Dear SMU Daily Campus editors:

Thank you so much for your support and articles the past fewweeks regarding the SMU track program. Just how does anadministration justify supporting a winless football program at thecost of one of the most successful programs, Olympic-caliberathletes, and a world-renown track coach? I cannot begin to expressthe anger and hurt that so many of us track alumni and athleteshave felt over this baseless decision. That this decision was madein complete secrecy and we were not given warning is completelyunacceptable and makes us wonder what is really going on. None ofus believe it is either financial reasons and certainly not TitleIX compliancy.

Jim Copeland has stated that this is the result of a yearlongstudy without discussing any facts or alternatives that wereconsidered. I think one could argue that this is a failing grade inany book and certainly at SMU. We are not very surprised that JimCopeland is attempting to mask his poor job performance with oneblundering decision after another. (Most recently firing the headbasketball coach mid-season.)

Many alumni feel the time has come to hold Mr. Copelandaccountable for his performance as athletic director at SMU andhave him fired. We are much better off without him and his poordecisions, job performance and ethics. His treatment of the SMUtrack athletes both past and present has ranged from disinterestand being unsupportive to being downright rude and discourteous infront of athletes, supporters and parents.

For those who would like to voice their opinion, support, and/orhelp, you can reach us at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smutrack/

Karl Kupecz

SMU track alumnus