RAY SWANSON | Keystone Corner Touch-and-go for Olympics
The Olympics once stood as a beacon light, a symbol reaching out to the sophisticated athletes of the world to come together for a four-year reunion.
Its main ambitions were to pit the finest talents of all countries and bring them together for competition, camaraderie and good sportsmanship.
But presently, the tide has turned for the U.S. and now American athletes have to ask themselves, "Do we go or not?"
With all of the anti-American sentiment circulating around the world, the 2004 Summer Olympics coming up in Greece is certainly not the place to be with all of the hostilities expected. In this case, I would say it's better to be safe than sorry.
Nothing new
The current dilemma is nothing new to the Games. Let's say there has always been turmoil to some degree. Remember Hitler and his reaction to Jesse Owens, who was one of the finest Olympic performers the U.S. has ever witnessed. Jesse made the whole world stand up with his spectacular running performances.
In more recent years, President Jimmy Carter felt the ire of the country and American athletes when he kept the U.S. team from competing in Moscow. There have been other incidents, too, some of a more serious nature.
No one will ever forget the Munich Olympics when television announcer Jim McKay was on hand live to broadcast the taking of Israeli hostages by a band of terrorists.
Over 500 U.S. athletes are scheduled to compete in Athens and U.S. officials say they are committed to Greece and are highly confident that our athletes will be protected throughout the Games. It is possible, however, that President Bush could step in and intervene at any time if he believes there is the possibility of danger to any of our athletes. That possibility, however, would not stand up too well with nations of the world as many of them are still upset with Bush over the Iraqi situation. Some of the top U.S. athletes have already pulled out and others are also contemplating the move.
It's a sin and a shame that it has come to this. Not all countries and their people are blessed like the one we live in where you can compete without fear for the most part.
There have already been bombings in Athens which points out the fact that there is certain danger in this place, danger which could keep the U.S. from its anticipated run at the gold, silver and bronze medals. Someone once said to stay away from places where you believe you are not wanted. That may be the solution for Athens. If we do go, I say proceed with the utmost caution.
Captains named
Three captains have been named to lead the 2004 Westminster College football team.
They are senior running back Scott Froelich (Cuyahoga Falls), senior defensive end Don Waldron (Lakeview) and senior defensive tackle Tony Ventresco (Boardman).
Froelich was named player of the year by the Presidents' Athletic Conference and the ECAC South Region in 2003. As a junior he recorded 281 caries for 1,486 yards and 15 touchdowns, posting the third highest single-season rushing total in school history. He also caught 15 passes for 193 yards and two scores while throwing a pair of TD passes on halfback option passes to account for 19 total touchdowns.
Waldron had 59 total tackles while adding four pass breakups, five tackles for losses and three quarterback sacks. He was an All-PAC first team selection.
Ventresco is a two-year starter. Last season he posted 67 total tackles (44 solo) with two pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries and a team-high 10 tackles for losses.