Last of a Dying Breed

By Mark Siefert

Welcome back to the Cougar Den!

I’m going to deviate from my normal format this week. Instead, I want to focus on three SXU athletes who I believe deserve a lot of credit, and a standing ovation from everyone.

In today’s world of specialized jobs, specialized coaches, huge indoor sports domes and year-round sports, SXU has three spectacular two-sport athletes. Not since Bo Jackson and “Neon” Deon Sanders has there been a professional athlete who played two sports (sorry Chad Hutchinson). I still remember the stories of Deon Sanders having to fly from a football game to a baseball playoff game so he could play both in the same day.

When I grew up everyone I knew played multiple sports everyday, every season; now when I go home I see kids only playing one sport. Children are directed to pick one sport before they hit puberty. Parents, high-priced specialized coaches, and the lucrative ideals of a multi-million dollar sports contract are all forcing kids to choose. But I digress.

Ashley Ahline, senior, volleyball and track. What’s more impressive is that I will see her running in the morning when I know that she has practice latter in the day for volleyball. Ashley not only is involved in Cougar athletics but is involved in many other aspects around the SXU campus.

KJ Franklin, sophomore, football and track. SXU’s version of “Neon Deon”. KJ is just an amazing athlete who is blessed with lightning speed. He runs and he runs fast. It’s hard to describe what you are watching when you see KJ dart down the sideline, or break through the line. All I know is you don’t see it for long because he is either tackled or scores.

Shalonda “Showtime” Young, junior, women’s basketball and track. Her nickname tells you all you need to know about her. She is by far the most gifted athlete at SXU, male or female. Shalonda has become an outstanding basketball player and uses her unparalleled speed to outrun people on the court and the track.

Personally, I think what these three people do is unbelievable and deserves so much credit. Imagine always competing with no off-season, along with going to school. It is commendable what they are able to do and I think everyone should congratulate them next time you see them in the hall, café, or SAC.

Stay classy, Cougars.

Mark Siefert is a senior social science major from Crest Hill. He is a member of the baseball team. Consideration for the student bloggers is provided by Saint Xavier University.