Go Home

The Lady Marlins concluded their season the week of February 23-25 at the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament. The women entered the first round of play against Guilford College (19-7) held at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Virginia. The women played to the best of their ability, but fell in the last few minutes to the Quakers. The final score was 77-71, a heartbreaking end to the tournament and the season for the sixth-seated Lady Marlins.

"We played really hard and it was an awesome game, but we lost in the very last minutes," said junior Kristin Leake. "It was so close." The two seniors, Nancy Mattox and Samantha Green finished the season very strong. Mattox averaged 28.3 minutes per game, 654 rebounds and .600 for free throws made for the season. Green averaged 17.2 minutes played per game, 90 rebounds and .683 free throws made for the season. The two women will be greatly missed by the VWC women's Basketball program. Other standouts for the season include juniors Erin Duckett (who received Honorable Mention status for ODAC's), Janine Swanson (rebound leader with 148 season total) and Leake with 137 rebounding total.

Coach Joanne Renn noted in her pre-season review that, "as long as the team plays up to their potential not only individually, but most importantly as a team, the 1999-2000 season will be a year to remember." Overall, the VWC Women's Basketball Team did accomplish that goal with an 11-10 conference record and 13-12 overall. Rebecca Brutlag, the Sports Information Director for Virginia Wesleyan College summed it up when she wrote that "this year's team looked just as good, if not better then last season." The Marlins look forward to more improvement next year, as they will only lose two players.

After climbing their way up from the bottom of the ODAC, the Virginia Wesleyan Men's Basketball Team finished out the season well. On February 14th, Senior Night, the Marlins thrashed Eastern Mennonite 111-92. Seniors Timmy Petrillo and Ron Yuhasz combined for a total of 53 points and 23 rebounds. Also playing in his final home game as a Marlin was four-year player Nate Hale, who made the Marlins proud, by playing a total of 23 minutes in the game.

The Marlins finished the season with a record of 13-13. This year's team will be remembered for the adversity they had to overcome in order to reach the ODAC semifinal game. Two months ago, the Marlins were at the bottom of the conference and were struggling to win games. They never quit though, and came back strong to beat ODAC Champion to be, Roanoke by 17 points. The Marlins had an impressive home record of 8-2 at the season's end.

"We had to build momentum after all the losses we had. All the adversity we had to overcome built character for our team," said senior Nate Hale. "We had a positive attitude towards the end of the regular season, and that's why we finished up well." The Marlins then proceeded to beat ODAC foe Randolph-Macon, 66-54 on February 12th in the quarter finals of the conference tournament. In Salem, Ron Yuhasz was placed on the First Team All-ODAC, while Petrillo was placed on the Second Team. Though the Marlins are losing several key players, the team has substantial members to keep up the morale.

"Josh Fisher is an important player for our team's success next year," said Dave Macedo. "He will have to step up and play the role of the leader. We will also work hard to recruit a solid core of freshmen." Next year the Marlins will look to Fisher, Carl Lenz, Osman Bangura and others to continue the winning tradition at Virginia Wesleyan College.

With the delay of construction for the new gym, students must utilize the only weightlifting facility on campus, which is located in Village I. Although Pruden Lounge is a temporary solution, students look forward to the new gym that will, hopefully, offer more benefits. For the mean time, Bayside Gym, located off of Pleasure House Road, has much more to offer than Pruden Lounge. For this reason, students are traveling to Bayside to exercise. Students would much rather pay the $35 membership fee per year and receive the benefits Bayside offers, than work-out at VWC's facilities for free. "I would rather pay the money to be a member at Bayside, than use our facilities for free because Bayside offers better equipment, longer hours, and less waiting," said senior Chris Curtiss.

Bayside offers a large weightlifting room with new equipment and more space, allowing more people to lift and exercise at the same time. In addition to the weightlifting room, Bayside also offers a swimming pool, racquetball courts, basketball courts, bowling lanes, and various recreation activities. Most students at Wesleyan feel they cannot receive the same benefits from the weight room in Pruden Lounge as they would at Bayside. The free weights in Pruden Lounge are old, space is limited, and exercise machines are minimal. "I am disappointed in Pruden Lounge because there are no exercise bikes," said junior Clinton Allen. Aside from the equipment and additional features Bayside offers, Wesleyan students believe the hours at Bayside are more convenient. Pruden Lounge has NO weekend hours.

"I don't understand how athletes are expected to stay in shape when Pruden Lounge is not always accessible to students," said sophomore field hockey and lacrosse player Julie Judge. In 1999, roughly 20% of the student body consisted of the student body consisted of student athletes whom often use the gym for training purposes. Coaches expect their players to be in the best shape which, in turn, makes Pruden Lounge overcrowded and inaccessible to all students. Until the new gym is completed, the problems with Pruden Lounge will continue. The new gym promises better equipment, more space, separate exercise rooms, a pool, and possibly longer hours. In the meantime, if you want available and satisfactory equipment, you might want to call home and ask for the $35.

Attention everyone! Tired of doing the same workout routines with minimal physical and mental rewards? The Rock Gym of Virginia Beach may be the answer to your prayers. Located at 5049 Southern Boulevard, the Rock climbing gym offers 9000 square feet of fully textured wall for teams to conquer. To the inexperienced, the gym is no more than a converted warehouse. The front as a typical classroom and are filled with friendly faces who are eager to answer any questions. The main area is separated into two waiting and climbing zones. The waiting zone looks like a used furniture salesroom with picnic tables and multi-colored couches scattered methodically throughout. A compact 20 by 10 foot weight room, including several stair climbing and pull-up machines are available for pre and post-climb pumps. And anything from rock and roll to punk music blares from two speakers that sit on top of the office. The zones are separated by short hockey rink walls, and four pathways regulate the flow of climbers between zones.

Once stepping onto the pebble-covered floor of the climbing zone, one has several options. First, a large boulder sits majestically on the left. It is covered with hundreds of hand and foot holds which the climber uses to grip his way to the top. The holds are labeled with every imaginable shade of blue, red, green, orange and purple ribbons which outline specific courses. To the right of the boulder and stretching across the entire length of the gym is the main wall. This is where team work comes into play. In addition to the climber, there is a person on the ground, who is connected by ropes for leverage and support and guides the climber along multiple routes. This person, known as a belayer, aids in shouting commands and confidence during the ascend.

"The key to climbing is your center of gravity," said employee Dennis Pendleton. "You need your legs to push you up. Everyone has a natural balance point, usually stemming from your toes. And you need to trust yourself to commit to go over the top." Danielle Brewer, a junior at Virginia Wesleyan has been climbing since last semester. "Rock climbing is a challenging sport as much physically as mentally," said Brewer. "It is the most rewarding sport because you push yourself really, really hard and you feel it the next day." She believes anyone should and can do it and the rock gym makes this possible by offering group and private lessons at reasonable prices. All necessary equipment can also be rented at the site. "Imagine yourself at the bottom of a rock," said Brewer. "Take all your mental and somehow change it to the physical and you can climb anything."

Sophomore Andrew Burke was introduced to the sport by his older brother four years ago and has been hooked ever since. "Talk about an experience that changes you forever," said Burke. "It's scary and fun all at the same time, and definitely something everyone should try. And besides, the people who climb are all positive and super cool. Everyone wants to help out, even if they don't work at the rock gym." There are some who take the sport to a whole different level, who get more out of it then simply physical exercise. "Climbing is a metaphor for life," said Pendleton. "People get scared part way, and that's when the belayer gets involved. They help the climber go farther than they thought imaginable. In the world, I guess, we are all climbers and belayers. Just take things one rock at a time."

After going undefeated in the annual preseason Duke tournament, the men's lacrosse team is looking forward to their best season yet. The Marlins are starting their season with the largest roster they've ever had and both coaches and players are hopeful. Also, with only two seniors graduating this year, the stage is surely set for a strong future. "As long as we're all in the 'barrel,' we'll have one heck of a year," said head coach Bobby Wynne, referring to a speech he made in preseason regarding trust and teamwork. In agreement with his coach, sophomore captain Nick Scroggs also thinks highly of the new team. "This year's team is more unified," said Scroggs. This season, the Marlins have lost several key players, including two starting defense men, two starting attack men, and an All-American goalie. In addition, there have been several recent injuries and one expulsion.

However, despite their losses, coaches and players alike feel that this season is the most promising in Wesleyan lacrosse history. "We've definitely had our share of adversity early this season, but there is no doubt we'll get through it," said Wynne. This year's team boasts two returning All-Americans, midfielder Art Hamilton and attack man Brian Fox. Also at attack is sophomore Bill Lingo, a new face to the starting line. "Fox and Lingo are going to be a great one-two punch this year," said Wynne. Our attack is stronger than ever." At defense, the Marlins will be replacing Clark with sophomore transfer Jeff Trench, accompanied by Scroggs and former midfielder, senior captain Brian Kelly at close defense. "Clarke is going to be hard to replace," said Wynne, "but Jeff Trench has had an outstanding preseason."

"As for the rest of the defense, although inexperienced, Wynn believes that his players' athleticism will give them the ability to be successful. The most exciting prospect, however, are the new faces complementing the roster. The already exciting attack will be joined by freshmen Jay Smith and Chris Gill. "Those guys will be able to step into the college game without a problem," said Wynne. As for the midfield, Hamilton and Lingo are joined by transfers Paul Pavon (Washington College) and Brian McCauley (Denison). Several freshmen midfielders will also join the 2000 team, including Bradley Shore, who according to Wynne is as good as any midfielder in the ODAC. "The young talent we have is promising," said Scroggs, "they bring a new attitude to the team, a winning attitude." On Saturday February 26, the Marlins lost to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) 9-5. Two goals were scored by both Fox and Smith. In addition, Lingo scored one goal.

Kiwi: After four years at Virginia Wesleyan College, it has come to my attention that something is definitely awry. I am aware that athletes do not receive any credit for the hard work they put forth when in season. I am an active thespian on this campus, who receives credit for the work that I do while rehearsing and performing plays. However, I am wondering whether it is justified that the actors at VWC are rewarded with credits, and the others are not.

Dave: As a fourth-year pitcher, I am very opinionated on this subject. I believe that I am just as entitled to academic credit as any actor. The required learning and preparations of athletes are not just physical, but mental as well. An athlete must learn about countless different situations and must react to them unconsciously. One must learn the scheme in which the coach plans for winning. It is the athlete's duty to prepare himself or herself physically and mentally.

K: Actors have mental and physical preparedness to attend to as well. Actors must memorize countless lines and scenes to be performed. The actor must have perfect articulation and interpretation because it is their duty to communicate what the playwright has intended during the performances.

D: What about the physical stuff? Actors are not in the same ballpark when it comes to body conditioning. Athletes must control their minds and bodies at all times. The amount of additional time that we spend in the weight room or running around Lake Wright should merit some added "credit". Why do actors worry about their bodies?

K: Actors must have ultimate control over every muscle in their bodies. Communicating a script requires not just vocal control, but body movements as well. The slightest twitch of an eyebrow may ruin the mood for an entire scene, so an actor must be in total control and concentration. We may not have a "48hour rule" but a good diet, lots of fluids and a healthy stamina are all necessitous. But, I want to know how sports are intellectual?

D: Okay, let's take my role as an athlete for an example. A pitcher has dozens of thoughts running through their mind before each pitch. I must sort through things and refocus before each ball is thrown. For instance, most pitchers have three pitches. There are certain pitches for certain counts. Sometimes you have to get creative because every hitter possesses a new challenge. Athletes have mental roller coasters in their heads, but yet it is their responsibility to stay in the game.

K: So what kind of academic activities do athletes do? Actors may have to research a character or a place. Sometimes, an actor may need to learn an accent for a particular role. Not to mention knowing acting genres.

D: Believe it or not, most athletes do a lot of research for their sport. I look on the Internet and get scouting reports on teams that my team plays against. Sometimes, being acquainted with the details involved in the rules helps overturn the officials. In addition, learning about your body and what the muscles do, why they hurt and what you can do to fix them is essential.

K: Next point: My major has nothing to do with my love for theater. Acting is strictly extra curricular. But, yet I am awarded 1-3 "A" credits for my participation in something that I would do anyway. There are athletes out there who are Recreation and Leisure majors who are not being awarded anything.

D: And baseball is extra curricular for me, too. I am receiving a Political Science degree that has nothing to do with my love of the game. So we are in similar circumstances.

K: My only concern is that maybe athletes should be grateful that they are not competing for credit. Could you imagine if your coaches not only possessed the power to hire and fire, but to hand out grades of A-F for a season of participation? I believe that the competition, the favoritism, and the envious feelings among teammates would rise with the implementing of credit to collegiate sports. Coaches already control a large portion of their athletes' lives and with grade assessment at their fingertips, coaches would have academic futures in their possession.

D: Yeah, but with all the preparation that I do for a game, physically and mentally, why don't I get that choice to work for credit? If I do not need the credit, then I take the sport for fun. If I need it, then I sign up for a credit. There is no more stress involved in acting than in athletics. We suffer the same. Athletes are recruited for their talents by our coaches and admissions department, maybe we can start recruiting actors to increase performances and attendance to the plays? There is an idea. But, in my opinion, these two activities are far too similar in time commitment, brain taxation, and physical and mental stresses to be rewarded credit to one and not the other. Hopefully, this article will make all parties involved to think about what and why they do what they do. Athletes and actors, alike, should remember that they are out there spending their bodies and minds because they love what they do. Take advantage of the opportunities we have.

So there you are, stepping in rhythm with the Stairmaster, glancing around the room at all the sweat-dripping, energy-pulsating bodies around the room. You spot him, the man whose muscles look like they're about to pop out of his skin. Then you see her the blonde-haired girl who's lifting more weight on the shoulder press than your father probably could. And you start to wonder. For some people, such an image is a bit foreign; for many aspiring weight-lifters, however, medical supplements have provided an opportunity to alter their bodies and mold them into more pleasing shapes or forms. Here, two Virginia Wesleyan students give us the down-low on the uppers that America's fitness industry is pumping into our minds and bodies. Elizabeth Haynes*, an energetic athlete both in and out of her regular season, first heard about Ripped Fuel (a combination of caffeine, ephedrine, and aspirin) from some guy friends who were heavy into weight lifting. She went to the local GNC, purchased a package of 20 pills for about $30, and set off.

With all the late-night pizza feasts and stops at the Grille between classes, Haynes needed a break from the snacking, and she'd heard that Ripped Fuel would work wonders on her appetite. She started taking the weight loss pills, and was amazed at how much her appetite decreased. However, Haynes started noticing more changes than in just her body; she became drastically moody and her friends would often comment that she was acting crazy. Haynes recalls that she followed the directions and combined Ripped Fuel with systematic weight-lifting at the gym. After a while, Haynes became so overwhelmed with the emotional side effects that she had to stop using Ripped Fuel. It is only now, in retrospect, that Haynes truly understands how Ripped Fuel, along with other diet pills like DietFuel and Metabolife work for the human body. Haynes considers them "a waste of time," and advises that "good, old fashioned exercise and a healthy diet is ultimately the best way to go."

Scott Stephenson* has always been is a health fanatic. Weight lifting is not only a priority in his life, but it is his passion. As a private personal trainer, Stephenson needs to know exactly what he's doing, which includes even the minutest details of weight-gainers and dietary supplements like Ripped Fuel, Creatine, Myoplex and Andro-6. Personal experience with most of these over-the-counter pills has given Stephenson insight into how effective they really are; he, too, stresses that none of the weight-gainers can even be slightly effective without regular exercise and weightlifting. One of the most common types of weight-gainers seems to be Creatine, a natural supplement in the body that has boasted results within the first week. Creatine usually comes available as a powder in 500 mg packages for $20, and can be mixed with any drink, taken every day.

Stephenson explains the hazards of Creatine, explaining that "conclusive studies have reported that Creatine stresses the liver and causes muscles tears and pulls, as a result of the body's inability to process the supplement easily." However, as Creatine continues to be quite popular among the buffed youth. Stephenson suggests that keeping the body well-hydrated often serves to counteract the negative effects. Another supplement that is offered by EAS (Experimental Applied Sciences), the leading company in sports supplements, is Myoplex. A supplement that Stephenson himself uses regularly, Myoplex is a combination of vitamins, proteins and calories that can be found at GNC or Healthquest in shake packages of 46 for $90. A healthier, less dangerous supplement, Myoplex is the perfect energy-booster for the devoutly health conscious lifter. Despite his contentedness with this product, Stephenson does suggest that some of the supplements on the market are dangerous.

Stephenson believes that Ripped Fuel, although quite common, is risky because it ups the heart rate and metabolism, while establishing an addiction within the body. Likewise, the supplement known as Andro-6 has been most closely associated with steroids, because of its high levels of Androstendione, Tribulus and DHEA, all of which rapidly increase testosterone levels. In fact, Andro-6 was even taken off the shelves of many health stores in light of studies that reported the supplement showed signs of heart disease within its users. Among all the medical advice and weight-lifting garble, Stephenson does send the most important piece of advice: "All the supplements do is let you achieve your goal in a shorter amount of time. The essential part of all this is maintaining a good diet and strict, constant exercise. Without that, the rest is pointless." So, regardless of whether you've become Creatine's newest customer or Ripped Fuel's next experimenter, give yourself a heads-up and stay on that Stairmaster.

*Names have been changed to ensure privacy.