I have been asked time and time again, over the past week, about my views on the stance the College of the Ozarks has taken and announcement that the NAIA Championships will no longer be held at the school.
While I will miss the incredible week the tournament brings, and will miss the opportunity to broadcast games for schools all over the nation, I am proud of the stance that my alma mater has taken. In my view, Dr Davis has really not broken any new ground here. Instead he has just enhanced the mission already promoted by the school.
Most people know about the five fold mission of the school emphasizing academic, Christian, vocational, cultural, and patriotic growth, and to provide society with productive, responsible citizens. While patriotic growth might be listed last, it is no less important.
Between the flag controversy and the announcement of a new required class, I have read comments like “forced patriotism is not patriotism at all”.. I have read comments complaining that Davis is being selfish and should be more aware of what this brings to the Community.
To those arguments I say that there is a big difference in “forced patriotism” and the education and history of proper flag etiquette. Learning history and the right way to do things is part of proper education.
As far as what the tournament leaving will mean financially to the community, I agree that the area will take a hit. But I also believe that, if this is the stance that Dr Davis and the College believe they should take, they would be totally hypocritical to turn a blind eye just so the community can make a few extra dollars. Lets not forget that if it were not for Dr Davis, Al Waller, and others at the College, the NAIA would never have even considered bringing the Championships here much less come and stay 18 years.
I realize that there are people that will disagree with my opinion of this. I probably have friends that have different thoughts on the situation. And that is fine.
I can’t help but wonder what I will do that week. For 18 years those days were pretty well set for me. Perhaps I will finally get to go call the games for the Women at the Championships, in Iowa. Perhaps I will travel with the men to wherever the Championships are moved to. One thing I know is that I wont be working for the NAIA network calling games here at Point Lookout. While I will miss that without a doubt, I am fine with that, I happily stand behind the schools decision.
