The Panther Prints ¢*

February 18, 1997

Panthers’ Krista Foreman Courts Basketball and Academics

By BILL MCQUEEN

One of the big stories on and off campus for the last few months has been the bat- tle between Krista Foreman and the AUAA women’s bas- ketball ruling. Foreman chal- lenged the rules of eligibility for playing basketball and won.

She had already played basketball for four years at the University of New Brunswick. Players in the AUAA have five years of eligibility. The rules state that players must play their fifth year of AUAA basketball at the same place they played their fourth. It was put in place to stop NCAA players from changing schools just to play basketball. In Krista’s case, she had changed

her university to study veteri- nary medicine, not just to play basketball. In a way, Krista was being punished for con- tinuing of her studies.

Foreman was originally approached by Women Pan- thers Head Coach, Tracy Ellsworth, to beassistant coach of the basketball team, and upon becoming coach, she dis- covered there was a chance to protest the ruling. There were several courtroom battles, and we are happy to say that Krista eventually won.

When I talked to Krista I wanted to ask her the press- ing question that’s on every- one’s mind... was she going to keep on playing intramural basketball? The unfortunate answer for her B-League op- ponents is, yes. Kristahas been

oneofthe dominant post/center players in the league for the past two seasons. Personally, I hope she is exhausted from varsity practice the next time she plays our team.

When | was speaking to Krista about the UPEI team all she talked about was what a talented group of players were there. On the issue of the ruling, she was very happy to be playing again.

I asked her about a change in the ruling and she commented, “I went to vet school to become a vet. I didn’t change schools to play basket- ball.” The rules ofthe AUAA’s should not block academics, hopefully after Krista’s court win, other players in the same situation will be helped.

Allstudentathletes have

limited time for homework, but at the Vet College, there is even more ofatime constraint. lasked Krista about balancing the two, and she answered, “the second year is tough, but in the third year, basketball would be impossible... that’s why I tried to play this year”. Krista is not the only AVC student playing basketball, Chelsea Martin and Tammy Muirhead also play for the woman’s team.

The coaches, Tracy Ellsworth (head coach) and Reagh Vidito (assistant coach) talked of the positive influence Foreman has brought to the team. The experience, and leadership from four years of AUAA play was one of the main areas of comment. Tracy outlined Krista’s roles on the

team as “Post Player, rebounder, defense and offense”. The coaches also said that Krista adds to an already possible championship team. Reagh summed up what Iam sure the wholeteam feels, “She really wanted to play, and I’m very happy for her”.

Three members from UPEl are playing in the wom- an’s AUAA all-star game: Marie-Claude Couture, Eireann Rigby, and Jennifer Johnson (UPEI field house, Feb 21st). To those of you who haven’t seen the men’s or woman’s team play, you should. Show your support, not only is it free for students, but it is also great entertain- ment!

Wh Annual U,

P.E.I. Business Socie

March 7th, 1997

Prince Edward Hotel

Mr. Paul f Project Director, Strait Crossing Joint Ventur

Gall the Bus

Guest Speaker

$15.00 per student

$250.00 per table of eight

Fekete on Sale mow!

Giannelia

mess Seelety etfiee af (02) 866-0467 er Fax GOR 628-4302

<EH ty Linen SS

A i

+ et . -