Csanyi missed point of Little 500 tradition

I think the definitive line in Matt Csanyi's column ("Little 500: The stupidest IU tradition", March 28) was, "It didn't work -- I sucked and our team sucked." So you're bitter about Little 500 being heralded as such a great event? I agree, from one perspective, a bunch of frat guys riding around a quarter mile track for two hours sounds pretty pointless to me. But I think you left out a few important details in your story.\nFirst Point: You claim to have an insider perspective because you rode in the race; but you don't mention the team you rode for. I have a hard time determining how hard you trained (everyone from all 33 teams claims they trained hard). Obviously, by your poor performance, you didn't train hard enough. My point is, you were never on a competitive team. If you were, you might find a little more value in the race. I was lucky enough to have won the race. So far it is the greatest moment in my life. Go ahead, ask another Little 500 winner, they'll rank winning Little 500 pretty high in their all time life accomplishments. \nJust because you suck doesn't mean competing in the race sucks. You should have trained harder. \nSecond Point: Your comment was, "just don't ask why when your crumbly old ritual comes crashing down like a fat biker in turn three." Although this is funny, I think you forgot something. The Little 500 just celebrated its 50th anniversary, enough said. \nLast Point: I think if you ask most students if they are looking forward to Little 500, most will say yes. Maybe the IDS should do a poll. For some it might be an excuse to get wasted, for others it is a chance to show support for a friend. And last but not least, Little 500 is a way to support working students by giving them scholarships. \nSo Matt, if you think Little 500 is a stupid tradition, fine. Don't go! Let the rest of us enjoy it. But, if you want to get rid of something, how about the football program?