College nixes all athletic programs, replaces with wellness classes

[Bateluer]

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/2031...ams?hpt=us_bn8

ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -

Spelman College is getting rid of athletics in order to focus on wellness programs for the entire college.

Spelman's president, Beverley Daniel Tatum, told CBS Atlanta News that black women are at a particular risk of health problems, so it's important to get them all active at a young age.

"When heart specialists say black women are at the top of list for heart disease, and when we know black women are twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes in their lifetime, all of these issues being related to weight gain and being overweight," said Tatum. "It made sense for us to really try to address that issue."

Spelman College plans to add new activities to campus like zumba, yoga and dance classes.

"These tend to draw students who may not think about exercise but like to dance. So the creativity that our wellness coordinator has brought to task has encouraged more and more students to get involved," said Tatum.

Also, Spelman College plans to replace collegiate sports with intramurals so everyone can play.

"It will allow students to work together in teams, in collaboration and allow students to be able to have other outlets. Instead of coming to a game, they can be in the game," said athletic director Germaine McAuley.

But not everyone is happy about it. Many of the current athletes were shocked to hear the news they wouldn't be playing next year.

"A lot of the athletes are extremely upset. Some are talking about transferring," said basketball player Amber Banks.

Banks said the benefits of college athletics just can't be replaced. "It means a lot putting on that uniform and working with people who you know care about you," said Banks. "Working for a coach who wants you to do well and you want to do well for them. It's sad to have that go."

But in the end, the athletes are greatly outnumbered by the rest of the students.

"I think it can make a huge difference. Doctors tell us 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference in health status," said Tatum.

Tatum said she has gotten a lot of phone calls from other small colleges about doing something like this. It wasn't their goal to be the guinea pig, but Tatum said they welcome the challenge.

I'm all for making wellness programs, providing zumba, yoga, etc. Keeping the entire student body active and educated about their health is a good thing. But isn't killing all the sport programs, soccor, football, baseball, basketball, etc, overkill? Throwing the baby out with the bath water, as it were.

[highland145]

I'm all for making wellness programs, providing zumba, yoga, etc. Keeping the entire student body active and educated about their health is a good thing.

this. I work out at a university gym. Outfitted very well, lots of classes, nutrition help, trainers, etc.......But in the last several years the crowed has thinned drastically. 20 min wait for an elliptical in now take your pick. The younger peeps don't get it or don't care. I'm thinking the latter.

Spelman may be having a $$ issue and this is their excuse.

[needcamryhelp]

I think this is awesome. I wish my college offered this....and could somehow manage to keep our athletic programs too...

[highland145]

Originally Posted by needcamryhelp

I think this is awesome. I wish my college offered this....and could somehow manage to keep our athletic programs too...

Do you not have a college gym now?



And fat loss sticky.

[Bateluer]

Originally Posted by highland145

Do you not have a college gym now?

My community college had two fitness centers, they're open to the public for membership fees too. I've only been inside them once, but they seemed well equipped.

[DrPizza]

Since athletics cost a lot more money than they bring in for universities, I wonder if this will catch on?

[prism]

Originally Posted by DrPizza

Since athletics cost a lot more money than they bring in for universities, I wonder if this will catch on?

Universities can stop paying and treating their coaches like they're demigods. People serious about athletics will still play the sport(s) they want to.

[tedrodai]

Originally Posted by prism

Universities can stop paying and treating their coaches like they're demigods. People serious about athletics will still play the sport(s) they want to.

Eh...people serious about athletics will go to play at a place that supports the organized team sport they want to play. And I doubt those schools with successful programs will quit treating their coaches like demigods, but who can say the long term effects.

I think this isn't such a big deal, really. I think the talk about "focus on wellness programs for the entire college" is more about trying to make something good come of the unfortunate need to nix the organized sports due to money. It's not necessarily a good change or a bad change, but it's a business decision they have to make...and those students and faculty will just have to see if it works out. Lord knows they can have wellness programs without nixing their organized sports.

[surfsatwerk]

Wellness programs do not make anybody "well".