ULV’s athletic teams merit support

editorial cartoon by Natalie Fowle
editorial cartoon by Natalie Fowle

For an institution that has no athletic scholarships and emphasizes academics over athletics, the University of La Verne has a rich, successful athletic tradition.

Support for the Leopards seems to be at least as good this year as it has been in years past.

But La Verne’s athletic teams have definitely given reason for the ULV community to come together and cheer on its athletes. Football always seems to draw crowds, and that is good to see, but there are several other teams that are among the best in the region, a couple ranked in the top 20 in NCAA Division III and even one that is regarded as one of the best teams in the nation, period.

La Verne’s men’s water polo team is tied for 19th in Wednesday’s Collegiate Water Polo Association’s Men’s National Collegiate Top 20 Poll. The Leopards are also the top-ranked team in Division III for the second consecutive week.

The team’s 5-3 record includes wins over two of the top teams in any division. ULV defeated 16th ranked U.S. Naval Academy and No. 18 UC Davis. Their loses have all been to top-ranked teams. They lost by two to No. 12 U.S. Air Force Academy and opened the season with an 11-7 loss to UC Santa Barbara.

The water polo team’s schedule is stacked with matches against many of the nation’s top teams. The Leopards have a rematch at home against Air Force on Sunday. The team would undoubtedly appreciate a big turnout at the ULV Aquatics Center (From ULV, take Bonita, left on White, left on College Lane).

The University of Redlands could also pose a tough challenge. The Bulldogs are ranked second to ULV in Division III, and the Leopards won an early-season match, 8-6.

The women’s volleyball team is ranked 15th in Division III by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. They are undefeated (8-0) and have already defeated conference rival Cal Lutheran. That gives the Leopards an excellent chance to qualify for regionals, and with 7 p.m. home games in the Supertents, huge crowds could help then achieve that.

ULV’s women’s soccer team is ranked No. 9 in the Division III West Region. Conference opponents Cal Lu, Redlands and Claremont are all ranked ahead of the Leopards. So big, vocal crowds would aid the team’s fight for a conference title and playoff spot.

But it is not just the nationally-ranked teams that deserve our support. In cross country, junior Lucas Neubauer set a school record for an 8,000-meter course. ULV’s runners traditionally get the least support of any sport. And with no on-campus meets, the Campus Times is guilty of being a no-show as well.

Men’s soccer is not enjoying the success other teams are. But just like any team, they would most assuredly appreciate support from the rest of the ULV community.

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Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

Natalie Fowle, Photography Editor
Natalie Fowle

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