Oct. 15, 2009
PHILADELPHIA – Student-athletes arguably have one of the toughest, most demanding jobs of any college student: balancing athletics and academics. A significant amount of dedication and hard work is required from every athletic program no matter how big or small the program is perceived.
For Bill Nason, the “typical” student-athlete role takes on a more challenging perspective.
A Burke, Va. native, Nason is a sophomore on the La Salle men’s tennis team. Nason, who was a key addition to the team last year, completed the 2009 fall season with a 3-2 singles record and 5-1 doubles record.
Nason is currently enrolled in the La Salle University Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program. According to La Salle’s School of Arts and Sciences website, the ROTC program focuses on “leadership development with emphasis on self-discipline, integrity, confidence and responsibility.” Its focus is to prepare students to become Army Reserve Officers.
Following graduation from La Salle, program members will receive the bar of a Second Lieutenant. While the future is bright for an Army ROTC graduate, Nason is primarily focused on the present.
“It’s exciting because some of our missions include going to Fort Dix and learning about combat movement and land navigation,” said Nason. “The curriculum inside the classroom includes the fundamentals of leadership and Army PowerPoints, for example.”
There are numerous opportunities that arise upon completion from the Army ROTC program. Jobs range from Army officers to the private sector.
“The Army is an organization in itself,” said the sophomore. “There are all types of fields someone can pursue such as combat arms, infantry and aviation. The [Order of Merit List] is a great way to aid students by fitting their needs or the Army’s needs for different jobs.”
As qualified students head into their junior year, or upon receiving an ROTC scholarship, they sign a contract to serve in the Active Army or Reserve Forces. The ROTC program requires a huge commitment from its members and Nason knows this.
“Since I am contracted, I have a lot of requirements and responsibilities,” said Nason. “ROTC takes a priority over everything, even tennis at times. I’m fortunate to have supportive coaches here at La Salle. They understand when I’m not able to compete in a match due to the ROTC program.”
La Salle’s ROTC program has produced some of the world’s most qualified individuals. U.S. Army Major General William Burns, a 1954 graduate, is on the University’s Board of Trustees. During the Reagan Administration, Burns was the top negotiator for nuclear disarmament. Named after the major general, the General Burns Scholarship covers room and board for scholarship recipients at La Salle.
Now well into his sophomore year at La Salle, Nason has enjoyed his experience with the tennis team.
“It has been such a great experience. Last year we went to Florida for Spring Break and I really enjoyed that. It’s interesting to see the new freshmen this year. Even though I’m in just my second year, I consider myself one of the older guys now.”
Nason also understands his role as a student-athlete.
“The busier things get, the easier it becomes,” said Nason. “Time management is very important in my position. ROTC helps with that by providing me with specific time management PowerPoints. I also take advantage of the study hall hours [in the Academic Achievement Center] and the [Sheekey Writing Center].”
There are a select number of student-athletes who commit themselves to something they have a passion for off the playing fields. As a member of the La Salle University ROTC program, Bill Nason is committed.
