BASKETBALL FANS REACT TO COACH'S FIRING

Ron Shumate may be gone, but he will be difficult to forget as his name always will be tied to one of Cape Girardeau's showcase buildings, the Show Me Center.

David Hahs, Southeast Missouri State University graduate, basketball booster and announcer at Southeast basketball games, said he regrets that Shumate will not be able to enjoy the legacy after being fired from his head coaching position at Southeast Missouri State University.

"Had he not ever come to Cape Girardeau, this community would never have had the opportunity to enjoy the Show Me Center," Hahs said. "He is likely to be exiting the community under unfavorable circumstances rather than enjoying the accolades he deserves for that accomplishment alone."

He said other quality coaches will be anxious to fill Shumate's job. "I would think that others would perceive this to be a real great opportunity, but that's a personal opinion."

Jim Tilghman, owner of Medical Arts Pharmacy in Cape Girardeau and a Southeast basketball fan since the 1960s, said he was disheartened to learn of Shumate's dismissal.

"I always thought Shumate did a good job. He helped build the Show Me Center," Tilghman said. "I couldn't comment on how he was treated, because I don't know what the infractions are."

Tilghman said he wasn't surprised that Shumate's assistant coaches resigned when the head coach was fired. "That's pretty standard. The staff goes with the head coach."

Tilghman called Shumate an excellent coach, "one of the best coaches we've ever had. I think he got the most effort out of his players of any coach we've ever had."

That caliber of coach will be difficult to find as a replacement, Tilghman said.

J.R. Beaver, manager of the Playdium sports bar, called Shumate a scapegoat. "I think he was treated unfairly."

Josh Wafer, a 19-year-old Southeast student, said he enjoyed Shumate's attitude on court during basketball season. "I think it was a little hasty to fire him," Wafer said.

Lynn Fitzpatrick of Cape Girardeau said Shumate might have been able to ward off the action with a better public personality. "I don't think he did himself a favor with his public relations," Fitzpatrick said.

Mike Schmidt, a Southeast basketball booster, will be sorry to see Shumate go. "I regret the loss of Shumate, but for whatever reason we have to move on."