Search is in progress for new football coach at OSU

An advisory committee has been formed to assist with a search for a new head football coach in light of Athletics Director Andy Geiger's Jan. 2 announcement that John Cooper would step down from the post.

"While the University recognizes that John Cooper has always conducted himself and led the football program in a manner befitting his great personal integrity and dignity, we felt the need to take steps to improve the climate surrounding the program," said President William E. Kirwan.

"For me, the rationale for this change is not about win-loss records, but rather about increasing the graduation rates and improving academic performance of our student athletes -- as well as helping to shape their character -- both on and off the field. At this time, the best way for us to move the program forward is to make a coaching change."

Commenting on the decision, Executive Vice President and Provost Edward J. Ray said, "Our performance with respect to recruitment and retention of students to graduation by those who participate in the football program has been poor and must be improved."

Ray described instances in which players failed to attend classes or performed poorly in the classroom. "Whether in victory or defeat, in the classrooms or on the playing fields, we have expectations of appropriate behavior for all at this University that reflect our common values," he said.

The University recently began to address the team's academic issues (see Dec. 7 onCampus) and will be looking for leadership that can continue to guide the program in positive directions, Ray said. To aid in the process, David Frantz, professor of English and academic liaison to athletics; Susan Hartmann, professor of women's studies and history and faculty representative to athletics; and Jack Rall, chair of physiology and chair of the Athletic Council, have been asked to serve on the advisory committee as faculty representatives.

In a statement, Geiger said, "I want to express, not only for myself, but also for Dr. Kirwan and the entire Ohio State University community, our sincere thanks and appreciation to Coach Cooper for his 13 years of leadership and service. During his tenure as head coach, our football team shared three Big Ten titles and twice finished second nationally in wire service polls.

"In terms of the future, we will begin immediately the search for a new coach. With respect to timing, we intend to be diligent and thorough and take the time necessary to recruit the best possible fit."

Other advisory committee members are: Archie Griffin, associate athletics director; George Skestos, chair of the Board of Trustees; football players Steve Bellisari and Joe Cooper; and former player Jeff Logan, president of the men's Varsity "O" Association.

"The Ohio State University football program represents one of the greatest of all traditions in college athletics," Geiger said. "It is a tradition of excellence, characterized by high expectations. But make no mistake, these high expectations are not represented only by win/loss records, but also, and perhaps most important, through success in the classroom and success in building the character of student athletes. I am confident we will find just the right person to carry on this great tradition."

Ray's memo to the University is on the Web at http://oaa.ohio-state.edu/speeches/01-03-01.html. Geiger's complete statement can be found at www.osu.edu/osu/newsrel/Current/01-01-02_Geiger_Statement_to_media.html.

Violations lead to 2-year revocation of SAE charter

Repeated violations of University and Interfraternity Council regulations have cost the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter at Ohio State its status as a recognized student organization through Dec. 10, 2002.

William H. Hall, interim vice president for student affairs, upheld a Dec. 11, 2000, ruling by the University Judicial Panel following hearings on alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct. The chapter had appealed the decision.

The revocation of recognition takes effect immediately and runs through Jan. 4, 2003. The probation period runs from Jan. 5, 2003, to Jan. 4, 2004.

If the chapter abides by conditions set in a recent meeting with Hall, it may begin re-establishing itself at Ohio State during the probationary period. The conditions include refraining from any organizational activities during the two-year sanction period and from any property destruction or vandalism at the chapter house.

"It is regrettable that the situation had to end this way," Hall said. "The University worked for over a year with SAE to try to return the chapter to alignment with University and IFC values.

"However, despite repeated counseling with University staff, the young men of SAE continued to disregard not only the rules, but more important, the underlying values of both the University and their own organization. Under the circumstances, I believe it is best to withdraw University recognition of SAE for a period of time. The University will not and cannot lend its tacit approval to the kinds of activities and standards demonstrated by the local SAE members."

The SAE chapter was found to have committed multiple violations of University rules governing conduct of Greek organizations. These violations included three separate violations of the Interfraternity Council/Women's Panhellenic Association Alcohol Policy.

"In addition, over the past 15 months, numerous allegations have been made about chapter members participating in incidents that created substantial threat to other persons and property, including launching beer bottles and frozen water balloons at pedestrians, cars and nearby facilities.

By revoking the chapter's status as a recognized student organization, Ohio State has effectively removed the chapter's ability to operate as a viable organization at the University. Without recognition, SAE may not use University facilities, advisers or funds. Nor may it participate in IFC activities, including recruitment of new members, or in intramural sports or other University activities.

The Judicial Panel had recommended that the national headquarters of SAE revoke the chapter's charter for at least two years.

Brandon Weghorst, coordinator of media and publications for the fraternity's national headquarters in Evanston, Ill., said the group is "disappointed that our 108-year tradition at Ohio State is coming to an end. This is an unfortunate situation, but we respect the jurisdiction of the University. Greek organizations are guests of the institutions where they are domiciled, and the fraternity office does not condone inappropriate behavior."

The national SAE chapter services department will send notification to the chapter's active members, their parents and alumni, telling them it must close, Weghorst said.

The SAE chapter currently has about 57 members, about half of whom live in the chapter house at 1934 Indianola Ave. It is up to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters and the local alumni housing corporation to determine which, if any, of the students may remain in the house. The University has offered to discuss the possibility of Ohio State renting the facility and using it for nonfraternity student housing.