As a writer covering all the local, young athletes, it sometimes makes me uneasy to just sit around and swallow my competitive juices.

What's a person to do to find more competition in Bedford County?

A large contingent of men appear to be enjoying competing in the Shelbyville Church Softball League. They typically compete four nights a week.

The New Era Adult Softball League has men's games on Monday nights and coed on Tuesdays.

Each league only lasts for about two months out of the year, although Griffin Park is likely to play host to some fall softball.

Flag-football players saw some action last fall.

The driving range on Wartrace Pike allows for soccer for the Hispanic community on Sundays.

The Shelbyville Sox get 9-10 men to show up around twice a week to represent the area in adult baseball.

Warmer months bring out the tennis players for Monday night league play.

With 10 churches fielding teams that have to consist of at least 10 players for softball, there's roughly 100 athletes. With Shelbyville having a gorgeous recreation center, you would think that a church basketball league would exist. Even if just barely more than half of those softball players care for basketball, you would still have more than enough to field teams.

Surely the old Harris Middle gym or Victory Baptist's court could allow for a couple games a week if the Rec. Center was booked solid.

Other than lifting weights or running in place, what is there for adults to do from November to May besides eat turkey and watch football?

Ever tried to explain to your children what sort of competitor you were back in the day? Wouldn't it be nice to just show them rather than dusting off the 1968 yearbook to show your goofy posed shot in uniform? At that point, you have to explain where all your hair went and why your belly sticks out now.

Let's not even get started on the options for women in Bedford County. They don't even have a league in any sport to themselves. They have to share the diamond or courts with men to see any action. The rest either sit it out or drive over to a neighboring town to compete.

Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree and the citizens of Shelbyville and neighboring communities simply don't care to compete athletically. In a predominantly blue collar area, it's not always easy to work a double at the local factory then rumble up and down the hardwood for 30 minutes.

But, wouldn't it be great to have conversation with friends or co-workers about a game you played in rather than one you watched?

It's a great way to meet new people whether it's finding a bud to help you move next month or getting a date for the company dinner.

Wouldn't it be easier to sign those monthly checks for dues for the gym if you knew it was helping you dominate your boss or get some more respect at your job?

It sure would be nice to at least find out whether or not the people here wanted more competition for adults. Someone who has a voice in the community and can get things done should step to the plate, check on some facilities and spread the word.

If not, feel free to keep telling yourself that you're getting back in shape and living a healthier life by laying in a tanning bed or walking around the neighborhood once a week.