Testing the capabilities of an undergraduate
It’s hard enough to get most students involved, especially in politics. There is a perception of student apathy on campus, but with a presidential election fast approaching, there has been recent discussion and student support for candidates. Amanda Parks ’10 is also eradicating the notion of student apathy. Rather than merely voting for a candidate, she has become one. It is an ambitious endeavor to run for state representative at any age, let only a 20-year-old full-time student. While there may be times that her classes and her duties to constituents conflict, it is a noble action to try to bring youth and change into the political arena.
Parks refused to accept state funding for her campaign, instead deciding to draw attention to the fact that the money could have been used for health care or supporting impoverished families. She also plans to introduce plans to promote more ‘green’ jobs in Connecticut, which would not only add jobs, but also improve the environment.
She may be young and inexperienced, and perhaps her duties will conflict with being a full-time student, but her initiative should be applauded. At the worst, she is at least making her voice heard.
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Basketball reaches new heights
Athletic Director Gene Doris hired two new basketball coaches in two years to change the direction of the programs. Men’s head coach Ed Cooley enters his third season as the man in charge while women’s head coach Joe Frager is set to begin his second. Both coaches are young and known for their recruiting abilities. Cooley’s teams have made late runs in the MAAC both years, while Frager’s team won 20 games in his inaugural season, narrowly missing a post-season tournament bid.
This season, both teams look even brighter. Cooley has brought in several solid recruiting classes and now that is starting to bear fruit. Cooley is not afraid to play young athletes, but now, his young players should start to mature. For that reason, the men’s basketball team was picked second behind Siena in the MAAC Pre-season polls. Siena advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament last season.
Frager inherited a veteran team from Dianne Nolan, the former coach. He emphasized defense and a half-court offense last season and brought new energy to the program. The women’s team lost its leading-scorer and sixth-woman, but he returns four starters and now, with some new recruits, can hopefully make a run to knock off Top-25 power Marist. Fairfield was chosen second in the MAAC to Marist.
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