The A.D. Search Committee needs more members

This week we were disappointed to see the announcement of the members of the Search Committee for the new Athletic Director. Despite the continued problems in the athletic department over the past four years (critique of the club and intramural sports management, critique of several coaches and mass exodus of athletes from teams, and lastly the recent firing of part-time workers in Phillips gym) only two student athletes were placed on the committee. Even more glaring is the college's blatant exclusion of any club or intramural representation (let alone students involved with the wellness program or students who are not involved in athletics at all). This exclusion comes despite continued promises from administrators and public statements like "We (The Strategic Planning Team on Sports and Oberlin's Future) believe that each (Varsity Athletics, Club Sports, Intramurals, a Wellness Program and Physical Education Courses) contributes an integral part to the overarching goal of attending seriously to the needs for wholeness and physical well-being of our community." Club sports, intramurals, etc. are important, but apparently not important enough to be involved in the search for the Athletic Director, the top position in the Athletic Department.

Our exclusion, but our apparent importance leaves three possibilities:

1. It was impossible for club or intramural representatives to be contacted about assisting on the committee. This is impossible as we are contacted about other items, such as scheduling changes for facilities. We also attempted to gain representation on the committee itself and were denied.

2. The consistent mismanagement in the Athletic Department, particularly in the coordination of the club and intramural programs, meant we were not contacted when higher administrators wanted us to be. This, while possible, seems unlikely when compared to the third option which always reoccurs in club and intramural activities at Oberlin College.

3. We were considered unimportant in the decision, or possibly worse, we weren't even thought of at all. Unfortunately this option is likely, and historically seems to be the case.

In addition to club and intramural sports getting snubbed, no students outside the Philips community were placed on the committee. This despite desire by coaches, fans, and athletes for more student participation in Oberlin athletics. At a school short of fans and football players (amongst other sports), a committee was formed to find a new Athletic Director. How can the committee decide if any applicant is capable of this when none of the people on the committee are in the situation the non - participant is. Is Philips only for Varsity Athletes? Are any coaches interested in potential fans giving input to the committee?

One club athlete did try to gain access to the committee but was given the run around and told the committee was "too large already". When did committee size become more important than representation? Would the committee be to large already if there were no varsity athletes on it? I think not. She was told the committee would be interested in her input. While this may be true, there is no doubt her access and preferences will be extremely less powerful without her on the committee.

So far we have heard the committee has been very open in its discussions to input. The idea of getting other people's opinions was even raised. However we still seemed to be regarded as second class athletes. Our women's captains are not invited to meetings on Women's Issues in Sports, we don't have access to resources as simple and basic as trainers, and we are not involved in decision making processes. This must stop. History tells us that unfortunately, we can't trust the committee to do it for us, because they haven't yet. We call on Dean Clayton Koppes to add representation from our list of suggested committee members to the committee.

-Athletes for Representation