0 SPORTS -- Ppg, 8- Tuesday, February 10, 1981 The Michigan Daily Soluk and players-communication gap I By LARRY FREED and DAN NEWMAN Two years ago, some of the players on Michigan's women's basketball team began a movement to oust their coach, Gloria Soluk: At the conclusion of last season, the same situation took place. This ,season is no different. In fact, one player on this year's team said, "There is more animosity this year than even before." The Wolverines have never had a winning season under Soluk, who has compiled a 36-63 record during her four year tenure. THE MAJOR problem has been dissatisfaction with the coaching philosophy of Soluk, according to several past and present players. "There have been a lot of questions raised about her (Soluk) coaching philosophy," said one current member. "But it's not an open communication, and people don't understand why they're not playing." "I am sorry that the players take their complaints to the press instead of talking to me," replied Soluk. "I have always felt that I have maintained a policy of open communication." CONFLICTS between Soluk and her players have led to the departure of 11 for this year if everyone would have stayed on. We would have been something." "SOME OF THE players that left the team were cut, and the others left for their own personal reasons," Soluk commented. Many of the other players from past teams blame their early departures on disagreements with Soluk's coaching philosophy. "I thought as a coach she was very unrealistic. She'll make a promise and do the direct opposite," said another ex- player. "I don't think she's a good coach. 'I can't figure -out her substitution systemr . . . if I made a mistake I might as well walk off the court, because I knew she'd (Soluk) yank me.' former player already set in her views." This feeling of frustration among the players on the 1978-79 team led to the first of two movements by the players to oust Soluk. "ONE-HUNDRED percent at first were behind it (the movement to fire Soluk)," said one ex-player. "But it didn't work out because a lot didn't care and some others were worried about their scholarships." Another player cited other reasons for aborting the attempt to dismiss Soluk. "When we took it to a member of the athletic department we heard you couldn't do anything because she was tight with (athletic director Don) Canham," recalls another ex-player. "I feel I have a good relationship with Canham," commented Soluk. "The Soluk ... draws criticism program should get a big boost now because he has granted us more scholarships to offer. This should greatly help our recruiting." ALTHOUGH THE movements to oust Soluk have lessened, the players' frustrations with her coaching style didn't. Their complaints have remained consistent, focusing on the same issues: unkept promises, undefined roles, and favoring of starters. "I can't figure out her substitution system," said one current player. "This puts a lot of pressure on the subs and the pressure holds you back." One player who transferred said, "If I made a mistake I might as well walk off the court because I knew she'd (Soluk) yank me." "I FEEL THAT I have shown no favoritism between the starters and the most of the team's problems," com- mented one current player. "Everybody on the team likes her as a person, but some have disagreements with her coaching strategy." "GLORIA HAS tried awfully hard and expended a lot of energy on the team," said Ocker. "She has also done a fine job of recruiting, and operating her summer basketball camp." A recurring problem that some players said added to their frustrations was unkept promises by Soluk. "She promised everyone they'd get a chance to play," added another ex-player. "She (Soluk) once promised me playing time after I went to see her, and then I 'I feel that I have shown no favoritism between the starters and the subs. I have given everybody an equal opportunity. --Gloria Solk t members of the team over the last four years. There have been at least three separate explanations for these in- cidents. "There are more talented high school players coming up, each year," ex- plained women's athletic director Phyllis Ocker. "The departed players left probably because it was too tough for them to accept that they were not as good as the incoming freshmen." "I feel that in any program when a new coach comes in, some players will leave because they are too used to the old coach's philosophy," said Soluk.- "IT'S OBVIOUS that something was wrong somewhere along the line," commented one ex-player. "Especially if you consider all the talent we've had." Indeed, Soluk had a strong nucleus in her 1978-79 team on which to build a solid squad. That team, which compiled the best record (13-14) during Soluk's four years as coach, consisted of no seniors and only one junior. In addition, the team included five all-staters and one transfer student who was an MVP at her previous school., But by the following season, only four players remained on the team, the other seven having quit or transferred. "I was really disappointed," said one player who transferred from that ill- fated team. "We had the most talent in the state by far that year. We had the ability to build a great team, especially LSAT GRE GMAT TST PREPARATION "I THINK THE problems are mainly due to how the coach runs the team and the way the players see their roles," another player explained. "It's very frustrating putting in time every day and not getting much playing time." It should be noted, however, that a majority of the fifteen players that have quit or transferred were mainly performing in a substitute capacity. "Every coach hates not playing everybody, and it breaks my heart to do so because they all play so hard in prac- tice," said Soluk. HOWEVER, another problem that some players said they had with Soluk was her habit"of sticking players with labels that they could not get rid of. "I quit mainly because of the coach," explained one player. "I had labels I couldn't get rid of like 'no-defense' and 'head-cold' (a term which refers to a player's inability to think clearly on the court). When I returned the next year, I felt more mature, but Coach Soluk was subs. I have given everbody an equal, opportunity,",Soluk replied. "Women are much harder to coach in, certain aspects than men. They tend to be more upset and voice their opinion more," noted one ex-player. "Also you have to remember that each player came from a high school where they were the stars." After a disappointing 8-20 season, the team held some meetings to discuss some possible changes. "AFTER LAST season ended, the team members had a few formal meetings among themselves," com- mented one member of last year's squad. "We stopped just short of taking action." The problem was going to be taken to the board, but people started to back out for selfish reasons, perhaps fearing that their scholarships would be revoked, according to another team member. "I feel Gloria is not responsible for didn't play. When I told her I was tran-, sferring, she told me to stay'and that I'd get more playing time. But I told her I had heard it all before." One returning player said that Soluk has made an honest effort this year to change some of her ways. On the other hand, though, turmoil has continued to surround this year's team. "THERE'S A difference between what others considered their role and what the coach saw it as being," com- mented one current player. "Some feel they're being slighted." "This could have been our best team, but we've had problems with injuries and we have lost several games by one or two point margins," explained Soluk. "That alone could have turned the year and program around." So as Soluk enters her one-hundredth game tonight at Grand Valley, nor- mally a cause for celebration, an air of controversy surrounds the milestone game instead. a SPOR TS OF THE DAIL Y: Boxing ro From the Associated Press Sportscaster Frank Gifford called it "the scandal that rocked boxing." Howard Cosell termed it the "alleged scandal in boxing." Gifford was more accurate. Boxing certainly has been rocked by the charges that Harold Smith, chair- man of Muhammad Ali Professional Sports and two other officers of MAPS, were involved in a $21.3 million Wells Fargo Bank and the collapse of MAPS. But is this a boxing scandal? Now boxing certainly is no stranger to scandal. In fact, the FBI currently is investigating the sport, with the in- vestigation seemingly centered on ocked by Smith, MAPS 'scandal' 6 promoter Don King. And there is a major scandal brewing over the rankings made by the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association, rankings that have long been suspect. The MAPS case certainly under- scored a major boxing shor- tcoming-control of the people in the sport by state and local commissions. It appears no questions were asked when Smith appeared on the scene throwing money around like it was confetti. MAPS was the source for the $8.1 million in purses for the big Feb. 23 card at Madison Square Garden, which fell apart. But MAPS did not have a license to, promote in New York although Tiffany promotions,' which was to co-promote, did. Last week while the Garden show was disintegrating, a reporter called Jim- my Jacobs, manager of welterweight Wilfredo Benitez who would have got- ten $1 million to fight WBC champ Tommy Hearns, and asked if it wasn't the worst boxing scandat ever. Mascarin falls OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)-Mima Jausovec of Yugoslavia, seeded sixth in the tournament, opened play yesterday in the $150,000 Avon Championships of California with a 6-1, 6-3 first-round vic- tory over Susan Mascarin. In one of last night's matches, top- seeded Martina Navratilova was scheduled to play Claudia Kohde of West Germany. Jausovec quickly eliminated Masearin, a 16-year-old from Grosse Point Shores, Mich. Jausovec could be facing Leslie Allen in the second round of the tennis event at the Oakland Coliseum Arena. Allen, the New Yorker who won her first women's pro tour title in Detroit on Sunday, is scheduled to play her first- round match here today against Candy Reynolds. 0 The finest preparation courses available Classes for eXton Feb. 21st EduCahonal I LSAT begin CenteiisFeb. 8th Call or write for more information 32466 Olde Franklin Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48018 (313) 851-2969 CLASSES IN ANN ARBOR " DETROIT " E. LANSING Tracksters solid itnMSU tune-up- F U You n Sill Make A Difference While careers in public service may not be as fashionable as they were a decade ago, such careers can be very rewarding and personally satisfying. After just three months of intensive training at The Institute for Paralegal Training, you will be prepared to work in govern- ment agencies, public service organizations and lawfirms as a Legal Assistant in the fields of Administrative and Public Law or Criminal Law. You will do work traditionally performed by attorneys. You will work intthe dynamic field of govern- ment legislation and regulation and be involved in such areas as: Environmental Law, Food Drug and Health Law, Criminal Justice, Equal Opportunity, Welfare, Energy, and Product Safety Law. Furthermore, you will earn graduate credit towards a Master of Arts in Legal Studies through Antioch School of Law for all course work completed at The Institute. We are the nation's first and most respected school for paralegal training, and since 1970, have trained more than 4,000 college graduates from across the country. If you are a senior of high academic standing and'looking fora meaningful career, contactyour Placement Office for an interview with our representative. We will visit your campus on: FEBRUARY 19, 1981 MARCH 18, 1981 By JOHN FITZPATRICK A number of Michigan tracksters went up to Lansing last Saturday for the annual Spartan Relays, registering some solid performances in at somewhat-uncompetitive meet. Wolverine John Nielsen continued his domination of the shotput competitions he has entered this season, as he chalked up an easy win with a heave of 57'41", a mark close to his personal best. Men's coach Jack Harvey in- dicated that Nielsen has been training through the last few meets, doing weight work and throwing every day, as the freshman has attempted to per- fect the "discus-spin" technique he employs. Taking second in the shot was Nielsen's teammate, Phil Wells, who threw a respectable 55'2%". Dave Eriksson of Michigan finished sixth with a throw of 50'2%"1. Other winners for the Maize and Blue included Dave Lewis, who won the three mile in 13:53.5, a time which, though 20 seconds slower than Lewis's Er,. Operate in Style! Now you can lounge, work, play or make House Calls in one of these AUTHENTIC SURGEON'S OPERATING ROOM SHIRTS. Just slip 'em on- they look and feel great in 100% washable and ./ reversable cotton. A super put on with Jeans too!' Satisfaction Guaranteed. $11.95 ea. Two for $ 21.50 Three or more - $10.00ea. We pay postage. Mail order to t World of Wares 26 Grohmans Lane Plainview, N. 11803 Allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. Mail to: U A .A World of Wares Dept.81AB 26 Grohmans Lane His & Hers sizes R Plainview, N.Y. 11803 S'M L XL White best, was described by Harvey as a good time, as there was a noticeable lack of competition to push Lewis to a faster one. Vincent Bean won the long jump with a leap of 23'8", and fellow Wolverine Derek Harper finished second with a jump of 23'3/2". The high jump was won by freshman Dave Lugin with a-leap of 7'3/4"r Placing in other events, were Wolverines Gerard Donakowski (second place, 9:01.9) and Bill Weiden- bach (fourth, 9:04) in the two mile, Mark Poelman (fourth, 2:18.8) in the 1000 yd., Dan Beck (fifth, 4:17) in the mile, Marshall Parks (fifth, 7.50) in the Wed., Feb. 11-8 Pm. MARY BEAMS Video/Film-maker, Director, Animator, Writer Schorling Auditorium 1st Floor School of Education (rm. 1202) EAST UNIVERSITY between Monroe and South University The Public Is Cordially invited 60 yd. high hurdles, and Butch Woolfolk (fourth, 6.44) in the 60 yd. dash. Michigan sent a 4 x 400 relay team to compete in the Knights of Columbus meet in Cleveland on the same night, and the foursome of Shelby Johnson, Mike Shea, Craig Camp and Ken Gar- dner emerged victorious with a time of 3:18.5. 6 Harvey described this meet as being "not as competitive as it used to be,"a but it served as a prelude of sorts to the Michigan-MSU dual meet to be held today at Lansing, a meet Harvey described as being a potential "dogfight.' "They're strong where we're strong, and it looks like there'll only be about five or six points between them and us," said Harvey. The Michigan squad 'is currently hoping to peak for the Central Collegiate Conference Championship meet to be held at the Track and Tennis Building on February 20 and 21, and, more importantly, the Big Ten meet at Columbus on March 6 and 7, where the Wolverines' main opposition for the crown is expected to come from a strong Illinois team. 6 Take a Sentimental Journey.. } with the Friars joined by The Harmonettes and The Grunyons Sa+ c< n, Dance/Reception Campus Inn Regency Room -p kIimitcd to 00: ~4 - ' 61 I Of-% "-I , w 4WIML I