One thing is for certain: Ohio athletics has produced a lot of excitement during the fall campaigns thus far.
The Ohio football team defeated Pitt on ESPN2 at Peden Stadium - in case you forgot - and the volleyball team has now not lost at home in more than three years. Instead of starting a dynasty three years ago like the volleyball team, I was too busy playing Halo.
I made a terrible mistake.
This past weekend, women's golfer Julie Tomlinson shot a school-record 66. That's usually what I rack up by the time I reach the tee on the fifth hole. Cross country runners Carime Reinhart and Andrea Maas have been pacing the women's team with personal bests, producing 5K times that remind me just how bad I was at running during junior-high mile tests in gym class.
Much has been going on, that is for sure, but a story I feel is falling through the cracks is that of our own Bobcat field hockey team.
Despite a rocky start due to a tough non-conference schedule, Ohio responded with three wins in the Mid-American Conference. The team's efforts have earned them a spot alone at the top of the MAC at 3-0 and as the conference's only undefeated team. What makes this feat even more impressive is that all these wins came on the road, one in double overtime.
Since coach Neil Macmillan took over the team when former coach Shelly Morris resigned after last season, the team has a new attitude - a winning attitude.
It is apparent that the team's goal this season is not just be a surprise underdog when the MAC Tourney rolls around - Ohio wants to dominate the MAC and secure a high seed, a MAC title and an NCAA berth.
This weekend showcases the Bobcats in MAC play at home for the first time this season as they play host to Central Michigan and Ball State. During the next two weekends, conference foes Ball State, Miami and Missouri State will all roll into Athens.
To say these games are critical to the Ohio season is an understatement. For a team that sees attendance between 100 and 200 people a game, there needs to be five times that in the stands and around Peggy Pruitt Field this weekend.
I know what you are all thinking - field hockey? Well, wipe that disinterested look off your face and get out there and give it a shot. I'm a longtime ice hockey fan who shared the same doubts as you before I got out to a game and see what this sport is all about.
It's worth the walk, and yes, for you freshman and South Green types, Peggy Pruitt is not a hop, skip and a jump. If you are willing to walk 15-20 minutes for a party, however, you have no excuse not to make it out. I walked from Atkinson as a freshman to catch the games. Find me a longer walk on campus to Peggy Pruitt, and I personally will come to pick you up.
So let's fill the stands, people and let the Bobcats know that we know they are the best in the MAC. Fans at other schools would kill, or at least maim, for this kind of success from their clubs, and we are turning a blind eye to a batch of talented athletes in our own backyard.
- Mark Shugar is a junior journalism major and sports editor for The Post. Send him an e-mail at ms314803@ohiou.edu.
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Mark Shugar
