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Show (Urimaon (Eomnwttis 1 By Bruce Roberts John Schulian is an outstanding writer who has produced many a fine column in his "Bullpen," featured on the Chrony sports page. In the past, his topics have been amusing and informative, ranging from the inland Marine base in Provo to the life behind the plate of Marion Thompson. But in the words of head football coach Mike Giddings, Schulian "sure got a bum scoop" in his most recent column concerning the "Now you see 'em, now you don't" boys of Utah varsity baseball team.' Schulian, who probably knows more about the game of baseball base-ball than anyone "on this campus, expressed an injustice on the part of Giddings in not allowing Jack Gerhke and Jim Whitely to miss spring drills in order to play varsity baseball. With this in mind, the author of "The Bullpen" went ahead and wrote up the misdeed from his own knowledge of the situation. Schulian Slips Up This is where Schulian slipped up. His one-sided argument for the Ute starters was good, but what about the other side of the story? Why was Giddings requiring these two stars to attend all spring practices? That side came out in a discussion with Giddings, Gid-dings, who felt that Schulian was misinformed and not totally justified in his argument. Gerhke is the starting shortstop for the diamond crew and is also the number one quarterback on Giddings' 1967 squad. Whitely starts at right field for Pres Summerhays and is the only returning linebacker from last year's gridders. What are the feelings of these two athletes? First, it must be noted, both athletes came to Utah on football scholarships and in that respect owe their "allegiance" "alleg-iance" to all concerns of football. And no matter who has the financial priority, football must come first to Gerhke and Whitely. Secondly, at least one of the dual-sport athletes has noted a deep interest in professional football. Giddings said that Gerhke has hopes for a pro career and went to the coach to find what he could do to strenghten his chances. Obviously, one of those requirements re-quirements was to work with the team as much as possible and De in top form when fall rolls around. This included attending all spring drills the NCAA will allow. . Players Needed in 1967 This brings up a third point. The importance of these players to the 1967 season is of great significance. Whitely will undoubtedly undoubt-edly be one of the field generais on defense, operating from the rignt linebacker spot. Gone are Pat McKissick and Tom Hawkes, two of the top linebackers in the conference last year, and Whitely will be one of the few returning to fill' this gap. Then there is Gerhke, who is expected to be the number one signal-caller for Giddings in 1967. Although slight of frame, and rather injury-prone, injury-prone, Gerhke proved his value to Ute fans by leading the Redskins Red-skins to a 5-1 record midway through the season before his untimely un-timely collision with Curley Gulp. Spring training simply cannot be termed a success without the presence of these two gridders. Gerhke and Whitely are doing well with the baseball team, but look even better butting heads during spring drills. Schulian's concern came with Giddings' refusal to let Gerhke and Whitely travel to Wyoming for a three game 'series with the Pokes, who now stand 8-16 over the baseball season. Honestly John, which would you rather have: a possible win over Wyoming and the Northern Division Championship, which is followed by a complete humiliation from Arizona State, or the chances to beat Minnesota, Army, 'or Oregon in the finest football schedule ever to appear at Utah? It's only fair. i . . |