I read with heightened interest articles and letters (opinions) regarding the coaching recruitment for the Penn State men's basketball program.
The hiring of Patrick Chambers may very well work out, but I thought candidate search seemed to be restricted and short-sighted.
We needed a big-name, big-time proven coach. Quality high school kids want to go to a program which gives them a realistic shot at a national championship and the NBA.
That's recruiting in a nutshell.
I think such a goal will threaten Joe Paterno's ego and PSU football's status, but I thought that's why we built the Bryce Jordan Center in the first place.
Search for mediocrity and average, and we'll hopefully - at best - get more wins than losses. Find the absolute best coach in the country, and we'll all be excited.
It all depends on where the university sets its goals, and if Dr. Graham Spanier has a real commitment to excellence.
Building student-athlete character and avoiding NCAA cheating can go hand-in-hand with winning. Just ask John Wooden or Joe Paterno.
But I want to watch real basketball.
Ralph Aldinger, Everett
Resentment puzzling
Reading different comments from Pennsylvania people - writers, fans, etc. - regarding Ohio State and the Terrelle Pryor situation, it's obvious once again nothing gives PA people greater delight than to gloat over another program's misfortunes.
My question is why? We're all in same conference. Is it because Ohio State beats PSU 75 percent of the time?
You never read stories of Penn State fans coming to Columbus and being abused, verbally and physically, so I just do not get it.
I have friends from Lewisburg who come to Columbus to the game and remark that they've never been treated better. I've read comments from other schools' fans who say they will never return to Beaver Stadium again because of the rude, crude fans, not to mention incidents of visiting bands being tormented.
I'm not defending Jim Tressel because I've never been a fan of his, but to kick your heels and gloat and be so happy because of someone else's troubles, I don't get it.
Rich Foust
Troy, Ohio
