Bulldogs excel despite obstacles

I hope Robert Bierman (Letters, Jan. 1, “Zags haven’t played up to potential”) read John Blanchette’s column (“GU surpasses reasonable goals”) the same day.

Blanchette astutely summed up many locals’, including Bierman’s, somewhat misguided view of the Zags.

As the best team in the area, they are often thought of, and treated, as professional athletes. However, they are not professional athletes; they are student-athletes.

In my opinion, the role of student-athlete is much more difficult. In addition to the daily practices, intense workout regimens, and cross-country travel, typical of professional players, student-athletes are also expected to maintain the high levels of academic achievement necessary to meet NCAA standards.

I am impressed by all student-athletes, particularly the GU men’s basketball team, because they go out and play as hard as they do, particularly this time of year. I am a college senior and know very few people, students and faculty alike, who are not mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the semester. Yet, Gonzaga went out and beat both Virginia and Eastern Washington at the end of their finals week.

Yes, they may have appeared tired and sluggish at points during those games, but considering the outside factors, they did a fine job.

These boys gave up their vacations and time with family and friends to play one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the country. They should be applauded, not chastised for having some bad days.

Great things are expected of this team, and I think they will deliver, providing the players do not let themselves get caught up by the demand for perfection that comes from fans and the media, many of whom seem to be so caught up in “Gonzaga Fever” they forget they are cheering for a college team.

Kathy Korsmo

Spokane