Khash Bowl 2006

This weekend the volunteers held Khash Bowl Fall 06. The event was an opportunity for us to get together, speak English, play football, eat and drink. Although I thought we were there to play ultimate frisbee, I was excited to find out it was our own version of American football Saturday. When I arrived the girls had decided I was homecoming queen.

At 2 p.m. the game started: the North vs. the South. Although I was completely enthusiastc to participate in this game I have never played football in my life. In fact, I haven't the slightest idea how to throw a football. I didn't bother to tell any of the boys this though, and I ran out onto the field, flags (strips of plastic tablecloth) tucked into my windpants, with pride for the South. As I ran though, it occured to me that just being a spectator of Buckeye football all those years was not enough to qualify me to play the actual game. Fortunately, Andrew was a good captain and the guys could hold their own on the field. They were only required to have 2 girls playing at a time and so my lack of knowlege and skill didn't hurt the team too much. Every time I ran into the huddle I told him I could catch and throw and although I obviously didn't know what I was doing he would tell me where to go and who to 'tackle'. I didn't do a spectatular job; in fact, I didn't even do an ok job. I let Syd get two touchdowns on defense and Dominque deflected one of my touchdown passes. I sat out the remainder of the half and the majority of the second half too.

Then, it was the last minutes of the game. The South was up 8 to 6 and I was dying to go back in and try my luck just one last time. I saw that they let Katie play quaterback and run the ball and I begged Andrew to let me try. The second to last play of the game I got my chance and would you belive me if I told you I got a first down? There are some athletic moments you never forget. That first down in Khash Bowl 06 will be one of them...the sun shining, the breeze blowing and all of the volunteers chanting my name on the sideline. What an honor.

Later that night the Peace Corps rented a room in a local restaurant and had a party to celebrate. One of the A13's made chili for everyone and we ate and danced. After dinner they collected votes for MVPs. We were instructed to vote for a female and male from the north and south teams. Hands down the North nominations made sense. Syd deserved her nomination as she scored a majority of their team's touchdowns and Dominique played a great game. When it came to the South, however, I listened in disbelief when they called my name as the most valuable player. "Although she may not know much about football, she sure did make the team a heck of a lot cuter," Katie announced!

What? Me?

Although it was undeserved, they called me to the front, put a shot in my hand, took pictures and told me congratulations.
The Peace Corps never ceases to surprise me. Who knew the homecoming queen can double as the winning team's MVP?