Racism In Sport

When you think of sport, racism is most likely one of the last things you think of. But, in reality racism is woven throughout sport. For example, when you think of men's basketball right away, which race is most dominant within this sport? Everyone will tell you that the dominant race in basketball is the African American race. But, this racism topic goes even further. Within men's basketball you can separate each position by race and ethnicity. When you think of centers, they are predominately Caucasians and are usually American or Eastern European. Then there are power forwards, they are usually African Americans. Going down the roster there are small forwards, they are predominately African American or Caucasian Europeans. Then there are two different guards, the shooting guard and the point guard, and both of these positions are usually African Americans. The reason I mention these facts is not because I am racist, because I am not. I bring this up to heighten awareness, as much progress as our society has made in the past so many years, we still have a problem and we truly need as much help as we can get.

NCAA Regulations on Spring Practices

Now that MSJ is on spring break I thought I would forward the intention to spring practices. This year the NCAA has restricted Division Three football practices even more than before. As is it wasn't enough, that we are not allowed any contact, and that we aren't allowed to wear shoulder pads. Now, we aren't allowed to wear helmets either. I think the restrictions the NCAA is putting upon us is getting ridiculous. Pretty soon there won't even be a reason to have spring ball. Next, they are going to say we can't even use a football during practice. I mean, I understand not being allowed to wear shoulder pads, and I can level with the idea that we shouldn't be allowed to hit. But, not wearing helmets is taking it to an extreme. I just think it is getting silly, it's like we are playing flag football. Allowing us to wear helmets gives us the opportunity to condition appropriately. It also gives us players the chance to get used to our face-mask before the upcoming season even starts. When will this madness end?

D3 Athletes

As a Division three athlete myself, I have read many personal testimonies comparing DI and DIII sports. I have have heard the good, the bad, and of course the ugly. I have heard how many think that DIII is just an extension of high school athletics, or how DIII is just an excuse for fraternities and sororities to stay in shape. A few weeks ago I read a truly inspirational testimony about DIII athletes, and it went on to say how DIII athletes are the most dedicated and motivated athletes of all. It had said how us DIII athletes don't get paid, and aren't on scholarships. We play our sport because we love the game, we go to class, then we go to practice or weight lifting, whereas a typical student will leave class and go to sleep or play video games. The testimony really put things in perspective for me. It made me realize that coming here to the Mount is one of the best things that could have happened to me. It has taught me responsibility, organization, and how to put your own personal values into order. I wish I could share that testimony with every DIII athlete, and I will be trying to come across it again. If I find it, I will attach it to the blog.

Facilities and Room For Improvement

The Mount plays all home games at our very own Schular Field. As far as design goes it is state of the art, but I feel as if there could be many corrections and upgrades made to it. One major upgrade that I would make (personally) is there is only one set of stands, I would put another set on the visitor's side of the field. Another upgrade that I would make to the stadium is, I would put a weight-room next to or near the athletic trainers room. This could serve dual purposes. First, the trainers could use this weight-room specifically for rehabilitation. Second, in the off-season teams could use this weight-room to train in, and the weight-room in the Harrington Center could be left for students and students only. Other than these two suggestions this stadium is great, and will be one of the best stadiums in the HCAC for years to come.