Title IX didn't just change the sports landscape for women, it changed it for men as well. When I was in high school, boys and girls participated in sports based on gender. Boys played basketball and football and wrestled, while girls fenced or played tennis and golf. After Title IX, gym classes became coed and boys got to participate in sports that had previously been reserved for girls.
Kent Frederick, Downers Grove, Ill.
The Power of IX
I loved your package on Title IX (The Power of Play). My wife, Becky Collins, was featured in SI's FACES IN THE CROWD on April 20, 1959—she also appeared on the July 13 cover that year—and held four world records in the butterfly and one in the medley relay during her career. Although she worked out briefly with the Indiana swim team, there were no athletic scholarships available for women back then. She retired in 1961, at 17. I can't help but wonder how different things might have been for her if Title IX had been in effect.
Steve Furste, Zionsville, Ind.
As the father of a daughter who has benefited from Title IX, I applaud the legislation. However, as a former collegiate wrestler who has witnessed so many NCAA men's programs being dropped in order to comply with Title IX, I can't help but cry foul. Far too many male wrestlers, gymnasts, swimmers and volleyball players have had their opportunities at the college level cut short under the guise of equality.
Jeff Rufolo, Signal Mountain, Tenn.
Half Throttle
So the stars of NASCAR are sandbagging the first 26 races of the season in order to save themselves for the Chase (INSIDE NASCAR)? What a crock. How should that make the fans who pay to see these guys in those races feel? No wonder attendance and interest in NASCAR have continued to dwindle.
Joe Miegoc, Carbondale, Pa.
Quick Fix
The people in Miami must be crazy to think Ryan Tannehill is going to turn the Dolphins into a Super Bowl contender (INSIDE THE NFL). Don Shula coached the great Dan Marino from 1983 to 1995 and only made it to one Super Bowl—a game Miami lost. The team's problems are systemic, and a rookie such as Tannehill, who played more at wideout than QB in college, isn't going to fix them.
Richard Skinner, Helotes, Texas
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THE LEGACY OF TITLE IX
MAY 7
JUNIOR SEAU
MAY 14
POINT AFTER: PARENTS AND FOOTBALL
MAY 14
POINT AFTER: ANDREW RODRIGUEZ
MAY 7
FEEDBACK
If you had to pick one current pitcher to win a do-or-die game, whom would you choose to take the mound?
Ken McNabb: With 68 strikeouts, a 2.14 ERA and a measly 0.80 WHIP, it is impossible not to pick Justin Verlander right now.
Josh Weiner: It's a tie between Verlander and Roy Halladay. Best pitchers in the game by far.
Jordan Beard: When healthy, Chris Carpenter is my guy, hands down. That dude's a gamer.
Victor Jones: Verlander. I mean, he still throws 100 mph in the later innings. What more can you ask for from a Cy Young and MVP winner?
Grey (@spacemnkymafia): Verlander. Can we all just pause and consider how ridiculously good the guy's 50-game streak of going at least six innings is?
Dede Siebenaler: Verlander, no question! Halladay is having a mediocre showing so far.
Adam Stuckenschneider: Carp. He dominated throughout the playoffs last season, something Verlander couldn't do.
Jeremy Hall: Carpenter. Game 5 of the 2011 NLDS, anyone?
TWEET OF THE WEEK
"From now on John Tortorella should just walk up to the podium in press conferences and say, 'Henrik Lundqvist,' then walk out."
NICK MONTEMAGNO (@NICKMONTERT)
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JOHN BIEVER (VERLANDER)
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FOR MAY 7, 2012
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