The Book CC Track & Field 2007-08

[GetTheFacts1st]

_ Maybe we should just call this guy and ask him who to hire....



http://www.hogwired.com/ViewArticle....&Q_SEASON=2007 _

DESTIN,

McDonnell announced is retirement at Arkansas yesterday. He's had some down years and may want to rest after a long career. Maybe we can get him back???? Yeaha, right.

Ahhh, Aaron Thompson and Stewart Blue. Names from the past. I was a fat little 7 year old when those guys were burning up the track @ McNaspy. Macolm Gott (of LSU fame) from Crowley was a name to remember as well. Call one of them and I bet they can tell you what happened at UL. I think they are both still involved in the program.

[spearchucker]

okay i will set everything straight for everyone who is arguing back and forth about the reason OUR coach is gone? yes, that is right, I am a current athlete on this team.
it is NOT because of any of these things that you people are bickering about. the administration should not have any blame whatsoever. THE ADMINISTRATION DOES CARE about the track program. This guy, yes it a great coach but have you actually spoken with this man and actually spent a day with him?? i guess not because all of you would know what kind of person he is. he has VERBALLY put us down this whole season. having your coach tell you that he doesn't care about you is kind of a big deal. we have been told this a multiple of times. all he care about is HIS status and how many championships that he has won. THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW! i can recall him making a comment on how embarrassed he is of having us as his team. your supposed to be building a team not breaking it down. okay...those 28 national championships that he credited himself for were not 90% under HEAD COACHING STATUS. yes he has disciplined us, made us better, bought us new equipment, improved our facility, signed top performing athletes but has he shown us RESPECT?? NO NO NO! now let me tell you something about funding... the university GAVE him what he wanted and SPENT ALL THE MONEY! yes people, he SPENT ALL THE MONEY! When he doesn't get his way, you can compare him to a 2yr old toddler. WE all have seen it. ALL IN ALL, we as a team are extremely excited of his departure! we want a coach that cares about US and OUR success. NOT A COACH THAT CARES ABOUT HIS OWN! and don't come back in reponse to this about how much of a great coach he is and stuff that he has done for us and yada yada yada... but he is what he is and that is why this WAS his FIRST head coaching job in 20years. so stop blaming the admininstration. He brought this upon himself and the administration wasn't having it. WE ARE BETTER OFF! From news that is travelling throughout the team, a better and respected coach is in the works and we are happy and we are all aware of his accomplishments!

Do you need a kleenex?

Silvey accomplished great things everywhere he went; and he has no reason to care about you and your precious feelings---THIS IS DIVISION I ATHLETICS!

You are not in high school!!!

I'd be embarrassed to have the worst or near worst team in the conference also.

Look at the bottom line...as a team over the last several years, the talent pool is very shallow...to say the least -Please understand that I mean no discredit to anyone on a personal level; but results are results.

Silvey was the head coach at Blinn forever...all through the 90's. That job was better than any DI job; I don't expect you to understand that b/c you are too young to now how college track was in that timespan. Being HC at Blinn was the cream of the crop of coaching jobs.

I would love to see "a better and respected coach" take the job but that could only be Boo Schexnayder and I can tell you to expect for him not to take it.

[NewsCopy]

UL director of athletics David Walker said Steve Silvey was relieved Monday of his duties as head coach for the Cajun track and field and cross country programs. The move was first reported Tuesday afternoon at theadvertiser.com Silvey turned in a letter of resignation April 7 citing a lack of support from university administrators but planned on fulfilling his coaching responsibilities through June 30. "We agreed with his decision to leave and wanted to begin the transition immediately," Walker said. "We have some qualified assistant coaches that are capable of running the program until we make a decision on a permanent replacement." The rest of the story Joshua Parrott jparrott@theadvertiser.com

[cajun4life]

_ DESTIN,

McDonnell announced is retirement at Arkansas yesterday. He's had some down years and may want to rest after a long career. Maybe we can get him back???? Yeaha, right.

Ahhh, Aaron Thompson and Stewart Blue. Names from the past. I was a fat little 7 year old when those guys were burning up the track @ McNaspy. Macolm Gott (of LSU fame) from Crowley was a name to remember as well. Call one of them and I bet they can tell you what happened at UL. I think they are both still involved in the program. _

Stewart Blue is more of a problem than an asset in my opinion. Albeit he was one of UL's great track athletes but he undermineded the previous coaching staff and has been a thorn in the side of the program for quite sometime.

[Cajunrunner]

_ Stewart Blue is more of a problem than an asset in my opinion. Albeit he was one of UL's great track athletes but he undermineded the previous coaching staff and has been a thorn in the side of the program for quite sometime. _

I agree with this.

[HoustonCajun]

_ The allegations made by Silvey in his letter of resignation are that same that other coaches and administrators have made about this program in the past. It is in the context of these continuing concerns that Cajun4Life is raising questions about the administration's commitment to funding a Division One program. His past experience as a student athlete as led him to his current opinions.

Now that Silvey's letter of resignation has been made public, Josh Parrot has the opportunity to interview the administration for comment any time. _

The resignation letter was never posted on this site. I did not know it was for public consumption until today. I wish UL would respond because the allegations do not look good for the university.

Coach Silvey Alleges Lack of Support

By BJ Thompson
Cajun RedZone Publisher
Posted Apr 19, 2008


Louisiana Scout has attained a copy of track coach Steve Silvey’s letter of complaint and resignation in an effort to bring to light the reason for departure of what was considered to be one of the university’s most celebrated coaching hires.

In the following letter to Athletic Director David Walker, Coach Silvey alleges the lack of institutional support, honesty during the hiring process and a culture of apathy in the athletic department led to his resignation. In the past, other coaches such as former football coach Jerry Baldwin, softball coach Yvette Girouard and soccer coach Dave Poggi have publicly made similar statements. Our hope at Louisiana Scout is that this letter will open dialogue with the administration to address concerns of Cajun Fans that there is a plan in place to move athletics forward at the Division One level.


April 7th, 2008

Mr. David Walker
Director of Athletics
The University of Louisiana
201 Reinhardt Drive
Lafayette, LA 70506

Dear Mr. Walker:

In the past few months I have felt compelled to reconsider my decision to accept the position of Head Track & Field Coach at the University of Louisiana – Lafayette.

When I accepted this position it was under the impression that the goal of the current administration was two-fold:

1) Change the caliber of student-athlete recruited to UL
2) Raise the Track & Field program to the level it once held

Quite honestly I have come to a feeling of frustration beyond any I have ever felt before. I feel in trying to reach those objectives I have had a battle every step of the way. For example, I am expected to keep athletes in the program who have low academic and athletic performance - athletes who do not deserve to be called student or athlete simply because they don’t represent either. These students are currently enjoying a full scholarship. Many of these athletes should not have been allowed to receive track and field scholarships. I am expected not to cut scholarships for those athletes who are not living up to the expectation that should be in place for any athlete on a full scholarship – high level performance in the classroom and on the track. In addition I am expected to let high quality (academic and athletic) student-athletes who are ready to sign with UL and deserve a full scholarship go to other schools and let these scholarships continue to support mediocrity. I have identified and recruited better student-athletes that come from homes with good parents and stronger academic backgrounds worthy of handling college academics. I feel my efforts have gone unnoticed and as a result unappreciated by the administration. Instead of recognizing and supporting me in my effort to bring UL something it hasn’t had in awhile – a winning track program - I am considered to be someone who can’t work within the system and causes everyone trouble.

I am also very disappointed that it was not disclosed to me during my job interview, that the Men’s Track and Field program would be losing a scholarship for the next year!

Sadly, actions have proven otherwise due to the lack of cooperation from:
• The Administration – questioning every move I make – after 20+ years as a coach at the junior college and Division 1 university level with no NCAA sanctions there should be some trust in my coaching decisions.
• The Sports Information Department - not releasing Meet Results in a timely manner or not at all and no Media Guide as of March,
• Weight Room - not designing workouts for the sport of track and field
• Training room - not providing us with a student-trainer for fall practices or cross country meets.
• Equipment Room- holding the purchase request for 2-3 month before even placing the order for items needed.
• Camps/Student Union-2 Month delay at paying student/adult camp staff.

I believe that the six sports that I represent are just the means for the University of Louisiana to keep in compliance with their NCAA Division I status, and that Track and Field will never be of any true importance!

I felt that my experience, knowledge and involvement in day to day management of several successful programs for the past 23 years might be embraced by the administration. I was led to believe that my insight into the UL track and field program would make for a better environment enabling it to reach greater goals both academically and athletically. I have felt a great resentment from the Athletic Administration when trying to explain how successful programs are able to make it with the limitations put on them.

When I accepted the position of Head Track Coach at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette many people told me I was crazy because the support wasn’t there to make it happen. I saw this job as a great challenge and I was thrilled and excited. I could see its future as a winning program. I believed I had an Administration that wanted the same things I did and would support me and be behind me. I came here believing this would be a “win-win” for all. However, because of the ongoing frustration I have experienced to date - and to which there seems to be no end - I feel it is in my best interest to resign my position as Head Men’ and Women’s Track and Field Coach as of June 30th, 2008.

Thank you for this brief opportunity!

Sincerely,

Steve Silvey
Head Men’s Track & Field
University of Louisiana

[CajunT]

_ Stewart Blue is more of a problem than an asset in my opinion. Albeit he was one of UL's great track athletes but he undermineded the previous coaching staff and has been a thorn in the side of the program for quite sometime. _

Mr. Blue is a major supporter, but he needs to stay out of the everyday decisions in the track department.

[Sonsissymia]

_ Thanks. I didn't start following football until 2000. I have followed baseball for about 15 years now, and basketball and softball for about 10 years.

That took some balls of Archer, and Doc did what "castro" would do, kicked him out. That is pretty damn embarrassing of the administration to do something that appalling.

GEAUX UL! _

didn't they fire a football coach because his son signed a letter of intent with lsu? was it kipps? my memory is going since i'm aarp, but that rings a bell with me.

[CajunT]

_ The resignation letter was never posted on this site. I did not know it was for public consumption until today. I wish UL would respond because the allegations do not look good for the university.

Coach Silvey Alleges Lack of Support

By BJ Thompson
Cajun RedZone Publisher
Posted Apr 19, 2008


Louisiana Scout has attained a copy of track coach Steve Silvey’s letter of complaint and resignation in an effort to bring to light the reason for departure of what was considered to be one of the university’s most celebrated coaching hires.

In the following letter to Athletic Director David Walker, Coach Silvey alleges the lack of institutional support, honesty during the hiring process and a culture of apathy in the athletic department led to his resignation. In the past, other coaches such as former football coach Jerry Baldwin, softball coach Yvette Girouard and soccer coach Dave Poggi have publicly made similar statements. Our hope at Louisiana Scout is that this letter will open dialogue with the administration to address concerns of Cajun Fans that there is a plan in place to move athletics forward at the Division One level.


April 7th, 2008

Mr. David Walker
Director of Athletics
The University of Louisiana
201 Reinhardt Drive
Lafayette, LA 70506

Dear Mr. Walker:

In the past few months I have felt compelled to reconsider my decision to accept the position of Head Track & Field Coach at the University of Louisiana – Lafayette.

When I accepted this position it was under the impression that the goal of the current administration was two-fold:

1) Change the caliber of student-athlete recruited to UL
2) Raise the Track & Field program to the level it once held

Quite honestly I have come to a feeling of frustration beyond any I have ever felt before. I feel in trying to reach those objectives I have had a battle every step of the way. For example, I am expected to keep athletes in the program who have low academic and athletic performance - athletes who do not deserve to be called student or athlete simply because they don’t represent either. These students are currently enjoying a full scholarship. Many of these athletes should not have been allowed to receive track and field scholarships. I am expected not to cut scholarships for those athletes who are not living up to the expectation that should be in place for any athlete on a full scholarship – high level performance in the classroom and on the track. In addition I am expected to let high quality (academic and athletic) student-athletes who are ready to sign with UL and deserve a full scholarship go to other schools and let these scholarships continue to support mediocrity. I have identified and recruited better student-athletes that come from homes with good parents and stronger academic backgrounds worthy of handling college academics. I feel my efforts have gone unnoticed and as a result unappreciated by the administration. Instead of recognizing and supporting me in my effort to bring UL something it hasn’t had in awhile – a winning track program - I am considered to be someone who can’t work within the system and causes everyone trouble.

I am also very disappointed that it was not disclosed to me during my job interview, that the Men’s Track and Field program would be losing a scholarship for the next year!

Sadly, actions have proven otherwise due to the lack of cooperation from:
• The Administration – questioning every move I make – after 20+ years as a coach at the junior college and Division 1 university level with no NCAA sanctions there should be some trust in my coaching decisions.
• The Sports Information Department - not releasing Meet Results in a timely manner or not at all and no Media Guide as of March,
• Weight Room - not designing workouts for the sport of track and field
• Training room - not providing us with a student-trainer for fall practices or cross country meets.
• Equipment Room- holding the purchase request for 2-3 month before even placing the order for items needed.
• Camps/Student Union-2 Month delay at paying student/adult camp staff.

I believe that the six sports that I represent are just the means for the University of Louisiana to keep in compliance with their NCAA Division I status, and that Track and Field will never be of any true importance!

I felt that my experience, knowledge and involvement in day to day management of several successful programs for the past 23 years might be embraced by the administration. I was led to believe that my insight into the UL track and field program would make for a better environment enabling it to reach greater goals both academically and athletically. I have felt a great resentment from the Athletic Administration when trying to explain how successful programs are able to make it with the limitations put on them.

When I accepted the position of Head Track Coach at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette many people told me I was crazy because the support wasn’t there to make it happen. I saw this job as a great challenge and I was thrilled and excited. I could see its future as a winning program. I believed I had an Administration that wanted the same things I did and would support me and be behind me. I came here believing this would be a “win-win” for all. However, because of the ongoing frustration I have experienced to date - and to which there seems to be no end - I feel it is in my best interest to resign my position as Head Men’ and Women’s Track and Field Coach as of June 30th, 2008.

Thank you for this brief opportunity!

Sincerely,

Steve Silvey
Head Men’s Track & Field
University of Louisiana _

That is fine Sugarland Cajun. I provided the information that was not available to Cajun fans to allow others to read the letter. Many of Silvey's allegations have been made by other coaches and administrators in the past. Obviously we as Cajun fans are not entitled to this letter or the administrations reasons to except his resignation. But there are other concerns in his letter that have been raised in the past that the administration can address today and communicate in a plan of action for athletics. We are still waiting on some type of plan with certain commitments from the administration and futher goals.

[Zeebart21]

didn't they fire a football coach because his son signed a letter of intent with lsu? was it kipps? my memory is going since i'm aarp, but that rings a bell with me.

S'mia, always humorous to see you take your shot at us, but there was just a bit more to the Kipps debacle than meets the eye.

Z

[rgncjn12]

_ didn't they fire a football coach because his son signed a letter of intent with lsu? was it kipps? my memory is going since i'm aarp, but that rings a bell with me. _

Kyle Kipps signed with LSU. His dad was at the time a coach at UL, not sure if he was fired or forced to resign or left on his own will. Like I said, I didnt start following football until about 2000. So that would be before my time.

GEAUX UL!

[Just1More]

_ Kyle Kipps signed with LSU. His dad was at the time a coach at UL, not sure if he was fired or forced to resign or left on his own will. Like I said, I didnt start following football until about 2000. So that would be before my time.

GEAUX UL! _

Stokley didn't handle this situation very well, but in principle he had every right to say and do what he did. Stokley made it known to the coaches, well in advance of the Kipps incident, that he did not want a coach's son playing for another D1A instate school, if he had the opportunity to play for the Cajuns. It was acceptable for a coach's son to go out of state, but not instate D1A. Coach Kipps knew this. But, Kyle wanted to go to LSU. LSU had already started some bad blood with Stokley (regardless of his former LSU QB status) and he made it very clear with Kipps that he could not retain him with the recruiting season in full swing, with Kyle committed to LSU, and face parents and kids across the state saying "you couldn't even get one of your own coach's sons to play for you". Kipps knew the score. But, instead of resigning, he forced Stokley's hand. And, of course, you know how much everyone wants a lawsuit... Kipps sued. The whine was that no father should force his son where to play. That was never the issue. Let him play where he wants... just resign and get a job elsewhere.

No coach or teacher has any control anymore... can you imagine what we'll face in the future when the little leaguers of today (those who all get a trophy just for showing up) are going to be like to deal with when they show up in college... with mommy and daddy in tow!?!? "But daddy, they forced me to wear vermillion... you know I look better in cyan... let's sue them... if Jerry Baldwin can win, who can't?"