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December 06, 2005
Athletic director fields questions at GA
For the first time in his three years as Athletic Director, Dan O’Brien came to HUSC general assembly. O’Brien came to answer any questions raised by those at the general assembly on Nov. 22.
O’Brien begin by presenting facts about the athletic department at Hamline. According to O’Brien 26 percent of Hamline students participate in athletics, which is split up among ten women’s sports and nine men’s sports. O’Brien explained that the 26 percent did not include cheerleaders, dance team members, or intramural athletes.
O’Brien then asked for questions from the general assembly. Queries ranged from use of field house facilities to the general campus’ opinion of student athletes.
Student Organization Committee chair and senior DeeDee Shogren, questioned O’Brien about whether or not athletes are being supported by team members in their participation in advocacy orgs and diversity initiatives such as PRIDE and NCORE. O’Brien said that he feels that coaches support their athletes as
much as possible, but being an athlete takes up a lot of time, and for most athletes, “they choose sports because it is their passion, that’s how they want to spend their time.” O’Brien added that during the off-season, work-out sessions are scheduled early in the mornings to give athletes time to take part in activities that take place during the day.
At one point, junior representative Lauren Vikander asked about possible sexual assaults involving athletes. O’Brien said that no such activities have taken place.
“No such activities have taken place, and Hamline athletics and the Hamline community will not tolerate that sort of behavior. If an athlete commits such an act that athlete is hit twice, both by the university and the athletic department. Most problems we deal with are with alcohol use which I take care of with [residential life director] Patti Klein and the coaches,” O’Brien said in response to Vikander’s question.
The Oracle asked O’Brien what was being done to change the impression that the Hamline community has of athletes. O’Brien said that coaches take responsibility of their athletes and work hard with them to make good decisions and know University policy.
“We make sure that athletes are [at Hamline] not because they are good athletes but because their academic merit,” O’Brien said.
During the assembly several attendees commented on questions that other attendees asked O’Brien. Toward the end MACPS president and junior, Tim McDonald mentioned that he didn’t think it was possible with conflicting schedules of athletes and org members to have a unified community. HUSC vice president John Mule asked the assembly to keep comments to questions. Soon after O’Brien wrapped up his time, and thanked the assembly for the opportunity to talk with them.
Posted by msveum at December 6, 2005 11:34 AM
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