2008 Woodie Awards
Letter: Gymnastics team deserves university support
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
02/14/08 - To the Cigar,
I am writing in support of the University of Rhode Island women's gymnastics team. As an alumna of URI (and an alumnae of the gymnastics team) I am deeply saddened to hear that the university is planning to cut the program.
It upsets me that URI is a public school and yet this decision was made by only a few select people. When making a decision of such magnitude, I think it is only just to get input from the alumni and fans. Therefore, I am voicing my opinion now in hopes that this topic will be re-visited.
To put into words what competing for URI felt like is difficult to do. It is a privilege and an honor that I will never forget. Although I was not a scholarship athlete, I took great pride in contributing what I could to the team, and in return I received invaluable experiences. Through these experiences I gained skills that I use both professionally and personally.
I believe these experiences should continue to be available to up and coming gymnasts across the country. It will be extremely unfortunate if they are no longer available at URI.
I feel the loss for URI will extend beyond athletics. Many gymnasts strive for perfection not just in the gym but also in the classroom. You will find many of them on the dean's list semester after semester, and graduating with honors. Not only will we lose great athletes but outstanding students.
As an alumna, I want the university to continue to attract these high quality student athletes, which will keep URI at the top of its game in every sense. More often than not, outstanding students graduate to become outstanding citizens. The achievements of URI alumni gymnasts are vast and varied, from stay-at-home moms to highly successful business owners. We each contribute to our community and continue to bring pride to URI.
To think of this legacy ending so abruptly is painful and it will be a tremendous loss for the university. I am proud to have competed for URI and I want to see that Rhody pride continue with future generations of female gymnasts.
I am asking that the university reconsider its decision. To receive this news in the midst of the gymnastics season is devastating, but I know the coaches and athletes continue to work hard to make this the best season yet. If you have not had the opportunity to watch URI compete, I encourage you to experience the excitement yourself by attending the next home competition.
Jennifer Hicks
Class of '96
I am writing in support of the University of Rhode Island women's gymnastics team. As an alumna of URI (and an alumnae of the gymnastics team) I am deeply saddened to hear that the university is planning to cut the program.
It upsets me that URI is a public school and yet this decision was made by only a few select people. When making a decision of such magnitude, I think it is only just to get input from the alumni and fans. Therefore, I am voicing my opinion now in hopes that this topic will be re-visited.
To put into words what competing for URI felt like is difficult to do. It is a privilege and an honor that I will never forget. Although I was not a scholarship athlete, I took great pride in contributing what I could to the team, and in return I received invaluable experiences. Through these experiences I gained skills that I use both professionally and personally.
I believe these experiences should continue to be available to up and coming gymnasts across the country. It will be extremely unfortunate if they are no longer available at URI.
I feel the loss for URI will extend beyond athletics. Many gymnasts strive for perfection not just in the gym but also in the classroom. You will find many of them on the dean's list semester after semester, and graduating with honors. Not only will we lose great athletes but outstanding students.
As an alumna, I want the university to continue to attract these high quality student athletes, which will keep URI at the top of its game in every sense. More often than not, outstanding students graduate to become outstanding citizens. The achievements of URI alumni gymnasts are vast and varied, from stay-at-home moms to highly successful business owners. We each contribute to our community and continue to bring pride to URI.
To think of this legacy ending so abruptly is painful and it will be a tremendous loss for the university. I am proud to have competed for URI and I want to see that Rhody pride continue with future generations of female gymnasts.
I am asking that the university reconsider its decision. To receive this news in the midst of the gymnastics season is devastating, but I know the coaches and athletes continue to work hard to make this the best season yet. If you have not had the opportunity to watch URI compete, I encourage you to experience the excitement yourself by attending the next home competition.
Jennifer Hicks
Class of '96