No Bonnies fire this season? It's their own fault

dwilson

Lately, I've been on a tear about coaches and their decisions. I'm sure my few faithful readers (my immediate family) are ready for another subject to rant on. But why stop now?

Last week the St. Bonaventure men's basketball team forfeited six Atlantic 10 Conference games and decided to forgo the final two games of the season.

The former was the school's decision because of the use of an ineligible player, and the latter was the players' decision. It was a decision that evidently was given little thought.

The only thing greater than the ignorance in the decision is the hastiness in which it was made. The players were obviously frustrated by the turn of events that led to the forfeiture of games, but that's no excuse to give up.

Bonnies coach Jan van Breda Kolff should have stepped in to pull his team together when it needed him the most. Instead, his team is in Regret City.

The players will regret this decision for the rest of their lives. Obviously, somebody dropped the ball.

Today

I told you the weather would ruin Southeast Missouri State University's home debut against Memphis. Hopefully March will feel more like a lamb today. Southeast baseball finally debuts at home with Middle Tennessee at 2 p.m.

Tuesday

Speaking of roaring: Missouri was on a seven-game baseball winning streak before losing Saturday to Creighton. The Tigers outscored their opponents 91-17 during the streak, including a 30-0 win over Truman State. Southeast hosts Mizzou in baseball at 6 p.m.

Wednesday

St. Louis U's baseball team has lost 10 games this season to cancellations and postponements. This is not one of them, though the previous meeting between these two was canceled. St. Louis visits sunny Cape Girardeau at 4 p.m.

Friday

The few who went to the Ohio Valley Conference tournament were treated to good basketball throughout. But it's nothing like Conference USA basketball. Marquette won the regular season outright, which could set up a possible third meeting between Louisville and Marquette in the championship. The tournament will be held at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Ky. The first semifinal is at 5:15 p.m. Friday, and the second will follow. The championship will be at 11:40 a.m. Saturday.

Saturday

No wonder they call Poplar Bluff the Mules: They're just too stubborn to lose. Whether or not Bluff makes it into the state boys basketball finals will be determined Friday at 4:45 p.m. against Kickapoo. It's going to take a strong kick from the Mules to get past 28-1 Kickapoo. If they do make it, the finals are at 8 p.m. at the Hearnes Center in Columbia, Mo., Saturday. The Jackson girls also face a tough test from undefeated Kickapoo (28-0) at 7:55 p.m. Friday. The Notre Dame girls face Bolivar at 12:25 p.m. Friday. Jackson and Notre Dame will both play again Saturday.

Sunday

OK, this one is going to require you to skip church, but don't leave home without your hymnal. It's Gospel Night in Memphis when the Grizz host the Hawks. After the game, the Mississippi Mass Choir will put on a concert. The game is also completely affordable because it's Pepsi game night. Four tickets, four hot dogs and four Pepsis for $44.

David Wilson is a junior at Central High School and a columnist for the Southeast Missourian. His column appears each Monday.