What readers are saying
Seattle Pacific soccer
This, from a Christian institution?
I was appalled at the article regarding Cliff McCrath and Seattle Pacific University. I have known SPU trustees and professors over the years. As an alumnus and supporter of SPU, I do not understand an institution that calls itself Christian treating people in such an un-Christian manner.
I have heard all of the verbiage from such institutions before: “We must exercise our Christian responsibility and protect this institution at all costs.” However, I do not believe that is what Christ would do. I think President Phillip W. Eaton and other staff members responsible for such actions should seek repentance and forgiveness for acting in such a non-Christ-like manner.
- Chuck Waite, LynnwoodGoodbye, Uncle Nubby
I have known Cliff McCrath for nearly 30 years. I first met him when I made a cold call to him 27 years ago to ask a question about a difficult soccer concept for 10-year-old players, not knowing how he would respond to an unknown, neophyte, youth-soccer coach. However, after 30 minutes he had not only given me the advice I needed, but then sent me a playbook geared toward teaching youngsters.
Over the years, I found that this was not uncommon for Cliff. He always had time to talk and teach.
However, what speaks volumes about Cliff as a person and a coach is an unexpected letter I received one day in May 1994. He wrote it “somewhere over South Dakota” and I count it as a treasured memento.
Cliff wrote: “When God hands out rewards for longevity, faithfulness to kids, tireless commitment to soccer’s future stars, [you] will be in the front row! You amaze me. Not only do you see your own kids over the bumps, you continue to drag yourself out to the dusty pitches for scores of others. Our kids today need real role models and you are that in spades. May you live forever, plus 47 days.”
Those who know Cliff take these kindnesses for granted. He is a kind, caring human being as well as a talented soccer coach and teacher. It is hard to imagine SPU soccer without his name associated with it, even though his fingerprints will always be on the program.
Enjoy your retirement, Uncle Nubby.
- Lee Libby, Lake Forest ParkA classless end
I can hardly express how shocked and disgusted I am with the way that Cliff McCrath’s career at Seattle Pacific University is coming to an end.
As a member of the 1983 and 1985 national-championship teams, I’ve known Cliff for 30-plus years, first as a funny coach with too few fingers at a soccer camp, then as my college coach and since as a valued friend and mentor.
To see his time end in such a cavalier fashion completely befuddles me.
Cliff McCrath simply was Seattle Pacific University to many around the area and the country. He did more to put the school on the map than any individual.
I can fully understand that at some point SPU would like to go in a new direction, but to do so in such a callous and classless way speaks very poorly of those in leadership positions.
I can only hope that someone will come to their senses and let Cliff finish his time at the school in the manner he has earned and deserves.
- Peter HattrupUW football
2008 will be year of the Dawg
Tommy Lasorda, in a recent interview with Bob Costas, said second-guessing is easy. It is making the original decisions that are difficult.
Tyrone Willingham has been second-guessed almost since the day he arrived at Washington as football coach after being fired at Notre Dame. Knute Rockne and Don James aren’t available now, so perhaps Huskies fans will give Willingham a break until he gets the Dawgs competitive again?
Athletic director Todd Turner, in his public evaluations of the football program, has said that we need more and better athletes like our competitors. Ty Willingham has had three years to show his stuff by bringing in the caliber of players that will return Washington football to its glory years.
Other than the defensive line, most of this year’s team will return, and Willingham has more ammunition in his redshirt Dawg pelt. I believe he is the man, and that 2008 will become the year of the Dawg once again.
- David Enroth, SeattleBarry Bonds
Steroid investigation marred by hypocrisy
Mark McGwire was the king of baseball’s steroid users, its forerunner and likely the most abusive user. Yet the media has acted like they have none of this information.
Meanwhile, almost all of the players MLB has named as steroid users are minorities. Given the way McGwire has been treated, and that the majority of players are white, it is clear that baseball needs to prove that it is not targeting minorities.
Barry Bonds has been treated differently, with a vindictive sports media and headline-hungry feds leading the way. The hypocrisy stinks.
- Mark Kittell, SeattlePressure on coaches
Who’s next on Seattle’s hot seat?
A new version of musical chairs has crept into the Seattle sports scene. In this one, when the music stops only one person gets to sit down, and that chair happens to be the proverbial hot seat.
Due to the short memories of the owners and the eternal promise of the coming spring training, Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi recently escaped from the hot seat. Huskies football coach Tyrone Willingham has danced around the hot seat, but has probably escaped it for at least another year thanks to the patience and good judgment of UW president Mark Emmert and his athletic director, Todd Turner.
The next most likely person to feel the hot seat is Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo. Pity his position. The three true centers on the team all appear to be ready to carry on the tradition that the Sonics’ center position is a low-impact aerobic exercise. Or, more accurately, a no-impact aerobic exercise. The point-guard position has been put up for grabs, and so far no one is grabbing.
The real sadness in all this is that the Seattle sports fans don’t get to decide who sits on the hot seat. Wouldn’t we all like to send Clay Bennett back to Oklahoma City, sunny-side up, so to speak.
- Raymond S. Wilson, BellevueArchbishop Murphy
Heartless call by WIAA
Archbishop Murphy high school was forced to forfeit eight games because a player’s physical expired four days before their coach died of prostate cancer. Obviously, it was a time of turmoil and extensive change revolving around the illness of their coach. It surely was an oversight of the school in not keeping their records straight. Perhaps, given the circumstances, it was understandable.
The school discovered the error and reported it directly to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. What did the WIAA do? They further ripped the hearts and souls of the team by destroying their season. Where is the sports/future life connection? Do the right thing and get destroyed for it? I must have missed that lesson.
My analysis is simple:
1) Archbishop Murphy did the right thing in reporting its error. Restore the football team’s eligibility and give it the Class 2A title.
2) Bellingham High School had the opportunity to do the honorable thing and refuse to participate in the playoffs against Mark Morris.
3) All members of the WIAA committee should immediately tender their resignations and make appointments for heart transplants. Clearly, their current organs are not working.
- Rick Carroll, RedmondMeddlers, Inc.
Whenever someone asks me what WIAA stands for, I always reply the same: the Washington Interference with Athletics Association.
- Tom Trapp, EverettSend us your back talk: Letters bearing true names, addresses and telephone numbers for verification are considered for publication. Please limit letters to 125 words or less. They are subject to editing and become the property of The Times. Fax them to 206-464-3255, or mail to: Back talk, Seattle Times Sports, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111. Or e-mail to: sports@seattletimes.com.