Former NBA basketball player and coach Phil Jackson once said, “The strength of the team is each member. The strength of each member is the team.” Columbus State University is more known for academic, creative and performing arts achievements, rather than as sports champions. Men’s and women’s teams at CSU include basketball, cross country, track & field, tennis and golf, along with baseball, softball and women’s soccer. Recently, I explored uncharted waters and went to my first sports game ever. While the rules and technicalities of basketball confused me, I was inspired by the crowds and community at the game. At the basketball scrimmage against the University of West Alabama Tigers, the stands had a good amount of local community showing love for the CSU Cougars. I watched from the stands as the game progressed, and every time CSU scored, the crowd’s response was amazing. After the game, I had the opportunity to interview some of the players and attendees. I asked the attendees what they enjoyed about attending sporting events and what roles they think sports have at CSU. I also talked with players about the most rewarding and most challenging parts of playing sports at CSU and what motivates them to get on the court.
PLAYERS:
Wisdom Uboh, senior accounting major: “The most rewarding part of playing sports at CSU is winning as a team, and the most challenging part is the everyday grind and focus and holding your teammates accountable and coming together to do that as a team. What motivates me to get on the court is just helping my team win, bringing wins to CSU, and helping my team grow on and off the court.”
Demetrius Gibson, sophomore cybersecurity major: “The most rewarding and challenging parts of playing sports at CSU is time management, sacrificing your time — sometimes you don’t want to do it. What motivates me to want to get better every day: Kobe Bryant is one of my biggest inspirations, and seeing my progress every single day.”
Jehloni James, graduate senior business major: “The most rewarding parts are winning games with my teammates; it is a good feeling when I do well, but when the entire team wins together, we can all enjoy the win together. The most challenging part is the strain on your body. My biggest motivator is my parents; they push me to be the best I can be.”
ATTENDEES:
Paige Moore, freshman psychology major: “Sports have a leadership role — toughness, confidence. I enjoy the fans being excited about the players’ scores and dunks.”
Trevon Wright, freshman sociology major: “In my opinion, sports are the many activities CSU provides for their students’ entertainment. I enjoy seeing the plethora of students I don’t see on a day-to-day basis and the students from other schools and the vibe.”
DeMyah Conner, freshman psychology major: “I think the roles are good. I’ve been to a soccer game and a football game; it’s fun going to games with friends and the vibes when we score.”
Tyee Jones, freshman business major: “The role sports have at CSU is mainly entertainment and quality time. I enjoy the quality time and culture.”
Based on all the responses I accumulated from the students of CSU, I understand that while CSU is not necessarily well-known for its sports, athletics are still an essential part of the culture of Columbus State University. To the athletes at CSU: thank you, we understand and appreciate that you all train extremely hard and play even harder to bring home wins for Columbus State University.
