<p>Check out this story found in the Times Herald Record today (Nov. 19th) concerning an outstanding cadet's dilemma between choosing her future academic career or the success of her team in the Patriot League volleyball championships. Varsity</a> 845. Seems that the NCAA and the Patriot League tournament directors could do much better than the efforts that they have thus far put forth. It is time for both organizations to walk the walk and talk the talk.</p>
<p>I for one certainly hope to read and hear about this young lady's success next spring as it is announced that she is West point's newest Rhodes Scholar.</p>
<p>Congratulations to her! Being a Rhodes scholar finalist is quite an acheivement and Army's Volleyball team has had a fantastic year! They did indeed Beat Navy! Handily.</p>
<p>However, I don't see this as a slam at all. Good for West Point in helping her to acheive both goals and of course her team mates will give her their blessing.
She is not alone in her dilemma - I saw last Saturday on TV that a football player from FSU (yes, there are some smart football players) is in the same position next Saturday. FSU plays Maryland. He has the support of his coaches as well.
There are somethings more important than Football or Volleyball.</p>
<p>BTW - West Point is ranked fourth in the number of Rhodes Scholar winners. Behind only Harvard, Yale and Princeton. Waayyyyyyyy ahead of both Navy and Air Force.</p>
<p>In recent years, West Point has been tied for 3 with U. Chicago. Since 1998, Harvard has had 34, Yale 23, UofC and Army 15, Duke 14, Stanford 13, Navy 12. AF is in a 7 way tie for number 17!</p>
<p>Go Army!</p>
<p>of course, this could change this Saturday, when they announce this year's crop.</p>
<p>BTW, there are a few things misleading in the article, unless things have changed radically this year. First, the Rhodes finals start off with a cocktail party/reception Friday evening, at the end of which they draw interview times for Saturday. Second, there is no "formal" second interview. The committee asks all candidates to be present and available while they are deliberating, in case they want to re-interview anyone, but it is not the norm. Last year, in DC, they did not, yet promptly announced the winners around 5 PM. </p>
<p>It is indeed sad that such conflicts arise, but it is not as if Army does not gain fame and prestige if she wins. It also strikes me as sad that there could be the slightest question or hesitation regarding which choice is correct. After all, athletics is ultimately secondary to academics and career, at least it should be.</p>