To the Editor:

I have seen this kind of sadness--among players and coaches--firsthand--in the schools.

But I've also seen, thank the Lord, some coaches (in TX) who really DO want their players to be good students.

Of course this also helps maintain their eligibility as players, but I found it was also because the coaches thought a "smarter" student was often a "smarter" and more efficient player.

One anecdotal piece of evidence: When I taught math at University High School in Waco in 1989-91, I averaged one white kid in each class. About 60 percent were Hispanics (mostly Mexicans, as they called themselves) and 30 percent were African-American.

During my third period geometry class, I overhead the boys talking about "last Friday night's" game and the plays made by 'Patrick.'" I asked Patrick, a black kid, what position he played and his friends piped up, "He's our quarterback!"

I said, "Why didn't you tell me, Patrick?" He said, "Coach would get really mad if I went around talking about my position. He says we are first gentlemen; second, students; and, finally, football players." (Coach was also black.)

I sought out Coach Coleman to check this guy because I had just left a horrendous experience with a football coach at a previous school.

Coach Coleman was the real deal. So were members of his staff.

Our team didn't win championships, although they came close to district wins, and I think I know why.

Coach Coleman, who just retired this past year, had different views about his boys. That year was one of the best years of my 30 in the classroom.

A very good friend of mine here in Waco now is a retired football coach. He hates administrators. It's not because they tried to stop him from winning. It's because that was all they wanted.

Niki Hayes