College athletes are assumed to be the best of the best. In some ways they act as role models and are expected to set an example. Having the expectation to uphold a certain persona has to have an affect on their college experience.
The NCAA has its own set of regulations on alcohol consumption as far as the athletes are concerned, but what do the coaches and the athletes think?
Track and Field might be one of the most time intensive and physically demanding sports when it comes to maintaining a certain weight and fitness. Natalie Roy, a theater sophomore and track team member, said that the team is very clear on what the NCAA and Cal Poly Athletics rules are and are even given packets that have everything outlined for student- athletes. On the NCAA’s website, there is a resource manual that not only outlines the rules but also has information about how alcohol affects the body, mind, and overall performance.
“The coaches obviously expect us to take care of our bodies, but it’s really an honor system,” Roy said. “Everyone on the team takes there position seriously and are really responsible. “
Also a member of the track team, sophomore wide receiver for the Cal Poly football team, Jarred Houston explained some of the rules and consequences of unsafe alcohol use for the football team.
During away games, the football team has a team curfew with lights out in the hotel by 9 p.m. The coaches ask that the team not going out when they’re traveling. Team members are also suspended if they receive punishment from the law for alcohol. Something like a DUI would result in suspension for the season and the player is required to finish all the proper classes. The team is also held to a two strike and you’re out rule of thumb.
“Its kind of an unwritten rule, and not that the coaches are condoning drinking,” Houston said, “but when we go out, they always tell us to ‘fly with a wingman.’ They want to make sure we always have someone looking out for us.”
As a whole, the football team is taught to watch out for each other, and keep each other in line. Houston said that if a team member does make a mistake, everyone learns from it and it motivates everyone to work harder and make up for it. Although there are smaller groups of friends within the team, they’re still a pretty tight nit team according to Houston.
“We have team parties or just hang out and throw the ball around on the weekends,” he said, “and even though we’re such a big team we like to look out for each other. If someone is in trouble or messing up we’re right there and stay connected that way.”
The common consensus is that all Cal Poly sports teams are held to high expectations to not only look out for themselves, but one another as well. This sense of unity is what helps keep everyone in line.
“As much publicity and media attention as athletics get,” Houston said, “We still do a really good job of looking out for each other and keeping each other in line.