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Choices affect games, reputation

Abstract:
Imagine you have some of the worst grades in the school-as a matter of fact, you have close to the worst in school history.
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#18

posted 11/18/09 @ 9:10 AM CST

I like how u choice to criticize the football team and seem as if we actually care wat u think of us....you seem very interested and airing our personal life, but yours definitely isn't so squeaky clean. just because you win doesn't give u the right to give us crap on what we do when we lose or win. to be honest the only reason you guys win confrence every year is because there isn't any competition in the first place. my district track meet times across the board were better then you confrence times. you walk around like ur the stuff because u win, but at the same time its like being the fastest kid in 12th grade P.E. so why don't u try to fix ur faults before u talk crap on someone else!
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B. Smith

posted 11/18/09 @ 11:20 PM CST

You just criticized my sport without knowing any of the facts! At least her article did list some truths, if you are so good then why aren't you doing track? The competition in the conference is no where near as good as it could be, I do agree with that, but in track you qualify for nationals by your times and performances. I have a stack of conference medals and plaques that I would be glad to compare to your athletic achievements any day. I also have an All-American plaque on my wall and I didn't get that for having a weak conference. If you are content with being part of a losing team then keep making excuses because it sounds like you are good at it. Keep track out of this because you will get 30 years of winning alumni deciding not to fund a stadium for a team that hasn't earned it!
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SC Alumni

posted 11/20/09 @ 9:02 PM CST

Congrats, then why don't you run track this year and not worry about spring ball because it apparently isn't helping. For the past 5 seasons football has been "rebuilding", when is this "rebuilding" going to take affect? Football players always say "man I ran that time in high school," Yet they don't come out for track, or if they do try to join track they don't last to long. Although there is a select few football players that have had successful track careers. If it weren't for SC track and cross country, Southwestern College would be unheard of. Maybe since SC football has been rebuilding for 5 years they will have a .500 season next year, although very doubtful, with their work ethic.
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SC Alumni

posted 11/20/09 @ 9:08 PM CST

Originally posted by

#18

 I like how u choice to criticize the football team and seem as if we actually care wat u think of us....you seem very interested and airing our personal life, but yours definitely isn't so squeaky clean. just because you win doesn't give u the right to give us crap on what we do when we lose or win. to be honest the only reason you guys win confrence every year is because there isn't any competition in the first place. my district track meet times across the board were better then you confrence times. you walk around like ur the stuff because u win, but at the same time its like being the fastest kid in 12th grade P.E. so why don't u try to fix ur faults before u talk crap on someone else!



Congrats, then why don't you run track this year and not worry about spring ball because it apparently isn't helping. For the past 5 seasons football has been "rebuilding", when is this "rebuilding" going to take affect? Football players always say "man I ran that time in high school," Yet they don't come out for track, or if they do try to join track they don't last to long. Although there is a select few football players that have had successful track careers. If it weren't for SC track and cross country, Southwestern College would be unheard of. Maybe since SC football has been rebuilding for 5 years they will have a .500 season next year, although very doubtful, with their work ethic.
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D. Joiner

posted 11/22/09 @ 8:35 PM CST

Originally posted by

#18

 I like how u choice to criticize the football team and seem as if we actually care wat u think of us....you seem very interested and airing our personal life, but yours definitely isn't so squeaky clean. just because you win doesn't give u the right to give us crap on what we do when we lose or win. to be honest the only reason you guys win confrence every year is because there isn't any competition in the first place. my district track meet times across the board were better then you confrence times. you walk around like ur the stuff because u win, but at the same time its like being the fastest kid in 12th grade P.E. so why don't u try to fix ur faults before u talk crap on someone else!


Nicely put BS! I too like seeing my All-American plaques everyday in my office! Fortunately for us (and the stadium funding project) we have a coach that has continued to be tremendous through the entirety of his career. I will donate for the sake of the track and soccer teams only. Ask anybody in the entire country that has been associated with Southwestern, the KCAC, NAIA, or even the regional NCAA schools and they will recognize our college, not because of football, but for cross country and track!

P.S. This #18 must be some joke new guy that probably catches with his elbows and watches YouTube during class.
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D. Joiner

posted 11/22/09 @ 8:39 PM CST

Originally posted by

#18

 I like how u choice to criticize the football team and seem as if we actually care wat u think of us....you seem very interested and airing our personal life, but yours definitely isn't so squeaky clean. just because you win doesn't give u the right to give us crap on what we do when we lose or win. to be honest the only reason you guys win confrence every year is because there isn't any competition in the first place. my district track meet times across the board were better then you confrence times. you walk around like ur the stuff because u win, but at the same time its like being the fastest kid in 12th grade P.E. so why don't u try to fix ur faults before u talk crap on someone else!


Nicely put! I too like seeing my All-American plaques everyday in my office! Fortunately for us (and the stadium funding project) we have a coach that has continued to be tremendous through the entirety of his career. I will donate for the sake of the track and soccer teams only. Ask anybody in the entire country that has been associated with Southwestern, the KCAC, NAIA, or even the regional NCAA schools and they will recognize our college, not because of football, but for cross country and track!

P.S. This #18 must be some joke new guy that probably catches with his elbows and watches YouTube during class.
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#18

posted 11/18/09 @ 9:20 AM CST

Im glad that u think that the football team or anyone else actually cares if u respect them. why should we? this article is coming from a person who has to fix herself before she can say anything about anyone else. what gives u the position to say we need to gain ur respect? I thought you were a cool person, but i truly see that you are the kind of person who likes to turn their nose up at people when they think they are on a high pedastal. you definitely don't have a squeaky clean record and still don't. so think about the choices that you have made! i mean you think you can say something because you win, but look at the conference you are in. my district track meet times across the board were better than you guys at confrence so its basically like your saying im the fastest kid in P.E......who cares?! so before you try to talk about someone else and make an article on what we do in our freetime, clean yourself up first!
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dylan hackmann

posted 11/18/09 @ 10:31 AM CST

this article is bull(expletive deleted), you have no idea what we do in the off season and summer to prepare for the season. we put it at least 2 hours a day in the off season. some of the guys like to go out and drink after a game so what thats their choice then you have people ( like me ) who dont go out and party. this article is (expletive deleted) and you need to get you facts straight before you say stuff that isn't true about our program. were a young team and thats why we haven't been able to do well, we have a lot of freshman playing and starting who haven't been acclimated to the college game, its going to take time for a young team to be good, just wait till next season when all of us are a year older and have a year of college ball under our belt. just see how much more we improve and see if you write another bull (expletive deleted) article like this again.
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Caitlin Smith

posted 11/18/09 @ 10:52 AM CST

I have a few things I'd like to say about your column. First of all, I appreciate you standing up as an athlete for what you believe to be as appropriate and inappropriate behavior. That shows tremendous dedication to your sport and I respect you for that.

But, I don't think that you should stereotype the entire football team as a bunch of party animals who don't care about their performance, because they do care. What athlete puts in hard hours of practice time to throw a game away? I don't know many if at all any that do.

I also don't know many, if any players that got drunk on Friday nights before games Saturday. If there were any, I know that many of their teammates would be extremely mad and disappointed in this. I agree that maybe their personal choices on the weekends after games don't effect their bodies in positive ways, but I'm not going to judge them on that.

I would like to say that some of the football players are the hardest working athletes I've ever known and take it extremely serious. I hate it for those individuals that they have to be stereotyped as a "typical" football player. I know that Coach Crandall and all of the coaches put in tremendous time to turn this program around, and know that there are some very dedicated players that will continue to put in the effort to make this program better! To have someone judge their performance as a team and tell them they aren't trying hard enough is very damaging. I know as an athlete trying to turn a program around, these comments are very distracting and frustrating. I agree that they shouldn't demand support, but I haven't seen any of those suggested attitudes. As a school and community, support is what we are here for. I want nothing more than to see them blow every team out of the water, and they know this will take a ton of work.

On a final note, I don't condone the trip to the strip club at all, and think that those involved should realize the image that is portrayed to the community, it's supporters, and future recruits.
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SC Supporter

posted 11/18/09 @ 2:53 PM CST

I have a lengthy comment to make, so bear with me here.

First off, if you are a football player and commenting on this article, I understand you being upset, but, do me a favor and at least run your comment through spell check before posting. (Edited by collegian.com)

Now that that is off my chest, let me start by clearing something up. What Paige wrote was not an 'article', so don't ever use the word article again. It was an opinion piece placed on the opinion page of the student newspaper. She had the absolute right to write what she did, regardless of if you agree with it or not.

Also, the Collegian should not be crucified along with Paige because as an opinion piece, it is very clear that her opinions do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper staff and management. Also, keep in mind that before this, nobody read the newspaper, and now they are, so check one win for the Collegian!

Now onto the meat of the story. SC football finished the season 3-7. It is a rare sight in sports when a community of fans and supporters are excited about a 3-7 season. Typically that excitment comes from a 7-3, 8-2, 9-1, or 10-0 season. Before I'm yelled at for not 'supporting' the team, believe me I do. I've been here for a very long time and I bleed purple. I've attended every single game and cheered on my Builders.

Problem is, I think there is a significant problem with the behaviors of some of the players. If there was any indication that Paige had lumped in the entire team, then that was wrong, but I know there are individuals who disgust me and disappoint me who are on that team. Not all of them garner that sort of disrespect from me, but some of them do.

Never in my life would I have thought that a 45 point embarrassment would result in 'how drunk are we all gonna get tonight!' Never in my life would I have thought that a 3-7 season would result in a big old trip to the strip club to celebrate.

I can't comment on the state of players nights before games, nor can I comment on the work ethic of the team in practice or any other venue but gameday, but it's difficult to get excited about a team that barely squeaks by the worst teams in the conference, and is blown out of the water by the worst. In addition, student athletes at this institution should be held to a higher standard. Regardless if you like or dislike what Paige had to say in her article, she stood up, used a public forum, and expressed her opinions on a matter, when most other people who have been disgusted or disappointed would have said nothing.

Hey SC football, you know what a mature thing for you to do is? (Edited by collegian.com) A mature thing would be to find a respectable member of the team, to sit down and write a rebuttal letter to the editor of the Collegian for submission in the paper expressing the team's point of view in the matter. That actually shows maturity. Strip clubs, and parties after big losses, doesn't. That's what being a grown-up adult citizen is all about, and that's the most important thing to get out of college, isn't it?
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SC Parent

posted 11/18/09 @ 8:24 PM CST

AMEN!!! I couldn't agree with this supporter more, as a school that has high standards for moral behavior of all students, I would think that behavior that has been tolerated by these football players is deplorable.
Hurray to Paige for revealing the skeletons in the closet of Southwestern.
Her opinion is valid, and please, if you do respond do use the spell check option, people will take you much more seriously.

Originally posted by

SC Supporter

 I have a lengthy comment to make, so bear with me here.

First off, if you are a football player and commenting on this article, I understand you being upset, but, do me a favor and at least run your comment through spell check before posting. (Edited by collegian.com)

Now that that is off my chest, let me start by clearing something up. What Paige wrote was not an 'article', so don't ever use the word article again. It was an opinion piece placed on the opinion page of the student newspaper. She had the absolute right to write what she did, regardless of if you agree with it or not.

Also, the Collegian should not be crucified along with Paige because as an opinion piece, it is very clear that her opinions do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper staff and management. Also, keep in mind that before this, nobody read the newspaper, and now they are, so check one win for the Collegian!

Now onto the meat of the story. SC football finished the season 3-7. It is a rare sight in sports when a community of fans and supporters are excited about a 3-7 season. Typically that excitment comes from a 7-3, 8-2, 9-1, or 10-0 season. Before I'm yelled at for not 'supporting' the team, believe me I do. I've been here for a very long time and I bleed purple. I've attended every single game and cheered on my Builders.

Problem is, I think there is a significant problem with the behaviors of some of the players. If there was any indication that Paige had lumped in the entire team, then that was wrong, but I know there are individuals who disgust me and disappoint me who are on that team. Not all of them garner that sort of disrespect from me, but some of them do.

Never in my life would I have thought that a 45 point embarrassment would result in 'how drunk are we all gonna get tonight!' Never in my life would I have thought that a 3-7 season would result in a big old trip to the strip club to celebrate.

I can't comment on the state of players nights before games, nor can I comment on the work ethic of the team in practice or any other venue but gameday, but it's difficult to get excited about a team that barely squeaks by the worst teams in the conference, and is blown out of the water by the worst. In addition, student athletes at this institution should be held to a higher standard. Regardless if you like or dislike what Paige had to say in her article, she stood up, used a public forum, and expressed her opinions on a matter, when most other people who have been disgusted or disappointed would have said nothing.

Hey SC football, you know what a mature thing for you to do is? (Edited by collegian.com) A mature thing would be to find a respectable member of the team, to sit down and write a rebuttal letter to the editor of the Collegian for submission in the paper expressing the team's point of view in the matter. That actually shows maturity. Strip clubs, and parties after big losses, doesn't. That's what being a grown-up adult citizen is all about, and that's the most important thing to get out of college, isn't it?
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Tristan Walters

posted 11/18/09 @ 4:14 PM CST

Nice article, Paige.

You brought up some very valid points in it. I respect the football players and know that a vast majority of them work very hard. I question if 80% of them are doing things like this on a weekly basis during the season, but I'm sure there are maybe 5-10 guys that are guilty of this and that gives the rest of the respectable guys a bad name because people tend to make hasty generalizations (when they see 5 people doing something, 50 others have to be doing it too).

It takes courage to do what you did, Paige, and it's looking as if you are going to answer to it. Football players, and others representing SC for that matter, if you do something as a group that could be portrayed as morally wrong, you may have to answer for that too.

Congrats on a better season than last year football guys. Lets make next year even better!
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Former SC Athlete

posted 11/18/09 @ 4:28 PM CST

I can see why this article has gotten the kind of response it has from not only the football team, but the entire school. It's such an honest and TRUTHFUL opinion that OF COURSE is bound to show us the guilty parties immediately. As a former athlete, I can say that everything Paige commented on is true. Most athletes ARE lazy at Southwestern and the "rules" about drinking are VERY lax and taken advantage of. There is a rule that say no drinking 48hrs before a game, regardless if the drinker is underage...yet there are fines and punishment for an ADULT that smokes cigarettes. The athletes that don't take care of their responsibilities to their team SHOWS their lack of dedication in their performance, at school and in sports!!! Until the expensive/overrated school gets their athletic programs to where they SHOULD be, I wouldn't look forward to seeing positive criticism written about ANY team. Perhaps it's time for the COACHES to take control of their respective programs and knock some heads, and for the athletes to be RESPONSIBLE for their actions! Or perhaps that's too much to ask of our aspiring future degree holders... I guess only time will tell if SC is really determined to have a TRUE competitive athletic program.
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Keith VenJohn

posted 11/18/09 @ 5:23 PM CST

This is an opinion article, Yes. Should it be allowed to be published, No. We are all members of this great college, and most of us love it because it is small and everybody really gets along. This article should have sent a red flag as something that was going to disrupt the peace at Southwestern. Also, I do not know how the Collegian is ran but if the editor is a professor I am ashamed of that professor in letting one of what I previously thought was a very good writer, to publish a biased article using false facts to back up an opinion that was obviously a result of being mad about something not related to the football team but maybe someone on the team.

I am a member of the Mound Builder Football team and I am proud of it. Yes, I came here two years ago for the chance to play football and better I am achieving a great education. The facts are not that you group the whole football team into a bunch of drunks that don't study, because I do not think they would still be students at this college with the Great administration we have that does not allow this to continue. I also believe that academically there is many members including me on the football team that are outstanding students.

I am usually not one to comment on any article or opinion, but this is absurd that this was even published. I also do not agree with the strip club trip but this is something that was not made public until you decided to. Also, you have to look at the trip without the destination and think that it is a good bonding experience for the guys to have one last time if the choose to. In the long run we all make choices and obviously some are bad, but you absolutely cannot stereotypically label a team as all a bunch of dumb alcoholics.

Keith VenJohn, Senior, Biochemistry Major
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Michelle Dreiling

posted 11/18/09 @ 6:40 PM CST

First of all, I am absolutely astounded at the amount of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors in these responses from college-level students. Do you people not realize that, although your zeal for the subject is obvious, you are making yourself look ignorant and unintelligent? Even the response from one football player claiming to be an "outstanding student" would not stand up to the standards of even a high school english teacher. Perhaps this is simply a testament to the diminished standards in our school systems, or perhaps it means these student athletes truly do not take their job as a student seriously.

Secondly, these responses repeatedly talk about the reporter not having the correct facts. It is an OPINION piece. This should not be a difficult concept to understand; facts aren't important in an opinion piece. Additionally, whether your opinion is the same or different from the opinion expressed in this piece, that does not negate the reporter's right to have their opinion published.

What you are proposing, Mr. VenJohn, is censorship. By denying the reporter's right to publish this article, you are proposing that the editor violate the reporter's first amendment rights. Something to think about...

On a final note, I am delighted that someone decided to "disturb the peace." Too often the status quo goes unchallenged, because that's the way it has always been, or because no one has the courage to stand up and challenge the system. The behavior of SOME student athletes on this campus, and others, is seriously disturbing. Being a student athlete is a position that should be held with pride, and dignity. It is something that should not be taken for granted.
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Lea Shores

posted 11/18/09 @ 8:13 PM CST

Paige was incredibly brave to write and then publish this piece. And it by all means deserved to be published. Freedom of Speech, correct?

Was the article harsh? Yes. Was it true? This is the question that should be a concern to the Football team. I'm a supporter of Southwestern College and have a lot of respect for the football players that I know personally. They are good people and, from what I know, have been making responsible choices during season.

I have heard the rumors also that there are some players who choose to go out the night before a game. If it just so happens that these allegations are not in fact true, then I think the team needs to look at what they are doing to give off this image. It all had to start somewhere.

I would just also like to say, that the response I have seen from many football players today does very little but back up the lack of maturity that Paige addresses in her article. I understand that there were innocent people hurt by this opinion column and it is unfortunate.

All organizations need to pay attention to the image they are giving the community of Winfield and to potential students and families. Not just football.
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Shelby Cue

posted 11/18/09 @ 8:43 PM CST

I understand this is an opinion article and you stated your opinion, but you can't expect others to not express the way they feel as well.

Many of the students here at Southwestern are involved in a sport or organization. However, stereotypic one particular organization in this manner is absurd. I know a majority of the football players very well and to say that they don't care about their performance, if they win, or their school work is ridiculous! What student athlete works their ass off in season, or offseason to throw away what they have worked so hard for? I can't name a single ATHLETE that would do so.

I also cannot say that I personally know of any football players going out and getting drunk the night before a game. If an event such as that had occurred and the coaches were informed I would assume that the matter was taken care of. But unless YOU personally saw this happen, you cannot say it occurred. I will agree that not all student-athletes, including football players, make the best personal decisions on the weekends in season or in the offseason, but that is their personal choice to what they put into their body. With that said I would like you to find me a team or organization that has never had an individual involved go out and party on a Saturday night, in season or off-season. However, that is nothing I would judge anyone on.

I happened to be present and in interaction with many members of the football team over the summer. To say they worked hard and busted their butts in their summer workouts would be saying the least. Many of these men are some of the hardest workers I have ever met. Not only do the players put a ton of time and effort into their program but the coaches do as well. It isn't easy to turn a program around and I believe they all should be very proud of what they accomplished this past season.

Most of these young men have been playing football for the majority of their lives and have worked very hard to get where they are today to play at this level. To have that drive and ambition isn't something that everyone has and the last thing I would call the individuals who obviously carry these traits would be "losers." That is the LAST thing I would call any of them.

Lastly, I don't understand how such a biased article using false facts was allowed to be published. I also don't understand how it can be "okay" for an individual in our schools community to bash a huge part of the school we all love.

GO BUILDER FOOTBALL!
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SC Athlete

posted 11/18/09 @ 9:51 PM CST

Paige, I am very sad that you decided to publish an article like this. You WERE a GREAT writer. However, you have lost ALL my respect. I do understand that this is an opinion column, but hasn't anyone ever told you to keep your opinion to yourself?

The football team may not be as successful as they want to be, but this season WAS a success if compared to last year. Winning 3 games may not be something you feel that an athlete should brag about, but 3 games is an improvement. Why shouldn't the football players be able to be proud of improving???

Also, I have been to parties this season where football players have actually came over to make sure that NO football players were there. Who cares what the football players do AFTER a game? There are students who celebrate on weekends because they are happy that the school week is over, why can't the football players celebrate that they just completed yet another tough week of football? The strip club is being blown out of proportion by you as well. The party bus and strip club are great ways for guys to have a good time and make some lasting memories. If you don't approve of the way some people make memories, tough.

I do want to offer my congratulations to you on getting people to read the Collegian. You definately wrote an article that people will read. As a reporter, I guess that your job is to have people read your pieces. I'm not sure if it is good or bad that you are willing to risk your reputation like that... So, since you gave your opinion, here is mine: It is sad that you RUINED your reputation for a column like this. I hope that some of those "party animal" football players get "drunk" one night and throw their opinions about you around, just as you did to them. Lucky for you, they will not be posted for others to see.
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To Shelby

posted 11/18/09 @ 10:17 PM CST

Shelby,
I only have one comment to make about your response. I'm sure you're a nice girl, and I'm sure that you feel very passionately about this, but let's get one thing straight (and hopefully nobody has to say it again):
-THIS WAS NOT AN ARTICLE-
-THIS WAS NOT AN ARTICLE-
-THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FALSE FACTS IN SOMETHING THAT IS NOT AN ARTICLE-

Paige wrote an 'opinion piece'. She gave her 'opinion', much in the same way you just did. So give her credit for her opinion, just like I'm sure she's giving you credit for hers.
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Observer

posted 11/19/09 @ 12:13 AM CST

I remember at the beginning of the season when one of the athletes said "one of my best games was when I drank the night before the tabor game". (edited by sccollegian.com) I notice quite a bit of truths to this, but I also notice quite a bit of exaggerations as well. This is the KCAC and most of the athletes here really aren't that dedicated. I've seen high school athletes with more dedication. The expectations are set very low and our football team and soccer teams show it. The men's soccer team is composed of pot heads and the women's soccer team isn't much better than the football team. The only teams worth anything here is the XC and track team. This comes from a former SC football player.
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Its me

posted 11/19/09 @ 8:45 AM CST

Well, I think that whoever thinks the football team doesn't care is stupid. Another thing is that all of you who talk about how partying is bad and blah blah blah, this is college and all of you need to stay out of our private lives. Just because you older people that commented on this didn't live your college life the way it should be lived doesn't mean you have to write about how bad partying is. I mean it seems like high school again with everyone getting in our personal lives, we are adults so shut up and mind your own business!
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TommyBoy

posted 11/19/09 @ 4:56 PM CST

Originally posted by

Its me

 we are adults so shut up and mind your own business!


That is a very mature, adult thing to say. :D
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Jeremy

posted 11/19/09 @ 9:01 AM CST

Shelby,

I am glad that someone who opposed Paige's article didn't do so with malice or ill-will. I am also glad to see that you used decent grammar that actually was able to be put into coherent sentences.

But I'll also say that you look through things with skewed lenses. To say that football players wouldn't throw away all of their hard work for a moment of stupidity or indecision is wrong. Look at politicians who through careers away for one relationship, one drug, one thing or another.

College students, as I'm sure you know are immature. They don't think before they act. And many times make decisions that later on in life, they regret.

I admire that you think the Builder football team works hard. I'm sure they do. But it's one thing to work hard. It's another to work smart.

Now, I know Paige, and I know that she is a writer who only writes about things that she knows is true. You have obviously had some journalistic mistrust in the past. This writer is writing about facts. And just because you haven't been privy to what Paige has seen and heard, doesn't mean that you have to negate the whole article.

Let me put it this way. If the football team had integrity and didn't go out and make foolish decisions, there would have never been a reason for this article to be written. But the fact that it has, it should raise some eyebrows, and cause some concern.

Opinions are like buttholes. Everyone's got them and most of them stink. But where there's smoke, there's fire. And I think people are missing the entire point of the article by not going straight to the source and investigation to see if there is in fact an issue.

Again, I say...no smoke, no fire, no article.

I'll put my email below. I'd love to chat with you if you'd like to dialogue further.

peace,
jeremy

Jeremy Farmer
jfarmer83@gmail.com
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SC Football Fan

posted 11/19/09 @ 9:50 PM CST

The beauty of op ed articles is that the editor is free to express an opinion, be it biased or not. Facts are appreciated but not warranted and it is understood at the time of publication that not everyone is going to agree with the editor's opinion. What is disappointing to me (mainly, as the entire article was a large let-down) is the fact that whomever the editor-in-chief is allowed the article to run with a clear disregard for journalism in general. Just because this article is an op ed does not mean that the editor should be allowed to say "heck", call the team "losers", etc. a well-written op ed can make a clear statement of distaste without thrashing the reputation of a whole. As I said earlier, facts are not necessary, nut in order to avoid looking like a jilted ex-girlfriend, a few facts may have helped the article appear more professional and less vindictive. I believe the editor may have found with a bit of research that the football team has one of the best overall grade point averages of any of the sports teams represented on campus.

Secondly, and probably not as importantly, what the football team does in their private time is their business. Do they represent SC? Yes. Should they be held to a higher standard than other students? Debatable. Are they entitled to spend their free time as they deem appropriate? Absolutely - as much as the editor of this article is entitled to. I know several of the footbaLl players. most of them make good choices but I am not here to be a judge of morals or character, and neither should anyone else. Despite the article just being poorly written, some interesting issues were brought up that should probably be addressed by faculty and coaches. Calling into question the character, dedication, intelligence, and commitment of the team to SC and the football program is far-reaching and uninformed. I think anyone would find that if they sat down with ANY of the football players currently on the team, they would find the burning desire to play the sport they LOVE and be successful while doing it.

Airing some of the "dirty laundry" associated with the football team was a choice the editor made and now the team has to deal with the backlash. I hope you guys channel your anger constructively and take something away from what was said. Keep up the hard work and the positive attitude. You guys never gave up this year and regardless of anyone's opinions, there will always be a solid fan base behind you to support you and cheer you on. The SC Football team is capable of great things...- hope you find the ingredients to push you over the edge and make you unstoppable.

GO SC FOOTBALL!
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Kenny Powers

posted 11/19/09 @ 10:21 PM CST

Ya i don't wanna be the best at exercising...I play a real sport.
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Melissa Nichols

posted 11/20/09 @ 12:14 AM CST

I cannot believe some of the responses I have seen given to this opinion piece. We are all adults here, or at least we should be. I finally took the time to come read what Paige wrote because I heard about it from a classmate. I also heard that she was escorted off campus because she was threatened. I have no idea if that is true or not, but if it is I am incredibly disappointed in the one's who felt the proper way to respond to a controversial opinion piece was by threatening the author.

I have no comments to make on the actions of the football team. I do not know how much of the author's opinion is fact, but something sparked her opinion. I do not particularly find excitement in the number of losses our team had this season. It has improved from last year, and I hope it continues to do so next year.

I do not know Paige, I have never read her articles; I am one of the people who do not typically read the Collegian as has already been mentioned in the responses to this. But I find people who respond by saying they have lost all respect for her as a writer, or that she used to be such a great writer, are being incredibly simple-minded about the situation. Her writing has not changed; she merely gave an opinion that you disagreed with. You will always find people who have differing opinions than you. Saying she is a bad writer solely because of her opinion in this shows a lack of maturity; as does telling people to "shut up and mind their own business."

I am disappointed to see some of your responses are that the "article" should not have been allowed to be published. Is this not a free country? "Hasn't anyone ever told you to keep your opinion to yourself?" "This is creating controversy and shouldn't be allowed." I'm paraphrasing some of the things I read, but that was the general gist of them. This country was created by people who saw something they disagreed with, something they thought was wrong, and they stood up to say something; and now when someone sees something they see as wrong, they're told to sit back down, to keep quiet. I am not sure I can find the words to properly express my disappointment in my peers. We are the leaders of the future. Isn't it about time we all began to act like it?
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Melissa Nichols

posted 11/20/09 @ 10:01 AM CST

I cannot believe some of the responses I have seen given to this opinion piece. We are all adults here, or at least we should be. I finally took the time to come read what Paige wrote because I heard about it from a classmate. I also heard that she was escorted off campus because she was threatened. I have no idea if that is true or not, but if it is I am incredibly disappointed in the one's who felt the proper way to respond to a controversial opinion piece was by threatening the author.

I have no comments to make on the actions of the football team. I do not know how much of the author's opinion is fact, but something sparked her opinion. I do not particularly find excitement in the number of losses our team had this season. It has improved from last year, and I hope it continues to do so next year.

I do not know Paige, I have never read her articles; I am one of the people who do not typically read the Collegian as has already been mentioned in the responses to this. But I find people who respond by saying they have lost all respect for her as a writer, or that she used to be such a great writer, are being incredibly simple-minded about the situation. Her writing has not changed; she merely gave an opinion that you disagreed with. You will always find people who have differing opinions than you. Saying she is a bad writer solely because of her opinion in this shows a lack of maturity; as does telling people to "shut up and mind their own business."

I am disappointed to see some of your responses are that the "article" should not have been allowed to be published. Is this not a free country? "Hasn't anyone ever told you to keep your opinion to yourself?" "This is creating controversy and shouldn't be allowed." I'm paraphrasing some of the things I read, but that was the general gist of them. This country was created by people who saw something they disagreed with, something they thought was wrong, and they stood up to say something; and now when someone sees something they see as wrong, they're told to sit back down, to keep quiet. I am not sure I can find the words to properly express my disappointment in my peers. We are the leaders of the future. Isn't it about time we all began to act like it?
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Larry

posted 11/20/09 @ 12:59 PM CST

To Paige,

This comment is directly to Paige and not for the response of others.

From my understanding you wrote this "opinion piece" the day the paper was published and it was not reviewed. In doing this I feel you made a stupid act. Stupid because you knew what damage you were about to cause and you still did it because of the controversy; which most people thrive off of.

You state: "So, perhaps it didn't make sense at the beginning of the season when there were football players seen drunk on the night before a game, despite their 0-5 record. It probably didn't make sense, either, that they chose to "celebrate" any losses that were less than 30 points."

There are situations in which you write and opinion and it's just an opinion and situations where you write and opinion included with facts and research to support your view so that you can persuade your readers into viewing your opinion as correct. This is a story in which you needed the facts and research. Have you actually been out and witnessed football players out the night before a game drinking? If so, how often did they go out? What dates? and Who? I highly doubt any athlete would go out the night before game and get drunk knowing their coach and team is depending on them. You seem to have underestimated and stereotyped these players a little too much. Sure people like to celebrate AFTER and they are adults; such as you, and are responsible enough to know when not to. Also have you ever heard of the term "celebrating failure"? In which people are not punished when their attempts do not innovate or else they will not attempt at newer things. Basically they take the loss hard at first accept it move on from it and improve the next one. This might sound absurd to you but this is keeping them together and not quitting on each other. And you do not need to get drunk in order to do this and I'd prefer to not believe this is how they celebrate a loss....but what do I know that's my "opinion" of them right? I have no facts and neither do you.

You state: "The players who say "no" to distractions and "yes" to healthy food seem to be a scarcity. There are more who say "Gee, thanks, I'd really like 10 thousand beers after the game I just peed down my leg in.""

Once again have you honestly heard this remark by a player? I highly doubt anyone would say such a thing other than you by publishing it. This is the most absurd and childish thing to say and there is no fact. If this is an actually quote where are your citations? Who said this and when? If you want to be a good writer for a paper, you are going about it the wrong way. You'd be lucky to get a position as a celebrity gossip columnist.

You state: "If the team wants respect from me and others around campus, and actually wants a crowd, then maybe every player should work on earning some fans by pretending to care about the season. Maybe they should stop getting drunk on Friday nights and start trying to figure out why they're losing games"....... "Maybe if we had more people who enjoyed playing football instead of just being football players, next season could be fun to watch. But, until then, it's just a team consisting 80 percent of losers who don't care that they're losing."
I honestly doubt any of the football players would waste their time day in and day out playing for a team that constantly looses and consistently deal with the humiliation of their school. There is a lot of pressure riding on them trying to become better. And yet you call them 80% losers? Coach Crandall came to the school for a purpose and he has a goal. He came and spoke to my Responsibilities for the Futures class. He talked about how he wants to be a motivator, that sure he loved to win some games and he knows the team's reputation, but it is a working progress. You can't start out expecting to win you have to change things around first, see what works and what doesn't before you can implement a strategy that's going to win. This man spoke passionately about his players and how he may be overly hard on them at times but they are still here working everyday trying to become better and improving their tactics. This is the one person who would know what his players are capable of and has a close relationship with them. He should have been one the people to talk to before developing your "opinion piece."

In a final note I just hope you can learn from your writing and publishing skills and realize that you need to recognize your topic. If it is something you need to look further into; such as, research. You have gone against Southwestern's morals and have not only created controversy but also diversity. It's Southwestern vs. The Football Players. In every class its "football players this" "football players that." You have separated our unity at this campus. You expanded the hurt of the football team's reputation all throughout the community of Winfield even. You hurt the football players, the coaches and even potential recruits! What player is going to want to come here now in fear that loosing and drinking is all they care about?

The fact that you are a columnist in a school newspaper makes you an opinion leader! People read what you write and believe it because they feel that if it's in a paper it must be accurate rather they know its and opinion or not. If its and opinion make sure it's just that. If you are going to quote you need facts! Hopefully now you'll be more prepared before you write your next scoop.
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SC Mound Builder Fan

posted 11/23/09 @ 3:21 AM CST

I am usually one to sit in a corner and watch the crowd from afar but felt compelled to speak up when I read Ms. Dreiling's comment to the Paige Carswell opinion piece due to her almost Godly perfect response. I think Ms. Dreilling should be nominated for a scholastic writers award for the most intellectual grammar error free response to an opinion piece OR better yet lets nominate her for pullitzer prize for best contradicting response to a opinion piece due to the fact that everyone is responding with their OWN opinions and you feel like you have to bash someone else for their opinion and intellect because of typo's or proper grammar? Do I really care if my punctuation or grammar is in the proper place in this type of forum or worried that someone with a higher level of grammar skills is going to critique me? I don't really give a flying verb what you think or how I place my words to get my point across because I do not feel the need to show you how smart or ignorant you think I am based on my writing skills so why bash someone who were probably pissed off when they were writing their comments to this opinion piece anyway? I would be willing to bet that most people writing comments to opinion pieces across this freedom of speech infested country really care if their comma's are where they are suppose to be or their english skills are top notch grade A unless they are of course an english teacher or professor. I think doctors and lawyers are two of the worst professions when it comes to proper spelling and the proper use of grammar but my God would anyone dare call them ignorant? Okay now lets get to the focal point of this opinion piece and I'll give readers my OPINION on this matter and where I stand on it. First of all lets address football programs across this great nation and more importantly the Division 1 level programs. The D1 schools have players doing the same exact things mentioned in Ms. Carswell's article (oops I meant opinion piece) and wonder if she (Paige) would have wrote let alone publish this same opinion piece if the SC program was 9-1 and was consistently winning conference championships and making national playoff appearences year in and year out and was one of the elite college programs (no not the KCAC) of the entire NAIA? let's be real here and understand that this sort of thing goes on nationwide whether it's a school that wins consistently year to year or is a basement team trying to rebuild it's program to a respectable level. Bottom line is if this same article was written opinion or not about a program that was generating huge amounts of dollars for the school I would be willing to bet that someone within the administration would not have taken too kind to something negative written about a program that was generating something positive but because this program is not kicking out undefeated seasons and this particular journalism student needed something to write about and chose to write what she thought was wrong with the SC football program. I would just like to say in closing that those who support Ms. Carswell and defend her right to publish her opinion shouldn't act so befuddled when a player or supporter of the program comes forward and defends what basically sums up to be a verbal bashing of the program and players. They are standing up for themselves right or wrong and if you don't like their opinions then Paige should have factored that into the equation before she decided to publish this story but only in america can we all share our opinions and speak our minds.



Have a blessed day :)
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