Congratulations to the football team on its win over Ohio State University, but it's too bad. I'm glad for the football players on this year's team, but I fear for the future because of this win. With this one win over, OSU and the New Year's Day bowl that may very well come with it, this season became "a successful season." That is a problem!
The team and the football program have shown some glaring weaknesses over the past few seasons, and especially this year. But, since we had "a successful season," there is no reason to make any changes to a program in need of some serious changes. The old saying is true - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'm really afraid that this one win will give those in the football program the feeling that it "ain't broke." That will be unfortunate!
Steve Clarke
Rackham
Thank you for publishing a story about our Micro Truck team in the "Campus Notes" column last month ("Engineers place in truck race," 11/18/96). Our team, along with the society, appreciates the publicity. Thank you.
Will Pudyk
Team leader; Engineering senior
Poor Ryan LaLonde can't give blood because he's homosexual ("Red Cross discriminates against gays," 11/13/96). Here's an idea: When Ryan stops engaging in an activity that puts him at a high risk for AIDS and other communicable diseases, he will be allowed to give blood, because he will no longer pose a risk of passing those diseases into the nation's blood supply.
With all due respect, I would rather hurt LaLonde's feelings than have one innocent person get AIDS, simply because they needed a blood transfusion.
Jim Riske
Engineering sophomore
Color has been a topic long discussed and debated over. And it is important to recognize it as a sensitive issue. But after reading the letter, "Cartoon was insensitive," (11/14/96) I find that maybe it is possible to be too sensitive.
In the letter, the writer attacks the cartoon "Ground Zero" (11/12/96) for the cartoonist's assertion that with the coming of winter, the "bluebook exams were not named for their color, but for the color of your skin." The letter further goes on and says that blue-skinned people equate light-skinned people, and the cartoonist's implication that the community only consists of these people is offensive.
I seem to recall that our school color is blue. Does that imply that the University has only light-skinned people? Obviously not, considering the amount of minority students that attend this school.
And so far, the little colony of Smurfs, that I seemed to be totally unaware of, haven't spoken up about this particular cartoon.
Furthermore, I don't see how what the weather does to your skin has anything to do with race and color.
Yes, skin color is discriminated against in society. But if we nitpick every little thing that comes even remotely close to the issue, we may find that the cause against discrimination may just take a little bit longer.
Perhaps the writer should keep their contempt for the Daily and their views on color and race separate. And then get a sense of humor.
Lee Chang
LSA sophomore
As a member of the University of Michigan men's soccer club (the only University men's soccer team), I've become accustomed to a lack of University support and recognition.
However, the club's recent achievement at the National Collegiate Soccer Association National Championship Tournament in Phoenix merits attention.
Led by seniors Dave Colliver, Mike Milman, Kris Wiljanen, Eugene Chang and Gronthik Chatterjee, the team rolled through its first five games.
Among its prey were Wisconsin-Lacrosse (1-0), Texas (3-1) and Colorado State (1-1) in preliminary action, and Georgia Tech (3-1) and Southwest Texas (1-0) in quarter and semi-final matches.
The young team's gutty performance continued in the championship game against the same strong Texas team. A first half goal by Chris Coleman gave the club the lead. It remained 1-0 until the Longhorns scored two quick goals in the final 15 minutes. The club's second-place finish was its best ever, improving upon last year's semi-final appearance. It exceeded this year's expectations and raised them one step higher for next season.
But should the club's expectations be raised to a different level - varsity status?
Such a strong performance by a motivated group of unsupported student athletes definitely begs this question.
Unlike a national championship next year, however, achieving varsity status seems to club members to be beyond their grasp.
Respect and congratulations are due to the University men's soccer team for its performances on the playing field, in the classroom and in the University community.
Brian Lishawa
LSA junior
Two recent letters were sent to you by students ("'U' should salt walks instead of using sand," 11/14/96, and "Using mud on sidewalks is foolish," 11/19/96) complaining about the University's use of sand as a de-icer on campus sidewalks.
In 1995, the Salt Team was formed at the University. This M-Quality interdisciplinary team was charged to study the University's use of de-icing compounds on its walks, parking lots and streets to determine the appropriate guidelines for applying de-icing materials.
Our goal is to make it safe for pedestrians and motorists, while protecting the environment and preserving University buildings and structures.
On that day, sand was felt to be the best de-icer available given the weather and the particular sidewalk conditions. While the team has not recommended the elimination of the use of salt as a de-icer, the corrosive effects of salt have led us to look at viable alternative de-icers that do not appear to have the same damaging effects as salt.
Sand, too, can cause damage to building interiors and may degrade water quality when it is washed into the storm sewer system.
Our team is working diligently to find safe alternative de-icers. We appreciate and invite your comments.
The University's Salt Team