President's Perspective
Simply for the love of the game
December 2009
The recent induction of seven new members into the Western Connecticut State University Athletic Hall of Fame reminded me again of the significant role that intercollegiate athletics plays at the university.
The legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden once observed that “Sports don’t build character. They reveal it.” And certainly the lives and careers of this year’s inductees, both in and outside the athletic arena, reflect this reality. In this, they exemplify what NCAA Division III athletics is all about.
Students at WCSU and the other 450 or so institutions in Division III play for the love of the game, not because their financial status depends on their athletic participation. They are representative of their peers in the student body. They belong to other student organizations; they are campus leaders outside sports; they hold down part-time jobs. Unlike D-I and D-II student-athletes, they are not segregated into special housing. Neither do they receive special treatment with regard to academic support and other aspects of campus life.
Don’t infer, however, that competition in Division III is not taken seriously. Personal achievement and winning are every bit as important to WCSU student athletes as they are to their bigger, faster D-I and D-II counterparts. D-III competition is no less exciting. Anyone who saw WCSU’s thrilling triple-overtime victory in the 2005 Little East men’s basketball championship, the dramatic come-from-behind victory over Rhode Island College that started the women’s soccer team’s 2007 run to the NCAA final four, or this fall’s homecoming football victory over Brockport State would, I’m sure, agree.
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About the President
Dr. James W. Schmotter
It is impossible to ignore the proliferation of voices and opinions on the Internet today. Having said that, I suppose there’s room for just one more. Here is my contribution to the blogosphere. Your commentary and feedback are welcome! Simply e-mail me at schmotterj@wcsu.edu with what you have to say.
Upcoming Events 
Pizza with the President
Wednesday, December 2
12 noon to 1 p.m. in Midtown Student Center Rm. 202
