2008 Woodie Awards
Staff Editorial
Recognizing extra-curricular effort
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Forum
While most of Guilford struggles to get back into the groove after a long break, our winter athletes close in on the end of their seasons. Men's basketball remains in the top 25 nationally ranked teams for Division III; women's basketball boasts a 10-7 record, and the swim team is ranked fourth in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).
Even more amazing than their triumphs, is their dedication. These athletes often get no vacations, with preseason during fall break, regular season during winter break, and playoffs running into spring break. With three, sometimes four games per week, they usually have only Sundays off.
As student-athletes, their academics come before these athletic responsibilities. Athletes must be full-time students and are often required to attend team study halls. Furthermore, away games not only use up an athlete's allowed absences, but come with the added bonus of having to complete schoolwork on the road.
So how do they do it? How can they balance everything and still be successful as teams? Support. They support one another and they get support from their friends and families, but they need our support too. We need to recognize how hard these student-athletes work and how much they've accomplished. We need to recognize the dedication they put forth to represent Guilford, and stand behind them with the same dedication.
However, while we celebrate the actions of some, let's not forget those of others. In remembering how hard our student-athletes work, let's not forget the extra-curricular work throughout our community and not just in sports. Whether they are performing in theater, sitting on Senate, playing rugby, or singing in choir, we need to respect, celebrate and support each and every member of our community, recognizing that Guilford's success lies in collective effort.
Even more amazing than their triumphs, is their dedication. These athletes often get no vacations, with preseason during fall break, regular season during winter break, and playoffs running into spring break. With three, sometimes four games per week, they usually have only Sundays off.
As student-athletes, their academics come before these athletic responsibilities. Athletes must be full-time students and are often required to attend team study halls. Furthermore, away games not only use up an athlete's allowed absences, but come with the added bonus of having to complete schoolwork on the road.
So how do they do it? How can they balance everything and still be successful as teams? Support. They support one another and they get support from their friends and families, but they need our support too. We need to recognize how hard these student-athletes work and how much they've accomplished. We need to recognize the dedication they put forth to represent Guilford, and stand behind them with the same dedication.
However, while we celebrate the actions of some, let's not forget those of others. In remembering how hard our student-athletes work, let's not forget the extra-curricular work throughout our community and not just in sports. Whether they are performing in theater, sitting on Senate, playing rugby, or singing in choir, we need to respect, celebrate and support each and every member of our community, recognizing that Guilford's success lies in collective effort.
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