I appreciate Alexander Maxwell’s unique view on the issue of sports on a college campus. As the sports editor of The Daily Northwestern at Northwestern University, losing is definitely part of the athletic culture here.

However, the fact someone has to lose does not mean sports should be barred from college campuses. Unfortunately, losing is a natural part of life. If you don’t get hired for a job you applied to, you are technically a loser because someone beat you out for that spot. But I don’t consider that person a loser, and many people would not.

Sports bring a lot to a college campus and at the very least is a source of unity. I am sure many students came together to watch the Cyclones in the NCAA Tournament and many more came out to every football and basketball game this year. Yes, it is true fans feel better after wins than losses, but that doesn’t mean they are more winners or losers than anybody else.

The best winners are those that don’t brag about their triumph and the best losers are the ones who use it as motivation. I agree it stinks to lose, but if you can handle insignificant losses like those on the playing field, the more difficult losses in life become much more manageable.

Sports is used around the world to teach some of the most important qualities in life. Attributes like respect, courage and determination are best taught in the world of athletics and they can be taught in college.

I understand Mr. Maxwell’s concerns, but unfortunately losing is a part of life. We can either accept it and learn from it or be afraid of it and never grow. I know I would choose the former.