The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Coach Painter needs to stay home

The April 6 article by Zack Creglow and Moustafa Ayad, "Painter interviews with Purdue, returns to mull options," could be the poster child for the Saluki basketball program since former head basketball coach Rich Herrin retired. Coach Herrin was one of the last of a dying breed these days, as coaches continue to mull over their own personal agendas (Ching-Ching!) while preaching teamwork and dedication to their players. The media and corporate America have infected what was once something we could all believe in: That if a group of individuals can come together as a team, work hard and believe in themselves, anything is possible.

No disrespect to Gene Keady or Purdue University, but instead of coach Painter mulling over filling the shoes of coach Keady, he should consider continuing to make his own shoes to fill. It takes a big man to walk the path of his teacher but it takes an even bigger man to make his own better path. In my opinion, coach Painter can make that path. That's why the big-budget programs want him so bad, to keep the paths of the past going, and not to mention the revenue streams. I say let them build there own paths, let them rebuild their own programs and let the thousands of Southern Illinois University students, alumni and faculty enjoy their reward for years of faithful financial and emotional support. Let the financial streams roll into Carbondale and the Missouri Valley Conference, not into West Lafayette and the Big Ten. But first you have to believe it, you have to want it and then you have to make it happen.

From what I've seen of coach Painter, he is a leader not a follower and hopefully he will decide to continue leading the Saluki basketball program into the upper echelon of Division I college basketball. I also think if coach Painter does decide to stay he deserves a substantial raise; let's face it, $200,000 a year goes a long way in Carbondale, but $400,000 goes a lot further. The increase in attendance, TV contracts and alumni contributions, etc.... will far out weigh any short-term costs. So to Dr. Wendler and Paul Kowalczyk, "Show Matt the money!"

Kevin Davis

resident, Georgia

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