User Profile: Dane Jared Kelsey

Monday, November 16, 2009 @ 3:37 pm

Subject: Those wascally wabbits...

This is a blog that I wanted to post a while ago but decided not to.  Recently, however, I received several emails notifying me that a hold was being placed on my account due to parking violations.  One of these violations was a year old.  All of the violations (3) occurred while I was playing or practicing soccer with the Altoona Men's Soccer Team.  Understand that I do take responsibility for illegally parking my car in certain areas; however, I do live off campus and have to drive to practices and games.  This blog was intended to bring light to the fact that athletes are here to support their athletic programs and school and should be given a little slack when it comes to where they park during practice and game times.  I feel that efforts could be taken in other areas instead of ticketing athletes who are visibly practicing, not taking advantage of open parking spaces.  I am a sarcastic person and like having a good laugh now and then.  In no way did I intend to insult anyone personally with this blog.   

When young men and women go to college they learn to have a little freedom.  However, sometimes that freedom goes a little too far.  They don't always make the best decisions and sometimes they even break the law.  It is up to the law enforcement on and off campus to ensure the safety and security of those college students from harming themselves or others. 

It is Friday October 30, 2009 the night before Halloween, mischief night, as most youngsters have come to know it.  Kids and young adults prowl the streets around Penn State Altoona and pull ridiculous and sometimes dangerous pranks.  As you may have thought, being a Friday night, the night before Halloween, and on a college campus, there are almost certainly all kinds of shenanigans going on.  The important question is who is around to prevent some of the most dangerous and uncalled for shenanigans that may be happening this very evening? 

Ladies and gentlemen, I have found the answer to that question.  No more than an hour and a half ago I witnessed some of the finest police work to keep the students of Penn State Altoona safe, and young law breakers in the community in check.  There was a gang of young hooligans using the athletic field at Spring Run Stadium.  Most likely up to no good, they seemed to be practicing for some sort of soccer match.  Having practiced at this field all year, it may appear that the group was doing nothing wrong; but they were.  Little did they know, their vehicles were illegally parked in the Spring Run Stadium parking lot.  When the police cruiser rolled into the parking lot, it was clear that these ruffians were about to get what they deserved: twenty-five dollar parking tickets!

I would like to take the time to applaud the efforts of Penn State Altoona's finest for teaching these young hoodlums a lesson.  There is no excuse for what these ruffians did.  They clearly broke the law.  They may spend their Friday nights out in the cold practicing instead of partying, but the fact remains that these young men broke the law by parking in that particular lot and now they must pay the price.  I for one, feel much safer around Penn State Altoona knowing that the police force is out in full strength preventing similar crimes from happening all around campus.  Thank you.

View All Blogs - Add a Comment