thebattalion ● friday,
december 2, 2011
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2011 student media
‘A true man’
Everybody in the front office are so fake I swear, come to us smiling all the time n sh*t then do this...
Sherman fired after 6-6 season
Offensive lineman Cedric Ogbuehi, @nuff_ced70
Adrian O’Hanlon III The Battalion
T
exas A&M fired head football coach Mike Sherman Thursday night after he led a preseason Top-10 Aggie team to a 6-6 overall, 4-5 Big 12 record.
“Mike Sherman has operated our football program with the highest levels of character and integrity over the past four seasons and has served as a great ambassador for Texas A&M University,” A&M Athletic Director Bill Byrne said in a statement. “Mike always put the welfare of the student-athlete and Texas A&M first.” Byrne also said A&M will choose its interim head coach for its future bowl game after talking with coaches and players Friday. Jason Cook, chief communications officer for the A&M System, said Sherman’s one-year extension approved by the Board of Regents in July “has not been executed.” Cook said the original contract is still binding. “We’re looking at liquidated damages according to his initial contract, which would be about $5.8 million,” Cook said. “If he gets another job, professional or college, that would offset against Texas A&M’s obligation under the buyout.” Cook said the decision was made by University officials — likely Byrne and University President R. Bowen Loftin — without requiring final approval by the A&M System Board of Regents. “There’s been conversations, sure,” Cook said of Loftin discussing the decision with board members. “Board action is not required to terminate a football coach.” A source with close ties to the regents indicated that regent James Wilson was likely the most involved, saying Wilson often drives coaching and athletics decisions. See Sherman on page 5
Ups and downs ◗ 25-25 overall record at A&M ◗15-18 against Big 12
He brought me here, gave me my first big time offer, and taught me as well as my teammates important life lessons and helped us grow as men
opponents
◗ 0 bowl wins, 2 losses ◗ Led A&M to first ever Big 12 sweep of Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska in 2010
◗ A&M’s 2012 recruiting class is ranked No. 9 in the nation by ESPN, and includes 25 recruits of at least 3-star caliber. Running back Trey Williams, ranked 5 stars and No. 13 overall nationally, leads the pack.
Offensive lineman Patrick Lewis Jr., @P_Lewis30
Mike Sherman speaks during yell practice on Nov. 23. “Things just didn’t click exactly the way we wanted,” Sherman said of the season. “We’ve had ups and downs, peaks and valleys.”
Funny how all these decisions are made without thinking of the players. Funny how things work Wide receiver Uzoma Nwachukwu, @7sbackkkTX
Josh McKenna — THE BATTALION
Tracking a career 1978
1979-80
Stamford Worcester High Academy School (head (head coach) coach)
1981-82
1983-84
1985-88
Pittsburgh Tulane Holy Cross (grad (o-line coach) (o-line coach, assistant) offense coordinator)
1989-93
1994
1995-96
1997-98
1999
A&M (o-line coach)
UCLA (o-line coach)
A&M (o-line coach)
Green Bay Packers (tight ends coach)
Seattle Seahawks (offensive coordinator)
2000-05
Green Bay Packers (head coach)
2006-07
2008-11
Houston Texans (assistant head coach, offensive coordinator)
A&M (head coach)
SOURCE: AGGIE ATHLETICS
EDITORIAL
Mike Sherman deserved better
M
ike Sherman’s firing Thursday was nothing short of a fiasco, bungled by a leaky University administration that showed uncharacteristic ineptitude. There are appropriate ways to fire public figures and inappropriate ways. Thursday evening’s official announcement followed a textbook example of the latter. Before the Texas game, University President R. Bowen Loftin was quoted expressing support for Sherman, even that he was “look[ing] forward” to Sherman’s future at A&M. By Tuesday, Loftin was wavering — he was quoted saying he and Athletic Director Bill Byrne were “thinking hard” about the program’s future. Wednesday, it surfaced that administrators were
Pg. 1-12.02.11.indd 1
talking about possibilities for firing Sherman. By Thursday, A&M’s dirty laundry was displayed in media outlets across the state. A&M presented an administration unable to act decisively; a multimillion dollar football buyout mere months after faculty and staff cuts; a demoralized football program, limping into the Southeastern Conference without success or unity. The damage was unmanageable. By Thursday, the administration had crippled Sherman’s ability to maintain order in his program, leaving no choice but to part ways with the four-year head coach. What’s more, Loftin wasn’t even at A&M to deliver the news or handle the situation —
he was in Washington, D.C. Unbelievably, it gets worse. Media outlets reported Sherman’s ousting before Sherman knew, who was rumored to be recruiting in Houston. But the most disappointing aspect is beyond the University’s embarrassing public display. It’s one of honor, esteemed so highly by Aggie students and alumni. “Mike Sherman has operated our football program with the highest levels of character and integrity over the past four seasons,” Byrne said in a press release announcing Sherman’s firing as head coach. This wasn’t lip service. Sherman conducted his football program with class and dignity in an era during which football coaches have time-and-again
embarrassed their universities. Unfortunately, the A&M administration didn’t return the favor. Given his record, the decision to let Sherman go may have been the correct one, but the administration has some explaining to do about the manner in which it conducted the operation. During his final address to the A&M student body — at yell practice on Nov. 23 — Sherman demonstrated once more a fundamental understanding of what it means to be an Aggie. “It’s part of our Aggie culture. You’ve got to be able to pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and move ahead,” Sherman said. “And that’s part of being an Aggie.” He doesn’t wear an Aggie
Ring, but the man’s spirit is in line with the best of this University. Best of luck to Mike Sherman, wherever he goes. He deserved better from A&M.
EDITORIALBOARD The Battalion’s editorial opinion is determined by its Board of Opinion, with the editor in chief having final responsibility. Robert Carpenter Editor in Chief senior applied math major Jared Baxter Managing Editor senior media studies major Adrian O’Hanlon III Sports Editor senior agricultural communications and journalism major
12/2/11 12:55 AM
Saturday 30% chance of showers high: 74 low: 58 Sunday 60% chance of showers high: 53 low: 38 Monday 60% chance of showershigh: 49 low: 34
Today slight chance of showers High: 72 Low: 58
thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
Robert Carpenter
pagetwo
Editor in Chief
THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classiďŹ ed advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and ofďŹ ce hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.
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Celebrating 22 Years Years of of Serving the Brazos Celebrating 23 Serving the Brazos Valley! Valley!
Senior captain, Kelsey Black jumps in the air, celebrating with her teammates following one of the team’s victories in 2011. Women’s volleyball defeated Lipscomb during the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday in Reed Arena. AGGIE ATHLETICS
ncaa volleyball tournament
A&M takes victory over Lipscomb Courtney Nelson
1911
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The Battalion Texas A&M volleyball lives to play another day, as it defeated Lipscomb in the first round of NCAA Tournament play Thursday 25-16, 25-16, 12-25, 25-22. “We feel really fortunate to have gotten our first win in the tournament, in the first round,� head coach Laurie Corbelli said. “Half the teams that tried to do it lost. And we’re one that got the win. We were fortunate, especially against a team that played so hard like gang busters against us. I think that it’s a style that we’re not super familiar with. It caught us off guard in set three.� The first set began with both teams trading points back and forth, but the Aggies pulled ahead halfway through the game and never looked back. Lipscomb could not get any offense going on its side of the court and hit only .029. Senior captain Kelsey Black led the Aggies with four kills in the frame. Lipscomb grabbed the lead early at 7-6, but their .057 hitting percentage could not hold off the Aggies’ 14 kills and 5.0 blocks. No matter where the Bisons hit the ball, an Aggie was at the net to defend against it.
Round two The Aggies will face Kentucky Friday night in the second round of tournament play. Game time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Reed Arena. The winner will advance to Regionals next weekend in Lexington, Ky. Game three belonged to Lipscomb from the beginning, as the Bisons seemed like a completely different team and took the game 25-12. A&M could not handle the Lipscomb serve, which translated into lost opportunities offensively. The Aggies swung for only eight kills in the frame and hit a dismal -.029 clip. The Bisons also won the blocking category for the third set, as they put up 3.0 compared to A&M’s 1.0. “I think that they caught us off guard,� junior Tori Mellinger said. “In the first two sets they came at us hard, and we bounced back, but couldn’t find our rhythm coming back from intermission. In the third set it looked like they sped things up even more and caught our block and our defense off guard. We were on our heels instead of on our toes.� A&M took advantage of a 4-0 run in
the fourth game after Lipscomb evened the set at 13-13 and pulled ahead 17-13. However, Lipscomb would not go away quietly as they came to tie it at 21-21. After a kill from Mellinger, the Aggies strung together three straight points to make it match point at 24-21. Lipscomb scored one but it was not enough, as the Aggies finished the set 25-22 and won the match 3-1. “Just as Laurie said, we’ve had to come back late in games because sometimes our rhythm gets thrown off,� junior middle blocker Lindsey Miller said. “But even if we get out of our rhythm we know how to find it again. I think it’s a testament to us as a team.� “They have a really crafty setter, I think she does a really nice job,� Corbelli said of Kentucky. “Their outsides are both very smart attackers. They’re very balanced offensively. They have a lot of size. I think they will be more like what we are used to, and we are looking forward to it. I think it will be a lot of fun to start the SEC early.� This marks Corbelli’s 499th career win and her 399th as the Aggies’ head coach. A&M also improved its home record to 15-0 in NCAA Tournament matches.
BELIEVE
M RE MAROON SANTA IS ON HIS WAY! Dress up in your college best and get a festive photo made with Santa in your favorite college color - Maroon! Maroon Santa will be stationed at the JCPenney Court on December 6 from 5pm-9pm. Visit PostOakMall.com for complete details on Maroon Santa night, photo package prices and details on the new Santa App!
INTERSECTION OF TEXAS 6 BYPASS & HWY. 30 (HARVEY RD.) 979.764.0777 | POSTOAKMALL.COM
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classifieds see ads at thebatt.com
PLACE
AN AD Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678 The Grove, Bldg. #8901 Texas A&M University
AUTO
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FOR RENT
I buy vehicles, running or not running. 979-778-1121. New/Pre-Owned Autos, VM, Mazda, Hyundai, BMW, All makes & models, Call David 979-571-0177.
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FOR RENT $1299 4bd/2.5ba/2car, 1mile from TAMU. W/D, all appliances included, pool, security system, gated access, free landscaping, 4 dedicated parking spots. New carpet and paint, walk-ins, Pets OK. FM2818 at Luther, 979-739-3774, or canyoncreekcircle@gmail.com $300/mo. +1/2bills, on bus route. 2/2 condo at Fox-Run 1bdrm available. Call 936-581-4504. $395 prelease. 1/1, 2/1, 2/2, Free Wi-Fi/water/sewer on Northgate, on shuttle. Short-term leases ok. Call Maroon & White Management 979-422-5660. $396/mo each bedroom, new large home in Southern Trace subdivision. 4bd, each with private bath. Why get an apartment? Front lawncare included. Or rent entire home $1175/mo. 10 minutes from campus, available now 281-919-8869. $400 off first month’s rent if lease is signed before 12/5! 2/1 within walking distance to campus, washer, dryer, refridgerator, new laminate wood flooring. 2 downstairs units available, both have been remodeled. $650 with water paid or $865 with all bills paid including TV/Internet. Contact Sherry Perry, Broker/Realtor at 979-229-7254 or email sherry@iclickhomes.com 1 acre, 5min. to campus, fenced yard, pasture. 4bd/2ba. W/D. $1250/mo. Owner/realtor, 979-219-0405. 1 roommate needed, 2bd/1ba apt. Free water, on shuttle, kitchen furnished, $313/mo. plus bills. On Southwest Parkway. Call Eric 806-570-0375 or Diego 956-243-2924 1bd/1ba Spacious floorplan w/cathedral ceilings. Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, balconies, W/D, designer ammenitites, granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com 979-776-6079.
2bd/2ba duplex, brand new tile floors and carpet, fenced backyard, $700/mo, 979-696-1787. 2bd/2ba duplex. With large walk-in closets, large fenced backyard. Great location and shuttle. University Oaks. $700/mo. 979-693-1448. 2bd/2ba unique floorplans w/balcony views of Kyle Field. Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, W/D, designer ammenities granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com 979-776-6079. 3 bedroom remodeled home, close to campus, call JC 254-721-6179. 3 or 4-bdrm, 2.5bath Mediterranean style duplexes w/garage, security system, all appliances including W/D. 979-297-3720 or 979-292-6168. 3/2 plus game room totally updated, fenced, pets ok, close to campus. $1050/mo. 979-776-8984. 3/2 Houses, Townhouses &Apartments, 1250sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 979-694-0320, www.luxormanagement.com 3bd townhouse at Fraternity Row, on shuttle route. Available now, $1075/mo. plus deposit. 817-559-7878. 3bd/2ba 2-cargarage, living room with fireplace, large backyard, $1250/mo, 979-696-1787. 3bd/2ba duplex with garage, tile floors, fenced backyard, $800/mo, 979-696-1787. 4/2 close to campus, and on shuttle, fenced, pets ok, F/P, W/D. $1050/mo. 979-776-8984. 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, on shuttle. $300/mo. Call 979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849.
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2 roommates needed for 4/4 Waterwood Townhouse. $450/mo. plus bills. Common areas furnished. Contact nickverzosa2@gmail.com for more information or http://collegestation.craigslist.org/ roo/2680283519.html
Beautiful apartment! (Woodland sublease) -Available now till the end of July. Furnished 1 bed 1 bath of 3 bed/3bath apartment. Washer/Dryer included. All utilities included (cable, Internet, ect.) for $575.00 Call today! 409-550-0338 or 409-550-3952.
2-Rooms available for sublease. 3bdrm/3ba duplex, 1400sqft on Oldenburg Lane, $400/mo. +utilities. For more info, call 210-287-5147.
BRAND NEW HOUSE! 5bd/4ba, walking and biking distance from A&M, on shuttle. Available May or July move-in 2012. Don’t Miss! $2400/mo. (979)229-4222.
2bd/1.5 ba with large closets, large fenced backyard, fireplace. 2404 B Long Dr. $575/mo. 979-777-9933.
CS nice 4/2/2 vents W/D partially furnished, water paid, 6 mo. lease, available January, $1350. 817-559-2932.
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FOR RENT
FOR RENT
FREE IPAD/FIRST MONTH FREE. Spacious 2bd/1ba. Close to campus, on shuttle route. Large kitchen with full appliances. W/D connections. Front and back patios. Ceiling fans. HILLSTONE on the PARKWAY, 528 Southwest Parkway. 979-693-6102. Open 8:30-5:30 Monday-Friday Great Deal! 2bd/2ba. Close to campus. New carpet, W/D connection, fridge, fans. Ready to move in December 1st. Pets are Welcome. Only $695.00/monthly! 979-412-1212 or fadi@kalcorp.com Great Deal! 4bd/2ba. Close to campus. Wood floors, W/D connection, fridge, fans. Ready to move in January 1st. Pets are Welcome. Only $795.00/monthly! 979-412-1212 or fadi@kalcorp.com http://sites.google.com/site/aaarentalcs/ Duplex for rent, 2/1, no deposit. $599/mo. 979-450-0098. Large 2bd/2ba duplex. New carpet, safe neighborhood. $750/mo. Pets okay. 979-703-5906. Nice 2/1 duplex, fenced yard, tile floors, W/D connections, lawn care, available December, $650/mo. 979-324-5835. Northgate. New 2/2 and 3/2 house. Walk to campus. aggievillas.net Call 979-255-5648. Now Leasing! 4bdrm/2bth houses. Spacious floorplans. Great Location. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, w/d, fenced yards, refridgerator, icemaker,lawncare. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com Pre-lease now for Jan 15th move in/ fenced backyard/ free cable & internet/ yard care & pest control Hervey Oney, LLC Call for tour 979-693-2434; 1 bed duplex $450.00 month; 2 bed duplex $575.00 month. Room for rent. Fraternity Row townhouse, $500/mo. all inclusive, on bus route 34. 281-961-9959. SUB LEASE 675.00 UNTIL JULY 31, 2012. Townhome 2/BR, 1.5/Bath on shuttle, washer/dryer connections in the unit, abundant storage, spacious floor plan(1200sq ft), privacy fence around patio, 2 designated parking spaces in the rear. Contact by email for more information glendak.davis@yahoo.com. SUBLEASE 1/1/12-7/31/12 male roommate for northgate 2/2 (private bathroom) apartment. $485/mo. W/D included. 918-232-5639. Sublease at Cowboy Country. Entire unit available. 3bd/2ba, $900/mo. Stalls available, turnout behing duplex. Available January to July, option to resign. 713-823-2763
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HELP WANTED ARE YOU READY FOR BASKETBALL? NEED EXTRA CASH? We need officials for our Youth Basketball League. Pay ranges from $9.00 to $11.00/game. Games last about one hour. Training begins 01/14/2012. Email dhudspeth@cstx.gov call 764-3424 Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com BMI Defense Systems, Soft Goods Assemblers - Soft Goods Division. Now hiring for the remainder of fall as well as the spring semester. Local manufacturing company has immediate multiple openings for assemblers in our Soft Goods Division. These are part-time positions working 4:45pm to 9:00pm Monday-Friday. Motivated, energetic individuals will be required to perform general production type tasks which include positioning parts and materials for processing, and assembling heavy duty textiles in a high energy environment. Textile knowledge a plus. Requires good hand-eye coordination, extended sitting, standing, lifting, pushing and pulling of 20-40pounds, as well as the ability to follow written and verbal work instructions. Requires a HS Diploma or GED. Starting pay is $10 per hour. Pre-employment background checks and drug testing required. Job Referencs: 11-004. Send resumes to employment@bmidefense.com EEO/Affirmative Action Employer.
HELP WANTED Leasing Consultant(s)- Looking for dynamic individuals for multiple Bryan/College Station apartment communities. Full and/or Part time positions available immediately. Weekends required. Candidates who enjoy a fast paced environment, possess strong sales background with customer service skills. e-mail resume to willowickmgr@comcapp.com NINFA’S MEXICAN RESTURANT COLLEGE STATION. Now accepting applications for Wait/Servers and Hostess Staff. Will train. Flexible schedules available. Good communicators and strong customer service skills preferred. Apply in person Mon-Fri 11am-4pm at 1007 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station. Now hiring field representatives for political campaign. Earn money for Christmas Break. Apply to amy.rister@bob-yancy.com STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys. Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $8.25/hour. Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-268-8867.
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ROOMMATES 2 roommates needed. $375/month. 4bd/3ba house near Graham Rd in CS. Grad and upperclassmen preferred. Call John 979-661-0848. Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $350/mo, washer/dryer, phone & internet, University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090.
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2011-2012 Texas A&M Campus Directory Listings of departments, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and other information about A&M, plus yellow pages.
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TUDENTS: If you ordered a 2011-2012 Campus Directory, stop by Bldg. #8901 in The Grove, (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall) to pick up your copy. Please bring your Student ID. If you did not order a Campus Directory, you may purchase a copy for $3 plus tax (by cash, check or credit card). Call 845-0569 for info. Hours: 8:30 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday
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page 5 friday 12.2.2011
thebattalion
Replacing Sherman Chandler Smith: Football forecast calls for cloudy with chance of Sumlin
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s the alleged leading candidate in Texas A&M’s quest for a new headman, Kevin Sumlin — a proven winner — certainly deserves introductory recognition. Currently possessing an immaculate 12-0 (8-0) record at the University of Houston, Sumlin’s success with the No. 7 Cougars has transformed him into one of the most coveted head-coaching candidates on the market today. His achievements at Houston — not to mention experience as an assistant at Texas A&M and Oklahoma, emotional leadership, and familiarity with the Texas recruiting landscape — all fall heavily in his favor. Since arriving at UH, he is an impressive 35-16 overall and oversees what is now the most statistically prolific offense in the country. In 2011, the Cougars rank first in total offense (613.3 yards per game), scoring offense (a whopping 52.7 points per game) and passing yards (449.7 per game) — impressive to say the least. He has, however, received understandable criticism for a number of reasons. Houston was seemingly unable to function after the loss of star quarterback Case Keenum, and plodded to a paltry 5-7 record in 2010. The disparity between his offensive and defensive numbers, as well as his inheritance of an already rising program, has added to this intense scrutiny. Finally, schedule difficulty
within the Conference USA — laughable in comparison to the grueling SEC — has many leery of COLUMN Houston’s 2011 domination. Despite these complaints, the fact Sumlin has improved just about everything he has coached, as a headman or assistant, cannot be denied. He has learned from the best in the business, including Oklahoma’s head coaching giant, Bob Stoops and A&M’s own R.C. Slocum. Following promising stints at Wyoming, Minnesota and Purdue, Sumlin joined Texas A&M head coach R.C. Slocum’s staff in 2001 as a wide receivers coach. After three games of offensive ineptitude in the 2002 season, he was immediately promoted to offensive coordinator. Sumlin improved the Aggies’ scoring offense from 16 points per game to a stunning 33 per game and helped orchestrate, with freshman quarterback Reggie McNeal, the memorable upset of No. 1 Oklahoma at Kyle Field. The controversial replacement of Slocum by then-Alabama head coach Dennis Franchione led to Sumlin’s outing. Recognizing Sumlin’s potential, the Sooners promptly scooped up the hot assistant. Under Stoops, Sumlin thrived. As special teams coordinator
Sherman Continued from page 1
Houston-area recruit and fourstar commit Matt Davis tweeted that Sherman had nothing but kind words for A&M after hearing the news. “The one thing I love about [Sherman] is he said, ‘Matt, A&M is a great place and I still think you should go there and do great things’ a true man,” the Klein Forest High School quarterback tweeted. Davis quickly reiterated his commitment to A&M by tweeting “#AggSwaggMovement Still in EFFECT!” The “Agg Swagg Movement” has been a rallying point for A&M’s No. 9-ranked 2012 recruiting class. Media outlets reported that Sherman was fired while on a recruiting trip. Taylor Andrus, senior information and operations management major, said Sherman deserved to find out about his termination before visiting with recruits. “It’s awful how Kirk Bohls, an Austin [American] Statesman journalist, knew about his firing before Mike Sherman did,” Andrus said. “Sherman left our program in 10-times better shape than [former head coach Dennis] Franchione did.” A high-ranking A&M official with knowledge of the situation confirmed that University of Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin tops the list of potential replacements. “We don’t comment on speculation,” said Richard Bonnin, University of Houston executive director of media relations. “We’re focused on
Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin’s squad stands as one of college football’s only two undefeated teams at 12-0 in 2011. Sumlin served as an A&M assistant coach under R.C. Slocum from 20012002. After a five-year stint at Oklahoma under Bob Stoops, Sumlin was hired by Houston in 2008. ASSOCIATED PRESS
thebatt.com
Coaching candidates Rumors cloud A&M’s list of top replacements, but you can read profiles of potential targets online. from 2003-2005, he did wonders. In 2005, the Sooners ranked fourth in kickoff coverage (sixth in 2004) and tenth in net punting. As wide receivers coach/co-offensive coordi-
winning a conference championship game on Saturday.” Yahoo Sports reported Thursday that a split inside A&M administration on Sherman’s future may have placed Byrne on the hot seat as well. “Bill Byrne has done well in every sport [except] football and he’s made a fool of us in football,” Andrus said. Sherman started his career at Texas A&M in 2008 with a 4-8 record and steadily improved, going 6-7 the following year and 9-4 in 2010. A&M lost key defensive players Von Miller and Michael Hodges to graduation following the 2010 season. Miller, who now plays for the Denver Broncos and is on pace to break the NFL rookie record for sacks, was A&M’s sack leader while Hodges led the team in tackles. “It’s unfortunate to see Coach Sherm go. He is like another father to me. He helped me become the person I am today. I will never forget, never,” Miller tweeted Thursday. A&M’s high-powered offense was touted to have championship potential, returning all but one starter from last season. But the unit played inconsistently throughout this season, surrendering four second-half double-digit leads. Opponents outscored A&M 76-7 in the third quarter of the team’s six losses. On the recruiting front, Sherman cracked the Top 10 for the first time with a No. 9 ranking on ESPN’s 2012 poll that was last updated Nov. 22. Several recruits, including Davis, affirmed their commitments to A&M Thursday night following the announcement, even as the University seeks to fill the head coaching position.
nator, he molded Sooner wide receivers Malcolm Kelly and Joaquin Iglesias into one of, if not the best receiver duo in college football. On a recruiting note, his involvement with programs like A&M, OU and Houston has created a familiarity with recruiting the fertile grounds of Texas. Being known as one of the region’s best recruiters doesn’t hurt, either. Despite the cons, what A&M gets with this coach is a winner. Already offered the job by vacant Arizona
State, a national bidding war could be imminent. As good a gamble as any, he proves time after time — as his likely BCS bowl bid suggests — he gets the most out of his available players. Though not a Saban-esque “splash” hire, and perhaps not one coveted universally by Aggies, there are few candidates in the country as complete a fit for Texas A&M as Kevin Sumlin. Chandler Smith is a junior communication major.
Austin Meek: Sherman didn’t measure up with mediocre 25-25 career at A&M
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ow before we all start dousing our Mike Sherman effigies in lighter fluid, let’s give credit where credit’s due. In a press release on Thursday, University President R. Bowen Loftin thanked Sherman “for personifying Texas A&M’s core values and instilling them within our student-athletes.” Former All-American linebacker Von Miller later tweeted, “Integrity, honor, accountability, faith, brotherhood, and my definition of the Aggie Spirit all came to me playing for Coach Sherman.” His track record spoke for itself. Four division championships in six seasons with Green Bay. A former A&M coach who understands how to play the Aggie way. A man who holds true to the values and integrity of this institution. The move made sense on paper. But this is football, not mathematics, and the sum doesn’t always equal its parts. Sherman’s 25-25 record tells it all. Good recruiter, great person, but he just couldn’t figure how the puzzle pieces fit together. Sherman wasn’t hired to be these players’ shrink; he was brought in to win football games. And $1.8 million per year is a bit steep for a guidance counselor if you ask me. Loftin, Athletic Director Bill Byrne, and whoever else makes the decisions around here now have a mammoth to deal with.
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First order of business will be handling Sherman’s albatross of a contract, which could get sticky in a hurry: according to ESPN’s Joe Schad, Sherman alleges his buyout earns him $8.8 million while the school says he’s owed $5.8 million. Sherman’s been amicable throughout the process, but pleasantries tend to be swept aside when big bucks come into focus. The higher-ups need to act quickly and judiciously if the school hopes to retain its class of 2012 recruits — the No.-9-ranked group in the nation according to ESPN. Some of the top talent in the country — including quarterback Matt Davis and running back Trey Williams — have committed to sporting maroon and white, but those promises were made to Sherman. A&M needs a hire that shows these prospects that the Aggies are serious about moving toward a fresh, successful life in the Southeastern Conference. Vince Lombardi was often asked what his keys to success were. So were John Wooden, Tom Landry and Casey Stengel. Those guys couldn’t stand losing — it was just in their DNA. They’d come early, stay late, study film for the slightest minutia that could maybe, possibly prove the tipping point of the game. You think anyone comes knocking on Sherman’s door this offseason asking how to get to 25-25? So sorry Sherm, but you’re out. Nobody asks mediocrity its secrets. Austin Meek is a senior creative writing major.
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