In August 2023, a particular date with a particular jock confirmed the negative preconceived notions I had about dating male student-athletes in college. 

This is the story of when I went out with a Moravian football player and why it inevitably left a bitter taste in my mouth (one that I can still taste when I recall the experience long enough).

August 2023 was the month that I knew my life was going to change. I had just transferred from Northampton Community College to Moravian University as a junior. I had ended things with my on-again, off-again ex of about two years at the beginning of summer, and I was eager for a fresh start.

Wanting to experience new things, new men, I decided I would take advantage of every opportunity that came to me. 

To my utter surprise, I was approached within the first week of class. It was by a senior, a friend of my cousin’s, actually, who I had known distantly for the previous two years. 

Up until this point, I had historically gone for the tall, dark, and, well, kind of nerdy guys with sarcastic flares. Bonus points if they wore glasses. 

I knew I was entering new territory with this one, but maybe that was a good thing. Maybe he could protect me with all his ruggedness and aggression? 

Here’s how our first date went, and here’s why it inevitably never worked out with me and Mr. I-get-into-fights-at-the-bar. 

Before ever even going out on an official date with this guy, he had stood me up twice. I know what you’re thinking … And you still gave him a third chance?? 

What can I say: I was so intrigued by his clout around town that I chalked up his blowing me off to simple miscommunication. I wanted to see what all the hype was about.

So, when he actually followed through with our plans, we went for ice cream one late night after class. 

He pulled up in his oh-so-cool jeep outside my place and waited for me to come out. 

Nerves set in. 

Some routine “Hey, how are you’s?” and everything was looking like smooth sailing; until we got to The Cup. 

Naturally, we waited in line for what felt like an hour, but I didn’t mind. I was on a date with a football player!

I saw a sign announcing their seasonal pumpkin flavor special, so I said, “Ouu, they have pumpkin! That sounds amazing.”  To which he responded, “If you get pumpkin, I’ll punch you.” 

ha ha, joking about hurting me is hilarious?? 

He then explained to me his strict dietary preferences: no cheese, no cake, no pumpkin. Basically, no fun. “So, are you allergic to them or something?” “Nope, just can’t stand them. I’ve never even had a cheeseburger.” 

While we ate our ice cream inside, we discussed our personal interests. I told him I liked movies, cooking, and reading. He asked if I watched sports, and I told him that I hadn’t ever really gotten into them. He asked eagerly, “But are you willing?” 

After ice cream, I brought him back to my place. 

I showed him around, he met my sister, and then he complained about how demanding his workout schedule was.

At the end of the night, he got up to leave. I walked him to the door and, right when I was telling him that I had a fun night, he started walking to his car and called back, “Yeah it was fun, see ya.” 

I never heard from him again, and I never reached out, either.

I guess he had an awful time, and, you know what? I kind of did, too.

Months later, at Moravian’s St. Patrick’s Day darty, I found myself hanging out with some of his friends in his on-campus house. He spotted me and asked me why I had never texted him after our date. “I was so disappointed,” he said, fake-pouting. 

I told him that if he wanted to see me again, he should have texted me! “That’s usually the dude’s job.” 

I don’t know about you, but whenever a guy takes me out, he texts me afterward, thanks me for the date, and expresses if he would like to see me again. Chivalry. Dating 101.

Based on what I saw, maybe this one was better off unexplored. 

And maybe one day I’ll find a guy who’s a “good sport.”

The Pumpkin Ice Cream Eater