STEELHEADS

Coach is wrong in replacing Flichel

I am writing in response to your article of Aug. 22, regarding the comments of new Steelheads coach Brad Ralph and his “hockeydecision” not to allow captain Marty Flichel to return for the 2012-13 season.

This is one of the most irrational and ill-informed decisions I’ve ever witnessed.

The coach apparently doesn’t grasp that “younger players who have a little more speed,” or “a younger, faster team” can’t replace a veteran leader like Flichel.

Flichel is the one veteran player who has added aspecial dimension to this team and to the Steelheads organization for many years. He is still a capable player, fan favorite, high scorer and natural leader of the team, especially where young developing players are concerned.

This “hockey decision” is a huge disservice to the community, fan base, and to the Flichel family which has given far more to the Treasure Valley than they’ve received.

The entire Steelheads organization needs to look in the mirror and figure out how it wants to be perceived in this community. Does it take care of its own or does it choose otherwise?

The fan base is watching.

BURTON WILLIAMS, Boise

BOISE STATE

Is the move to the Big East worth it?

Now that the Big East has been jolted by the departure of Notre Dame to the ACC, as Lou Holtz put it, the aspirations of Boise State and San Diego State to join an “elite” conference have been relegated to playing standard programs.

Hey guys, let’s do the math. Cost of staying in the Mountain West vs. joining the Big East vs. ESPN!

ROBERT BERGQUIST, Boise