WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1999

Volleyball victory benefits campus

Cal State Long Beach's recent victory over Penn State rendered the women's volleyball team national champions placing them above any other college in the country.

For the fans who followed these outstanding women, the victory was most likely as exciting for them as it was for the players.

For those of us who live in a cave and only come out to go to classes, it is true, in women's volleyball are No. 1.

But the rewards for such an accomplishment did not end when the CSULB team returned home from the game. On the contrary- it is like the gift that keeps on giving.

To be No. 1, in anything, strengthens CSULB's name on the map.

People all over the country, for months to come, will be saying our name and like a chain reaction those who were unfamiliar with the university will be introduced to it. This is in turn will further our reputation as a reputable campus.

This may seem like small beans, but think about it: You have returned to your home town and your family and friends want to know about your college experience. You tell them you have just graduated from Cal State Long Beach. The response is positive as everyone has heard good things about it.

High school students, as well, will become more familiar with the university as a result of the victory which may compel them to apply here.

Even though CSULB has more freshman applying than it can currently accept, desirability will only enhance its status.

The inevitable next step after graduation is employment. To have graduated from a well-known university places graduates at an advantage.

CSULB's reputation in and out of the collegiate world is spreading and when the women's volleyball team brought home the title they gave a little more clout to each CSULB student whether he or she is aware of it or not. So be proud.