Saturday, June 23, 2007 1:03 AM CDT
Letter: EIU wrestling program should be reinstated
By PAT FLYNN, Ringwood, Ill.
This letter is in response to the EIU administrative decision to eliminate wrestling. I am sickened by the entire sport elimination process and lack of administrative awareness of what wrestling program means to its community. I cannot fathom what went through their little minds when this decision was made.
I am an EIU wrestling grad (87). You will not remember me because I didn’t break any records, qualify for the NCAA tournament, or make any academic dean’s lists. When I left the campus at Charleston, I was a stronger man than when I arrived because of my college wrestling experience.
As a wrestling coach, I gave to hundreds of student-athletes the same guidance wrestling gave me: Strength, commitment, perseverance, knowledge, humility, trust and honor. These are the quintessential requirements all work atmospheres are looking for in their prospective employees.
My heart breaks for Ralph McCausland. I was at EIU for Ralph’s rookie season. Man, could he wrestle and could he coach. He elevated our skills to division I status on a daily basis! Imagine wrestling the likes of Iowa, Oklahoma St, and Michigan on a weekly basis!
Ralph also taught us to be men and appreciate what God gave us. You know, I never told Ralph this to his face, but I can honestly say I love the man for what he did for me. When my body wore out on the mat before my heart, or life became too complicated, Ralph was there.
He was there as a solid, emotional support for a young student looking for guidance. Ralph gave this to all he taught and coached. Ralph McCausland never turned his back on me or the rest of the students he touched. So why is EIU turning their backs on wrestling and Ralph McCausland?
To me, EIU is the last place in Illinois a wrestler can get a quality education in a warm atmosphere.
As I begin my new job as Drauden Point Middle School principal in Plainfield this coming school year, I will bring with me everything I learned from wrestling and from Ralph McCausland. It is not about the wins and losses, or the GPA, because no one will remember.
It is about guiding young adults into a world of uncertainty.
I am asking the administration at EIU reinstate the wrestling program. Please do not turn your back on the EIU wrestling community.
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