TO THE EDITOR:
I would like to thank the six athletes who attended the UNC Board of Trustees meeting to give their viewpoint. As a former UNC athlete, I’m so tired of the constant negative remarks about our athletes and the stereotype about their lack of intelligence and academic skills. I find it extremely hypocritical to cheer for these athletes then turn around and cut them down with insults. How does that affect these students who are spending countless hours going to class, studying and training in their sports?
The number of hours of training required to stay on the level of other Division I athletes is insane. Like our football player Ryan Switzer attested to, when combined with classes and studying, this makes for an extremely long day.
When I was a gymnast here, I worked out every day — organized practice was five days a week, three to three and half hours a day in the afternoon to early evening. I then ate dinner and studied. My body was physically exhausted, so staying up late and pulling all-nighters did not work. I also worked out on weekends by myself. The dedication that athletes have to their sport and their school should be praised, not criticized.
I can also attest to the negative attitudes of instructors towards athletes. I actually had a professor tell me that he did not like athletes and did not want me in his section of a class. Students can be swayed by this and the attitude of the researcher when taking part in surveys. I tend to side with the student-athlete, for I have been in their shoes.
Kathy D. Morgan
The Friday Center
Continuing Ed. Office
