but for whatever reason August has always felt like the start of a new time for me. This summer, I had the opportunity to be part of the APPLES service-learning internship program and spend time as a communications intern at the Chapel Hill – Carrboro Public School Foundation. It has been a great summer. My internship is coming to a close and a new semester will begin soon.
Lately, I have also been reminded of something else new August brings each year… sports.
Tennis
While tennis may not be what comes to many people’s minds when they think of sports in August, it’s what will probably always come first in my mind. In high school, the tennis team’s season started at the beginning of August. There was always something new and exciting about tennis at this time of year in high school, and even these past few years after high school there is still something about this month that makes me want to get on a tennis court.
Part of my interest in tennis may be because of the US Open, which starts at the end of August. Although it is the last Grand Slam of the year, I have always enjoyed watching the U.S. Open. It also does not hurt that the US Open is a little easier to watch because it is the only Grand Slam that takes place in my time zone.
This year’s tournament is going to be particularly exciting the men’s draw looks like it could be about as competitive as it has been in a long time. Djokovic, Nadal and Murray have all won a Grand Slam this year, and it is hard to guess who will win the U.S. Open title with Federer, del Potro and Tsonga also very much in the mix. The women’s draw is similar with three different Grand Slam champions this year coming into the tournament, and there are quite a few up-and-coming players that may have a huge impact on how the tournament plays out.
Football
Football teams also kick off their seasons this time of year. The NFL teams started their preseason games this weekend, and college and high school games will begin at the end of the month.
This year, it has felt to me like football has been in the news (not necessarily for the right reasons) since the Super Bowl concluded in February. Trade rumors, trades, player safety concerns, (possible) NCAA violations and players’ actions off the field have kept football in the news.
Yesterday, I found it refreshing to watch the Carolina Panthers play their first preseason game. I even enjoyed the hype around Tim Tebow playing the second half for the Patriots.
There is a lot of excitement with a new season. I am looking forward to being able to watch a few football games (particularly Tar Heels and Panthers) on the weekends for the next couple months as my “new year” begins.
Hannah
Keeping My Eye on the Ball 