I recently returned from a vacation and on my first day back to work a wait person in a local restaurant approached me to ask if I had heard about the side show at St. Bona and what I knew about it. All I could say was it was a sad time at a nearly 200-year young institution. A source of pride for loyal alum and local supporters. St. Bonas is responsible for providing a valued education to so many and instilling values that should last a lifetime.
Some are realizing the impact of the public infighting that’s occurred in the athletic department and how it is an awful reflection on a proud institution. Today I realized the feeling I have is like how I felt almost 20 years ago. How did infrastructure of our university – general manager, athletic director, administrators, officers and the Board of Trustees lose their way? AGAIN. Where is the leadership we so desperately need? Win at all costs? Our integrity and our support being trampled by a few who think they know the way and they know the ONE.
If anyone thinks this has been handled in a manner that reflects strongly on St Bona, they are likely not a former student. Hard for me to believe the ONE is a former student and graduate.
I am reading the choice has been made. The ONE has been anointed. Breaking news. Here we go. AGAIN. We are back where we started – no program, no proven experience in building a program and the leaders – crickets. Let the revisionist historians get busy. The ONE is going to need a lot of your help.
Liz and I wish our soon to be former coach and his family all the best. Mark and Anita there have been no better representatives of St. Bonaventure University and our community than you and your family.
Best of luck.
Jack and Liz Whipple, Olean, New York
