This weekend the Ohio University swim team had its annual awards banquet. At this banquet the achievements of the last season are reviewed, and letters and individual awards are presented to the swimmers. At past swim team banquets and for all other teams Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt attended and shared in honoring the athletes.
In a final indignity toward the men of Ohio swimming, Mr. Hocutt chose not to attend this year's banquet. I'm sure if he is asked, he had some pressing matter to take care of, much the same as President McDavis chose to take a personal day during the protest march in support of the team on Friday.
I realize it would not have been comfortable for Mr. Hocutt to attend this banquet. He would have had to face the athletes and their parents and possibly and some tough questions, but isn't that his job? Wouldn't that have been the courageous thing to do? Wouldn't someone with integrity face the people they have wronged and apologize personally? Yes it's hard, but true leaders do the hard things. They don't run away and hide.
To the Ohio University community: I have enjoyed our visits here. I'm sorry this will be my last one. Thank you for your hospitality and the education my son had during the last year.
To the Ohio University administration: I hope your lack of true integrity comes back to haunt you soon and you face the utter failure and disgrace that you deserve, because I am sure that the athletic fiasco is just the tip of the iceberg. The rot and corruption in this administration will go much deeper than what we see on the surface. I am glad that I will soon have paid my last out-of state tuition dollar to OU, and I am shaking your dust (or should I say mud) off my shoes. I won't be back, and you can bet anyone in Wisconsin who asks if OU is a good school will get the answer, No
they can't be trusted.
Karen A. Kazmerchak-Schick writes from Muskego, Wisc. 17
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