2008 Woodie Awards
Loss of coach Magarity evokes strong sentiments
Issue date: 4/15/04 Section: Opinion
I am writing to express my disappointment in the recent actions of Marist Athletic Director, Tim Murray and President Dennis Murray. I strongly believe that the removal of Dave Magarity and his staff is unjustified as well as unfair to the former coaches, the players, and the Marist Community. For 18 seasons Dave Magarity has been the loyal figurehead of Marist Men's Basketball and has represented our school admirably. In recent newspaper interviews, Tim Murray and Dennis Murray have made it clear that the team's record this season was the main reason in the decision to replace Dave Magarity and his staff. As a Marist student, and soon to be alumni, I am disappointed to hear those sorts of remarks from people that represent my school. The "welcome" page of the Marist website states: "Marist is dedicated to the development of the whole person in a way that will prepare our graduates for an enlightened, sensitive, and productive life in the global community of the 21 century."
Does this statement not apply to our basketball players as well? Over the past 18 years Magarity has graduated over 95 percent of his basketball players that completed their eligibility at Marist. This number is among the highest in the nation. The most admirable attribute about coach Magarity is the way in which he made sure his players took care of business off the court. I remember a certain key freshman being forced to sit out big games this year because he was being penalized for skipping class. It would have been easy for Coach Magarity to be more concerned about wins and losses and play this player but he understood that the young man must learn his lesson and realize that schoolwork comes first at Marist. It is through doing the right thing that Coach Magarity has earned great amounts of respect from his players, colleagues, and countless fans.
Because of one season, a season that saw freshman carrying most of the load for a team against a highly competitive schedule, Magarity's previous 17 years of hard work, loyalty, and integrity were overlooked by a clueless pair of men that unfortunately make all of the major decisions regarding Marist Athletics. They have stated that they would like to fill the position with a coach who understands recruiting and that it is a clear priority. To me, that sounds like the former staff's recruiting capabilities were not up to par. To make that suggestion is absolutely ridiculous. This year's freshman class was the best in the conference and guess who brought them in? Dave Magarity.
I would like to finish my letter by expressing my gratitude to Coach Magarity and his staff for numerous years of dedication and hard work. Coach Magarity is a very highly respected man in the coaching business as implicated by the numerous coaching awards he has received. Most recently, Magarity received the National Association of Basketball Coaches District II Division I coach of the year in 2000-01 and 2001 and 2002. I am confident that Coach Magarity will land a job in which he will be appreciated for his excellent basketball knowledge as well as the fine characteristics in which he possesses that makes him such an admirable man.
- Thomas Keyes
Senior
Does this statement not apply to our basketball players as well? Over the past 18 years Magarity has graduated over 95 percent of his basketball players that completed their eligibility at Marist. This number is among the highest in the nation. The most admirable attribute about coach Magarity is the way in which he made sure his players took care of business off the court. I remember a certain key freshman being forced to sit out big games this year because he was being penalized for skipping class. It would have been easy for Coach Magarity to be more concerned about wins and losses and play this player but he understood that the young man must learn his lesson and realize that schoolwork comes first at Marist. It is through doing the right thing that Coach Magarity has earned great amounts of respect from his players, colleagues, and countless fans.
Because of one season, a season that saw freshman carrying most of the load for a team against a highly competitive schedule, Magarity's previous 17 years of hard work, loyalty, and integrity were overlooked by a clueless pair of men that unfortunately make all of the major decisions regarding Marist Athletics. They have stated that they would like to fill the position with a coach who understands recruiting and that it is a clear priority. To me, that sounds like the former staff's recruiting capabilities were not up to par. To make that suggestion is absolutely ridiculous. This year's freshman class was the best in the conference and guess who brought them in? Dave Magarity.
I would like to finish my letter by expressing my gratitude to Coach Magarity and his staff for numerous years of dedication and hard work. Coach Magarity is a very highly respected man in the coaching business as implicated by the numerous coaching awards he has received. Most recently, Magarity received the National Association of Basketball Coaches District II Division I coach of the year in 2000-01 and 2001 and 2002. I am confident that Coach Magarity will land a job in which he will be appreciated for his excellent basketball knowledge as well as the fine characteristics in which he possesses that makes him such an admirable man.
- Thomas Keyes
Senior