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As Raiders fans juggle plans to make travel arrangements for this Friday’s championship game in Chattanooga, Tenn., the players are doing a different kind of juggling act: balancing final exams with a final victory.

‘I’m actually taking one exam at home, which was an idea suggested to me by my dean.  My guidance counselor at my high school is going to administer my exam. I feel like I’m getting a lot of support from the university.  They’re letting us focus on academics and football equally,’ said sophomore Will Arnold, who plays cornerback.

Nerves, anticipation, and excitement have studded every player’s thoughts this week as they think about the title game against the Delaware Blue Hens. Trying to displace those feelings in favor of focused study has been challenging.

‘I’ve been pretty much distracted just thinking about the national championships as I’m reading,’ said junior quarterback Chris Brown.  ‘It’s been tough, but I’m doing okay.’

Senior tight end John Frieser said he is not nervous, but more anxious about the title game.

‘I really can’t wait to play the game on Saturday.  All the anticipation builds up a lot throughout the week.  I tried to get my work done as much as I could early, and I think it has paid off for me. Naturally after winning a big game like last weekend you want to relax and take it all in but you have to buckle down and get your studying done,’ Frieser said.

Mark Edwards, assistant dean of multicultural affairs and assistant professor of sociology, serves as the faculty adviser to the football team. He has met regularly with other administrators since ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ first entered the playoffs to discuss ways to help the team balance work and play.

Players have been in discussion with their faculty members about alternatives to exams that are scheduled to be taken later this week. Some students have made arrangements to e-mail, fax, or overnight mail their take-home exams to professors while on the road.  Others might have the option of taking a proctored exam.

‘We don’t want to really give extensions to the athletes, but we want to make sure they have the same amount of time to get their work done as everybody else.  We’re trying to get their exams done as close to the deadline as possible, but we understand they’re in a different situation. No one thought the academic semester would be done and we’d still have a football game to play,’ Edwards said.

‘So far everything has worked okay and faculty members have been real cooperative and understanding of the unique situation these kids are in,’ Edwards added.

What about the first-years on the team’  At 18 or 19 years old, new to the college scene and the rigorous demands of academics at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ, the added dimension of an unbelievable football streak and extended practice time has proved an unexpected ‘ though not unwelcome challenge.

‘It’s kind of difficult because we really don’t have as much time to study as everyone else,’ said Andrew Moore, a free safety. ‘But this is amazing.  It’s the longest football season I’ve ever played.  It hasn’t really hit me yet, but it’s a great year to come to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ.’

Geoff Bean, also a free safety, said it boils down to studies and football, and little in between.

‘It’s going be hard this week, but it’s all worth it. ‘You’re focused on school and on football; there’s really no social life in between.  But it doesn’t bother us. The guys on the team are really dedicated, and we’re just really excited for this weekend.’

Center Jake Sulovski echoed the sense of excitement as the Raiders make their run.

‘It’s an amazing feeling. When you come on a recruiting trip, you don’t consider that this team would be on their way to a national championship.’

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Jess Buchsbaum
Communications Department
315.228.6637