Chicago State Brings Olympians to the Southside

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By Lesley R. Chinn

As the world begins to focus its attention on the Winter Olympics in Vancouver next month, Chicago State University has added its own Olympic talent to its athletic department.

CSU recently recruited former Olympic long jump record holder Bob Beamon as as associate athletic director. His 1968 feat in the Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City stood as a world record for 23 years. The school's new women's track and field and cross-country coach is Diana Muhammad, South side native, who competed in the Olympics in 1980 and 1984. They both came on board at CSU this past fall.

CSU athletic director Sudie Davis envisions a new department with the addition of Muhammad and Beamon. He said hiring the two will help CSU add more weight to the athletics department program as it competes for "greater acheivement in the NCAA Division I and the Great West Conference" while promoting "outstanding academic success."

Davis has known Beamon, who previously served as director of athletic development at Florida Atlantic University, for 30 years. they both worked together on the South Florida Inner-City Games, an event that also involved now California Gov. Arnold Scwarzenegger.

Davis said Beamon is a "good fit for the administration" because with his status he can help raise money for the school.

Giving back to the students is what Beamon said interests him the most. We want them to have a good four years so they can be competitive in the world, Beamon stated.

Davis once coached Muhammad, who competed in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes as well as the 4-by-100 meter relay, during her days with the Chicago Zephyrs Club.

To see her come back is phenomenal, Davis stated. I really like her demeanor and and how she deals with young people.

Meeting an Olympian is something new for students, but Muhammad hopes to

draw from her experience as a world-class athlete to educate and inspire them. I am encouraged to meet with the team because they are on top of their studies, she stated. Athletics is one thing and academics is another and if an athlete cant compete, inspiring them to get a degree is more important [to me], she stated.

Davis is excited that students will get a chance to interact with former Olympians who have moved on after their athletic careers. People like Diana and Bob have that special touch because theyve been there and the two will bring a breath of fresh air at CSU [as] we plan to take athletics and academicsto the next level, he stated.

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