The following is a guest blog from our friend Jim Kramer. Jim is on the Alumni Board and is a color commentator for Ranger basketball. So, take it away Jim!:
Although Parkside has been in existence for only 40 years we have seen many great athletes come through the doors of this University in that short span of time. Take a walk through the SAC and allow yourself time to look at the plaques that adorn the walls in the hallway throughout the building.
If you are an alum, it may bring back some great memories. Maybe remind you of classmates that you had or remember seasons of the past.
Parkside has seen its share of good times and has also seen many seasons of disappointment. That comes with the territory when you enter the sports arena. Losing seasons make you appreciate the times when the teams perform well even more. As fans it is difficult to watch teams that represent you struggle through tough times. However those struggles multiply for the athletes that are a part of them.
The commitment made by these young men and women goes far beyond the athletics part of the equation. Practice, schedules, study, and travel, are all a part of the athletes life and they do this representing YOU, the current students, the alums, and the local communities. They need the support of these communities that they represent.
Be a Ranger backer and support the teams that Parkside fields, whether it is Track, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Wrestling, Volleyball, or Soccer.
Fourty years has built some nice history. The UWP community is a small one. Help it to grow and flourish in the years to come. Be proud to be a Ranger and be proud to be represented by so many great young people who try their best in athletics.