NI Letters to the Editor

[Panthers to the Bone]

From the NI Staff:

http://fp.uni.edu/northia/article2.asp?ID=2461&SECTION=2

http://fp.uni.edu/northia/article2.asp?ID=2464&SECTION=2

http://fp.uni.edu/northia/article2.asp?ID=2465&SECTION=2

[panther2317]

First NI article...

The first link that was apparently written by the NI Staff is the definition of what's wrong with college kids today. They say that they "came here for an education" and "don't let other students shame you into attending athletic events" but I have issues with these statements.

When they are passed out in a bar on the Hill, are they there for their education? When they drive to Iowa City to go to a football game there, are they there for their education? When they skip class, are they there for their education? When they go to a study group because someone they think is cute is going, is that for their education???

I think the "I'm here for an education" arguement is admirable, but it's just a company line that students say when they don't feel like participating. It's what they think people want to hear. Well, they couldn't be farther from the truth. College is most certainly about expanding your knowledge and experiencing new things in the world of academics. But, it's also about becoming a fan of your school and all it has to offer. Not only in the classroom, but in the realm of your social and recreational lives as well.

I wonder if the kids who are seen tearing down the goalposts at football games across the country are there for their education? I wonder if all of the girls in a "Girls Gone Wild - Wildest College Parties" who share all they have to offer for a video camera are there for their education? Now, I'm not saying these things are right or wrong. I'm just saying that I've seen a lot of things on campus in Cedar Falls in my day as a student that didn't have ANYTHING to do with the an education. But what they did do was add to the total college experience. And becoming interested in ALL (not just athletics) that a campus has to offer is part of being a college student.

I guess I could become convinced of this line of thinking if there were documentation that all of the students who chose not to go to the football game on Saturday were in the library studying or working to assist in paying for tuition. Since we all know that's not true, that arguement falls on deaf ears with me.

It's time for people to be realistic and call a spade a spade. The majoriy of the student body is APATHETIC about UNI Panther Athletics in general. Hopefully the students who are at UNI for an education won't have to look this word up since they are spending all of their time studying. For those that are loyal UNI fans and students, THANKS! Keep up the good work and keep trying to open the eyes of the "here for my education" crowd. Make sure you remind them about that commitment to educaiton when they want to go out drinking, skip a class or drive to a different campus for a game some weekend.

[Pantherpower]

Couldn't have said it better, 2317. Here's a good one for you: When I was a student and we beat Iowa State in '92, a HUGE party ensued on the Hill (Back then, we were at UNI to get our education AND enjoy other University events) Anyhow, my folks are cruising by the Hill on their way back from Ames and Mom goes, "Oh man, I hope he isn't down there with that crowd." To which Dad replies, "Oh I'm sure he's studying in Library "

[#1pantherfan]

look at their article about the basketball team.
no mention of Vincent Polakovic, eric coleman, or Adam Viet

http://fp.uni.edu/northia/article2.asp?ID=2494&SECTION=4

High expectations, Cagers now the hunted

Riebeil Durley-Petty
NI Sports Writer

Hear the squeak of sneakers moving against the hardwood and coaches yelling out instructions from the sidelines? That can only mean one thing: Basketball season is finally here.

The UNI men’s basketball team is set to embark upon the 2004-05 basketball season against Wayne State University on Nov. 21.

These Panthers are ready to prey on whoever comes their way.

UNI is coming off a successful season in which it set a team record with 12 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) wins, won the program’s first ever MVC Championship and clinched a berth in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to eventual NCAA runner-up Georgia Tech.

Last year’s success was relatively unexpected as most didn’t project UNI for one of the MVC’s top teams. This year, however, UNI is the hunted, and not the hunter. Head Coach Greg McDermott isn’t worried though.

“Our guys haven’t taken anything for granted,” McDermott said. “We have guys that are mature enough to put the past behind them and prepare for this season.”

Two of the biggest losses from last season’s conference champion are the departures of David Gruber and Matt Schneiderman. Gruber and Schneiderman combined for a total of 23 points and 14 rebounds a game in 2003-04. Gruber was a first-team All-MVC selection, and Schneiderman brought out opposing post defenders with his adept 3-point shooting.

“You don’t replace Gruber and Schneiderman,” McDermott said. “Outside of what they did statistically, they also brought leadership and toughness. It will be very hard to make up for all the things they brought to our team.”

This Panthers inside edition certainly isn’t lacking in talent. Sophomore forward, Grant Stout, is a has an uncanny ability to score over defenders on the block, thanks to his 6’8” height and Tracy McGrady-like wing span. Adding 15 pounds of muscle should only increase Stout’s output and better equip him for the nightly banging that happens in the paint.

At 6’10”, redshirt center Atila Santos should also provide the team with a shot-blocking presence it didn’t have last season.

The team’s primary concern on the interior is a lack of experience.

That’s where center Jon Godfread comes in. After transferring to UNI from Utah in 2002, Godfread spent the last two seasons in a reserve role behind Gruber and Schneiderman. This year, he will be relied on more heavily.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself early on and got negative when I didn’t play well,” the 6’10” center said. “This year I am much more comfortable. I know I need to be a leader and consistently get 8-10 points and 8-10 rebounds.”

With five of the top guards returning from last season UNI has accomplished veterans who know what it takes to win.

The backcourt is led by junior shooting guard, Ben Jacobson. Last season, Jacobson was the Panthers leading scorer, dropping 14 points per game and was an All-MVC Honorable Mention selection.

Junior John Little is a defender willing to do all the dirty work but has improved his offensive game, hoping to make a bigger contribution this year.

Sophomore Brooks McKowen had a stellar inaugural season, averaging 7.5 points a game, and was chosen as a member of the All-MVC Freshmen Team.

Junior Eric Crawford will be used at both small forward and shooting guard. Crawford had a solid first season as a Panther after transferring form Bowling Green, averaging 10.4 point and 5.2 rebounds per outing, good enough to earn a spot on the All-MVC Newcomer Team.

The team’s main concern may be the health of Chris Foster. Foster saw his season end last year with an ACL tear prior to the team’s tournament run. He has worked hard to strengthen his knee over the off-season and is ahead of schedule.

“Right now I’m at about 80 percent,” Foster said. “I just have to stay focused day-to-day and try to improve my strength. I just want to get healthy enough to be an asset to the team.”

The Panthers already have tough games against conference rivals, such as Southern Illinois, Creighton and Wichita State. They also have a challenging non-conference schedule. The slate includes road games against in-state rivals Iowa and Iowa State and a road game against perennial national powerhouse Cincinnati.

[Born-a-Panther]

Panther2317's letter to the editor showed up in today's paper!!! Great job Panther!!!

[Panthers to the Bone]

http://fp.uni.edu/northia/article2.asp?ID=2488&SECTION=2

[panther2317]

Wow...

Well...let's see how long it takes the cynical and apathetic students to rip into me on this one! I'm going to say it took about 2.5 seconds for the students who "are at UNI for an education" to script a response.

If that's the case. I'll have to find my other post about "here for the education" and send it in as well!

Students like Born-A-Panther can help me out be backing me up on this one!

Right? Students? Hello? Come on!

[Born-a-Panther]

Well...let's see how long it takes the cynical and apathetic students to rip into me on this one! I'm going to say it took about 2.5 seconds for the students who "are at UNI for an education" to script a response.

If that's the case. I'll have to find my other post about "here for the education" and send it in as well!

Students like Born-A-Panther can help me out be backing me up on this one!

Right? Students? Hello? Come on!

You know I've got your back Panther!!!

[Marc Wigim]

Sure thing... I wholeheartedly pledge support. LET'S PACK THE DOME THIS SATURDAY!

[Panthers to the Bone]

http://fp.uni.edu/northia/article2.asp?ID=2507&SECTION=2

Another Panther fan out there wants more student interest.

[Marc Wigim]

Go figure. Like I said in another post, almost every single student has said that they didn't think that it would be as bad as they thought it would. They all said that they thought someone else would go in their place (my psychology classes refer to this as "Diffusion of Responsibility" ). I have talked to quite a few students who said that they WILL be there. Besides, I guess a lot of people felt that Halloween would be a great day to spend at HOME (although I have no idea why), as opposed to this weekend... a lot of students have plans to stay here.

I'm optimistic about the fan force tomorrow, but I'm not going to hold my breath. I'd say about 12,000 sounds right. I hope I'm pleasantly surprised, and that figure is wrong, however.

[Born-a-Panther]

Calling Panther2317....

In today's Northern Iowan: http://fp.uni.edu/northia/article2.a...2695&SECTION=2


Sources have told me you already have a response ready, 2317

[Maniac4]

That guys an idiot

Honestly, I think Adam is not the brightest crayon in the box. First off, the university has nothing to do with book prices. UBS is not affiliated with the school in the sense that the university has anything to do with book prices. All UBS does is get the books for the classes and takes care of everything else themself. Second, 40 dollars goes to the Panther Pass. The guy can speak for himself about reevaluating the use of the money because I would bet the majority of UNI students would prefer 40 dollar season tickets to every single UNI event than most anything else. I give campus tours to prospective students and when I tell them about the Panther Pass and the price, moms, dads, and students are in complete shock that it costs so little. I think the problem is that most UNI students don't understand what the Panther Pass is. We should be grateful at how cheap it is and how we dont have to pay the over $100 per season tickets per sport that our counterpart state schools charges. Where he gets that any of $95 goes to the athletic department and scholarship players is beyond me. The only thing I'm aware of is the Panther Pass. We may not have a responsibility to go to the games, but it would be a sign of respect as our athletic teams bring in a good amount of money and also help bring interest to this university by those outside of the school.

[Matt Trump]

Honestly, I think Adam Plagge is not the brightest crayon in the box. First off, the university has nothing to do with book prices. UBS is not affiliated with the school in the sense that the university has anything to do with book prices. All UBS does is get the books for the classes and takes care of everything else themself. Second, 40 dollars goes to the Panther Pass. The guy can speak for himself about reevaluating the use of the money because I would bet the majority of UNI students would prefer 40 dollar season tickets to every single UNI event than most anything else. I give campus tours to prospective students and when I tell them about the Panther Pass and the price, moms, dads, and students are in complete shock that it costs so little. I think the problem is that most UNI students don't understand what the Panther Pass is. We should be grateful at how cheap it is and how we dont have to pay the over $100 per season tickets per sport that our counterpart state schools charges. Where he gets that any of $95 goes to the athletic department and scholarship players is beyond me. The only thing I'm aware of is the Panther Pass. We may not have a responsibility to go to the games, but it would be a sign of respect as our athletic teams bring in a good amount of money and also help bring interest to this university by those outside of the school.

Mr. Plagge must not have been paying attention in his business classes as he has no idea how the bookstore sets their prices. Its based on the publishing companies, not the bookstore! HELLO!!

[panther2317]

I already do...

The Northern Iowan has my response to the "Adam" crowd. We'll see if it gets printed.