Thank you Emily Koller, thank you. The poor state of athletics at Macalester College has long been festering in my mind, but I wasn't brave enough to bring these issues to the forefront of the Macalester Community. Nevertheless, Ms. Koller's article gave me the motivation I needed to speak up. And, there seems to be no better time than now to do just that. With the Presidential Search Committee determining the next president, I am deeply concerned with what direction it will lead us … but also optimistic that this process can make a lasting difference. I love this college, and I loved having the opportunity to play football here. But I also feel that if we are ever going to bring Macalester even further into the elite of higher education we have to address all our problems. This extends to all endeavors of the college; if we are committed to something, whether it is the fine arts, internationalism, multi-culturalism, or athletics, we must give ourselves fully to the cause.

Unfortunately, our weakness in athletics and wellness is much bigger than wins and losses; it is Macalester's culture that is not supportive. We have created an environment here that gives athletic competition and wellness a substandard role. We have disfranchised our athletes by making them feel unwelcome. Consequently, our athletes have come to believe that nothing will change and so they either quit playing or worse, they lose their passion for the sport they formerly loved.

However, finger-pointing is not going to solve what is an incredibly complex issue. It's not a matter of Admissions not admitting enough athletes or Financial Aid not giving enough money. The symptomatic solution of "add players and stir" won't cut it. Instead, it will only result in more alienated athletes on an already frustrated campus. We need to root out the problem rather than toss more athletes on top of it.

We cannot just blame coaches either. How can their success be measured and criticized when they enter with their hands tied behind their backs? Give them the support they deserve and then address their performance.

Lastly, I don't think the players are at fault. We truly have some fine athletes at our college. But rather than being placed into an environment where their talents can flourish, they are bogged down in the self-perpetuating swamp that can be athletic participation at Macalester.

This problem is far larger than one quick fix. We attend a liberal arts college, and we must be true to the liberal arts education. Athletics and fitness are just as vital to the liberal arts credo as other pursuits, and that needs to be recognized here. This is a short list of tangible ideas to redefine Macalester's vision of the Athletic Department, and make our department a leader for other colleges across the country.

Wellness Complex Design: We are in the planning phase of building a new wellness complex to replace the existing one. This new building needs to be far more inviting to the entire student body in order to promote sorely needed interaction between athletes and non-athletes. I have often heard that students are too afraid to use our current facilities because it is seen as only for "jocks" and completely "user unfriendly." I want to encourage everyone in the Macalester Community to participate in this planning to ensure that is a comprehensive project that fits all of our needs.

Please Mr. Cross, Become More Active: I have no doubt in my mind that Irv Cross is an incredible leader and a wonderful human being. So please Mr. Cross, use your talents and raise your voice throughout campus, not only within the department. Encourage the faculty and administrators to be more active participants in the Macalester athletics and wellness experience. Use your fame and connections to bring prominent athletes to campus-wide events to discuss issues like athletics and social change, etc. Actively publicize athletic events throughout campus. To put it bluntly, increase the Athletic Department's visibility and role on this campus.

Increased Awareness of Wellness and Athletics on Campus: Winton Health Services does a wonderful job running awareness campaigns about health issues. However, why not broaden the discussion even more … they shouldn't carry the burden alone. The Athletic Department needs to make a concerted effort to show what we have to offer in facilities and classes.

Admissions/Financial Aid Liaison: The lack of communication between the Athletic Department and Admissions/Financial Aid is appalling. We need to hire someone to bridge this disconnect. Someone who understands the college's admissions and financial aid policies but who also realizes the challenging nature of recruiting. Last year the college showed itself committed to improving multi-culturalism on campus by creating a new office and two new dean positions; show a commitment to athletics by hiring someone to incorporate the Athletic Department into the broader college administration as well.

The New President: Most importantly, we need a new president who is committed to athletics at Macalester. He/She needs to understand the important role of wellness and athletics in a liberal arts education. Lastly, he/she needs to be an active participant in the Macalester athletics and wellness experience. We need a president who attends events, and who pushes the trustees and alumni to take pride in all of our programs.

These are broad suggestions but I truly believe they will make a difference in reorienting Macalester's vision of wellness and athletics. The time is now, with a huge change in our administration and with the addition of a new wellness facility we are on the verge of something great. Let us seize this moment by addressing the problems that plague our school rather than remain complacent dragging our feet.