Though the University of Dallas is best known for our strong liberal arts programs and amazing study abroad program, another aspect important to not just our school, but also student life, is our sports teams.
From current students to alumni, the sports teams here at the University of Dallas have provided countless opportunities for athletes to shine, as well as help form close friendships between teammates.
Along with being UD alumni, many professors have participated in its athletics programs.
One such alumni is our very own Dean of Students, Dean Gregory Roper. This week, I sat down with Dr. Roper and discussed all things sports, from past championships to future plans.
At the beginning of our interview, Roper mentioned his involvement in soccer while attending high school, and how, while he was visiting UD on a tour, a senior student recommended joining the University’s team.
Though a bit unsure about trying out, Roper ended up not just making the team, but being a four-year starter, letterman and team captain of three years.
Instead of being a part of the NCAA during this time, UD was part of the NAIA, and played smaller colleges like Midwestern State, Abilene Christian, and Austin College. Roper joked about the relaxed nature of the University’s soccer team.
“It was kind of a mix of people with different levels of experience and things like that,” he said.
Roper mentioned a wide variety of characters who made up the ragtag team. It included the constantly tardy Italian student, a 3.97 GPA Physics major and a Czechoslovakian goalkeeper. Roper also emphasized how the soccer team was very bare-bones.
Since they did not have a designated field to practice on, they used the OSL field, which he added, was exceptionally rocky.
What they lacked in supplies and skill, the misfit team made up with overall team spirit and enthusiasm for the game. Bringing up a close match between Midwestern State and UD that he played during his freshman year, Roper praised his team for being able to hold off their higher ranking opponents.
“We held them scoreless for something like, 68 minutes,” he said. “We just dropped back and played all defense, except me.”
Though they didn’t win the game, the story went down as legendary for the team. Even though they couldn’t win, they still proved their perseverance on the field.
Roper said that even though the team were “students who just happen to play soccer,” he believed this diverse group of people helped him branch out during college.
He said, “The greatest thing about it, first off, was that I got to know juniors and seniors who quickly treated me like an equal.”
Reflecting, Roper expressed gratitude for how playing soccer at UD helped him spread his wings and branch out of his small friend group in Madonna Hall. Along with helping him make new friends, Roper discussed how playing a sport helped him learn time management skills.
“Everybody knew school came first, so it was really very much of that…I had to learn where the pockets of time were,” he said.
He mentioned how he had to learn how to block out certain sections of his day, such as remembering to read before practice or to bring a textbook while traveling to an away game.
Jumping to discussing UD’s current athletics department, I asked Dr. Roper his overall opinions on our athletics department and any comments or concerns he held regarding our sports teams.
Starting off, Roper mentioned the important balance between school and athletics, and how many student athletes are plagued with busy schedules. He expressed worry about student athletes not being able to fully participate in the UD community, as their strict schedules and practices often come in conflict with events and other social moments.
To combat this problem, Roper mentioned hopes of including student athletes in more formative UD experiences, such as helping them to be more of a part of orientation, and feel more welcomed to UD.
Another topic that Roper emphasized was the overall fan reception at UD sports games. He mentioned how it’s essential to support our fellow students by going down to their games and showing our support. He expressed the importance of fan experience at a game, and how he wishes to heighten that experience here at UD by turning games into social events.
“We need to do more to make it a fun experience, and just a better fan experience. I think the few times I’ve seen the Blue Crew and everybody out for a big basketball game or a big volleyball match, people really had fun!”
After reflecting on the past and present state of sports at the University of Dallas, it can be sure to say that, even though Roper may not be racing up and down the soccer fields like he used to, the same joyful enthusiasm for the game and school spirit continues to reside in his heart.