February 25, 2000 SPORTS 15 Lady Tornadoes sweep Milligan in opener *x i Photo by Michelle Crabtree NCAA hoops in hot water over Grad rates BY MATT ODETTE Daily Californian (U. Califomia-Ber- keley) (U-WIRE) BERKELEY, Calif. - - As the conversation begins to wan der toward his favorite subject, Ben Braun's eyes light up. The Cal men's basketball coach glances quickly around his office, but unsuccessful in his search, he settles to paraphrase what college hoops mean to him. "I just finished (North Carolina coaching legend) Dean Smith's book, and do you know what's at the end of it?" Braun inquires. "He lists all his former players and what they're do ing, whether they're in business some- where, or coaching. He knows where every one of his former players is. To me, that's a program." Sadly, that sort of concern for rfe after basketball is currently on the J'ane in the NCAA. Graduation rates ^ve remained low over the last de- just as the visibility and popu- of the sport have burgeoned. The national four-year average graduation rates in men's basket BY GINGER PALMER The softball team is looking for ward to a very competitive season this spring. Coach White feels that the team will have a very successful sea son with at least a 500 record. With the addition of a brand new home field, some team depth, and the re turning most valuable player from the last season, fans will not be disap pointed. The most exciting aspect of this season is the home field. The soft ball team in its previous 2 seasons has practiced on an elementary school field and played all away games. Not this sea son. Brevard’s fans will have the option of seeing the girls play home games. On Sunday February 20, President Bertrand com- ^ menced the dedication of the field and introduced Betty Taylor. Taylor, a trustee of the college, threw out the first pitch, and Ernie Mills said the blessing. White said, “That to the girls getting to play home games is the highlight of the season.” This highlight was not taken lightly as Brevard swept Milligan in their double-header home opening. Lady Tornado, Katie Newman, scored the first run. Another important aspect that will attribute to the team’s success is the amount of growth the team has seen. Rather than having just fresh man and sophomore athletes, Brevard’s team now has upper class leadership and depth. This depth be gins with senior Karamie Hartman and returning juniors: Stacey Dodenhoff and Jenny Simpson. Car rie Butler, Holly Dula, Barbara Davis and Jackie Speers will be the return ing sophomores. New arrivals to the team are freshman Maggie Singleton, Photo by Michelle Crabtree Kim Pate, Katie Newman and Anne Ridge. Finally, two transfer students junior Karen Filmon and sophomore Autumn McCarver will bring experi ence from their previous colleges. ball stands at 43 percent, well below those of other collegiate sports. Cal has fared even worse. The incoming freshman classes of 1989 through 1992 - the latest relevant data available - graduated at a rate of 25 percent, less than one-third of the student body average of 81 per cent. These numbers, along with ris ing fan concern for the future of the sport, have caused the NCAA to con sider major changes to address the problem. It appears even that bureau cratic body may take action that could alter the relationship between aca demics and athletics in Division I bas ketball. SHOWCASE, THEN NO-SHOW The NCAA's reaction to drop ping graduation rates has come as much as a result of a number of high- profile cases as the numbers them- selves. Just last year, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski watched for the first time in his 20-year tenure a number of ms players left school early for the NBA. D.D. Bullwinkel’s General Store & Gift Gallery Uncommon Finds Unexpected Treasures Ask About Our Monthly Specials Sweaters Naot Shoes Outdoor Gear Unique Jewelry Great Winter Fleece Men’s & Women’s Clothing Have Lunch at our Grill & Soda Shop Best Burgers & Shakes in Town! Downtown Brevard ~ Open Daily! Open Sundays! ~ 862-4700

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