The spectacle of the Summer Olympics and their glorification of competition made me consider the role of competition here at Macalester. We have competition through sport: varsity, intramural, and casual sports. We have competition in the classroom: certainly well defined within certain departments. But are the goals of competition congruent with the goals of a liberal arts college such as Macalester? Is competition a relic from a time when winning mattered more than diversity, success more than effort? If this is the case, then what does this mean for our athletic department and for those of us who enjoy competition at every level?

Why do we have sports at Macalester? It is a logical question, especially considering the elimination of the varsity Nordic skiing program and the controversy surrounding our football team’s withdrawal from the MIAC. However, it is a question that has not been adequately addressed. I will not argue that sports make athletes better students, although facts may support that claim. And I will not argue that athletic activity biologically and physiologically makes people feel better, though it may be true. What I will argue is that athletics contribute to the development of the type of student that Macalester seeks to create.

Macalester prides itself on diversity and internationalism. There are undoubtedly wonderful benefits from having a student body that looks and thinks like the world. However, these traits are meaningless without interaction. These interactions can provide greater benefit when they are genuine and when they are voluntary. There is no better venue for genuine interaction between diverse groups than athletics. Because of its ability to act as a common denominator across a broad range of people, athletics is a perfect way for those of diverse backgrounds and interests to interact. A perfect example of this is soccer at Macalester. Few other events on campus draw such a diverse crowd (except for possibly the dance formerly known as Q.U.), and certainly none can match their spiritedness. We can all live vicariously through the repeated successes of our athletes, and enjoy them in the company of other fans, irrespective of background. Another great example of the power of sport occurred during last spring’s Pakistan vs. India cricket match. There are few places in the world where Indians and Pakistanis are so cordial with one another as at Macalester, where they stayed up countless nights with each other cheering on their countrymen. Sports do not provide a cure-all for social ills, but they are a chance for people of all backgrounds to root for or play toward a common goal.

People need similarities to discuss before they can even consider resolving their differences. Where else can we find similarities on a campus like Macalester? Politics are frequently too messy and divisive. Religion has historically been even worse. Competition and cooperation in the athletic arena is one place where people can discard differences and focus on something that is truly enjoyable. A liberal arts college should encourage healthy participation in athletics, both varsity and otherwise. Students should encourage and root on their fellow student-athletes, just as student-athletes should root on their classmates in the pursuit of their individual goals. Rather than focusing on what differentiates ourselves from our neighbors, we should focus on developing our existing bonds, such as the love of sports.