Photo courtesy of Dustin Mollohan
Dear Editor:
It was very disappointing to read on The Navigator’s Facebook page the JU tennis program might be canceled. This is a bad idea on so many levels. Having a strong athletic program is the cornerstone to the success of a school at any level whether it is college, high school or junior high or elementary school. With more sports at an academic institution, students have better opportunities to improve their health, succeed in the classroom and be good citizens in their communities.
When I was a JU student, I barely squeaked by in the classroom, was out of shape and obese. In October 2010, I began turning my life around, lost approximately 160 pounds and did so through proper eating and exercise. During that process, I learned first-hand that when a person is in better physical condition, he or she is more awake, alert and can do more and have an easier time retaining information on a job or in the classroom. Tennis is one tool that can help students remain in good shape and do better academically. It also has the opportunity to provide academic scholarships for young adults to achieve their dream of going to college when they otherwise would not have been able to.
The reality is most athletes in college are unable to play at the professional level. However, tennis is a sport anyone is able to play at a recreational level for the rest of their lives. Having a tennis program at JU can teach student athletes to stay in shape and be healthy for years to come.
Being an athlete provides a platform for everyone on the team to give back to their community. Tennis players could pass on their skills to the next generation, send a message that while young kids may want to play sports academics are every bit as important as athletics and teams can come together to do community service projects. I know JU places a high emphasis on community service and tennis helps provide more opportunities in this area. As I mentioned earlier, I have lost a lot of weight and exercise daily. I hope to pass on my knowledge and be an anti-obesity advocate to make a difference in promoting healthy living. Tennis players can use their skills in the same way to encourage everyone to live the best lifestyle possible.
I am not naïve and oblivious to the reality of how we are living in a time where there is much economic uncertainty. Cuts have to be made, but JU seems to be going about it the wrong way. Having a tennis program should be looked at as an investment, not expense. When I first came to JU in 1996, Paul Tipton was the university’s president. President Tipton did an excellent job raising money and improving the facilities. That is a great thing and I am glad JU has continued what Tipton started, but facility upgrades should not be a top priority. You don’t need state of the art equipment and the nicest fieldhouse in the world to exercise. The gym I go to has older weights, a jump rope that you can tell from one look at it has been worn out and an outdated basketball court. At the same time, the gym with older equipment has saved my life because the man who owns it has given me personal attention and put me on a program that best suited me. He didn’t need to spend a lot of money to provide me the services I needed. My point is JU can cut some of its expenses in the athletic program and other places on campus and still provide the same great services with tennis and every other sport. Cuts are needed. JU just needs to be smart and responsible about it and not get rid of its tennis program.
As always I wish the university all of the success in the world.
Josh Troy
B.A. Communications ‘02
