Varsity sports getting you down? Turn that frown upside down and hail the brilliant new savior of Macalester Athletics: Forties Cup 2003.

I write today in my final month as chief organizer of this campus' most flourishing athletic phenomenon. You see, I will likely lose my position upon graduation in May—the Forties Cup is ruthless, as should be any highly successful athletic program at a college of Macalester's caliber.

But first let me tell you about our gig. The Forties Cup is a rigorously competitive men's indoor soccer tournament. It was founded four years ago with intentions of providing a competitive playing field for all interested during the soccer off-season. For clarification purposes only, the tournament's name stems from the novel idea of making a sporting event a social one too; all teams get together at the end, winner bags a case of free forties.

Despite a limiting lack of funding, the inability to reserve our college's indoor facilities (ever), and the well-publicized lack of athletic enthusiasm at Macalester College, this year's edition of the Forties Cup currently boasts 78 participants. When the transfer window closes at the end of Spring Break, that number is expected to soar to 86. Virtually every member of our extraordinary Men's Soccer program is present, in addition to thirteen Macalester graduates and approximately 20-25 non-varsity or JV competitors. We also have about 15-20 groupies.

How did we achieve such a feat on a campus that out-smokes Amsterdam and alienates athletic types? We sent out an e- mail. To 42 people. With this knowledge, can anyone argue that our students would not want to be a part of an enjoyable, well-organized and competitive athletic program if one was available?

If there is enthusiasm about our Forties Cup, why not about the vast majority of our varsity sports? Is there something special about soccer? Why soccer? It isn't about international students-– the vast majority of our current varsity players are American. It isn't about funding–-while satisfactory, the soccer budget is no cushier than that of other sports. It is about wanting to be a part of a successful program. Why do men and women want to be a part of John Leaney's soccer program at Macalester? Because it is exceptionally well run and is very successful. Why do people want to be a part of our Forties Cup? Same story.

If you fancy a look at our Forties Cup, please feel free to send an e-mail to fortiescup@hotmail.com, and we will forward you the link to the tournament's daily updated website. The site has received more than 3500 hits since its inauguration three weeks ago. Keep in mind, as you surf through each team's statistics, league table, player profiles, calendar and schedules, match reports and news features that one or two guys put this all together while writing papers and studying for tests at U.S. News' favorite new college.

The topic has been exhausted, but let me say this: our tournament proves beyond reasonable doubt that the enthusiasm for competitive sport is here. While attracting student-athletes of varsity quality is not the same as running an indoor soccer tournament, if our administration were as passionate, organized and committed to sport as the Forties Cup Board, they too would be able to capitalize on our student body's athletic enthusiasm.

Did I mention I will be available for employment on May 18th?