By Rachel Young
Staff Writer

This year has presented each of us with challenges. We start ten page papers past midnight, or we juggle classes and work. We ponder deli vs. pasta bar, or wonder why large sections of our campus are becoming holes of dirt.

Here is a new challenge to ponder: The Seton Hill Griffins football team.

Chris Snyder, our new Seton Hill Griffins football coach, addressed the local press and the Seton Hill University community at a press conference at Seton Hill on March 22, 2004.

“Every coach's dream is to start a football program from scratch.” he explains.

Snyder, of Bethany, PA, has enjoyed the coaching experience and has a positive outlook. “There’s no better place to start a football team than Southwestern PA,” he adds. Take that however you wish, but is our Seton Hill really the place to start?

“Personal attention will be lost,” said Freshman Paula Sally.

“The idea makes me a little cranky,” said Senior Jennifer Hoffman.
Students, faculty and staff aren’t sure what changes are going to happen. We have a better idea of what’s in store for us, based on the addition of previous sports.

“While we look at athletics in the context of student life and academics, we’ve always recognized the positive role that athletics and personal fitness activities play in the development of students,” said Dr. JoAnne Boyle, Seton Hill University president. Suddenly, anything new here is an opportunity.

Love of sports and having new Seton Hill teams are two different issues. “I love cheering on a football team, however I’m not looking forward to SHU getting a team. Our school is growing too fast. Another sports team is too much for us to handle,” says Freshman Rachel Ramsey.

Can our university handle such a sport? “I like sports, I really do. But [having sports] at a small liberal arts institution, I think is a poor idea,” said Junior James Howell. “I do not feel that sports are improving the education nor the atmosphere of this college,” he adds.

Indeed, our college atmosphere has taken a turn from what it used to be.

“I’m all for sports but we have no room,” says Freshman Elizabeth Newman. “There is no correct fielding for the sports we have. The basketball court isn’t even regulation. They’re bringing in a sport they’re not prepared for.”

However, Coach Chris Snyder feels prepared for the challenge ahead. “I welcome the challenge to watch all of our programs grow and develop over the years.” Snyder said at the March 22 press conference, adding, “I’m anxious to get started recruiting players.”

To view all articles by this writer Click here.

*edited 4/30/04 by KK