I was impressed to read a student’s (Pat Goulding II) letter criticizing decisions made by our football coach during Cal Poly’s game last weekend. Not that I agreed or disagreed – I wasn’t there. I was at UC Riverside, coaching your women’s volleyball team. I wish someone would write a letter criticizing my decisions… it would mean that someone cares! I left a job coaching a nationally ranked team to resurrect Cal Poly’s last place, foundering program. As we enter this weekend, YOUR Cal Poly Mustang women can win Poly’s first ever Big West Conference Championship!
While your team has enjoyed strong community support, I am vexed by the lack of student body support for a team that has become a NATIONAL POWER. I know that a volleyball match is low on the priority food chain – there are midterms to study for, papers to write, bills to pay, and a war going on in the Middle East.
Still, I challenge you to come be a part of history. At least, you can use it as a nice diversion and it is a quality sporting event. Please do what you need to do to “get your festive on” (please be responsible and safe), and then COME EARLY – around 6:30 p.m., as “stylishly late” does nothing to intimidate our opponents. An animated, early arriving crowd will show that you DO care and it will be worth a million bucks. These student athletes have earned a pat on the back. They work REALLY HARD to provide a source of pride for all of you. Please show them that you care!
Jon Stevenson
Cal Poly head volleyball coach