When University Athletic Director Bill Moos announced the resignation of women’s basketball coach Jody Runge Monday afternoon, faculty, student and community reaction to the news ranged from shock to frustration.
Associate Professor Daniel Close from the college of education said he was sad to hear about Runge’s resignation, but that he was also optimistic for change within the Athletic Department.
“Her resignation marks the end of a magical yet controversial era,” Close said. “She brought an incredible energy and enthusiasm that captivated this community.”
Close said Runge served as a role model for many girls, students and community members, but he added that Runge’s communication style and motivational techniques sadly led to a dissatisfying relationship with her players.
“I honestly believe that she resigned for the good of the program,” he said. “She moved on because she really cares about the players and she cares about the program.”
Senior fine arts major Jeff Anderson questioned whether the equality between Runge and the players should have been an issue during the dispute that became public in early March.
“My view is [Runge] did her job — she took the players to the playoffs [eight] years in a row,” Anderson said. “It’s ridiculous for them to be complaining about their coach. They should just shut up and play.”
Anderson said he was sorry to see Runge go, and that Runge, who has been coaching at the University since 1993, has left “pretty big shoes to fill.”
“I think she was a great coach,” Anderson said.
Many other students said they were surprised by the news, but that they still did not fully understand the situation.
“It seems like she was making some good moves,” freshman business major Jon DeAsis said. “I was shocked. I didn’t expect it.”
Hilary Arakaki, a junior psychology and exercise and movement science major, said it seemed the Athletic Department took into consideration both the players’ feelings and Runge’s contribution to the program when dealing with the issue.
Junior computer and information science major Jeff Wong said he did not know much about the Runge situation, but he added that it is typical for coaches to lose their positions after a disappointing season. The Ducks lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this season.
Lisa Gardner, a 1996 University graduate who has held a basketball season ticket for the past eight years, said it is hard to say whether Runge made the right decision by resigning. Gardner, who is the capital grants administrator for Lane Transit District, said the public may never know all the information surrounding the situation.
“I’m sorry to see her resign, because I respect her ability to stand tall and maintain her conviction that she was in charge of her basketball program,” she said. “And by the standard measuring stick, she delivered what she was hired to deliver — wins and ticket sales.”