Let there be no doubt that athletics is a priority. President James Wright made this clear at an alumni and friends gathering before the Princeton football game on Nov. 19, 2006. "Students know that by coming to Dartmouth their athletic careers will complement, not stifle, their academic goals," Wright said, adding that this expectation emphasizes "traditional and defining strengths of Dartmouth—students who learn to work collaboratively, learn teamwork, and assume leadership roles. These graduates go on to lives that are marked by responsibility and accomplishments. Playing fields, courts, and rinks are good places to learn."
To read a longer story about President Wright's speech, click on "For the Love of the Game" (Dartmouth Life, December 2006).
Director of Athletics and Recreation Jo Ann "Josie" Harper adds: "I've never felt more challenged but, at the same time, I've never felt better about the support that athletics is receiving from (President) Jim Wright and the College administration. Certainly, we need patience as football and men’s basketball continue to rebuild. These are seen by many as the ‘front porch’ sports, and at times, the common measure of success. In these sports, and in all sports, winning is the goal."
To read about other athletics programs, see Dartmouth Life Athletics Special Issue (February 2007).
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