West Virginia University - Monticola Yearbook (Morgantown, WV)

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o uuifimi. ec r fron Academics urviving the worst torture a person should ever have to en- iure (second-semester inals week), thousands f students packed heir bags, boxes and .uitcases to head home for three much-needed months of R and R. As the mass evacuation began, students ' multi- faceted summer plans were obvious. For some, the time became money. The lucky few who man- aged to snag jobs spent a majority of time fat- tening up their bank accounts or building up fall wardrobes. Flocking to the beaches, big cities and overseas, many took time to travel. The Humanities Depart- ment and Foreign Language Departments sponsored tours of Europe for college credit. Friends paired up and traveled to the seashore, caught a few waves and soaked in the sun. Trips to cities like New York, Philadelphia and Chicago were popular for the small-town stu- dent. To catch up, some came back to WVU while a few stayed home and attended other colleges. A healthy mixture of work, travel and, yes, studying added to a touch of kicking one ' s shoes off. This combination created a picture-perfect recipe for summer R and R. By Arika Anderson RAIN, WIND AND SWIFT WAVES do not scare Leonore Nelson from enjoy- ing her day at the beach. Photos by Arika Ande STEWART HALL employee Pam Ayersman, Brenda Rosenberge and Alice Bowman eat a picnic lunch in early August. SOAKING UP some summer rays, Julie Hunt basks in the Myrtle Beach heat. Campus Life SUMMER 11

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By Arika Anderson WITH A BOX, BABY OIL AND A MAGAZINE, Laura Bloom and Mary Staudy sunbathe on the 50-yard line. AT SUMMER BAND CAMP, THIS WOODWIND PLAYER adjusts his neck strap prior to an early morn- ing practice at Old Moun- taineer Field.

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i a nni noiiou Unites the USA ' s Red, White and Blue With the Champs Gold, Silver and Bronze VV ould you like to hear the phrase Oh say can you see more than 83 times within two weeks? Probably not, but USA fans and athletes did not seem to mind during the 1984 Summer Olym- pic Games. The Star Spangled Banner rang from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Velo- drome and Pauley Pavilion. Names such as Peter Vid- mar, Rowdy Gains and Carl Lewis swept USA fans to their feet. As the country cheered on all 174 USA medal- ists, West Virginians were proud to strike gold in these games. A foreign language major stated, The Olyfhpic Games meant more to me this time because I followed Mary Lou throughout her training. I can re- member watching her at Aerial Port Gym- nastics Center in Fair- mont years ago. People constantly told me this girl was going to be good someday. This student did not realize at the time that good would turn out to be an understate- ment. Because publicity after Ed Etzel ' s English small-bored rifle gold medal was poor, many students and citizens found out about his achievement through word of mouth. Somehow, Etzel slipped into Morgan- town barely unnoticed. After his win the momentum picked up: The press came around, and so did the phone calls. On the other A WINNING GAME CARD prompts Kathy Sutter to cash in at McDonald ' s. Sutter ' s card wins her a Big Mac and small fries. hand, Retton ' s win created ecstasy from the start. WVU added its tribute to the Olym- pians by honoring both Etzel and Retton at the Ohio University game Sept. 1. The two ath- letes paraded around the stadium. Retton was presented a momento honoring her ac- complishments, while Etzel was given a new rifle and a plaque. Even though Retton received more publicity from the news media, Etzel did not seem to mind; but students did. Many students began to ask, What about Ed? Shortly after the Olympics, Retton received a 1984 Corvette. Actually, Etzel needed a car more than the 16-year-old Retton. Etzel was hitching rides with friends to meet his scheduled events because his car had broken down. Finally, in early Sep- tember, Etzel received his long-overdue gift: a 1984 Bronco. Some WVU people were involved with the actual games. Varsity track letter- man Ronnie Buchanan was selected by of- ficials to work on the marathon events. Mike Parsons, assis- tant athletic director, was recruited to help with public relations for the games. WVU alumnus, Rick Tucci, who wrestled 1962-66 was picked to be a judge i r the Greco-Roman Wrest- ling competition. For many watching the Olympic Games, it was not only a form of pride; it was an addic- tion. Many Americans sat glued to their television sets while some dashed to newsstands and mailboxes for the latest editions of Time, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated. McDonald ' s brought spectators into the realm of competition by creating their own Olympic Games. Although one did not physically compete, a McDonald ' s patron could pick up a game card and share the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat with the American athletes. As in the real games, winners were given medals for holding cards with events won by the U.S.A. However, the McMedals were edible; they were in the form of Big Macs, small drinks and regular fries. Through the various ways individuals were tied into the games, the L.A. Gold Rush was as much a success for the millions of spectators as it was for the 174 medalists. By Carla Baker By Rebecca Malone Campus Life 12 OLYMPICS