This is in response to Chip Ainsworth’s March 5 column “McCall Shown The Door.” As a UMass graduate and sports fan I totally disagree with Mr. Ainsworth. Mr. Ainsworth’s continues to display his dislike of UMass athletics. He not only attacked basketball Coach McCall but also Athletic Director Ryan Bamford. As he has for years, he never says anything good about UMass athletics. You would think that with UMass so close to Greenfield, with many graduates and fans in the area, that the Recorder would have a writer who supports the university.
He called Ryan Bamford a “bozo” for the job he has done. Let’s look at UMass athletics under Ryan Bamford. Yes, Bamford has hired both young football and basketball coaches that have not worked out. However, please remember that a while ago UMass did hire a young assistant coach, named John Calipari, to be the UMass head basketball coach and that worked out just fine. The fact is that you take risks with young coaches and some work out and some don’t.
The hockey coach, hired by Bamford, has led the hockey team to the national championship and another year reaching the final championship game. They are presently ranked #11 in the country. The women’s basketball coach, also hired by Bamford, has led the team this year to their first Atlantic 10 championship and an invite to the NCAA tournament. The women’s lacrosse team is presently ranked #23 in the country. Many of the other UMass teams are very competitive and have winning records.
In conclusion, it is felt that Ryan Bamford had done a good job and I will continue to support him and UMass athletics. I just wish Ainsworth would, just once in a while, do the same.
Bill Richardson
Northfield