Palmetto Proving Grounds

Not all can be a Mike Roth. I am just thankful that some are.

Competing off the Field

Reading students’ and fans’ responses to Stephen Garcia’s dismissal was disheartening. At first, I wanted to defend Garcia and try to explain to students and fans what it is like to live under the watchful eye of the media and fans (some who are rooting against you). However, after I had written 300 words I realized that you can’t explain it. Only those who have experienced it would understand and those who haven’t, we just sound like a bunch of babies who don’t appreciate the things we are given. Next, I wanted to dispel the stereotype of athletes: We are stupid, only care about our sport, and take for granted the opportunities presented to us. It seems as if once a month there is an editorial in the Daily Gamecock where a student complains about athletes abusing the benefits we receive. But then I realized (however cliché it may sound) actions speak louder than words. Students look around you. There are athletes in your organic chemistry class, nursing class, and business class busting their tail. Finally, I felt the best option was to use Garcia’s situation as an example to current and future student athletes. Sure some of you may think it’s clear: don’t drink, key cars, etc. I believe it goes much farther than that. As a student athlete in Columbia we are put on a pedestal. One we can only embrace and accept. It isn’t easy but it’s the price we pay for playing for such a great university. With it comes the chance to leave a legacy here. Not just with the university but with the town of Columbia. This legacy doesn’t just depend on your performance on the field. Take Garcia for example. His performance on the field rivals any quarterback who has stepped on campus yet he will be remembered for his number of suspensions rather than his number of wins, yards, or touchdowns. Instead, look at Kip Bouknight, a pitcher for USC from 1998-2001. He is arguably the best pitcher to ever come through USC and after 8 years of professional baseball he returned to Columbia and was still embraced by fans. Or Terry Cousin who after 12 years of the NFL now works closely with the university in helping student athletes. As athletes we have the opportunity to define the legacy we leave behind. This doesn’t just end with our performance on the field but our performance off of it. I’m not asking you to be perfect. We are going to screw up but life is about learning from those mistakes. Don’t forget that for many fans you are only as good as your last performance. Let me repeat that. For many fans you are only as good as your last performance. Your level of play may come and go but your character can have a much greater impact. Leave a legacy that goes beyond the playing field. Baseball is something I do, not who I am.