Parent to Parent Letter

This letter is on behalf of the College of St. Benedict Blazers Basketball Program. I have been well acquainted with this fine program for over 20 years when I coached on the high school level and now, more intimately, as a result of my own daughters, Beth’s, participation as a player. I believe that this long contact with the Blazer Program allows me some special insights, especially as a parent, that I can share with you and hopefully, that you will also share with your daughter.

My first and most important endorsement of CSB is purely academic. St. Ben’s is an outstanding liberal arts college with a superb reputation for producing quality graduates. It has enjoyed high national rankings by several agencies and publications. St. Ben’s graduates may be found in medical and law schools throughout the country and a very high percentage of students eventually acquire advanced degrees. In fact, my oldest daughter who is a ’95 graduate was one of only four students in the country to gain admission to a select M.D.-Ph.D. program at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

It is that scholastic perspective that sets the scene for Blazer athletics. CSB belongs to NCAA Division III where athletic scholarships are not allowed. Everyone competing at this level is a student first and foremost, then, as time and studies allow, and athlete. When a science lab conflicts with practice (which was often the case with my own daughters), the student goes to the lab. This situation would most definitely not be the case in Division I or II where the athletic program literally "owns" the student athlete.

Incidentally, this scholastic emphasis at CSB in no way compromises the level of athletic competition. The school is a consistent contender for conference titles in nearly every sport, as demonstrated by the many championships and team and individual opportunities for national tournament participation. The Blazer basketball team, in particular, has enjoyed constant national rankings over the past decade and as recently as 1999, finished as runner-ups to the National Championship.

Much of the credit for the basketball success obviously goes to Coach Mike Durbin and his staff for creating such a quality program. By any of the usual criteria including won-loss record, number of conference championships, and NCAA post season tournament appearances, Coach Durbin’s teams rate among the top programs in the nation. These impressive accomplishments earned Durbin the Division III "Coach of the Year" award in 1998.

An element of Durbin’s basketball program that doesn’t show up on the record book, but is just as important to the players, is the joy that they experience as teammates. There is a close camaraderie that exists and player friendships are the rule, not the exception. The team makes regional and national trips to various tournaments, which provide interesting travel opportunities as well as a wealth of fun memories for participants. Many players have remained friends for life as a result of shared experiences both on and off the basketball court.

In conclusion, the best endorsement of the entire CSB experience was expressed by my daughter Beth when I asked if there was anything about St. Ben’s that she didn’t like. After a pause she responded somewhat sadly, "I don’t like it that I’m only going to be there for four years." Indeed, enough said.

Good luck on your college decision and please don’t hesitate to email me if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

John Holbrook
jmholbrook@charter.net

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098