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Elder Gene Smithson in the Shocker HOF
For those of you who listen to Shocktalk, I was the one that called in before the Bradley game to comment on trying to get Gene Smithon into the Hall of Fame.
I pointed out how well Gene was received by our fans during his return to Wichita back in December. Everyone points out that WSU went on probation during his tenure, and that recruiting violations led to the black cloud handing over the program and those who remember those years.
Many of these violations occurred during the Harry Miller's tenure. Unfortunatly, Ozell Jones's high transcript, purchasing a coat for a player, etc were what I was aware of that occurred during Gene Smithson' tenure.
Gene Smithson put WSU basketball back on the map during the 80's. He is the first coach to have three consecutive 20 win seasons, with Mark Turgeon being the second. He has the second most wins in WSU History next to Ralph Miller.
Time heals wounds and history will show that his legacy and what he accomplished cannot be ignored. He belongs in the HOF and WSU needs to put its pride aside and recognize this man for what he did.
Mike Kennedy stated during his comments to me on the air that many of those who represent the HOF Committee look at how an individual carries himself not only professionally but also off the court. We all know some of things that led to Gene's firing (Graduation Rates, declining record, and lack of recruiting). But again, it has been over 20 years since Gene was fired, and I think we all as Shocker Sports fans need to get on the bandwagon and see what we can do ring the bell and get those who represent the HOF to take a hard look at Gene and get him in the HOF.
For those of you who listen to Shocktalk, I was the one that called in before the Bradley game to comment on trying to get Gene Smithon into the Hall of Fame.
I pointed out how well Gene was received by our fans during his return to Wichita back in December. Everyone points out that WSU went on probation during his tenure, and that recruiting violations led to the black cloud handing over the program and those who remember those years.
Many of these violations occurred during the Harry Miller's tenure. Unfortunatly, Ozell Jones's high transcript, purchasing a coat for a player, etc were what I was aware of that occurred during Gene Smithson' tenure.
Gene Smithson put WSU basketball back on the map during the 80's. He is the first coach to have three consecutive 20 win seasons, with Mark Turgeon being the second. He has the second most wins in WSU History next to Ralph Miller.
Time heals wounds and history will show that his legacy and what he accomplished cannot be ignored. He belongs in the HOF and WSU needs to put its pride aside and recognize this man for what he did.
Mike Kennedy stated during his comments to me on the air that many of those who represent the HOF Committee look at how an individual carries himself not only professionally but also off the court. We all know some of things that led to Gene's firing (Graduation Rates, declining record, and lack of recruiting). But again, it has been over 20 years since Gene was fired, and I think we all as Shocker Sports fans need to get on the bandwagon and see what we can do ring the bell and get those who represent the HOF to take a hard look at Gene and get him in the HOF.
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