I am a cross country coach at a Division III school, and I'd like to respond to Kim Jones' comment piece ("Athletes should take it one sport at a time") in the March 12 issue of The NCAA News.

What makes Division III so appealing is the opportunity student-athletes have to participate in more than one sport. I realize Kim went to a Division II school, and that she probably faced more pressures than we do, but I still have to take issue with her comments.

First, academics. My athletes do better in-season, when they are forced to budget their time due to daily two-hour practices and every Saturday being essentially a travel day. Our team grade-point average falls during the spring semester, as does the number of team members making dean's list. Idle hands really are the devil's workshop.

Second, athletes who play two sports are physically better off than an athlete who plays one sport year-round. For instance, Kim was putting stress on two different areas of her body playing softball and volleyball. That's good. She was spreading out the impact, reducing injuries, and becoming physically stronger. Playing one sport year-round actually increases the stress on the primary muscle groups used in that sport.

Finally, as far as social activities are concerned, if you are lucky enough to be on a cohesive team, you tend to socialize with that team. If you play on two cohesive teams, you double your opportunities for social interaction. Plus, you still have your roommates, or your fraternity brothers or sorority sisters, or the entire dorm floor there for you when you need them.

You have four years to live your life before you enter the work force. Take advantage of that. Don't let the opportunities pass you by!

Carl Fetteroll
Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach
Elms College

We are two of the age-group coaches for the U.S. Swimming team that swims at the Aquatics Center. Fifteen of our girl swimmers, ranging in age from 8 to 12, were chosen to participate in this event as "basket girls," sign holders and flower girls.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the college coaches and swimmers for their kindness and enthusiasm toward our girls. They were more than happy to sign autographs and take pictures with the girls. If a girl asked for an autograph and a swimmer was unable to oblige at that moment, she was given an explanation and was told when they could in a kind and courteous manner. Some swimmers even took the time to talk to the little "sign holder" girls before their races.

In an era when sports figures can sometimes bring negative press, these swimmers should be commended. We can't say enough for what they did for our girls. This will be an experience that these girls will never forget. Maybe one day, some of them will be signing autographs for the next generation of swimmers.

Shannon Acquece
Patty Zarriello
Long Island Aquatics Club
Nassau County, New York