I watched the EWU vs. Gonzaga game on Monday evening with mixed emotions. Being a Zags fan, I wanted them to make a good showing. However, being a fan of the underdog in life and sports (except for regional teams), I suddenly found myself rooting for the Eagles.

If the Zags could not beat the Eagles, then I knew they were overrated and likely I could quit having such high expectations for them. On the other hand, if the Eagles did beat Gonzaga, a Top-10 rated team, it would be astounding for their program and their future. We might have two local teams going to the big dance.

Then I was outraged by the postgame comments of (GU) coach (Mark) Few. He insinuated his players did not play well for most of the game and did not seem to take their opponent seriously. This is so typical of coaches. Do we ever hear that perhaps the coaching staff did not prepare a good game plan both offensively and defensively? Do we ever hear that the opposing coach might have prepared a better strategy against you? Do we ever hear that the opposing players played their heart out and just might be better athletes than you had expected?

Rather than accuse your own players of standing around and lacking the instinct to win, consider that when the opponent is hot, executing, and confident, that it tends to put your team in shock and awe. It derails your game and you become weary of what to expect next. That is when a great coach surfaces and finds a strategy to overcome the obstacles and correct the errors.

I will guarantee you every college athlete on a winning program is striving to be the best he can be, to achieve the most accomplishments toward winning possible, both individually and collectively. College athletes have few years to accomplish their goals and experience the joy of winning. Coaches may have decades of opportunities.

Allan LeTourneau

Spokane