Opinion Post

Every morning since David's coach was released I've been checking the local newspapers to see if they have any news on the situation.  Sometimes I feel like they get the news first before David can tell me anything.  Well, this morning I came upon this story.

My first thoughts were "He is unAmerican", "His parents probably paid for his education anyway", "He is jealous of athletes", etc.  Honestly, I don't think his idea would ever happen.  There are countless athletes that are first in their family to go to college because of athletic scholarships.  Yes, some don't take advantage of the schooling they are given but some really do.  It enables them to make something of their lives.

I understand that people may think that college athletes are up there with professional athletes because they are "given" a chance to have an easy life in school without having to pay for it.  While I do agree that it is very nice that they don't have to worry over tuition expenses, it could be argued that they have a much different college experience than those that are not tied to the university by that scholarship with the athletic department basically owning their life for 4 years (unless of course they leave early for pro).

I am not going to list off all the benefits and drawbacks of being a college athlete.  The lists would probably be long and about equal length.  I do however wish to voice my opinion on the matter in the complete opposite direction of Nader's.  David's scholarship is very helpful in covering some of our monthly expenses, but I stress the word some.  You see athletes breaking NCAA rules trying to make some extra cash here and there and while they are pretty stupid for breaking clear rules, I understand why they do that.

In our situation we are given a monthly stipend which is supposed to cover rent and food expenses.  It covers our rent exactly and that is all.  While that is our largest expense each month, we go through times (like this month) where we are looking around the house at things we can possibly sell to have a little extra for groceries or gas.  We cannot consider anything that is given to David by the school because it is technically still school property.  David has countless amounts of shoes, I wouldn't mind clearing some out just for extra room.  If I didn't have a job we would be starving, in a sense.  I feel for those honest athletes that may not have parents or family that can support them outside of the scholarship.  I don't know how they support themselves.  There is absolutely no time outside of school and sports to get a job, the off-season is their only chance to make money.

It is nice to never have to worry about school loans or payments for David, but that is not really an immediate perk of a scholarship.  That is paid off in the future by having a good degree that was earned by David because he is a great student and takes advantage of the help he is given.  Many student-athletes out there need immediate help with day-to-day expenses that a scholarship doesn't cover.

One comment David made after his coach was let go is a great addition to this opinion.  He roughly said, "this has become less about the athletes and more of a business."  I think that is spot on.  NCAA officials (by this I do not mean refs), coaches, athletic directors make more than enough to support their families and then some while athletes have to be careful about every little decision they make to try to support themselves.  Only a very small fraction of student-athletes progress on to a professional athlete status, the others hopefully used their academic experience and networking to get them into a field to give them a bright future outside of athletics.

It would be nice if the stipend was increased on a need-based system. That is roughly the point I am getting at.

That was my rather large thought this morning.  What do you think of this subject?

Month recap

We've had a busy month with basketball closing, mid terms, spring break, etc.

Here are some highlights (and low-lights):

Highlights:
I get to have David home more consistently now.

I'm still healthy... its been 3 months and I'm doing great!

All the hospital bills are paid!  So glad to put that behind me

We got to go to California for a few days and spend a lot of time with family.  Much needed and it was so awesome!

My sister and I decided to do a sprint triathlon together next month and I LOVE having a goal when it comes to working out.  I'm also really excited because I've personally dedicated it to being 4 months (by then) healthy.

I'm really enjoying my new calling as the Young Women's athletic director.  It gives me an excuse to bring David along to some activities and see him go to work.  All the girls giggle over him, its so cute.

Our landlord FINALLY fixed the furnace.  I turned it on last night and it was so nice.  I got home from work and it was 58 degrees when I walked in and it actually warmed up to 68 relatively fast!  This will be helpful since its SNOWING right now.  Really?  Snow?

Low-lights (gotta take the bad with the good right?):
Its snowing right now.  Come on Utah, just be consistent for once!

David's coach got released.  This is still a sensitive subject for us, especially David.  His coach was such a great man with incredible sense of what everyone needs and how to help out with that.  We were hoping for one more year but apparently people are incredibly impatient and don't mind asking for people's heads without a thought of who it effects most-- the team!  Oh man, I could get going on this for awhile.  I agree with critics that there needed to be a change, but I think the wrong change was made.  We're just hoping the right coach comes in and can motivate the guys to stay and perform.  David is pretty good at self-motivation but right now he is almost having to act as an interim coach.

With having to get the brakes and rotors replaced in the truck, final billing paid on medical expenses, and flights to California our bank account is looking pretty grim.  Luckily we didn't have to dig into our savings account yet to pay for these (because family help is amazing!) but we're on serious lock-down for any expenses other than necessary bills, food, and gas.  I'm really impressed with David and what he is learning with money management and enforcing on both of us.  He is really stepping in to his patriarchal role.


That is all the low-lights I can think of right now.  Looks like things are going pretty well so far!  We're going to have our 1 year anniversary in less than 2 months.  Time really flies!

Testing my patience

David and I know exactly when our time for making babies will be and my patience is already being tried.

Babies-R-Us, please stop sending me coupons in the mail and making this waiting period even worse for me, you're just putting salt in the wound.

Thanks a bunch,

Britta