Life Behind Baseball

For the first time in 2011, we were on the wrong end of a weekend series sweep.  This time it was at the hands of conference rival, Rider University.  The Bronc’s out-played us in all three games to earn a crucial sweep early in the MAAC season; the three losses put us below .500 in league play.  It is crucial to have a good week of preparation going into 9-0 Manhattan next week.   Nevertheless, we wanted to feature the Student-Athlete Enhancement Center as this week’s story.

To come in a freshman and play a Division I sport and take a full class load requires exceptional time management skills.  Oftentimes, student-athletes struggle with this skill. We had to complete a minimum of six hours per-week of studying in addition to doing work in the Student-Athlete Enhancement Center.  This is what we refer to as study hall. Located in the main athletic building, the center provides 19 computers with access to research databases, as well as word processing programs.  Student-Athletes also have access to a group-study conference room, and an individual tutorial room in which to study.  After spending many of hours in study hall we have both become close with the center’s director, Alyssa Gates.  

Marist Student-Athletes at work in the Enhancement Center

Working with Alyssa is Assistant Director, Cammie Jones, and intern Matt Francis.  The goal of the Student-Athlete Enhancement staff is to help to ensure that student-athletes successfully balance their commitment of academics and athletics.  The staff and enhancement center provide student-athletes with academic support through various means. Academic advisors, tutors, and other study facilities all help provide the student-athlete with a means to be successful in the classroom as well as prepare them for life after college. Alyssa and her staff have done so much not only for the two of us, but the rest of Marist student-athletes. We cannot thank them enough.

We will be checking in later on in the week with a video interview with senior RHP Brendan Chapin.  Stay tuned!