I used the word Organization in my title for two different meanings.

First, I finally sat down with a planner and wrote out all of my test days and assignment due dates. I feel that this is something I probably should have done at the beginning of the semester, nonetheless it is important for any college student to make sure they have their priorities under control. Now that I have written all of my dates out, I feel more in control of what lies ahead. Many people are getting excited for spring break along with my self, but I feel spring break is a time when many things are forgotten (for me at least). To me it is important to have all of my schedules written down so when I do get back from a week off, I can just look at my planner and get right back on track. This is especially important for me because when I get back spring soccer season gets in full swing. We play Indiana University on March 26th one week after break.

The second reason I used the word organization is because I feel it is really important for people especially freshman and new comers to become a part of a group or organization here on campus. On a campus like IUPUI which is dominated by commuter students it can be hard to meet people when you first get here. For me I was lucky that I had soccer so it was easy to make friends right away. However, for those of you that do not have sports to rely on it is important to become involved, not just because it looks good on a resume, but to make friends too. It seems to me that many times people do not want to commit to an organization because they do not feel they will have time to make all the meetings. Many groups here on campus try to work around everyone’s busy lives, or it is ok if you miss a few here and there. I know many people who have joined groups because they wanted something to put on their resume, but they have come out of the group with many new friends and experiences.

Also, last week was the Chancellor’s Report to the Community on IUPUI. I and six other student athletes were in attendance. It was a wonderful experience and I was able to meet many interesting people from the surrounding business areas. I have attached a picture of me and two other soccer teammates.

I have talked in the past about the IUPUI soccer, volleyball, and basketball teams. However, I do not know if all IUPUI new comers are a where that IUPUI athletics compete at the Division 1 level. For anyone who might not be up to date in athletics, Division 1 is the highest collegiate level. When competing for births in the end of the season tournaments it is difficult for us (IUPUI) to get what are called at large bids. At large bids are given to those schools that compete against the best schools and are at the top of the rankings. In order for our teams to make it to the "Big" tournaments, we must either lose 4 games or less, or win our conference tournament. The second of the two seems more plausible. All sports have a different type of tournament. For soccer only the best four teams from the regular season get in. However, for basketball all the teams get in, but they are seeded from their records during the regular season.

Now why have I taken the time to describe all of this? Because this past weekend our Men's Basketball team nearly wrapped up the number 1 spot in their tournament (they have 3 games left and they need to win only 1 of them). The team beat Valparaiso and Oral Roberts, two teams that are consistently a top the Mid Con standings. Both the games had crowds in excess of 2,000 people and the atmosphere was amazing. Our women's basketball team also beat Oral Roberts. Both teams have a few games left, but it is nearly time for March Madness. In a few weeks, both teams will head to Tulsa, OK to compete in the Mid-Con conference tournament. If they can win that tournament they will then play in the "Big Dance." It has been three years since our Men's team last made the big dance and our Women’s team has never been there. They are primed and ready to put it all out on the line make this year. There are a lot of pictures on the athletics website for fans to check out, so I am not going to post any this time. Best of luck to both the Men and the Women in bringing home the championships!

GO JAGS!!!!
Good Luck!!!!