WAG - In defense of women’s athletics
Those who play them can easily stand up for themselves, but due to recent comments left on this page, I felt a public response would be best.
After my entry about the women’s basketball team going to Arizona, a KU fan left a post in response. He asked questions I thought I had answered, but I did my best to respond to him. He also implied I was crushed by the men’s team’s NIT placement, and I replied I was more interested in how the women’s team did.
When the men lost in the first round last night, I figured the poster would come back around again… and I was right.
I don’t mind. I asked for comments and got what was requested.
For those of you who don’t have javascript, or whose webpage is finicky about the comments box, here is the most recent KU response:
Mr. Chickenhead said on Mar 17th 2004, 1:00PM:
Tsk, tsk. Ignore it and it shall go away. It's a shame that you have invested so much of your obviously worthless time on women's basketball. How pedestrian. It's nearly as interesting as watching paint dry, I hear. Anyway, Arthur Johnson and the rest of the felons saved your precious time, since they went and lost in the first round of the Not Invited Tournament. Sad, really. But that doesn't affect you, being that you're such a cool band person.
Later, pussycat!
This is my response to him, and other people who lash out against, belittle, or ignore women’s sports.
Wow, they can be taught!
I knew he'd come around - though I didn't expect him to pickup the name I gave him (or misspell it to boot).
After the earlier stumblings and misunderstandings, he has at least grasped the fact that it’s not only the games and the players, but also what the fans invest in them.
Since I came to MU three years ago, I've watched the women's team steadily improve.
Saturday, five seniors, along with many other deserving players, are getting the chance to fulfill a dream participate in the NCAA tournament.
It is an honor they deserve and have worked hard for. It 's a shame many people write off women's sports - like this self-proclaimed Kansas "fan." It can be hard maintaining faith in a team that's having a rough patch (the KU women's team had a 9-19 overall record), for MU has had similar stretches, but one still must persevere.
I'm ecstatic that the MU women's team is getting the chance to star in the spotlight. They won their last game at the Hearnes Center and that was largely overshadowed by the men's team loss, yes Mr. Rock Chalker, to KU. Then, in the tournament announcements, the NIT developments hogged much of the headlines (and being a journalism student, I know those headlines).
Many sports sites don’t include the depth of detail on women’s sports as they do in men’s, if they include any at all. Title IX (Title Nine for you roman numeral impaired) brought about a great change across the country when it was passed in 1972. It may not have leveled the playing field completely when it comes to funding and support, but it certainly provided opportunities for many women athletes.
Though they are often maligned, forgotten, or ignored, as they press on game after game. There are no fair weather fans at the MU women’s basketball games, because we have no major legacy. Each night, the players are actively building the foundation of the program people will later look back to admire. It’s easier to continue a dynasty once it’s started, but I think those who work to get them off the ground in the first place deserve more credit.
I value my time greatly. Between church, a girlfriend, student staff, and two dual majors, I don’t have much to waste, but spending time with the dedicated fans, band mates, and players is something I look forward to.
“Pedestrian” is defined as ordinary or unexciting. I’ve never seen the game like that. It’s easy to bash something you don’t understand or haven’t experienced. I would guess the KU writer has never watched an entire women’s game. I could be wrong, but the lack of anecdotal evidence, and the reliance on general, clichéd comments, make me feel pretty confident with my supposition.
If you want to bash women’s players, you have the right to, sir. The First Amendment gives you the right of freedom of speech.
However, one is not specifically granted the right to be heard, and I chose not to pay attention any more.
You see my time spent in band as wasted and worthless.
The team may lose in the first round, but I don’t mind. There’s lots of fun to be had.
Regardless of the final score, I’ll have good memories of a free trip to Arizona for my Spring Break.
Think about that, wherever you may be.
And be sure to have a nice day.
'Fair_thee_well_feather_head'
