2008 Woodie Awards
Future of track program still unclear
Erik Johnson
Issue date: 4/13/07 Section: Sports
Others are frustrated with the fact that they are receiving no information about the coaching search and its developments.
"Considering we aren't receiving any information about the coaching search, it's hard," said freshman Timmy Specht. "We are the ones who will have to run for the new coach and it seems like we should know what's going on."
Freshman Jesse Kueker added, "The administration hasn't shown us that they are trying to suit our needs. They are kind of just leaving us out to dry. If they are trying to suit our needs, then they aren't letting us know about it. It seems like they are leaving DeLong, along with all of us, out of the mix on any information about who our next coach is going to be."
Part of the reason for the delay in the coaching search is the recent rejection the job received from candidate Shawn Widgett. Widgett was brought in to meet with the administration and team members, and was thought to be close to becoming the next head coach at SBU.
Many of the athletes were satisfied that an accomplished coach had been found and the whole process was going to be over soon. However, word came a few days later that Widgett had decided to turn down the job because of family and financial issues associated with the position.
"It's kind of frustrating not knowing what's going to happen since DeLong is leaving so soon," said sophomore Michael Pierce. "But, at the same time, I think the administrative staff is trying to find the right coach and I hope that's why it's taking so long."
Pierce went on to add that, while the coach is important, it is not everything. "As a team, we can't be in it for the coach. We have to have our own reasons for being here."
While the athletes wait for any new information about the coaching search, they will continue to prepare for the rest of their outdoor season with hopes of helping the SBU track-andfield team take the next step toward national prominence.
The track-and-field team at Southwest Baptist, though trying to retain optimism, if finding it difficult to run with intensity for a coachless team.
While many people surrounding the program are frustrated with the current situation, it is important to note that the team is still improving and has not lost its sense of humor about the situation.
"Attending this school, I'll probably be married before we find out who our new coach is," said Kueker.
With DeLong's departure approaching quickly, who knows how long humor can prevail?
"Considering we aren't receiving any information about the coaching search, it's hard," said freshman Timmy Specht. "We are the ones who will have to run for the new coach and it seems like we should know what's going on."
Freshman Jesse Kueker added, "The administration hasn't shown us that they are trying to suit our needs. They are kind of just leaving us out to dry. If they are trying to suit our needs, then they aren't letting us know about it. It seems like they are leaving DeLong, along with all of us, out of the mix on any information about who our next coach is going to be."
Part of the reason for the delay in the coaching search is the recent rejection the job received from candidate Shawn Widgett. Widgett was brought in to meet with the administration and team members, and was thought to be close to becoming the next head coach at SBU.
Many of the athletes were satisfied that an accomplished coach had been found and the whole process was going to be over soon. However, word came a few days later that Widgett had decided to turn down the job because of family and financial issues associated with the position.
"It's kind of frustrating not knowing what's going to happen since DeLong is leaving so soon," said sophomore Michael Pierce. "But, at the same time, I think the administrative staff is trying to find the right coach and I hope that's why it's taking so long."
Pierce went on to add that, while the coach is important, it is not everything. "As a team, we can't be in it for the coach. We have to have our own reasons for being here."
While the athletes wait for any new information about the coaching search, they will continue to prepare for the rest of their outdoor season with hopes of helping the SBU track-andfield team take the next step toward national prominence.
The track-and-field team at Southwest Baptist, though trying to retain optimism, if finding it difficult to run with intensity for a coachless team.
While many people surrounding the program are frustrated with the current situation, it is important to note that the team is still improving and has not lost its sense of humor about the situation.
"Attending this school, I'll probably be married before we find out who our new coach is," said Kueker.
With DeLong's departure approaching quickly, who knows how long humor can prevail?
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