GU not a wealthy, elitist school
As a Zags fan who does not switch allegiances in the middle of games, I’d like to address one the three “jealousy” letters that, sadly, appeared in the Christmas Day edition of this newspaper.
Out the window with “goodwill toward man,” evidently.
Jennifer D. Dilley is just plain ignorant (“Eastern athletes ignored”). Gonzaga is not made of money. Sorry. Gonzaga does not buy players. That’s silly. The NBA buys players. It’s illegal in college.
Like every other Division I college basketball program, Eastern Washington’s staff recruits young men, hoping to convince a few to attend EWU over other institutions; they lose more than they get. GU does the same thing. There are spring and summer camps and tournaments coaches attend to evaluate and target future prospects.
EWU offers the Division I maximum of 13 full scholarships, the same as GU. The NCAA does not allow partial scholarships in basketball.
The Zags have paid their dues. Since the 1960s, GU played its games in Kennedy Pavilion/Martin Centre, nothing more than a glorified 2,800-seat high school gym. Before that GU split home games between the old Coliseum, the old Armory and what is now Russell Theater in the Ad Building. The poorest venues in the region.
All the money GU receives from its NCAA appearances is shared equally with its conference brothers, and secondly, in terms of arenas, Reese Court at EWU seats only 1,500 less than the new McCarthey Athletic Center. Reese Court was paid for by the good citizens of Washington (including many GU alumni and fans), while the new Kennel was paid for only by those who voluntarily chose to contribute. Only in the past two years of GU’s 100-plus year existence have they finally a modern building to play hoops. Hardly the mark of a wealthy, elitist school.
Yes, Ms. Dilley, EWU “could’ve” won, just like the 19 previous losses to GU that the Eagles “could’ve” won. Also, if folks don’t know where EWU is, that’s EWU’s problem; perhaps the school needs to begin a promotional campaign.
Bob Shill
Veradale