Dean Tuttle's Trinitoninan Columns

Dean's List

<< PREVIOUS | HOME

Oct. 20, 2006

NEXT >>

Soccer Mania

Hey look there, in Texas where football is king, there is a new hotbed for college soccer. Football will always be big at Trinity, no question. It is our constant. Recently though, a student said to me that the best thing going is Friday night soccer.

I know why, just go and see. Hey look there, there are hundreds of students chatting, milling, talking smack to the opposing team, and enjoying top-ranked teams in fast paced soccer.

Hey look there, not only are there students, and parents, but there’s President Brazil, arms crossed, eyes scanning, pleased at the team, the spectacle, and mostly the newly expanded field. What a difference a few yards make. The field is bigger and better than ever, and so is the mood. Look, there’s Sarah Burke, professor of Russian. She is always there. She has been to the left coast and the right, following the team she loves.

Hey look there, what are these kids from San Antonio doing here? Oh yes, they are on school teams and club teams, and they are hooked on Trinity soccer because they were here this summer doing soccer camps.

Hey look there, don’t I know some of these guys from Student Conduct Board? Nobody’s perfect, on or off the field. That’s why they play the game. That’s why we are a place that believes in the development of the whole person. That’s why our athletes, not just in soccer, but in volleyball, swimming, and baseball are true student athletes. Hey there, what’s in those cups?

Hey look there, is this a soccer game or a dog show? Have you ever seen so many dogs? From a Weimeraner, to a mutt, and player Ashley Sadlon’s big white dog Ferdinand (who isn’t even watching the game or his owner on the field).

Hey look there, that’s Coach McGinlay’s wife, was she a Spur or a Gamma? She was a student once. And now she and her family literally live in the shadow of the soccer field. And Coach Lance Key, didn’t I have to remove him from Thomas Hall in his youth? Now his wife, the former Prassel RA and former Ms. Ingle is here again, watching and cheering with the cock-sure attitude of a sailor on shore leave. Hey, there’s her partner from Bikram Yoga, Steve Falk, former TU basketball player and current boot camp instructor for Trinity faculty and staff.

Hey look there, track coach Molly Breuer is there with her three little ones playing at the sand volleyball courts. Who are those other little ones out there? Where have all these babies and toddlers come from?

Hey look, there’s Security officer Mack, with the best Friday night job in town. And there’s Yolanda from Mabee, working the concessions, with her trademark smile and blue shirt. Isn’t that the unmistakable and inimitable voice of the Tigers, Trinity alum, James Hill, the velvety voice of Trinity, bellowing the score?

Hey what’s that there, with the Victory Bell ringing, the crowd on its feet, the team crossing the field to offer its fan-friendly salute at the end, what is this? Is this school spirit? It is. It’s Trinity soccer.

HOME | TRINITY | TRINITONIAN