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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 5, 1987)
In The Shadows Self-motivation sparks athletes who sit on the bench. The young athlete had high aspirations to he a great basket ball player He worked hard and played hard. He set his sights beyond high school to college ball. Motivation and preparation, coupled with team spirit and in dividual talent, helped make him an all -state basketball player and a likely candidate for college play. Yet when this young athlete attended the University of Idaho and played basketball for the Vandals from 1951-55. he did not start one game. A crushing blow tor some, but for the young athlete. Don Monson, the ex perience provided helpful in sight for his position as coach ol the University men's basketball team By not starting. Monson says he learned firsthand the discouragement ol time oq the bench and getting through a dil ficult game without contributing as much as one would like. Determining who will play and how much is one of the challenges of coaching. Monson says Each athlete has different levels of ability, and finding the right combination of talent, leadership, morale and inspira tion is an essential part of coaching. Playing men’s basketball all comes down to the enjoyment of doing what you are doing, says Kofi Kyei. a third-year men’s basketball player. “I know I am getting a gixxl experience and 1 like being with the players.” Kyei. w ho is a native of the West African country of Ghana, has made a new family with the ^ - team. “It's good to be here.” However personal reasons and the laek of time on the court almost led Kyei to transfer to a different university, he says. “This year is probably the toughest." After a dismal freshman season. Kyei displayed substantial improvement only to experience a season similar to his first year on the team and virtual nonexistant play, he says. “It's hard to keep up ones confidence without playing much," he says. It’s not easy for the immediate family either. Monson says. Dif ferent players get different things out of athletics, and it is not just scoring points, he says. “One needs to realize the need Oregon West -fitness ACT NOW! For great savings, for a great tan, ask about morning tanning and special packages. membership not required BEST HOURS • BEST PRICES 6am-11pm 7 days a week ass 1624 1475 Franklin Blvd Across from campus of practice people and people to fill different roles.*’ No matter what phase of play ing ability, however, being on the team does have recognition, Monson says. “It’s the striving to become one of those that keeps you going." he says. “There is little difference bet ween those who are playing and those who aren't. It all comes down to doing the right thing at the right time," he says. "Obviously it eould become a frustrating situation (not to play). But for many, it’s an honor just to be on the team,” says women’s head basketball coach El win Heiny. Many athletes have outstanding recognition, and the dedication to the team should pay oft down the road, he says. The increasing number of athletes on scholarship has led to greater team expectations and higher levels of competition, Heiny says. It is ironic that many walk-on athletes, students who participate without being compensated via a scholarship, have better work ethics than those who are on a full-ride scholarship, he says. It is difficult for an athlete to have a true perspective of his or her ow n ability w ith team sports, Heiny says. Many of the athlete's traits are immeasurable yet contribute to the dynamics of the team, he adds. Some people just make the team go. Quality eyewear need not be expensive SINGLE VISION PRESCRIPTION LENSES AND FRAMES • Choose from a spec ally selected group of fashion frames • FT-25-28 B 'ocals S20 Extra • Extra charge for high powers EYE EXAMS.s32 Dr. Dan Caldwell, Optometrist Santa Clara Square ® 689-1115 I Photo by John Giustina “Attitude must be carried over in the court. Inspiration comes from that," Heiny says. Players can have tremendous abilities yet destroy the team because of a bad attitude, he says. “I say, "Why am I going through all this?’...but I’ve made it this far so I can go a little bit farther,” says walk-on freshman men’s basketball player Curtis Wilson. “It's everyone’s dream to play Division I basketball,” he says. “I used to watch them on TV when I was young so it’s a privilege to play for the Ducks. I really get excited when I get in. ” Continued on Page 12 c 0 p 1 E S 3* All Day Every Day Mon. Fri. 8:30 8:00pm Sat 10 6pm •lllllllllllllllllllllll Print America 519 E. 13th 485-1940 —.. I I - iiiiiiiiiiiiiii 11111111(111 iniiiai iiiiiiiiiui, i, mu Recycle This Paper ■iimiiiiimimiimiiii
