LOYALTY SPURNED

It's a Monday morning and a million things are going through my head. Aside from being in the classroom, the best perk in the teaching profession has to be summer vacation. I know teachers don't make corporate-sized cash (unions and government render that impossible), but the 9-10 weeks each June, July, and August make up the difference. Thus my Monday thought process. This is a general improvement summer -- clean up the horrendous clutter that engulfs my condo, fix the garage door, clean the heating vents (never done in nearly 20 years), buy a new car, and prepare for fall classes. At least it all sounds good.

Something happened last week that prompted my anger but eventual contentment. I have a great friend who happens to be an exceptional coach. Those in the know regard him as one of the better minds in his field. He worked at a nearby university (former employer of mine as well) for over 30 years as both an assistant and head coach, the latter for 15 years.His teams won far more than they lost, his players graduated, and he was perhaps the most loyal individual (to school, colleagues, players, and supporters) I've ever met. I can speak from personal experience having benefited from numerous acts of kindness and support over the years. College athletics, especially at the top echelons, seldom promote long term loyalty.

In the midst of a successful season last year, one that would see his team finish second in the league and win 21 games, he was forced to retire. The company line was that he had made his own decision. Reality said otherwise. It seems that several big money types expressed their disappointment that the team had failed to reach the NCAA tournament in the recent past. They wanted change and promised open checkbooks if that change occurred. The president of the school, disregarding loyalty and competence, forced the retirement with the team in first place and four games left in the regular season schedule. Despite the ignorance, disloyalty, and embarrassment, my friend refused to assess blame or make contrary remarks. His loyalty never wavered. Those in the know showered him with recognition, packing the pavilion for his last home game, and attending two functions held in his honor. One long-time friend wrote a detailed, moving biography of his life, publishing it at his own expense.

For a number of different reasons, he remained at the university in a largely ceremonial fund raising capacity while the new coach (with no previous head coaching experience at any level)operated with relaxed admissions procedures, TRIPLE the previous salary and budget, and virtual carte blanche access to any perceived needs of the program. Communication between the past and present did not exist for obvious reasons. My friend desperately wanted to continue coaching, but familial obligations limited his options to local institutions.

Two weeks ago I received a phone call from him. Out of the blue he had been recommended for an assistant head coaching position at one of America's finest schools. It's private , in the Bay Area, and a member of one of the best and most competitive conferences in the land. It seems the newly-appointed head coach was searching for an individual with experience and expertise since he had no previous head coaching on his resume. With my friend, ego is not and never will be a factor. He interviewed for the position and was subsequently hired. The ensuing phone call was among the most pleasant I have fielded. He was happy, exuberant may be a better word, and at his advancing age, completely revitalized. We discussed his situation and he waxed enthusiastically about how challenging this position would be. I know he wasn't worried about the periphery, he simply wanted to do the one thing, aside from his family, that marked his passion -- coaching.

There remains one truism about this situation. His new boss made a great decision. From his latest hiring, he'll receive a full day's work and then some, unusual expertise from years of toil, and implacable loyalty. That's something others should emulate.

MM