Fans urged to support Rockets coach Joplin

12/12/2004

Sports editor:

After reading the Sports column on Dec. 5 by Ron Musselman about UT basketball coach Stan Joplin, I was infuriated. As a former college player (BGSU) and coach, I am tired of people bashing coaches and stirring up fire for the alumni and athletic administration.

It is time people step up and support our leaders, teachers, and coaches. The positive people usually sit back and let the negative people speak the loudest.

I hope this letter starts a chain for coach Joplin's support system. Call, mail, or e-mail UT athletic director Mike O'Brien and let him know the facts about the men's basketball program and coach Jop-

lin in an uplifting response, not like the media's interpretation.

Here are some facts about Stan Joplin:

He is a UT graduate, showing loyalty; he inherited a program that was poor - remember Jay Eck and Larry Gipson?; his record of 137-102 includes two division titles, three NIT appearances, and two 20-win seasons; he has had many All-MAC players and has wins over such ranked opponents as Michigan State and Cincinnati; he plays a tough non-conference schedule on the road - his record would be better if he played less-quality opponents at home; and UT has been a semifinalist in the conference tournament in the last two years, meaning the program is stable and in the correct direction.

I am not qualified to judge if coach Joplin should get a new contract, just like Mr. Musselman, other media, alumni, fans, and even players aren't. I am comfortable in saying that he is a knowledgeable coach and a top-notch individual who cares deeply for his players, the University of Toledo and the basketball program.

Mr. O'Brien and the administration are responsible and qualified to make those decisions. Don't allow an improper article at an inappropriate time cover up an impressive tenure for coach Joplin.

AL THOMAS

Findlay

Sports editor:

What a shock to read about Fred Beier's death last week. My wife and I didn't know Fred as a football coach, we knew him as a "gardening friend." We have been operating the Interfaith Gardens behind the soccer fields on

Schneider Road since the mid 1970s, and Fred had several garden plots with us for at least six years.

He has been a friend to all the gardeners and has helped many of them. One year, when he caught a couple of boys in his gardens, he offered to help them with a garden of their own if they promised not to get into anyone else's gardens. He started a plot next to his for them.

Just a couple of months ago we talked to Fred about the problem of trying to find someone to plow the gardens this fall. Fred called Matt Broadbeck, a former student and part owner of Broadbeck Greenhouses on Wenz Road, and Matt gladly plowed the four acres for us.

Just knowing Fred in this small way told us of what a great guy he was, let alone what an inspiration he must have been at St. John's, a man who will truly be missed.

BRUCE WHARRAM

Sylvania

Sports editor:

One week does not a football team make. Browns coach Butch Davis tried, he failed, and had to go sooner rather than later. Player confidence was lost, not to mention more starters to injury than any other NFL team.

Unfulfilling draft picks, mediocre coaching, and poor management led to this day. Biased sports writers show their true colors (silver and blue) when they try to bury one of the more popular franchises in sports. Owner Randy Lerner will deliver for Cleveland and the most loyal fans in football.

JIMMY B. FLOOD

Toledo

The Blade sports department encourages your letters and comments. Be brief; letters will be edited for content, clarity and length, and must include the writer's name, address and telephone number. Send letters to: Sports Editor, The Blade, P.O. Box 921, Toledo, OH, 43697-0921, or e-mail to sports@theblade.com.