He’s Not Gloating, but Give Girls a Break

I read and reread Mr. Don Flynn’s letter in the June 14 Viewpoint. I was torn. Do I gloat that the girls who got second fiddle all these years from the likes of him can now stand up, millions strong, and thumb their noses at his testosterone-pumped attitude? Let us reread the letter:

” . . . but mysteriously over the summer before entering college, these non-playing girls are legislated to become athletes, while mandating tiddlywinks for many dedicated athletic young men.”

Maybe there are playing girls? Has he been to a high school lately, or maybe a park? The stereotype is so strong, but just for Mr. Flynn, I’ll spell it out: Girls are non-playing, boys are athletic. Hell-o . . . 20th century calling.

I would like to gloat, but I can’t, because I am mortified that as a father of daughters, I have to warn them that in this country there are still men who wish my girls would stay in their inferior place. Shame on you, Mr. Flynn, and shame on you, Viewpoint editor, for not filing Mr. Flynn’s off-the-edge opinion right in the round file where it belonged.

FRANK KEARNS

Downey

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As a Cal State Northridge alum and avid follower of baseball among its other sports for more than 20 years, I believe two points most accurately reflect the current state of apathy and neglect in the athletic department:

* Paul Bubb was promoted from head of fund-raising to athletic director 14 months ago, yet President Wilson and Dr. Kopita still haven’t filled his vacated position.

* When Northridge applied for membership in the Big West Conference in 1994, the school was badly outhustled for the only available slot by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, despite a three-year head start in Division I. Had Wilson and Kopita aggressively lobbied for Big West membership, the school could now have its baseball and basketball programs in a major conference, while participating in less-costly I-AA football, as San Luis Obispo is doing.

DAVID STOCK

Northridge

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This is the year Jackie Robinson, who played baseball at a state university (UCLA), was praised at a Dodger-Met game in New York by his wife, Rachel, and President Clinton. What will they think about closing the door of opportunity at Cal State Northridge to high school student-athletes who can’t afford to go to other colleges or universities? Surely we can find money to continue these programs.

I hope President Blenda Wilson will change her mind on this heartbreaking issue. Seventy-four good kids, who are doing something worthwhile in our violent society, deserve our praise and assistance.

DUKE RUSSELL

Committee to Save Four Men’s Sports at CSUN