Letter to the Editor: MSU firing Rob Ash a big mistake

Editor:

I don't understand the decision of the Montana State University athletic director. As a football coach and a high school science teacher for 28 years, I have seen a lot of ignorant things in football, but he may have just won the grand prize.

Coach Rob Ash was hired when the team was in dire straits from the activities of the staff and players that had come to light. This man turned the program into a class act while maintaining a playoff level of play so fast I was truly amazed. He has brought such credibility and standards to the program that high school. coaches are glad to see their athletes choose the Bobcats.

  This man turns winning season after winning season yet one in nine is below .500 and he gets the axe and, from what I understand, with no forewarning. I am the first to admit the defense was terrible this year, but if you truly follow programs you see recruits do not always pan out the way they were planned.  

Expecting to be in the top 10 every year is a totally absurd concept. Who can tell what will happen in a season, let alone what will occur in the life of an 18-year-old kid over the next five years? I don't expect you to change your mind. People with your reputation seem to refuse to do that, but keep in mind what you had while interviewing future coaches. I really would be surprised if you got any candidates with the ability and class you just dismissed.

Phil  Springer

Conrad

(Phil Springer is a former Havreite)