New Athletics Association Chair adjusts to the job

Megan Culp ’07 works hard to promote athletics on campus

 

By JULIA KNOX

 

Every day at 4:00 p.m., a tiny, muscular student can be seen flying down the athletic field by Moody. Every day she’s either throwing a lacrosse ball, running sprints, or encouraging her teammates.

 

That student is Megan Culp ’07.

 

Whether it’s on the playing field, at the weight room, or in the SGA office, students can see Culp involved in all aspects of athletics at Hollins.

 

Culp, a business major from Richmond, Va., became Athletic Association Chair after last semester’s chair, Christine Jehu ’06, went to London. The AAC is responsible for promoting spirit and support for athletics at Hollins. This is done by choosing athletes of the week, holding a spirit week, and planning other events to encourage students to come out and support their athletes.

 

“I’m really involved in athletics, and Christine suggested I run for AA chair,” said Culp. “I thought about it and decided to do it, because I really want to improve the athletics situation at Hollins.”

 

“I knew Megan and how involved she was in athletics,” said Jehu. “I was sure she would do a good job in my absence.”

 

One would asuume an athletics association chair would be athletic, and Culp is no exception. She has played lacrosse for Hollins since her freshman year and has performed tae kwon do for 13 years.

 

“My roommate [freshman year] was a big lacrosse player in high school,” explained Culp. “She played for Hollins, but it turned out they only had like, 4 people on the team or something. They needed more people, so she begged me to play and I did.”

 

Although she had never played, Culp was a natural at lacrosse.

 

“Megan is one of our most valuable players,” said team captain Amy Fitzwater ’05. “Not only in her athletics skill, but in the way she promotes teamwork and brings the team together.”

 

Since taking over the AAC position from Jehu, Culp has had to deal with difficult athetlics situations. Her biggest issue has been the fallout from the clean slate review. After three sports – field hockey, cross country and volleyball – were cut, the teams need SGA funding if they wish to continue as club sports.

 

“Club sports is a huge issue for me,” said Culp. “They now fall under the athletic chair’s range, so I’m the first person to ever deal with them and we’re still working everything out.”

 

“It’s so complicated and there are so many factors involved,” said Culp. “But I’m optimistic because I think that SGA can work something out between us, the administration and the teams so everyone’s happy.”

 

Lisa Bower ’05, SGA vice-president, said that Megan was working hard to balance  the needs of SGA and the students.

 

“We’re all confused when it comes to club sports,” said Bower. “I think Megan is doing a wonderful job of trying to figure everything out and make everyone as happy as possible.”

 

In addition to playing lacrosse, Culp often can be seen running the loop or lifting weights in the weight room. She hopes to do something about the condition of the weight room. Students have complained for years about the need for better and more modern weight-training equipment.

 

“I work out in the weight room myself, so I know what they mean,” said Culp. “It needs a makeover.” She cautions, however, that the athletic chair is usually not responsible or involved in making these changes.    

 

As AA chair, Culp was also responsible for leading the Tinker Day hike, which occurred Wed. April 6. She also hung signs on Tinker Mountain, encouraging students to keep climbing.

 

Right now, Culp is busy planning the spring spirit week. Each AAC is responsible for planning a week that promotes spirit and support for the athletic games. The week is usually held the week during where there are the most home games.

 

This week’s year which falls April 4-10. By promoting the athletic games of the week, having themed days like Hat Day, and selling the popular “Burn the Briar” t-shirts, Culp hopes to promote athletics at Hollins and have everyone come out to support them.

 

“It’s going to be hard, partially because we never have a big attendance at athletic events and partially because it coincides with Hampden-Sydney’s Greek Week, but I’m really trying to make it so everybody that’s here wants to come out and support our players,” said Culp. “These girls give so much of their time to athletics, and I want to make sure they’re all properly recognized and honored.”

 

Great job Julia…I liked this story when I read it the first time…I still like it!! See you next year!