Letters to the sports desk

Scates’ comments bad for volleyball

Frankly, I’m disappointed in Al Scates.

Growing up in Los Angeles, I have been a fan of and respected
the UCLA men’s volleyball program for years. No other team
has dominated an NCAA sport like the Bruins. But unfortunately, it
looks like Scates wants the pie all to himself and doesn’t
feel like sharing. When you have a successful program like UCLA,
recruiting is a sunny California breeze. Scates is an exceptional
coach, but it’s always easier to win championships when you
have the best players the country can offer.

Apparently, Scates doesn’t approve of other universities
trying to find talent among the “leftovers.” Despite
the NCAA clearing BYU’s players for eligibility, Scates has
put aside his pie for some sour grapes. At a time when he should be
an ambassador for the sport of volleyball, he’s trying to
tear down other programs that are growing and finding success.
While I like the Bruins, I like volleyball even more. If teams
outside California can find success by recruiting high caliber
players that the NCAA clears, then that means other universities
might pick up men’s volleyball and support it.

Currently, there are fewer than 30 Division I men’s
volleyball programs.

Looks like Scates would rather there be just one.

Dave Kaylor Atlanta, Ga.

Gymnastics underappreciated

I wanted to thank David Regan for writing his column on the very
underappreciated UCLA gymnastics team (“Gymnasts’
championship a truly special experience,” April 19). Like he
said, the girls are world-class athletes. A handful have even
competed in the Olympics, and yet they often go unnoticed and
without congratulations. Hopefully, people have recognized this,
and will check them out or go to a meet next season.

Sonya Sobko UCLA student

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