There was some hope that the excellent University California Berkeley men’s gymnastics coach might stay. I hoped.
But Tuesday, June 29th Barry announced his resignation.
… “I’m very proud of the work we have done over the last 20 years here at Cal – not just the great teams and champions, but I’m proud of all the great people who have left their mark,” Weiner said. “Mostly, I am proud of the contributions that our student-athletes have made and continue to make in all walks of life. I have been very fortunate to have spent 19 great years coaching at Cal. I am going to miss working with all of the great kids and people who make up the Cal community.” …
I’ve written a letter to the Chancellor of the University in support of the Men’s team. … But I have to tell you, I’m much less optimistic about the fight now that Barry is gone.
Click PLAY or watch a video featuring classic Barry Weiner on Gymnastike.
related:
Gymnastike – Cal Berkeley Gymnastics IS in Jeopardy but YOU can Help!
6 comments ↓
It’s very distressing that so many people in the men’s gymnastics community have essentially thrown in the towel. I guess perhaps I’m naive. I thought it was cool that the Cal State Fullerton women’s program was “temporarily saved.” Well, with what’s going on at Cal, Fullerton’s program is now toast. Money spent there would be much better spent on behalf of the Cal men’s program.
The demise of the UCLA men’s program was a tragedy, but if the entire (men’s/women’s) gymnastics community allows Cal’s men’s program to go down in flames, that would be absolutely pathetic. Message to the gymnastics community… please spend your money on the Cal men’s program. Don’t give up!
“It’s very distressing that so many people in the men’s gymnastics community have essentially thrown in the towel”
Seriously? Why?
Anyone care to comment on possible reasons?
Cal needs money, and they need it now. Other threatened sports programs have raised cash money similar to the amount that would be needed to save California – in a fairly short amount of time, so it’s not impossible.
The silence from USA Gymnastics on the Cal situation is deafening. Doesn’t really surprise me, USAG has no love for the men’s college programs.
I would think in a place with as many affluent people and corporations, it would be possible.
Cal must have millionaire alumni who could pay for a year personally.
But … if Barry (who loves gymnastics more than anything else) is departing, I’m worried.
Cal Alumni are notorious for refusing to give a dime back to Cal. Their Alumni donation statistics are deplorable.
Good (but depressing) article from IG2
http://www.insidegymnastics.com/content/show/newsarticle.aspx?articleid=849&zoneid=1
Leave a Comment