She's a soda supernova in the sky --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 04/08/11

Erin Andrews, where were you while we were getting high?

Aside from her legitimate-or-not sex tape — at times rumored to be a sexual run-in with the Mets’ David Wright — Erin Andrews has long gifted the sports world with her spectacular sideline reporting and witty feminine banter.

With recent promotions to host ESPNU’s edition of College Gameday and sports correspondent for Good Morning America, Andrews has certainly launched herself into the cream of the crop for women sports journalists (not to take anything away from Pam Oliver or Holly Rowe, of course). She has also been a contestant on Dancing with the Stars and oh yeah, did I mention she is a University of Florida alumna? Enough said.

For those of you (women) who are dismayed at my boyish discussion of Ms. Andrews thus far, don’t fret. I’ll move into a more appropriate analysis of her contributions to anti-stalking legislation.

Yes, it is quite out of character for me not to defend feminism in sports, but it would be straying away from my writing style to neglect some sort of satirical chauvinist dialogue.

Nevertheless, Erin Andrews’ most recent contribution to sports could be her best yet: Thank you Erin Andrews for bringing Diet Mountain Dew Supernova into our lives.

Obviously Andrews is not credited with inventing the flavor, name or formula for the drink. However, she has played an integral role in its success as the recent winner of Mountain Dew’s FanDEWmonium competition.

Although I will admit I have never tried the colorful and flamboyantly-named soda, I simply feel as if the ad campaign that accompanied Diet Mountain Dew’s Supernova and Voltage was wildly ingenious.
I mean, why not pit one of ESPN’s most celebrated (hardly) sportscasters against everyone’s favorite sweet and savory sideline reporter?

Kenny Mayne (representing Voltage) and Andrews (representing Supernova), respectively.

We have all seen the commercials: Mayne and his half-wit squad dropping “Twitter-bombs” versus Andrews’ cool collective gang of beautiful people simply encouraging folks to try their soda. Is it any wonder Supernova brought home the bacon? I mostly enjoyed the way each spokesperson was portrayed, women’s intuition proved superior to man’s lack thereof.

But enough of this silly soda debate, as much as women tend to frown at the way men salivate over Erin Andrews, we can all learn something from her grit and professionalism.

In 2010 Andrews began working with Senator Amy Klobuchar (Wayzata High School alumna) to crack down and strengthen anti-stalking laws.

It’s no secret she has faced severe adversity in that department with her sex tape scandal and numerous death threats. Andrews possesses qualities that anyone can admire: wit, journalistic integrity (which I clearly don’t have), charisma, passion and of course the ability to be successful in “a man’s world.”

So, for all the women management majors or anyone else who feels belittled in a good old boys profession, stand up and fight because that is the only way to turn the tide.

Our View – Grumbling majorly, part deux --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 04/08/11

As a graduating senior, one might assume that my mind has been void of anything pertaining to the commencement of my undergraduate academic career. However, as we seniors are attending receptions and celebratory dinners left and right, I can’t help but observe the striking differences in the way each discipline commemorates its accomplishments over the past four years.

Some major faculty choose to wine and dine its students, others award a certificate of achievement, and some simply give a firm handshake complete with a pat on the back and no celebration at all (boring science majors). I myself am a double major in communication and management and even among these similar areas of study, the events are distinguishable.

Last week the communication department treated us students to a classy and elegant reception, complete with some free booze of course. I must admit, there is nothing more gratifying than having a beer and some informal conversation with my professors, whom I’ve despised at times, and hearing the words “congratulations, we’re proud of you and we’ll miss you.” It shows you a humanistic side of academia that you won’t find in a laboratory.

Yesterday I attended the management department’s senior happy hour at O’Connell’s, equally enjoyable. Honestly, I’ve been much closer and more intertwined with my communication professors and coursework, maybe it’s because we talk about feelings. But I again felt a sense of satisfaction following the reception. My professors actually care about what happens to me after I leave this glorious place we affectionately call home, even if it is only for a few more weeks.

Following these gatherings, I choose not to reflect upon the fact that my days here at CSB/SJU are numbered, but rather that I will leave here in May feeling completely at peace with my college experience.

Yes I went to class (most of the time), I learned an inordinate amount (I’ll never stop learning), I had a little bit of fun I guess … and yeah, I talked about my feelings and discovered who I really am. But you know what? I still managed to meet, befriend, acquaint and get to know a lot of really great people and do a lot of real fun things. Much of this I credit to the skills and knowledge I was and am equipped with from my studies in communication and management.

I have probably spent more money than I’ve wanted to at St. Joseph’s famous watering holes and lost many brain cells along the way, but a good friend of mine (who is a biochemistry major) recently informed me that our brain produces more of these a day than we could ever lose anyway so that is the least of my concerns.

I’ve never understood the rivalry among disciplines over who’s smarter, or who works harder or whose better looking (communication majors by a landslide). Why not lay down the swords, seniors, and enjoy these last few weeks we have together? I may only go to class every other day and not wake up until 10 a.m., but I bet I’ve had a lot more fun than any biochemistry major. Seriously, meet me at the bar this weekend and we’ll swap stories if you’ve got them, but don’t interrupt my mom time on Saturday.

I’m going to close with my favorite joke from one of my favorite professors here at CSB/SJU (who will soon be our new Academic Dean of the College): What will a non-liberal arts science major who only memorizes formulas call a communication or management major in 10 years? Boss …

Congratulations on your promotion Dr. Richard Ice, Chair of the Communication Department, you’ve earned it.

Luck of the Kardashians --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 03/04/11

Is dating a Kardashian the key to winning a championship?

Last Tuesday, the Minnesota Timberwolves hosted Kobe Bryant and the Western Conference power house, the Los Angeles Lakers.

For Wolves fans, the Lakers coming to town typically means a roll-over game where you attend simply to see the likes of Kobe, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum thrash our dismal defense (aside from Kevin Love of course).

However, some fans flock to these games thinking they might have an outside shot of catching a glimpse at some of Hollywood’s favorite starlets: the Kardashian sisters.

Yes, everyone who’s anyone knows Khloe Kardashian is happily wed to LA’s sixth man, Lamar Odom. And when Khloe gets lonely for Lamar’s company she sometimes treks up to the arctic, that is a Minnesota winter, just to watch her hubby beat up on the lowly T-wolves. At times, her sisters and family have been known to appear at games as well.

But even greater news has rocked the world of celeb chasing basketball fans as of January: Kim Kardashian and one of Minnesota’s favorite son’s have “kourted” one another; Hopkins High School distinguished alumni and New Jersey Nets forward, Kris Humphries.

What does this mean for T-wolves fans?

Well fellas, for you it will take much less convincing to get your significant other to accompany you to a game if you bundle the chance at seeing a Kardashian with some quality time at the Target Center. And for you ladies, it’s at least one more chance to see Kim or Khloe each year! I know, I know, contain your excitement please.

But really, Kim was seen just last month visiting the Humphries clan in Minnetonka … and Kris (Humphries not Kardashian) being a Minnesota native and property owner in the land of 10,000 lakes bumps up the chance of seeing her in the offseason as well!

At this point, I will digress. Obviously I could care less about seeing Kim, Khloe, Kourtney or Katarina.
I was much more excited about having the chance to see Kendra Wilkinson again when Brad Childress stupidly acquired Hank Baskett to the Vikings’ receiving core last fall. Irrelevant, I hope my cynicism has shown through.

The real question here is … are Shawn Carter (more commonly known as Jay-Z) and the New Jersey Nets now NBA title bound for the 2012 season? It worked for Reggie Bush and the New Orleans Saints, Odom and the Lakers, and I’m sure if Ray-J decided to lace up and take a hack at winning the Masters or something like that he probably would have.

This of course, would be the biggest leap toward championship aspirations for any Kardashian beau, but nevertheless it is a possibility.

Alright K-Love, get that game face on and take a whack at wooing Kourtney because we’re tired of the NBA cellar.

She may have a child but I’m sure you’d make a great baby daddy. Rob’s not taken yet either … for the love of the game Kevin.

Tanning: not just for the fairer sex --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 03/04/11

Last Sunday I did something that even two years ago I never would have considered doing. I went … wait for it … TANNING. Yes ladies and gentlemen, repeal my man card because I just violated a gender norm. Go ahead and take it, I don’t care about gendered stereotypes anyway. For a man, being a male is a superficial societal expectation that, frankly, I don’t think we should be required to adhere to.

Reluctant to even travel to the fine tanning establishment my girlfriend recommended, I managed to suppress my inner-masculinity, put one foot in front of the other, and marched right in. After waiting behind a pack of full of orange teeny-boppers and one middle-aged man, I timidly requested the “Around the World” package designed for folks like me to build a nice base tan so as to prevent becoming a lobster at my exotic spring break destination. Side note: who knew that you had to get your fingerprint scanned before being allowed to tan? I felt like I was being initiated for a free-masons society.

After about five minutes of interrogation to accept me into the system I was escorted to bed number eight where I prepared myself for bronzing. The employee reminded me to shut the bed, apparently lots of guys forget that … I certainly would have. I climbed in, cranked up my iPod and mellowed out to the cool island sounds of Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley.

Eight minutes breezed by as I fell into a sedated state. As I arose from the bed like Darth Vader in the Empire Strikes Back I embarrassingly strolled out of the salon. On the drive home I came to the realization that I had no reason to feel embarrassed. I actually found the harmful UV rays and the entire activity quite soothing. Although I still don’t think there’s any comparison to the healing power of natural sunlight, I am happy to be stepping out of my gendered box.

Of course there is always some level of vanity that is associated with tanning and you can definitely over-do it. My “fake-baked” twin brother has at times resembled a potato that was left in the oven for too long. But for the purpose of not ruining your expensive vacation by baking to a crisp in your first exposure to fiery southern rays, I highly recommend it. And you know what boys? Don’t feel ashamed. As much as we like to raz those who do, I know the number of closet male tanners is higher than we think.

So for the rest of the thousand people that are heading down to Panama City Beach for spring break, take my advice or suffer the wrath of Apollo while the smart travelers sip Mai Tai’s and Pacifico’s en la playa. If not, refrain from pestering the intelligent bunch of us who do. Hit the bed gentleman, you’ll be glad you did.

Up and down season comes to an unsatisfying close (article) --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 02/25/11

After a season of highs and lows SJU basketball unwillingly wrapped-up its 2010-2011 season with a tough 72-61 loss to St. Thomas. Needing a win or losses from Hamline, St. Olaf and Gustavus to continue into the MIAC playoffs, the Johnnies remained somewhat optimistic following the game only to have their hopes dashed with the news that their season was over.

“Before the game there was a ton of adrenaline and energy,” senior wing Chris Schwartz said.

Riding a five-game winning streak into Saturday’s contest and coming back to their home floor to clinch the playoffs had everyone anxious.

“Going into the ball game we knew if we beat UST we’d be an automatic five seed,” Coach Jim Smith said.

With a raucous crowd turn-out at Sexton Arena, the Johnnies cruised to a 25-19 halftime lead. SJU’s first half zone defense held the Tommies’ stud point guard Tyler Nicolai to eight points. Confidence was rampant on and off the court going into the second half.

“The crowd was phenomenal, we didn’t expect that many people,” senior post Nermin Hujdurovic said.

An estimated 2,786 people (adorned in red) were on hand to try and boost SJU into the playoffs, “the kind (of crowd) you love to have at your home court,” Smith said. Unfortunately for the Johnnies, faithful Nicolai and the Tommies were too much.

“The turning point in the game was probably the beginning of the second half where they went on a run and Nicolai hit some big shots,” senior Aaron Burtzel said.

The Tommie roster is filled with gamers; each one of them has the capability to turn a game around. For SJU’s five seniors (Burtzel, Hujdurovic, Schwartz, Sam Blank and Todd Herman), the end of their collegiate careers seemed surreal.

“Sitting in the locker room with the seniors after the game was a strange feeling because you just think about everything you went through together throughout the four years,” Burtzel said.

Especially with the expectations going into this season, Saturday’s game was a dagger for the guys, an unsettling conclusion to a topsy-turvy season that left everyone speechless.

“So many hours put in and it all came down to that, it’s over,” Schwartz said.

For Smith and the Johnnies, the end was too abrupt after starting the year with conference championship and NCAA tournament aspirations.

“With the amount of seniors and talent we had, we thought we’d at least win the MIAC, hands down. We thought we were going to be going to St. Thomas for the title game,” Hujdurovic said.

Smith reflected on his time with this core group of seniors. “Overall, it’s been a great four years with them,” also noting that the close to this campaign has been one of the toughest in his tenure here at SJU.

“It’s a tough way to go because we were definitely a playoff team but just didn’t make it happen. That hurt, it really hurt, and I’m still trying to recover from it,” Smith said.

Coach Smith acknowledged the impact that his seniors had off the court as well, mentoring their younger teammates.

“That’s one of the things that the young players mention to me. They felt that the upperclassmen have just been great to them,” Smith said.

The footprint these men have left at SJU goes far beyond their athletic achievements.

To them, Coach Smith offered this advice: “Enjoy college, this is the greatest life you have,” Smith said. “Right now you think you have so much to worry about with tests and papers and everything, but this is the greatest time of your life.”

Editor challenges readers --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 02/18/11

Dear Editor,

This might be an ethical gray area, but you’re writing a letter to yourself. Some may say this is a cop-out, however, there’s a reason you are doing so. Since this section of the Record is for students to voice their opinions on issues that they feel passionate about, why shouldn’t you be able to write and edit your own concern? Right? Right.

First things first, students of CSB/SJU, I know there are issues, events or policies on campus that you feel strongly about. You know how I know this? Because I hear about it EVERYWHERE. On Facebook, riding the bus, walking through the computer lab, in class; even when you whine (more often praise) about the IT Services student repair technicians on your customer service surveys, because I read them, because that is also me.

Behind closed doors, you won’t shut-up about whatever is bothering you. Yet, when it comes to standing up and speaking your mind in an open-arena (the editorial section of the Record), you’re silent.
What better way to maturely voice your opinion and show off your composition skills you learned in FYS than to write a letter to the hard-working Record editorial staff, so we don’t have to whip one up at 11 o’clock at night.

CSB/SJU students, I personally invite you to come criticize or commend anything you’d like (even this very letter) right here. We’re really not smart enough to think of our own material (as is evidenced in this piece), so please loyal readers, throw us a bone.

Athletes "on top" of the world --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 02/12/11

Ben Rapersberger, Sext Favre, Tiger Wood … oops forgot the s, and Lawrence “she told me she was 19” Taylor; just a few high- profile athletes who have been marred by scandal in the sports world’s sexually charged recent past.

Five Superbowl championships and 128 professional golf titles (including 14 major championships) have been collected amongst this group of top tier athletes.

Each one of these men was once atop their respective sports’ world; only to have fallen from grace, breaking the hearts of youth and adult sports fans alike.

Admittedly, some transgressions have been more severe than others. Some have chosen the right path back to decency; others are still on that path. With Roethlisberger, Favre and Woods their offenses came completely unexpectedly.

Unfortunately, Taylor’s indictment on statutory rape charges in New York last Summer came as little surprise to most, even though the former All-Pro linebacker was starting to clean-up his act after years of drug addiction and partying.

The problem with these incidents is the minimal crucifixion that each received; most notably Taylor’s reduction of charge to two misdemeanors as opposed to felony third-degree statutory rape.

His crime went generally under the radar with little outrage over his puny sentence of six years probation and sex offender registration.

I have yet to hear any chastising of any of these men aside from opposing fans using it as firepower for trash talk and defamation often accompanied by chauvinist slurs. I wonder why professional athletes receive a “get out of jail free card” (literally for LT) and manage to escape these embarrassing situations relatively unscathed.

Roethlisberger, though acquitted from rape charges in Georgia, received a mere six-game suspension from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell while Favre faced no disciplinary action whatsoever.

The only athlete who has truly faced the music of these four is Tiger Woods, probably because his actions came with no legal repercussion anyway (aside from a $100 million settlement following his divorce in August).

Even the New York Jets pestering of a female sideline reporter from the beginning of the 2010 season was followed up by a simple apology to the victim. These incidents are not native to the NFL (and certainly not the PGA Tour), they occur all across professional and amateur athletics.

Is it our patriarchal society that enables these athletes to assume a “larger-than-life” persona leading them to believe that they are invincible?

Clearly this situation is much bigger than this writer can fathom but it starts on an interpersonal level.
If our society ceased the glorification of these figures and improved the overall treatment of women then perhaps we can avoid this.

These faults do not need to be taboo topics; it all starts with a conversation.

Parlor mastery equals athletic prowess? --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 02/04/11

As amateur sports seasons come to a close and many of us non-intercollegiate athletes enjoy the occasional intramural contest to stay active, some engage in rigorous workout routines to maintain peak fitness levels.

However, as a recreational athlete (if anyone objects to that classification, feel free to let me know and I will amend) I like to tack on another activity to hone different aspects of competition: parlor games.

You know, the sort of games that you like to unwind with on the weekends whilst spending time with friends and family.

Let’s face it: These games require an inordinate level of hand-eye coordination some of us just do not have. Your typical bar athlete has mastered his or her craft in at least three of these five parlor games: darts, ping pong, foosball, billiards and with the advent of 21st century arcade technologies, Dance Dance Revolution (to be fair, I suppose Big Buck Hunter can be included as well).

I am sure many of you are shaking your head at the mere utterance of “athlete” with “bar,” but make no mistake, these individuals are not the type to cross at your local watering hole. What better way to parlay all your hard work at the gym into something you can truly boast about?

Everyone loves to brag about sinking game-winning free throws in intramural basketball or kicking a walk-off in kickball. Heck, even the men and women of intramural badminton love flaunting their swat stats.

But in order to really bring someone to his or her knees, there is nothing like a good old-fashioned butt-kicking on the pool table. Playing surfaces are limited in the greater Collegeville/St. Joseph area (a handful of dart boards and pool tables, only a couple foosball and ping pong tables and only one meager Big Buck Hunter), making skill in these games a premium if you want to get some practice in.

However, as I said before, it is important to combine these activities with regular involvement in intramural athletics and an arduous fitness workout. Take your pick; even the most lackadaisical of competitors can find an intramural league to call home.

If you are feeling squirrelly, dodge ball at SJU might be the ticket, or looking to connect with your former fourth-grade self, then check out whiffle ball.

In no way, shape or form am I suggesting putting all your eggs in one basket and leaving out your daily weight-lifting or cardio, because if there is one thing that improves bar athleticism, it is fitness and stamina. Once you achieve this trifecta, you will excel in all areas of life: career, academics, athletics, socialization, other things … but I digress.

If you are looking to impress that special someone this weekend, keep your athleticism well rounded; that’s how my dad (affectionately known as the “parlor master”) wooed my mom. Just remember, if you look good, you feel good and you play good.

Swap that purple for some green --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 01/28/11

For lifelong fans of the Minnesota Vikings, this year’s NFL playoffs have been a bit of a sore spot.

This was supposed to be the year of the purple and gold. The year that our two-year, $25 million savior, gets personal and organizational redemption by leading our pro-bowl packed line-up to the bright lights of the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, where we could watch No. 28 shred the turf on a basketball-court-sized flat screen. Yet, instead, most of us probably spent last Sunday lazily sunk into our futons, drinking flat beer from the night before, eating out-of-season guacamole and watching our two most hated rivals hack out the NFC title game in a woeful, defensive slugfest.

The only treat of these playoffs thus far was watching Marshawn Lynch and the rest of the mediocre-at-best Seattle Seahawks team gently dismantle the defending World Champions.

Nobody wants to hear any more stories about heartbroken mini-mart owners from New Orleans whose only ray of sunshine in the last five years was watching the Saints win the Superbowl.

Sunday came in its usual manner, only instead of getting to watch the purple, we were forced to lather in the success of our foes and swallow any ounce of pride that has not headed South for the winter.

However, in a game where most Vikings fans would probably rather see Soldier Field go up in flames than see either team celebrate a trip to Dallas, I found myself quietly recycling that pride for a team that is probably much more deserving of such a season this year, the Green Bay Packers.

Notice how I use the word “recycle” here, indicating that it is more of a second hand intrigue as opposed to a first hand passion.

I will admit I am all for white-washing an unruly Packer fan in the snow if they have gone too far with their sultry smack talk, but I have found that there is no use crying over spilled milk (and our team has spilled a lot of it). On the advisory of my good friend and roommate (who happens to be a Packers fan), Vikings fans should avoid eating sour grapes and instead move for some humble pie.

The Pack have faced just as much if not more adversity this season, losing their top two running backs for the entire regular season, among many other injuries that plagued them (Clay Matthews, Aaron Rodgers, etc.). Sure, they might not have had the Young and the Restless feel our season has had, but I must acknowledge that A-Rodg and co. have earned it this year.

Perhaps if we would have opted to draft him in 2005 instead of stone hands Troy Williamson or Erasmus James, it might be our turn. Of course, we did not, so I wish the green and gold and any CSB/SJU Packer fans the best of luck on Superbowl weekend. Though, I’d appreciate it if you’d munch on some humble pie pre-game instead of 98 cent Hass avocados in order to avoid bathing in the snow after the game courtesy of us grumbled old Vikings fans.

Dancing Queens (Article) --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 11/12/10

If you were walking through Sexton Dining during the evening of Nov. 4 with a look of peculiarity, you clearly weren’t a part of the raucously over-capacity crowd gathered next door at Br. Willie’s Pub to watch the 1.5th edition of PRiSM’s Gender Bender Drag Show.

Yes, BWP bore a stunning resemblance to a Sunday night at the Saloon bar in Minneapolis, with significantly less exposed skin. On a night when the Office T.V. show reigns supreme (or at least it used to), hundreds flocked to cheer on fellow classmates (and a couple outrageously talented professional drag queens) as they defied the rules of masculinity and femininity and brought the house down to musical selections ranging from Gaga to Luke Bryan with a lil’ Britney sandwiched in.

With an emcee (Mr. Michael Sorenson, secretary of PRiSM) who had every girl in the building saying “damn, why can’t I look that good in a pencil skirt?” and a flamboyantly friendly guest “queen” bringing up a lucky few to award PRISM T-shirts (yours truly included), the event proved a sensational success.

Hello, hello, hyper masculinity you called? I can’t hear a thing, I’m far too amused watching the AKS girls strut like kings.

“It’s just great entertainment, Ana Seivert, education liason for PRiSM, said. “Once people see what it is they’re a lot more accepting. It’s not threatening, it’s just good (clean) fun.”

Seivert herself took the stage along with fellow PRiSM member and president, Jennie Anderson, as they donned their best Biebs impressions, welcoming dollar bills aplenty for their undoubtedly “royal” performance.

Skeptical at first myself in attending the event, I found much more enrichment out of it than my usual Thursday tradition of intramural basketball and stumbling ten steps from my house down to Sal’s for all-you- can-drink (which I still managed to work into my schedule of course). But as I looked across the Pub from my birds-eye view atop the 21+ balcony, I couldn’t help but observe the strikingly limited number of men on hand for the show.

“It’s sad more Johnnies aren’t involved,” echoed both Seivert and Sorenson.

No discredit to all who were in attendance, but you’re really missing out fellas. If getting some culture, straying from the average and supporting your GLBT friends and classmates aren’t really for you, then you should at least add up the facts from what I’ve accounted so far: hundreds gathered … handful of men … need I say more?

“If Johnnies are looking to meet girls they should come to a PRiSM event, it’s all straight women and me,” Sorenson said.

Spoken like a true Casanova, Mike. As a straight man who’s been to a few PRiSM events, I can certainly vouch for that. Attending a PRiSM event and/or being an ally does not make you less of a man. Gender’s just a social construct after all, right? Right, it is. In fact, being a drag performer doesn’t even imply any particular sexual orientation.

So Johnnies, drop the hyper masculine persona because it’s clearly not attracting the good wholesome Bennies anyway. Be a man and check out a PRiSM event, it’s probably your highest statistical opportunity to meet women anywhere at CSB/SJU.

If you missed the Gender Bender, don’t fret, PRiSM’s showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show today at 8 p.m. in the Pellegrene Auditorium at 8 p.m. Toss on some fishnets, deep red lipstick and your best Tim Curry get-up (entirely optional).

It's Tebow, what's not to love? --- Published in the CSB/SJU Record Newspaper 09/04/10

At first glance you might think I would lump myself in with those who “love to hate” the Denver Broncos rookie quarterback and first round draft pick. On the contrary, I’d like to clarify that, as a lifelong Florida Gator fan I, in fact, declare Mr. Tebow to be one of the greatest college football players of all time.

Aside from that, I consider him to be an important role model for young athletes … the man is a saint. If you take away everything he’s done on the football field, would people still carry disdain toward him?

We’re talking about a man who devoted most of his high school and college summers to missionary work in places like the Philippines, Thailand and Croatia. He has been involved in his father’s missionary program since he was a boy, and views his fame as a football star as a way to garner support for this very cause.

Tebow has exemplified the role of a student athlete in his time at the University of Florida, balancing football with a rumored 3.7 GPA and a devout participation in his faith.

Some view the oft etched bible verses on his eye black, now banned by the NCAA, as a disrespectful way of forcing his faith on audiences. This is no different than NFL players engaging in prayer prior to a game, both of which I believe to be constructive ways to exercise one’s faith without imposing it upon those around them.

However you feel about the way Tebow carries himself on or off the field is irrelevant. The guy’s a winner. One Heisman trophy, twice first team All-American, two national titles, two SEC titles, three trips to the SEC title game, numerous individual achievement awards and, most importantly, academic All-American every year of eligibility.

I’ll admit, I can see where his college success might rub some people the wrong way, it’s the same reason everyone hates the Yankees (specifically Jeter and A-Rod) and if I weren’t a Gators fan, I might be in the same boat (I’ve never been particularly fond of Sam Bradford, Darren McFadden in his Arkansas days, Matt Flynn, etc.).

The thing I have a problem with is cheering against his success in the NFL. I’m sure there are people who think Josh McDaniels and Co. were absolutely nuts to take a gamble on an option quarterback in the first round of the draft, but Tebow is a workhorse and his sheer willpower alone will lead him to at least moderate success in the NFL. Plus, anybody who is willing to flaunt a Friar Tuck haircut gets at least some sort of props in my book.

I believe in the guy and I hope all his hard work gets him a shot at a starting job in the NFL and I’m sure he’ll carry on his winning tradition with the Broncos and whoever else he plays for. If not, he’s certainly got a future in coaching since he’s not short of enthusiasm. I’d love to see him takeover for Urban Meyer down in Gainesville someday when his playing days are through.

Say what you want about Tim Tebow on the football field, but I respect him for everything he’s accomplished on and off the field.