Letters

Qualified coach overlooked

This is in regards to an article written by Steve Christilaw (Valley Voice, Sept. 18). The article was about one of the “good old boys,” Bob Barbero, coming back to West Valley High School to coach track and cross country. It seems it isn’t how good of a coach you are, it’s who you are. They didn’t even interview anyone else. They had made up their mind already.

Gene Blankenship has given his time and energy to West Valley’s track and cross country. He mentored all the runners, good and average. He went beyond his coaching. For example, he would pick up the kids that didn’t have a ride in the summer for training and take them home after practice. Gene, for all his hard work, sincere kindness and dedication, was rewarded by not even being given an interview by West Valley’s athletic director.

Gene also had winning teams. Two athletes that I know of are attending college on athletic scholarships because of their talent and the mentoring by Gene and Jim McLachlan. Many of us are also disappointed in McLachlan. He is a good guy. He could’ve put in a good word for Gene. But, of course, Gene isn’t one of the Valley’s “good old boys.”

Good luck, Gene, as you start your new coaching job at Medical Lake High School. It won’t happen overnight, but you will do great. “Go Medical Lake!”

Bette Wilson

Spokane