Letters to sports 10/9

Published online on Friday, Oct. 09, 2009

Arax gets bad rap
Per Andy Boogaard's article on the Bullard-Memorial recruiting war involving a ninth-grade player ("Stuck in the middle," Sunday Page C1), a few things were left unsaid. Central Section Commissioner Jim Crichlow said that Jesus Lozano, the player in question, was "totally innocent."

And then he suspended him for five games to teach others a lesson? Nice justice. Having never met Robert Vierra or the Lozano family, it would be unfair to comment.

The article, however, did make Bullard coach Don Arax look like an arrogant, win-at-all-costs, power-mad tyrant.

Although the quotes attributed to him seem to be accurate, they likely were said in the heat of the moment and in no way reflect his character.

A few years ago, Coach Arax suspended several star players right before a game with archrival Hoover and a week before the playoffs, significantly reducing his team's chances for success.

Many coaches would have stalled on any discipline, or issued a weak rebuke.

Or attempt a cover-up, it's not rare.

Under Coach Arax's watch, players are held accountable, and he has elevated Bullard from a soft underachiever into a Valley power the old-fashioned way -- he worked at it.

Fred Clark, High school football analyst, KJEO (Channel 32), Fresno

Wawona feels loss

After reading "Stuck in the middle," I must call attention to the ripple effect felt by the firing of coach Rob Vieira. The Wawona boy's football team was left to feel the repercussions from a situation they held no part in.

Although I commend Principal Darling for his promoting of coaching staff from within to aid in the transition of losing Coach Rob, it does not change the fact that his presence is sorely missed. Coach Rob left behind a group of boys who he inspired, advised and motivated on a daily basis. His discipline and drive to see these boys succeed not only on the field, but in the classroom, also, has left our players in a position to face undue adversity. More than one young player is now "stuck in the middle" of an unfortunate situation.

Monica Cruz-Heredia, Fresno

Wrong priorities

Regarding the Jesus Lozano story, let me see if I get this straight. After "investigating" the two schools, Jim Crichlow decides that even though the schools might have been out of line, no reprimanding was necessary. However, with a sense of fair play that eludes me, he decides that although Jesus was "a pawn and a totally innocent person," the schools needed to be sent a message and declared that Jesus could not play five football games for Memorial.

Once again the people who screw up are given a pass and the "totally innocent" are shoved under the bus. I want to commend Coach Vierra for doing what the other adults should have been doing, namely putting the needs of the kid first. Apparently, the only people who got the message (sorry, Jim) were Jesus and Coach Vierra. The lesson? It's always about what benefits the adults. As an alumnus of Bullard High, I usually take pride in Bullard's accomplishments. Not much to be proud of here.

Rodney Elder, Visalia

Not part of game plan

In today's society, if a parent has the opportunity to enroll their child in a public vs. private school, it's a no-brainer. Any coach, teacher or administrator who tries to prevent a child from attending a private school is thinking about his or her own self-interest, not that of the child. If Bullard High is trying to improve its image inside and out in this community, then someone needs to tell Mr. Arax the game plan. Aren't we trying to teach our children not to be bullies?

Michael Rodriguez, Selma

Go Joe!

I just read the story about Joe Colmenero Sr. (Sept. 22, page C1) who plays goalie for Fresno City Rams. I say GO JOE! Not only are you enjoying a sport that means a lot to you, you are a mentor and role model for the younger players.

I don't just mean on the soccer field. Going back to school after 40 is tough. My husband just did it last year. It shows kids how important education is, that it is never too late to go back.

To those who say it's just a "midlife crisis," I say sounds like sour grapes. At least Joe is doing something productive with his life. I wish him, his son and the entire Rams team a successful season.

Kimberly Quinn, Fresno

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