Vanessa Strobbe - The Daily Lobo

Sports

Column: At UNM, some sports on uneven playing field

Vanessa Strobbe | April 27

The University of New Mexico boasts the motto "Everyone's a Lobo!" - and by everyone, it means only football and basketball players. The distribution of funds among the 19 varsity sports at UNM is uneven. In fact, few sports receive full benefits. The athletic administration demands sportsmanship and fairness of its UNM athletes on the field, but it can't seem to demonstrate the same accountability from its office.

In this October file photo, members of the San Diego State and UNM football teams gather at midfield to pray. Religion and athletics often intersect, as many athletes look to their faith whether winning or losing.

Sports

In times of uncertainty, players look up

Vanessa Strobbe | April 6

A football player points to the sky after scoring a touchdown. A baseball player kisses his cross necklace before stepping up to bat. An athlete thanks God in his speech after receiving an award. Religion and athletics often cross paths and sometimes seem intertwined.

Sports

Senior found way to the top despite injuries, illness

Vanessa Strobbe | March 23

Halfway through the 2008 track season, Jarrin Solomon contracted pneumonia and severely pulled his hamstring, ending his hopes for competing at the national level and going to the Olympics. Halfway through this season, the senior has broken his school record three times, defeated former Olympians and became an All-American en route to the best finish ever by a Lobo sprinter at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Janet Rendon sprints toward first base during a loss to Syracuse last month. The UNM softball team is off to a 6-8 start.

Sports

After tumultuous start, a winning mentality

Vanessa Strobbe | March 2

It takes nine players to fill the positions of a softball field. The UNM softball team started the school year with five. A team typically has three or four full-time pitchers; the Lobos had none. A Division-I program carries anywhere from 17 to 20 players on its roster; UNM entered the 2009 season with 13.

Sports

Coach motivates swimmers by example

Vanessa Strobbe | February 25

It's the end of a two-a-day practice. UNM swimmers take laps in the pool for two hours at 6:30 a.m., and they're finishing up afternoon practice with a run after lifting weights. Their tired bodies might prefer to slowly cruise the few miles, but one force is pushing them harder: Their 33-year-old coach is beating them.

Casey Dyck, left, and Tor-Hakon Hellebostad practice with the UNM ski team on Jan. 29 at Roosevelt Park.

Sports

Skiers dominate on the slopes, in the classroom

Vanessa Strobbe | February 6

When UNM ski team members strap on their boots, it isn't just a snowy mountain they have to overcome. The team consists of 22 members - male and female - who speak seven languages and are from 10 countries. They train in one of the most southern states of the U.

Gayle Tripp has sacrificed for the good of the team throughout her career at UNM. The senior libero now holds the Lobos' all-time record in digs with 1,551.

Sports

Tripp's efforts bring UNM program within reach of NCAA Tournament

Vanessa Strobbe | November 24

Spike after spike, bruise after bruise, it's Gayle Tripp's job to dive in front of volleyballs hit at up to 65 mph. "You have to be fearless - no reservations and balls to the wall," Tripp said. "I sacrifice my body, my face and my arms to step in the middle of the court and find a way to pop the ball up.

Sports

Soccer senior looks to future goals

Vanessa Strobbe | November 17

When most people see a game-winning goal punched into the net, they don't think of a successful high-pressure medical procedure. UNM forward Chris Wright does. As the senior's soccer season comes to a close and he prepares to begin his medical career, Wright draws many similarities between being the leader of a soccer team and becoming a doctor.

Senior Zach Arnett has overcome his smaller stature to become the Lobos' starting middle linebacker and one of this year's two defensive team captains.

Sports

Small stature doesn't stop Lobo

Vanessa Strobbe | July 28

Recruiters said he was too small to be a linebacker. Coaches said his athletic future was in baseball. Zach Arnett played college football anyway. Three years later, the senior is leading the University of New Mexico into its 2008 season as the starting middle linebacker and team captain.

Former Lobo Marcus Smith hopes to be selected in this weekend's NFL Draft. Smith had one of the most impressive careers as a UNM football player.

Sports

A shot at the dream

Vanessa Strobbe | April 23

Wide receiver Marcus Smith produced one of the most stellar senior seasons in UNM football history. He broke records. He played in the Senior Bowl. He was invited to the 2008 NFL combine and is a likely pick for this weekend's NFL draft. But through it all, the most important part of his success was missing.