I guess I had better learn about the sports

[azwildcat96]

I attended my first Celtic festival in Tucson last weekend, and spent a good portion of the second day watching the highland competitions. I was of course kilted, and while not as big as some of the competitiors, I am not a small guy. So, every few minutes (so it seemed to me) a complete stranger approached me, and asked what I thought to be very random questions. For example: What do you call that log that they are tossing? How much does that metal ball and chain thing weigh? How do they score that? How do you sign up to compete? etc. I lost track of the times that complete strangers asked me games related things. I am guessing that this is due to my size and attire...Has this happened to any of you? I guess I'll have to study the games, so I can be of more help next time.

I didn't have the answers to many of the questions, and admitted so. And, those that I did know, I did answer honestly. Had I been drinking, can you imagine the things I might have told people!?!?

[Detroitpete]

I attended my first Celtic festival in Tucson last weekend, and spent a good portion of the second day watching the highland competitions. I was of course kilted, and while not as big as some of the competitiors, I am not a small guy. So, every few minutes (so it seemed to me) a complete stranger approached me, and asked what I thought to be very random questions. For example: What do you call that log that they are tossing? How much does that metal ball and chain thing weigh? How do they score that? How do you sign up to compete? etc. I lost track of the times that complete strangers asked me games related things. I am guessing that this is due to my size and attire...Has this happened to any of you? I guess I'll have to study the games, so I can be of more help next time.

I didn't have the answers to many of the questions, and admitted so. And, those that I did know, I did answer honestly. Had I been drinking, can you imagine the things I might have told people!?!?

Answers:

Caber
56 lbs
Either by decathalon or graduated point system--lowest for first place.
Sign up? Usually the athletes sign up ahead of time with the AD--but we've been known to take walk-ons sometimes.

So yer big and kilted---ever think about hopping the fence and trying it out? Give 'er a go sometime. I'm 45 years old, 5'7" and 190 lbs

If I can do it--you can too! You won't meet a better group of guys.

[azwildcat96]

Thanks, Detroitpete. I did know some of the answers. I was just giving some examples of the questions that I was asked.

Walk-ons!?!? That's tempting. I wouldn't mind giving it a try once, but without the audience. I'd hate to make a complete @$$ of myself in public.

Knowing me though, once would prabably turn into a new hobby.

[thatcelticband]

I'm a big guy too and always get asked how I did, whens the next competition ect..

[DougC]

I'm a medium-sized guy--6 foot, 190 lbs. Still play lacrosse at 44 (as a middie/lsm/defenseman). I want to get into the games. I even sent a note to the atletic director for the San Antonio games and didn't get a response. So, any ideas how to become a highland games athlete? I really need someone to show me how to throw and whatnot--I have strength and speed, but, need style points!!!

Sorry for the thread highjack...

[Detroitpete]

I'm a medium-sized guy--6 foot, 190 lbs. Still play lacrosse at 44 (as a middie/lsm/defenseman). I want to get into the games. I even sent a note to the atletic director for the San Antonio games and didn't get a response. So, any ideas how to become a highland games athlete? I really need someone to show me how to throw and whatnot--I have strength and speed, but, need style points!!!

Sorry for the thread highjack...

For any guys interested in joining our fine group of disturbed individuals--I'd say try to contact athletes in your area to talk to and perhaps practice with. We all started fairly much the same way--so we're supportive in helping others as well. Check NASGA.com for athletes, schedules, rules etc.

[Skipper1]

Well that answers a question for me - I am not so big but see that someone my size is competing. I think I will see if there is an association here in my town that might want a short but competative little fellow participating.

[Alan H]

You do NOT have to be a gorilla to do this sport. Sure, being a gigantic dude that can hang snatch 300 pounds isn't going to HURT, but there are plenty of <200 pound guys out there throwing.

Doug C, there are lots of athletes in Texas. Go look at http://www.nasgaweb.com and read up, there. Then contact Mike Baab or Ed Cosner or Duncan MacCallum and ask for some help and suggestions.

[DougC]

Will do--thanks Alan.

[Burly Brute]

I attended my first Celtic festival in Tucson last weekend, and spent a good portion of the second day watching the highland competitions. I was of course kilted, and while not as big as some of the competitiors, I am not a small guy. So, every few minutes (so it seemed to me) a complete stranger approached me, and asked what I thought to be very random questions. For example: What do you call that log that they are tossing? How much does that metal ball and chain thing weigh? How do they score that? How do you sign up to compete? etc. I lost track of the times that complete strangers asked me games related things. I am guessing that this is due to my size and attire...Has this happened to any of you? I guess I'll have to study the games, so I can be of more help next time.

I didn't have the answers to many of the questions, and admitted so. And, those that I did know, I did answer honestly. Had I been drinking, can you imagine the things I might have told people!?!?

That's a bummer! I was there too! I also am toying with the idea of competing, but I need to go see my cardiologist first! PM me man, maybe we can meet at the next!

ALSO! I believe there is a celtic festival in february up here in Phoenix, and games taboot!