Retirement of coaches a huge loss for University

Editor,

I want to join track and field member Karl Kalm in mourning the resignations of track coaches Matt and Mark Henry. For five years, I have had the privilege of working with them as the academic adviser for the track team, and it has been a delightful experience. Both of them are very concerned about the student athletes in a holistic way, not just how they perform on the track or in the field. They have always held the best interest of the students as their prime concern and have made accommodations for academics, even if it causes them some inconvenience.

The track and field program has flourished under their direction. They were instrumental in the city obtaining the world-class track that is used for the indoor season at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The coaches and the track and field team set up the track at the beginning of the indoor season and tear it down at the end. That's a huge job. Before, all the indoor meets were held out of town because there was no appropriate venue in

Albuquerque.

One of their priorities was seeking and recruiting local talent for the team. It is impressive to see the number of New Mexico's young adults who are given the opportunity to compete for UNM thanks to their efforts.

UNM and track are traditions in the Henry family, going back generations. Too bad UNM will be losing their fine leadership and dedication to the school and the sport.

Jennifer White

Senior academic adviser

for UNM athletics