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Alcorn's West has no regrets after firing
Published Thursday, April 3, 2008
JACKSON (AP) — Samuel West said he was surprised by his firing as Alcorn State’s men’s basketball coach but had no regrets about his tenure Wednesday.
‘‘I didn’t expect it,’’ West said. ‘‘I thought because of the injuries we incurred this year, I thought that at least they’d give me another year under the new athletic director with all the changes that the new president is bringing in.’’
West, 51, was 7-23 this season with six of the Braves’ wins coming in overtime.
He finished 44-103 in five years at Alcorn State, his first head coaching job.
Athletic director Darren Hamilton did not immediately return a message left Wednesday by The Associated Press.
He replaced interim athletic director Wiley Jones and is among the first new hires of President George Ross, who started in January.
West said recent instability at the school made it difficult to put a winner on the court.
‘‘We lost so many great athletes because of the dormitory situation, the way the gymnasium looked, not being able to get out and recruit like we should be able to,’’ he said.
The school says West will serve as a special assistant to Hamilton for 60 days until his contract runs out and the coach isn’t sure what he will do after that.
Spending a lot of time on regrets isn’t on the agenda, though.
‘‘We did some positive things,’’ West said. ‘‘We had a 100 percent graduation rate in the five-year period I was here. I think we had the opportunity to change some young people’s lives.
‘‘We’re proud of that.’’
Comments
Posted by mbrown (anonymous) on April 3, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's about time. It seem that Our new Pres. is cleaning house. We need a new vision and it seen to be working so far. In the past Alcorn based on friends in these different positions. If friends can not bring it to the table, he or she must go.
This is a new birth for ALcorn State & I LOVE IT.
#1 Fan IN Jackson :)
Posted by Rhodium (anonymous) on April 3, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Losing a job can be an unfortunate event in one's life. Let us hope with, pray with, and offer whatever support we can to Coach West, his family, and the new administration.
There are a lot more dynamics in place than what is seen in print. Hopefully, these changes in coaching will bode well for the university, the student athletes, and the state of Mississippi.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on April 3, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I could say a lot about Coach West, good and bad, especially how he treated some of the guys on the basketball team. But I chose not to. I just pray that he and his family will be okay, and I'm sure they will get through this.
Posted by Brother2Brother (anonymous) on April 3, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mbrown you are right. Alcorn foundation is builted on friends, kins and a buddy system. It is a lot of wrong doing things that's being going on, My pray is that Dr. Ross make changes that are going to beneficial to the university and the surrounding communities. I beleive he is. Alcorn can be a better school than it is but because of all the under the table BS that has been going on is the reason the university is in the condition that it is in today I really do feel that is the PROBLEM.
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on April 3, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I go to school at ASU, but I must admit I do not know Coach West. I try to see the positive in every situation, and I'm glad to see he had a 100% graduation rate. I just wish the basketball team luck in the future.
Posted by swac4life (anonymous) on April 3, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As Bum Phillips would say, "There are two types of coaches, one that has been fired and one that is about to be fired." It comes with the profession.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on April 4, 2008 at midnight (Suggest removal)
((swac4life)) Bum's quote is on point!!!!
Sam, KUDOs to you for your efforts in getting a 100% graduation rate -- that's really commendable and what it's all about. Good luck, Sam, with whatever you choose to do!
Posted by allgood (anonymous) on April 4, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
good luck, maybe popeyes will hire him
Posted by allgood (anonymous) on April 4, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If hes any kin to west (the mayor) maybe he will be next.
Posted by JECS (anonymous) on April 4, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. West-- Iwish you and your family the best. In life changes must come. Come on allgood what kind of person are you. It's done.
Posted by allgood (anonymous) on April 5, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We need changes for the good, knowing he leaves alcorn must be a point to something. Next they need to start cleaning house in Natchez, starting with the officials that talk about what there gonna do, and year after year still no positive changes in Natchez. Education in Natchez is beyond horriable, just go visit one of the public schools,come on people wake up. The saying is (The fish stinks from the head down.)
Posted by JECS (anonymous) on April 5, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr allgood you are right about the cleaning house. I think it's time for you to run for Mayor. No kidding. It is time for a change. The same people running over and over. I hear Mr. Fields threw his hat in the ring. That's good news. Now it is your turn. Do something about it. Let me know when you get ready, and I will work with you if I can.
I'll be looking and listening for you. Your motto should be,
"IT'S TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE". Go for it allgood.
I know Mr. Fields is running for another office, but at least his hat is in.
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