Ahhh summer. It's so close, yet there those annoying exams are sitting between you and three months of freedom. And seeing as this is technically my last summer, I've created a "bucket list" of events that I plan to take part in:
Belmont Stakes
The "Test of the Champion" surely lives up to the hype, as the third leg in the Triple Crown proves every year to be the toughest track there is. In fact, there hasn't been a Triple Crown winner since Affirmed did it back in 1978.
I started my summer on the race track there last year and wouldn't want to have it any other way, although a little more luck this time around would be nice. Who knew putting my life savings on Mucho Macho Man was a bad idea?
Nonetheless, I've got the suit, cigar, and fedora already picked out; now I just need to find my horse. The never-failing 40-day forecast says rain, in which case I have to take Daddy Nose Best. Horse loves the slop, his mother was a mudder.
Backyard Barbeques
There's nothing better than a sunny summer afternoon hanging out by the pool with the country music in the background, firing up some burgers and dogs for the boys. That is, until someone brings out the wiffle ball bat, and what always starts out as fun and games almost always turns into a best-of-seven series that ends with a good ole bare-fisted brawl. And nine times out of 10 it's the pitcher who starts it all. He gets a "wizard warning" in the bottom of the ninth and all hell breaks loose.
Summer Olympics
It's no surprise that one of the major headlines going into this year's games is Michael Phelps: Can he repeat his performance from Beijing?
Personally, I think it's hogwash. Nothing against Phelps, but I don't think anyone is going to be able to beat his record. If you look back that streak in 2008, especially the improbable come-from-behind victory in the 400 free relay, you get the sense that everything was falling in Phelps' place and he was destined to win. That, or the Olympic council was wiring money to all the other swimmer's private accounts in the Cayman Islands.
Realistically, for Phelps to have even close to a repeat performance he's going to need that same luck. My gut is telling me that it ain't going to happen.
Look, the guy's already accomplished the greatest feat in his sport. But it's always easier to fall when you're at the top because everyone is gunning for you. It's just the nature of sports.
That being said, I just think the swimming events are completely overrated. Give me slalom canoeing, table tennis and archery every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
Boston Cannons Games
I always enjoy heading into Cambridge to catch a Major League Lacrosse game during the summer and for good reason: the games are fast-paced, high scoring, and Harvard Stadium just might have the best fried dough this side of the Mississippi.
However, this summer I'll have all the more reason to go because Bowdoin's own Kit Smith '11 is not only on the active roster, but he is playing with Paul Rabil—the best lacrosse player in the world! Oh, and he scored a goal in the season-opening game. I can't wait to be first in line to buy a jersey.
The Second Annual King Cup
Last year, yours truly had a commanding lead heading into the final Sunday of the summer. I'm wearing my Tiger red, shaking hands, kissing babies, signing autographs, and looking to etch my name into the history books. However, someone forgot to tell me that I actually had to play golf that day. Kind of hard to win a golf tournament when you're resorting to a 7-iron on a par-5 just so you can keep it in the fairway. Just completely devastating to watch: fans were crying, the whole kit and caboodle.
Not this year. I've been playing the Mere Creek golf course every week, been getting into the classroom and watching some film, breaking down my swing. There's just no way that trophy is getting back in the hands of Papa King.
My over/under on putter throws right now is at five, if anyone is keeping tabs.
Saco River Float
For too long, I have been hearing about the pure mayhem and savagery that goes on in this land of milk and honey. I've had it! I'm putting my foot down and making the pilgrimage up to that faithful river this August and I plan on doing it right. I've already got a down payment on a six-man float with a built-in cooler and a grill on the back. I want the Saco River, I want it!
Jam of the Week: I've decided to go with a throwback and personal favorite: "Break Away," by Rascal Flatts. Blast this one as you hit I-95 on your way home for summer. Any time you find yourself with the top down on the open road this summer, it'll be quite fitting.