THERE IS A TRANSITION
The advent of fall gives us a major transition in the world of sports, both for athletes and fans. After a long, hot summer, fall introduces cooler weather, shifting schedules and a new lineup of athletic opportunities. For many, this season is a welcome balance. We are no longer facing the extremes of summer heat, but not yet contending with the full brunt of cold winters. This in-between stage makes fall sports both unique and exciting.
Personally, my favorite sports in my younger years were tennis and basketball. I could stay busy all year long. Indoor tennis was an option also. As a fan at this point, I find myself watching the U.S. Open tennis event and looking at the evolving trades in the NBA.
One of the most immediate differences athletes notice is the change in weather. Cooler temperatures and shorter days influence both outdoor and indoor play. Outdoor athletes can often push harder in competitions or practices without risk of the heat illnesses of summer months. At the same time, the unpredictability of fall weather – ranging from crisp, sunny days to sudden rain showers – can challenge athletes and coaches to adjust schedules, strategies and even venues. Adaptability and resilience become more important.
The return to school also plays a central role in shaping fall sports. For student-athletes, the academic calendar defines the structure of the season. Football, soccer, cross-country, field hockey and volleyball become more than just games – they are tied to school spirit, rivalries and community gatherings. Friday night football games and weekend soccer tournaments often serve as focal points for students, parents and alumni. This reinforces the strong connection between athletics and education. Fall sports also teach time management, since students must balance practice, games and coursework.
While many sports still take advantage of the outdoors, fall also ushers in a return to indoor athletic opportunities. Gymnasiums buzz with activity as volleyball and basketball practices get underway. Swimming and wrestling programs prepare for the winter season and recreational leagues take advantage of community centers. Athletes of all ages are able to continue some form of sports activity as weather disrupts outdoor schedules.
Fall sports give us a bridge between summer and winter athletics. Cross – country runners move to indoor track training, while football and soccer players maintain conditioning into basketball season. Similarly, winter sports enthusiasts see fall as their preparation period for the intense demands of hockey, basketball or skiing.
On a personal note, I have always admired the great athletes who mastered more than one sport. These include:
- Bo Jackson – football and baseball
- Deion Sanders – football and baseball
- Jim Brown – football and lacrosse
- Dick Groat – baseball and basketball
- Bob Hayes – track and football
- Babe Didrickson Zaharias – Olympic events (javelin, high jump and 80 meter hurdles) and golf
- Brian Jordan – football and baseball
- John Lucas – basketball and tennis
Not to mention Jim Thorpe and Wilt Chamberlain – they could excel in any sport they tried.
The remainder of this post will cover affiliate marketing and my favorite store, Dick’s Sporting Goods.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
This is a marketing arrangement by which an Online retailer pays commission to an external website for traffic or sales generated from its referrals. See my upper menu – BECOME AN AFFILIATE MARKETER – for full information on this business opportunity.
Also, check out the diagram below for a simplified account of affiliate marketing.
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS (DSG)
This has been my favorite store of any kind for decades. The company is well known for its national leadership in the sports and outdoor industries. They also actively engage in community programs, youth sports initiatives and sponsorship. which have contributed to their positive reputation. This is an affiliation that gives me pride!
Check out my recent post on DSG for more information.
I have a permanent link to DSG at the side of this page. Also, I like to list the items or categories of items that they are featuring as specials. Here are a few:
- Up to 40% off select shoes and clothing – Nike, adidas, Under Armour and others
- Up to 40% off select team sports equipment and cleats
- Up to 50% off select golf equipment, clothing and shoes
- Up to 50% off select Fan Shop gear – support your pro or NCAA favorite teams
- Up to 50% off select outdoor essentials – paddles, fishing, camping, hiking
- Up to 45% off select fitness equipment – cardio and weights
- $50 and under for select Nike fleece hoodies, joggers
- $220 and under for select golf bags
- Up tp 50% off select O’Brien neoprene and DBX nylon life vests
- 40% off select Stanley water bottles
- $100 and under for select shoes – New Balance, Nike, adidas and others
- Up to 70% off select Calia, VRST, DSG and Alpine design clothing
- Up to $100 off select pro baseball and softball gloves
- BOGO 50% off Walter Hagen golf clothing
- $1000 and under for select cardio equipment
- Up to 50% off select MLB clothing and gear
After several decades of visits to DSG stores, I have found that I can stay at home and easily see what new arrivals and special prices they are showing at any time. Their website is easy to navigate.
- See the red link at the side of this page
- Click on it
- You will see the question “What are you looking for?”
- Proceed from there, based on your needs
- Look for the specials!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ultimately, the advent of fall sports signals more than just the changing of seasons. It reflects the rhythm of community life, blending weather, academics and athletic opportunity into a distinctive period of growth and excitement. Cooler air, spirited competition and the anticipation of winter to come all make fall a cherished time for both athletes and fans.
