1961

In April of this year our class held an off-campus mini-reunion in Philadelphia. The event, which covered four days, was an outstanding success, (which I can now state as fact)! Kudos to Dave Prewitt, with more than able assistance from his wife, Joan (or was it the other way around?). The event consisted of cocktail parties, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, visits to museums, a tour of historic Philadelphia, a Saturday evening dinner dance with a live band and near-perfect weather. Approximately 33 classmates attended, most with spouses or significant others, so that we had approximately 61 people overall.

Passion for Skiing is the book project developed, funded, written, edited and recently published by Dartmouth alumni, led by Steve Waterhouse '65. Included in the direct credits and profiled extensively are our own Art Kelton, Cartter Frierson and Steve Crisafulli. Art dealt with skiing and real estate, Cartter dealt with the growth and influence of ski clubs, and Pam Crisafulli Hammeyer, Steves daughter, dealt with Steve's influence in the development and growth of the ski apparel industry.

Where should Dartmouth stand with respect to the quality of its major and most visible mens and women's athletic teams? Is Dartmouth's budget allocation adequate and sufficient to fund good teams for men's football and for both mens and women's basketball? If not, then why not? While I personally did not play either of those varsity sports at Dartmouth, I did take into account the quality of those teams when considering what Ivy League college to attend. Why? People generally like a winner! Winning games are more enjoyable to attend as a spectator. The school spirit is at a different and higher level. Finally, winners begat winners, both in and out of the classroom.

Winning teams also generate free publicly for student recruiting and alumni support purposes. Such publicity is priceless. Just look at the publicity generated by Cornell, dubbed the "Cinderella Team" at the time, when it won two significant upset basketball games at the NCAA March Madness tournament this year to reach the "Sweet 16." Also, what about the effect of Butler reaching the NCAA final?

I can remember distinctly that school spirit happening in 1959, when the Dartmouth mens basketball team reached the top eight teams before losing to West Virginia in the NCAA tournament quarterfinals (the regional finals). That was a proud time for Dartmouth basketball, Dartmouth athletics and Dartmouth College. I firmly believe that the quality and quantity of enrolled scholar athletics probably improved as a result of that and similar positive athletic experiences.

Why would Dartmouth want or expect any less now? A top-rated college should have toprated men's and women's major athletic teams. These teams do not necessarily have to win the titles each year, but they should certainly be perennial contenders. Building winning teams should be part of the educational process of building individual character. I, for one, am tired of seeing losing teams year after year in the major and most visible sports. What do you think about this?

5 Red Ground Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568; victor.rich@rsmi.com