Shumard’s successful legacy at CSULB goes unappreciated

Letter to the editor

Criticizing from the sidelines is the luxury of the least involved and uninformed. The article written Aug. 30 about former “criticized [Athletic] director” Bill Shumard is exactly such unjust “sideline banter.” It is also very disconcerting that the “booster/donor” community could think so poorly about a man who was revered by the students.

Shumard is a man of integrity, vision and cooperation, all of which highlighted his numerous accomplishments as athletics director.
Tuesday’s article also criticized Shumard for choosing a historically involved and proven community supporter (Mike Walter) over a corporate alternative to sponsor The Pyramid.

In fact, the naming of The Walter Pyramid had less to do with Shumard than it did with other powerful university players, but was also a decision made based on values and vision. Is a vibrant community base less intriguing to our “booster/donor” community than a corporate price tag?

The article’s accusation that Shumard “jump[ed] ship” is the saddest of all of these inaccurate assertions. As all university leaders wish for the students, Shumard worked hard and moved to an ever more prestigious position, and likely one that is more appreciated.

Finally, the 49er men’s basketball team has had some recent difficulties. However, all those who incessantly needed someone to blame for the basketball team specifically blamed Shumard.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, listed in Tuesday’s article, Shumard’s departure was quoted as “nothing more than satisfactory” by certain donors and boosters. This juvenile lack of perspective and appreciation for the Athletics Program as a whole is hasty and demeaning to our university. What type of replacement can we hope to attract with such behavior?

— Morgan Wheeler, former Senator-At-Large, former Chair for Rec. Sports Advisory Board
— Kevin Cape, Student Athlete Advisory Council co-president

Calendar

Display Ads