The alcohol use and abuse of college athletes is a rapidly growing concern in colleges
and universities across the country. The purpose of this study was to research and
evaluate a group of college student athletes at a small liberal arts college in southeastern
Ohio. The researcher obtained statistical information from the student athletes at
Marietta College by giving them a fifteen question survey. The researcher conducted his
research the 2nd semester of 2007. The student athletes were asked to participate by
completing both a confidential and anonymous survey. The survey asked questions in
direct relationship to alcohol consumption and patterns of use. The statistical information
was obtained with permission from the Director of Athletics and the respected coaches
from the varsity teams at Marietta College. This study was designed to investigate the
drinking habits of student athletes at a division 3 liberal arts college. Statistical tests were
run through the data analysis program SPSS. The frequency tests indicated that Marietta
College student athletes do consume alcohol; however the statistics were not as
alarmingly high as other studies that have been conducted at other colleges and
universities.