Athletics at Whitman: a bond that crosses age groups and job titles

Whenever I speak to senior alumni about the College that existed 40 or 50 years ago, I consistently hear that their fondest memories are of their interactions with faculty members outside of classes. This close contact remains one of the strongest of Whitman traditions, though the nature of these contacts may have changed over the years. Many of our alumni reminisce about being invited into faculty homes for meals or social events. Though this still takes place, today's students may be more likely to spend time with a faculty or staff member on the squash courts or in an aerobics class.

I see these interactions wherever I look on campus. First thing in the morning, I go to Sherwood Center to exercise, and I usually find myself lifting weights with one of the athletics teams. Joining us are several faculty members, such as professors Jean Carwile Masteller or Bill Bogard, as well as a couple of staff members, such as Clare Carson, director of academic resources, or Michael Gates, administrator of the Associated Kyoto Program.

This continues all day. At noon, President Cronin and admissions dean John Bogley can be spotted sharing a game of doubles with members of the tennis team. When I go up to Bluewood, I frequently share a few ski runs with students and staff members such as counseling director Rich Jacks, who helps with the ski patrol, or professor Jay Eacker, who teaches lessons. I often see our men's lacrosse team out on Ankeny Field practicing with their coach, professor David Schmitz. I may encounter faculty member Holly Phillips rollerblading up Mill Creek or professor Dana Burgess on his mountain bike, or college electrician Lars Smith training for the "Ironman" triathalon. And how many institutions are there where you can take a raquetball class from the registrar (Ron Urban) or a white water rafting class from the library director (Henry Yaple)?

Noon basketball at Sherwood Center is a tradition that has been around at least 20 years. In addition to many students, regular participants include faculty members such as Chuck Drabek and Steve Rubin and staff members such as Clint Froke and Kevin Kelly from technology services.

At many schools, athletics is something that is confined to a few students who are separated not only from their fellow students, but also from the faculty and staff of the institution. At Whitman it is exactly the opposite. Athletics is an experience and a bond that unites all campus constituencies. We are not divided into active participants and passive spectators, but rather we share the health and growth that result from competition and fitness. This sharing extends across age groups and job titles, and is an important component of what makes Whitman a community.