I spent last weekend running around campus “event hopping.” If you have ever opened up one of the Student Life Newsletter emails (which you definitely should because there is a lot of information about campus activity in general) or visited the Ducksync Events Calendar, you should know what I’m talking about. There are usually five to ten events (including RSO, Greek, Student Life, UG Academics, and Dining) happening every day. It’s great that so many groups are working hard to make campus atmosphere active, entertaining, and even educational. However, the one type of event I rarely hear about – or even think about, really – is athletic events.
I think athletics fall under the radar here, and definitely deserve more attention before they make a big win or claim a title. I realized this on Saturday night, after attending DuckHacks, an eboard meeting, Off Center improv show, and the MMM shadowcast, as I was walking to SITTV for a movie night. The Women’s Softball team was waiting outside Walker Gym. All of the players looked exhausted dragging their big duffel bags of equipment. I overheard one girl complaining about her elbow. I just thought wow, being an athlete at Stevens is seriously impressive. It is a respectable contribution of their time and energy to Stevens. It’s really selfless to spend so much time practicing and giving your all in a game. Why don’t people talk about this more?
Sure, I’ve heard of the “All Rise” and “Red Out” and “Duck Country.” But what is it that none of my friends ever feel compelled to attend a game? Maybe Canavan Arena just isn’t my scene? Have I been ignoring and under-appreciating sports?
I have only attended one game at Stevens, and it was Women’s Volleyball my freshman year. I’m not even sure how I ended up there, I think I might have tagged along with a new friend because I had played a season of volleyball in high school. We sat for only five minutes and then left. I haven’t really thought about going to another game since.
There shouldn’t be a divide between sporting events and all other campus events. Students who are active in building RSOs and being student leaders want people to go to their events, and I’m assuming students who play sports want people to support them at their games. I think including the sports schedule in the SLN and incorporating home games onto the Ducksync Calendar could be the start of this better athletic appreciation at Stevens. Maybe then students would “get hyped” about our teams and actively support them on their way to claiming titles and winning conferences. Similarly, I hope The Stute and other campus media can better cover our athletic victories. Within my time at Stevens, I really want to see the dynamics of campus life transform to include more appreciation for our athletes.
