9.1

SPORTS

The Norwich Guidon
Jan. 29, 2004

Players explain challenges facing NU student athletes

By Holly Manning
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Student athletes know the pressures of succeeding on and off the field. Some look to fellow teammates for support with the demands of school and sports. Others also find it more challenging.

For student athletes who spend a significant amount of time on their respective practice fields and courts, the clock just can't seem to slow down.

"To be an athlete in college, you have to have 28 hours in a day," said Steven Chambers, 21, a junior communications major from Springfield, Mass.

While some student athletes find themselves struggling more in the classroom during a season sport, others find themselves excelling more.

For Mario Carpanzano, 20, a junior communications major from Stamford, Conn., athletics help him focus more in the classroom.

"I'm probably 100 percent sure that if I didn't play sports, I would probably do nothing. It gives you something to drive for. Trying to stay on the team is more than just trying to be good on the field; you have to be good in the classroom, as well," Carpanzano said.

Carpanzano is a two-sport athlete at Norwich, excelling in lacrosse, which he was recruited for, and rugby, which he picked up this year.

Norwich University women's hockey captain, Jen Mathewson, 23, a senior management and accounting major from Montpelier, Vt., said that it is handy to have teammates there to help with class work, especially if they have already taken a class the athlete is having trouble with.

"There's a lot of help, especially with your teammates and also with the school as well, because they set up certain times for students. Athletics as a whole is better for academics, because I feel that, as a team, everyone helps each other out," said Keith Maurice, a 2002 graduate and former captain of the NU men's ice hockey team.

Teammates are a great support system for student-athletes, said Shawna Anapolsky, 23, a junior communications major from Sacramento, Calif., adding that they are always reliable and available to turn to when struggling, both on the field and in the classroom.

Being a college athlete is beneficial in many ways, aside from team support, according to Beth Carriere, a senior nursing major from Andover, Mass.

"Being an athlete builds character, team camaraderie, and it forces students to have to develop their time management," she said.

Terri Lussier, 22, a senior accounting and business management major from St. Albans, Vt., said that being an athlete is a great way to meet people around campus, because you already have your teammates and most students recognize athletes.

Ed Sulton-El, 21, a junior communications major from Newtonville, N.J., was a standout football player at NU, but had to take this past season off for personal reasons.

"I find it much easier, now that I have more time to do what I want to do. I don't have to go to practice every day, so work is a lot easier, and I just have more time to do what I want," Sulton-El said.

Dave Armeson, 21, a senior communications major from Satellite Beach, Fla., also took this season off from football, because it took up most of his time, and he wanted to focus on graduating.

"Football takes up probably the most time of any sport I've ever played. It has the dedication of two and a half hours to three hours a day, and film sessions during the week, along with lifting and games on Saturdays," said Armeson. "It's like another job on the side. I didn't feel I could do that and balance my grades at the same time."

"I think when some kids come to college, they don't really know what they're getting into," Sulton-El said. "When I first came here, I was more into sports than academics. Then I started to realize that academics are more important and will take me farther."

Norwich coaches also seem to be a positive influence on their players as they preach academics before athletics.

"Coaches understand that academics come first. They stress that," said Jess Poniaposki, 19, a sophomore physical education major from Fairport, N.Y., who is a member of the women's ice hockey team, men's lacrosse team, and manager for the football team.

"Some of the benefits to being a student athlete include the ability to release some energy. I made my best friends on my hockey team," Mathewson said. "The greatest pleasure is being able to come to the rink after a stressful week and be able to let loose and forget about everything you have to do."

"Once I hit the field, I forget about school work, teachers, and all the problems I have. I have those two hours to just forget about my school work," Carpanzano said.

Athletics may help expend energy, but they may also have an emotional effect on an athlete, as well.

"Being an athlete adds to the overall experience of college, your academic life and your social life," Lussier said.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.