It doesn't seem to me that leaving for the NHL early is a bad idea at all
for Kariya or anyone of his level of ability.  In our glorification of the
values of a college education we sometimes forget that the goal of college is
to help us achieve success in a chosen career field.  It is not always
necessary to receive a degree to reach this goal.  Hockey is the chosen career
path for Kariya and he is at the point where he is ready to step into the next
level.  It may turn out to be a mistake for him.  I think that when Joe Murphy
left Michigan St. after only 1 year in '86 it definitely didn't help his game.
He wasn't ready for the NHL.  The same could not be said for Rod Brind'amour
who did the same thing a few years later, though.  He has had some success.
      Even if it doesn't work out for Kariya  he certainly will be able to
finish his degree at a later date, and will be a rich man while doing it.  All
I'm saying is that he is ready for the NHL and to pass on the opportunity and
risk possible injury that would cost him the chance later would be foolhardy.
We need to quit assuming that just because someone chooses a career in
athletics rather than finish their degree that they are devaluing education.
If Kariya had no use for education then he would have gone through the juniors
rather than the college ranks.
       If I've repeated myself or rambled a bit, forgive me.  It is the end of
the semester and my brain is fried.  Happy Holidays y'all.
                                                    --Steve Moerland
                                                      MSU '92
                                                      UK '95(?)