Commentary; Posted: 4/7/04

Whalenís drive shows value of participation

By Don Heinzman

Lindsay Whalen, the All-American basketball player for the University of Minnesota, is a winner on and off the court and thatís what makes her so special.

No one will forget how she split the Duke University defense and scored a crucial basket during the unforgettable 82-75 victory over the No. 1-ranked Blue Devils that propelled the Gophers to the Womenís Final Four of the NCAA tournament.

Granted the Gophers won because they have a good team of outstanding individuals and coaching, but it is Whalenís fierce determination and inspiring leadership that energized the team and captured the stateís attention and admiration.

Equally impressive is how she and her teammates react off the court. Whalen, who does not enjoy the limelight, is humble and, has time for everyone who wants to ask her a question or sign an autograph.

At first writers will say what a role model she is for young girls who want to play sports. She, however, is a role model for anyone who wants to lead and perform to achieve a goal.

Her persistence and that of her teammates inspires all, who are sometimes tempted to just throw in the towel because the odds are so great.

Who would have imagined that Whalen would recover from two broken bones in her right shooting hand, and wearing a protective brace, control the ball and set up her players for their specialty shots?

Many would have felt sorry for themselves and ended the season.

They say that Whalenís leadership makes everyone on the team better, because she looks for them and unselfishly passes off the ball so they can reveal their talents. That is the trademark of great leadership, making everyone perform better to achieve the prize.

Make no mistake about it, Whalen, like every true athlete wants to win every time, which is the prize in sports, as much as winning in life.

No doubt in the sports world her achievement is overplayed as compared to other significant feats in the classrooms. She is also an Academic All-American.

Whalenís play, however, demonstrates the value of competition and what it can do to mold character, team work, and fair play under the guidance of good coaching as exemplified by Pam Borton, the second-year mentor of the program.

How ironic when this unusual team of outstanding women showcases the value of competitive activities, school boards continue to either cut programs or increase participation (activity) fees making it difficult for youngsters to have the experience.

Now, school boards are cutting the fifth and sixth grade band programs and the 7th and 8th grade sports programs, all in the interests of ìprotecting the classroom.î

What is so tragic about this strategy particularly in suburban communities, it strikes the most vulnerable junior high school students who go home to empty houses or link with kids that can lead to criminal behavior, smoking and drinking.

Having debate, speech, dance lines, cheerleading clubs, drama, art, music school newspaper and sports activities contribute mightily to the development of young people and is an integral part of their education.

After watching Lindsay Whalen perform, who doubts that?

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