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HomeOpinionDavidson College spirit undaunted on campus and at the hoops

Davidson College spirit undaunted on campus and at the hoops

The Davidson College basketball team (Wildcats) have enthralled and captivated us with their impressive performance on the court. The team brought a fresh perspective to the March Madness series. Convincingly, they showed their competency in this sport. For this season’s viewers, Davidson was a special gift.

The Wildcats will be remembered and given a place in history of March madness even though they were finally subdued by Kansas in Detroit. In this case, laurels go to to loser as well as the Jayhawks. To them goes the kudos of being the Cinderella team of the series. Each player displayed team spirit and proficiency in handling the ball, rebounding and successfully scoring.

The magnificent Davidson team, whose streak of 25 wins, the largest in the nation, ended, but they are still a favorite among Tennesseans.

This sparkling play caught our attention and we began to ask other fans “where is Davidson College?” Hungry for information, we went to their website, which gave us insight into its academy program. We witnessed their spirit on the court, but there is much more spirit on this campus, located in Davidson, N.C.

First, Davidson takes pride in itself; it is known for its academic achievements as well as its sports. Each year it is identified as one of the best small colleges in America its healthy education environment. It challenges its 1700 students and supports them financially.

Secondly, Davidson College is famous for its tradition. Founded in 1839,and named for a Revolutionary War General and a gracious benefactor, from the beginning it was committed to the highest values. It began as a Presbyterian school and still holds ties with that denomination.It’s code of honor solicits the highest moral principles.

Thirdly, Davidson proudly points to distinguished graduates such as Woodrow Wilson, Tony Snow and Dean Rusk. Since its founding, it has contributed to American history.

Recently the Davidson Board of Trustees voted to change policy in its selection of faculty. Before each had to pass the Litmus test of being Christian. Now, 20% of the faculty can be non-Christian. I respect this decision of openness and acceptance of other viewpoints. The students will profit from such contact with non-Christians in the classroom.This was a controversial decision and several influential board members resigned in protest of the change. However, they still support the college and still believe in it. There hasn’t been any loss in income or gifts as a result of this change. I give tribute to the Board of Trustees still serving, and to those who resigned, especially the latter for their continued financial support.

I am grateful that the Wildcats played in March Madness and for the spirit they demonstrated on and off the court. I am hoping for a rerun of Wildcat spirit in 2009.

Rev. Charles Moreland
Rev. Charles Moreland
Rev. Charles Moreland, retired, has lived in Clarksville for seven years and holds great pride in his adopted city and its people. His one objection in Tennessee is the Hall law of taxes on dividends and savings. Charles served in the U.S. Army Chaplaincy from 1966-1986, retiring to serve as a United Methodist pastor near Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He serves on the Boards of Directors for the ARP, Roxy Theater and MCDP. Though retired, he is a regular speaker at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. His five grandchildren, ages two to thirteen years, live in Evansville, Indiana. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in Germany and Korea while on active duty.
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