Justin Hartman Letters to the Editor

HelenaCat95 · Post by **HelenaCat95** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:46 am

For anyone who has hard copies of today's Great Falls Tribune (it's not in the online version), check out the letters to the editor.
There are two letters really hitting on the UM football program and Hauck over the Justin Hartman situation. One letter is from Hartman's grandparents, and the other one says that Hauck doesn't have the guts to face the fans.
Just curious as to what your thoughts are to this situation over at UM.
I know that the folks that wrote the letters are close (very close) to the situation, but the criticisms levelled may be a bit unfair.
What do you think?

Bleedinbluengold · Post by **Bleedinbluengold** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:16 am

don't care - especially about Hack

mslacat · Post by **mslacat** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:27 am

My take on Hauck, is that he is learning on the job about what it takes to be a head coach. You can argue on that on the field that he knows and understands what it takes to be a coach, but off the field, it is quite clear his inexperience. I do not know, the whole story behind Hartman, but his actions and events over the last year plus has made this clear.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:01 pm

As a Griz fan, Hartman's letter (published in the Missoulian) came as a surprise to all. It was interesting to me that he did not go to the coaches first, regardless of the situation. We are steady at QB, and we hope Justin has success wherever his goals may take him.

To criticize Hauck's off-field behavior is ludicrous. I can't understand where that would come from, considering the behavior of your own Coach Kramer when he started in Bozeman.

Coach Hauck is a young and eager coach -- he just needs to settle into his position and we'll see what happens.

MSU01 · Post by **MSU01** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:24 pm

Ludacris is the rapper... I believe you were going for ludicrous, the adjective.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:11 pm

I have to stop watching "Cribs." Back to the topic?

Catdad39 · Post by **Catdad39** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:01 am

Nick wrote:I have to stop watching "Cribs." Back to the topic?

Your Griz stats at the end of your reply..I have a question...How many of the projected starters for the 2004 GRIZ have ever beaten the Bobcats?...Funny how quick things turn around isn't it? Most of those GRIZ regulars this fall only know losing to the Bobcats when they were on the field much. Just wanted to point that out! It is a fun rivalry!

VictorG · Post by **VictorG** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 7:59 am

Would someone PLEASE post the articles or at least parts of them. I keep hearing about them but never get to see what they really say.

RockyMtnGriz · Post by **RockyMtnGriz** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 9:01 am

Letter #1.

copied from the egriz board
SOMETHINGS WRONG
Having been Grizzly football parents and grandparents, we fully understand college level competition and requirements. Therefore, when a youngster of Justin Hartman's caliber relinquishes his athletic scholarship
by his own free will, red flags are raised.
One has to wonder why someone with his talent and credentials as a winner (three state basketball championships and a football championship) would chose to leave a sport he loves. It just isn't consistent for a young man who has always played with heart and who thrives on competition.
Fans come to watch not only winners but also their own hometown and homestate kids. If you think athletics are in dire straights now, what will happen if the football program is allowd to willfully ignore its Montana players.
If memory serves me correctly, it was Montana quarterbacks who led the Grizzlies to their only two national championships. Time to wake up!
After helping build the football stadium, we are giving up our seats. We fully support Justin in his decision because when all is said and done, our loyalty is to our Montana kids.
Wally & Gloria Hartman
Great Falls

Letter #2.

also copied from egriz
It's a shame that University of Montana coach Bobby Hauck cannot accept the truth about Justin Hartman. We have all heard the empty promises of a "throw first and throw often" game. Hauck seems to promise many things he dosen't deliver.
Browbeating players may be a tactic that works in Colorado, but we are in Montana. We strive to deliver on the promises we make.
It seems Hauck is not aware that he does live in Montana and is paid by Montanans. The coach's failure to make good on the "throw first and throw often" promise is beginning to affect Grizzly fans.
Disappointing the supporters will come back to bite the program, not only through the loss of revenue, but through the loss of valuable players such as Hartman.
Hartman is known for his determination and backbone. How is that such a talented, determined player can be so discouraged to resign not only quarterback postion but also his schlorship? Such decisions don't come easily: could Hartman be the first of many?
Was it Hauck's intention all along to force Hartman off the team? Why does Hauck find it necessary to have a military escort on the field? I don't know of any other past coaches that needed an escort.
Of course previous coaches were respected and revered. I would envite "coach" to step in front of the North Forty and "face the music. I don't believe he has it in him to face the fans.
Andre & Michele Jezewski
Great Falls

VictorG · Post by **VictorG** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 9:51 am

Thank You!

Helcat72 · Post by **Helcat72** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:11 pm

Geez! It seems like Booby has a flawed PR department! I can remember a couple of years ago (BC) (Before Championships) that a lot of Cat fans were saying the same thing about Kramer...and lots of them still are. I wish coach Hack all the worst, but he still has to do things his way and not react to any editorials posted by disgruntled fans.

I hope, as a Bobcat fan, what the Hartmans and others say is only the tip of the iceberg! But I'd rather that coach Hack keep stockpiling Montana kids for later transfer to Carroll, because its fun to live in the town with a perennial National Champion!