By Robert Vrbanac
A star player for the women’s basketball team, who led her team to two big wins over the weekend, may have fouled-out with the registrar’s office.
Miruna Muller, a first-year hospitality and tourism student, lit up the scoreboard in wins over the Ottawa Gee Gees on Saturday and the Carleton Ravens on Sunday. She scored 28 points in a 68-59 win over Ottawa and added 14 in 71-45 blowout of Carleton.
But it may be the last time she plays for the lady rams this year.
Pending an appeal with the registrar’s office Muller might be suspended from her second-term of studies. This would end her season.
The only reason she was able to play on the weekend was because the second semester didn’t begin until Jan 13.
“I hope they take my appeal into consideration and let me play,” Muller said.
Muller, a native of Romania, has been playing basketball for clubs since she was seven years old. She thinks the registrar’s office should take her language difficulties into consideration.
“I’m having problems with my English,” she said. “I wouldn’t like it if my hard time with English means I can’t play.”
Sandra Pothier, head coach of the women’s team, wouldn’t comment on the academic status of her players but blamed Ryerson’s semestered system for the loss of key players.
“Ryerson is the only school that throws out students in the middle of the year,” said Pothier. “York and U of T don’t have to deal with these problems.”
Pothier believes student athletes should be recognized for their contributions by Ryerson.
“Varsity athletes give up their free time to represent the school,” Pothier said. “The school should give them the proper support in return.”
Pothier makes no excuses for her senior players but thinks first-year players are a different case.
“The first year of university is a transition. Most students have problems with time management without having to deal with the travel schedule of varsity athletics,” she said.
Muller said, “If my season is finished at least I finished on a good note.”
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