Letter to athletes

Good-bye and good luck

What the Puck?
Autumn McDowell
Sports Editor

Dear fifth-years,

It has been brought to my attention that a number of you are upset about a sub-headline that was run in the Feb.14 issue of the Carillon, which stated: “Good-bye and good riddance to fifth-years”.

After hearing a number of your concerns I feel that both an apology and an explanation of the comment is in order.

First of all, I would like to mention that this comment was not meant to be malicious, though I can understand why it may have been perceived this way. I was merely trying to make a joke about passing on the torch to new players and about how long some athletes have been at the U of R, which stemmed from conversations that I have had with athletes in the past, which I then decided to put into print.

Former Cougars men’s volleyball player, Lindsey Isaak, gave his opinion of the comment on line, stating:

“Seriously? Good riddance to fifth-year athletes? I have no idea why you felt the need to add that, but you might want to explain it. The women’s basketball team might want to hear it, considering they are bringing in a shit-ton of money by hosting nationals this year. You’re writing about sports at the U of R, the least you could do is watch a fucking game or two. Or even appreciate the fact that five years is really fucking hard to do.”

First of all, to respond to this comment I am well aware that it takes a lot of commitment to stay with a team for five years as many athletes that enter the program often do not make it for five full years, and I do commend those of you that have been a part of Cougars history.

The athletes at the U of R have provided me with a lot of entertainment over the past years and, for the most part, have been appreciative and supportive of what the Carillon has done in promoting campus athletics.

With regards to the suggestion that the least I could do is “watch a fucking game or two,” personally, I have tried to support the Cougars and Rams athletes in many ways, often attending upwards of three different sporting events in one day, while also encouraging others to attend and giving all of the campus teams coverage in the paper.

However, with all of that aside, I understand that sometimes my joking and sarcasm may go too far and not translate in print the way that I may have originally intended, and can be difficult to recognize.

With that said, I would like to say thank you, not just the fifth years, but to all of the athletes on campus for their contributions to the school and our athletic programs during their time at the U of R.

Once again, if the comment was seen as offensive or upsetting, then for that I sincerely apologize. I wish you all the best as you head into playoffs, and with your future endeavors.

Sncerely,
Autumn McDowell

Photo by Arthur Ward