Collegian sports writer Jeff Frantz decided to waste his column in Tuesday's paper hacking on Penn State's basketball pep band.

As a member of that very band, I'd like to set the record straight.

First, why we are getting critiqued by a sports writer?

Second, in defense of the Lady Lions and all women athletes, since when do we refer to them as "chicks?" Perhaps, Mr. Frantz would like to take Kelly Mazzante on one-on-one? I'm sure that he would gain a great lesson in basketball.

Finally, as for his critique of the music we play, some of the stuff he didn't like we didn't even play. "1812 Overture?"--maybe he means "Stars and Stripes Forever"; "Empirical March?" --I think he means the "Star Wars Opener".

Did he notice the applause the fans gave us after we finished "Stars and Stripes?" The Lady Lions have an energetic team that has great potential for years to come -- from the leadership of Rashana Barnes to the lights-out shooting of Kelly Mazzante.

This weekend, I beg the students to join the pep band and the cheerleaders as we root the Lady Lions on to the Sweet 16.