WHAT*|S

My original intention was to dedicate this week's article to introducing our men's basketball team. However I feel that there are much more urgent matters to be exposed and I trust that our B—Ballers will aceept a week delay.

So as not to present too negative a picture, I will begin by congratulating our football team on their victory last Saturday'.

'lhey continued what we hope will be a regular event - that is — beating up on Mount A. during Fall Fest. Special congratulations go out to Mike Lyriotokis who has been nominated for the Metras Trophy, emblematic of the top lineman in college football in Canada. For a change the AUAA got away from St. F.X., Acadia and SMU and gave it to someone who really deserved it. ‘The only thing that I amconcerned about is the

‘ politics from this point on. If there is a better lineman in college I would truly like to see him; however I think Tokis has the deck stacked against

him coming out of the AUAA '

and in particular UPEI. In any case it will assure him of an all-Canadian spot, UPEI's first and a spot on the Can-Am team. I know we will all be pulling for him but unfortunately we can't vote. Also special congratulations go out to the other all—stars from the Panthers. Frank Costa, who led the team in rushing and receiving; Socky MacDonald, who is always an all-star and perhaps this school's finest all-around athlete, and Danny Desjardins. I was especially pleased to'see Danny D. get a spot on the dream team. Firstly he had one hell of a year and it would have been a grave injustice if he was over- looked and secondly because I don't think he is a real contender for all—star honors as a goalie.

Enough of the back- slapping and let's get to the real matter. This writer's main hangup is twofold. Firstly, I ask you how a team with the talent that our guys had

‘

finish out of the playoffs. If you say it was lack of effort then you evidently didn't see' the Panthers play this season. They gave it their all but something was missing.

I've heard a few suggestions as to where the problem lay and I must confess that I agree with some of them. However, in the end it all adds up to a 4—3 season. A season which we fans can be proud of , but one that I think the players felt could have and should have been a lot better.

_'Ihe second hang-up that I have with regards to the football situation is one

that irritates me to no end.

I have asked around and

have yet to receive any logical (or illogical)

reason for the athletic

department not honoring the graduating players at Saturday's game. Ever since I have been at-UPEI . the custom has been to make special mention of those players who are playing in their final game. 'Ihis is usually accompanied by

some sort of presentation. This year .there was nothing. Now no one can tell me that it doesn't matter because several of the seniors ' involved have mentioned to me that they missed the ceremony. It does mean something to a guy who has worked his butt off for 4 years and has nothing to show for it but a lot~ of bruises. I can appreciate that our athletic depart-

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by John Neville

ment and in particular. our athletic director are drastically overworked planning where they will take their next trip but I do not accept that as an excuse.

We have five football coaches, three managers, a statistician and sports information director.

Surely between those people somebody could have found/the time to put together a small ceremony for the players. Perhaps if the people involved,

and I direct this to the office of the athletic director, would join us back down on earth and

’ quit trying to be so

._,.

distant and cute we might add some of those personal touches that mean so much to those people involved

' in our athletic program.

In short, a grave injustice has been levelled at those players and if those

‘ responsible don't think so,

or are unwilling to make amends, I suggest they get to hell out of their ,jobs and let someone in who will put the little time and effort that it would have required into making thOSe players realize we appreciate their efforts.

In concluding I would say that‘the Student Union has agreed to try and make. amends for this and will be contacting the seniors.

shortly. Until then I will do what the athletic‘ department wouldn't and take the time to thank them. So, to you guys, accept this as a small thanks for your efforts at'UPEI.

MIIG‘. LYRIOI‘OKIS, MIKE KENNEDY, SOO<Y MAW,

DAVE (INNAUGHTQQ, MATI KOI.GA, MARCEL DUPUIS,

02er D'IPPOIITO, JON PAUL , MCINTYRE, FRANK COSTA,

DAVE BRYAND, RICHARD BLAIR AND CERAID‘ MGCEINNA. ‘

THANKS FOR ALL YOU HAVE TO THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM AT U.P.E_.I. '