COLUMN: Supporting school no reason for punishment
Some of us plan to head out to Anaheim this next weekend to support the basketball teams in the upcoming Big West tournament. A win for either squad would put the Aggies in the Big Dance, a place where in 2003 we nearly pulled off an upset over the eventual runner-up, Kansas.
And the way I see it, we stand a good chance at doing a little damage again this year.
Sure, we have had our fair share of road woes, but who hasn’t? If only the Big West Tournament and the Big Dance could all be played in the Spectrum, then we’d be in business. Not to brag, but we have won 126 of our last 135 games at the place.
But alas, to the road we must go. Well, some of us.
So far, it’s just my friend and me. Everyone else is bailing. You would expect that though. It’s a long drive, and we’re students remember? Money is hard to come by.
But from what I’ve seen, students are willing to sacrifice, especially to cheer our mighty Aggies on to victory. Some of us would even sell our birthright to afford it, after all, this ain’t no mess of pottage. This is tourney time.
So, why are only two of us going?
The trouble you see isn’t so much the students. I believe the culprits are our professors.
Our group plans to drive down Thursday evening, but one of my friends has an exam on Friday. He approached his professor asking to take the test early. The professor’s response, “Is it an emergency? Are you a member of the basketball team? Are you a cheerleader? Are you gravely ill?”
To all the questions, my friend answered “no.”
“Well then, you’ll have to take a ‘0’ on the exam. There’s still a chance you could pass the course.”
Such compassion.
Another friend of mine would like to go, but his professor requires that all students attend a fine arts performance that night. You don’t attend, you get a “0.” No mercy.
Of course, what kind of professor schedules something so important smack-dab in the middle of such a big event anyway? Not to mention it’s the Friday before Spring Break. Do you enjoy giving ulcers to your students?
Yes, you win. You have more power than we do. Should we bow now or later?
Now, don’t get me wrong, not all professors are like that, and even those that are have a point. Academics come first. We are here to get an education, not win a basketball game. Here at USU, I believe we have our priorities in order. I know you professors are overworked and underpaid. I know you aren’t recognized for all the good you do yet amply criticized for any little shortcoming, especially by selfish students like me.
But why punish students for supporting their school?
I know many of you couldn’t care less about basketball, but some of us do. Especially these games.
So, here’s my solution. Umm . . . Coach Morrill, do you think you could somehow put all of us on the basketball team’s roster just for the weekend. We’d really like to go.
According to the Student Code, Article IV, Section IV-5, in relation to school attendance of university athletes:
“One week prior to an intended activity, the coach or supervisor should file a roster of the participating students with the appropriate dean, director, or vice president stating the details and times of the proposed absence.
“Students should notify their instructors at least one week prior to any such planned absence.
“Students absent from class while engaged in activities of the competing group shall be permitted to make up missed assignments in a timely manner agreed upon by their instructors.”
So, put us on the roster. Please. Then our professors have to let us go.
I’m asking for Friday that’s all. And if so, I promise to cheer my fat face off at the tournament. Deal? After all, maybe it’s not so much the Spectrum that helps stir the team on to victory.
Maybe it’s the fans.
Jon Cox is a junior majoring in print journalism. Comments can be sent to jcox@cc.usu.edu.