New coordinator has long road ahead

9/16/10 7:00pm

This week, the campus-wide Beer Bike coordinator was selected after weeks of concern over a dearth of applicants (see story, page 1). The Thresher wishes Sid Richardson College junior Matt Sawyer success in his role. It was encouraging to hear that Sawyer has been so involved in the culture of Beer Bike for so long.Sawyer must hit the ground running, as this year's Beer Bike planning process is already behind schedule, with Beer Bike occurring two weeks earlier than usual. Jones College senior Nazish Malik, one of last year's campus-wide coordinators, was correct in suggesting that discussion surrounding proposed changes should come earlier in the process this time around. For example, potential changes to water balloon trucks have been discussed among student leadership for years with no clear solution, so it is time that the student body enter the conversation to bring some creativity and a fresh point of view on the subject.

For too many years, proposals to improve the truck situation have run directly toward the extremes. These black-and white-proposals have overlooked a wide range of compromises and moderate alternatives. Ranging from the use of different trucks or trailers to altering the parade route, many suggestions have simply not been seriously considered by student leadership. However, students also should not oppose the idea of changes to the current structure of the event, no matter how much they think these changes will ruin Beer Bike. After all, this would not be the first time the parade or races have been altered, nor would it be the last time.

Additionally, we at the Thresher are confused as to why expansion of the Beer Bike track is being pushed back yet again. With the growth of Duncan and McMurtry Colleges into full-fledged colleges trying to establish their own traditions, it is time to allow them to join the other colleges in the races. There is no reason why the university is lacking the money to fund the expansion, especially with an additional $9.5 million in the bank.

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Now that students have started speaking up, it will be the responsibility of this year's coordinator to listen. Go to cabinet meetings. Sit down with different colleges at lunch. Listen to students who participate in all aspects of the event, and find an approach that satisfies everyone.

The Thresher would like to point out that concerns over trucks on Beer Bike have existed for many years. Fears that a college would not have a truck on the morning of Beer Bike have existed for many years, and these fears are closer than ever to becoming fact &mdash in the next few years, it seems inevitable that a college will not have a truck if the current procurement process is retained. It is time to develop a new course of action, whether it is a change to the parade format or to the type of trucks rented.

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