Could this be the season?

In getting back from my stray thoughts on life, we focus again on sports. As this year's sports editor for The Mirror, I have had the privilege of some of Fairfield's greatest sports moments this season. From men's soccer to the streaking basketball teams, positive coverage has been incredibly easy. Unlike in year's past where it was tough to talk Stag sports, everyone from players to coaches and everyone in between have been up for talking sports around campus.

One of the biggest questions that has remained in my short tenure here is the lack of student participation in the athletics. This is not another column on addressing attendance (I did that last semester), instead I am looking at this as the potential turning point for Fairfield University.

I think it is uncontested that athletics has a tendency to make or break a University or College. Where Fairfield can compete academically with some of the best, the success of their athletic programs have been few and far between. However, this year has the potential to set up a large draw toward Fairfield.

In the fall, we had our first NCAA victory as men's soccer defeated UConn. Not only does this draw decent press (we try) but it also gives legitimacy to Fairfield's athletic programs. Sure this is great for fan support, but more importantly it becomes a more attractive program for recruits and potential athletes.

The same can be said for men's lacrosse. Last season they took on the ECAC and fared well with a still young team. As they continue to succeed on one of the highest national levels, better players will come and thus further success is imminent.

Most alumni and Fairfield students agree that basketball is our largest draw or staple sport. However, we have had limited success in the past. This year is different.

The men's team is riding a five game winning streak and have made a tremendous turnaround under first year Head Coach Ed Cooley.

Perhaps even a bigger story is the women's basketball team. In what seemed destined to be a controversial season because of the past failures of the program, the team is a top competitor in the MAAC and has a legitimate shot at going far in the tournament.

Even more so, both programs are infused with great youth. These players have already had an impact and are sure to be staples of the programs for years to come.

So what does this all mean? If the basketball teams continue to succeed and the spring sports live up to their expectations or capabilities, Stag sports will grow substantially.

Who knows, maybe a couple years from now we can look back and say: The Ak Attack called the turning point.