Eagles Athletic Dept. Adopts A New Study Zone for Players
Pete Thompson
Issue date: 9/29/09 Section: Sports
Benedictine is an institute of higher learning, but there is no question that a large portion of the student body is made up of athletes. Along the way some of the athletes that come to Benedictine do not graduate because of grades, financial issues or other matters. Well the athletic department has decided enough is enough.
At the beginning of the 2009 fall semester, the athletic department introduced the study zone program. The program is designed to help freshman and transfer students better adapt the rigors of college. The program also aims to help students who may have not done so well in the past get back on track.
The program is a simple one, but the athletic department hopes that it will pay off in the long run. The student-athletes involved in the program are required to spend two hours per week in the lower level of the Krasa Center doing homework. While the program is backed 100 percent by the department, it has received mixed reviews amongst the athletes.
"It's easy to get things done because it's quiet down there," said freshmen football player Patrick Sterk.
Sterk's enthusiasm is not shared by every student-athlete. There are some that feel that it is a waste of their time, while some feel studying should not be mandated by the athletic department.
"These kids are 18, 19 years old," said a sophomore athlete. "They should know how to study by now."
Regardless of the opinions of various student-athletes the program is in its early stages. While some sports have had similar programs in the past, there has not been a unified plan for a study zone. Now that there is a unified plan the students are reaping the benefits.
"It's great because you can go at your convenience," said Sterk. "You can get homework done at your own pace."
Even though the study zone program is in its infancy, Sterk and other student-athletes are sure to benefit from the program. Because the study zone utilizes the quiet study area in the lower level of Krasa the athletic department is not losing any money.
At the beginning of the 2009 fall semester, the athletic department introduced the study zone program. The program is designed to help freshman and transfer students better adapt the rigors of college. The program also aims to help students who may have not done so well in the past get back on track.
The program is a simple one, but the athletic department hopes that it will pay off in the long run. The student-athletes involved in the program are required to spend two hours per week in the lower level of the Krasa Center doing homework. While the program is backed 100 percent by the department, it has received mixed reviews amongst the athletes.
"It's easy to get things done because it's quiet down there," said freshmen football player Patrick Sterk.
Sterk's enthusiasm is not shared by every student-athlete. There are some that feel that it is a waste of their time, while some feel studying should not be mandated by the athletic department.
"These kids are 18, 19 years old," said a sophomore athlete. "They should know how to study by now."
Regardless of the opinions of various student-athletes the program is in its early stages. While some sports have had similar programs in the past, there has not been a unified plan for a study zone. Now that there is a unified plan the students are reaping the benefits.
"It's great because you can go at your convenience," said Sterk. "You can get homework done at your own pace."
Even though the study zone program is in its infancy, Sterk and other student-athletes are sure to benefit from the program. Because the study zone utilizes the quiet study area in the lower level of Krasa the athletic department is not losing any money.
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