As I was walking through the athletics department I got to thinking. Why do they care so much about us? Why are they so nice, why do they love us so much? Everyone knows that since ancient times - think Greece and the Olympics - people have loved athletes. College students are no exception. You see fans going crazy at games, and on campus, athletes are both looked up to and admired. Even though American University is not a school known for its athletes, during Phil Bender the gym is always packed with students. People tell me about their trips to the big name basketball schools and how they hear some girls say that they wanted to hook up with any of the basketball players. Let’s take a closer look at this phenomenon.

In order to make it to the level of being a college athlete, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Often, it is necessary to sacrifice a weekend or two to go to a tournament, or not drink in order to keep one's body in tip-top shape. As a result of this hard work, they make it to play a college sport and become some of the most heralded figures on campus. There is usually an automatic amount of respect a person has for a college athlete. That may because they know some of the sacrifices athletes have to undergo or see the amazing things they do in the heat of competition. Whatever it may be, college athletes are shown love on campus.

College athletes are treated as top-notch individuals and who knows what really happens behind the scenes. At some institutions, fans simply like hanging out with and being associated with the athletes. Before games the student body comes together for rallies, and after games, there are big celebrations – win or lose. It is a form of respect and admiration that they have for the athletes; they want to be near the athletes to get a taste of the “magic” that the athletes seem to have. A feeling of belonging to the team begins to form and the emotional roller coaster is a ride that is enjoyed by those associated with the team.

On many campuses, there are similar feelings of admiration. Students pass the athletes on campus and see that they’re just normal people, but when they are on the court, it seems like they almost transform into gladiators or soldiers in battle. Fans get caught up in the ride and begin to love the college athletes, and a deep-seated respect forms. Teachers notice athletes in class, cover results of sports games, and sometimes even give athletes some slack.

In general, athletes are looked up to, simply for their performance during competition. Some programs get national attention, and student athletes are often celebrities in their own right. Look at Duke University. The Cameron Crazies are in love – ABSOLUTE LOVE – with the athletes. They would stand at gun-point for their athletes. Coach K would do anything for his athletes. And one would think that anyone that works at the university has to have the back of the athletes as well.

Is it right that college athletes get all of this attention and treatment? I think it is, mainly because the hard work that goes into what college athletes do. The hours behind the scenes make the glory and the shine worth it for the athletes. College athletes are respected for their dedication in competition and at the same time for still being a student. So give it up to the athletes on your campus. Everyone else does.