Friday, May 9, 2014

An Embarrassing Lack of Leadership at CSF

By Samuel Chi

As a Cal State Fullerton alumnus, booster and (former) donor, I cannot begin to tell you how embarrassed I am by the administration that's currently running the university. That begins with president Mildred Garcia and includes VP Johnson Eanes, VP Lori Gentles and AD Jim Donovan.

Their handling of the Rick Vanderhook situation was a spectacular display of incompetence. The entire ordeal lasted four weeks, with Vanderhook reinstated after missing four series and 16 games. The school issued two not-widely-distributed press releases to bookend the entire ordeal, all the while the program floundered.

Let's be clear that I'm no fan of coach Vanderhook. I do not believe that he's the man who can continue the program's tradition of excellence. But the way the university administration treated the situation made him a victim, and his job only gets harder from here on out.

He will be back to coach a team that will become the first Titans squad to miss the postseason since 1991. There will be a significant number of transfers from the current roster. There will be recruits who decommit from the program because of the saga, as other schools gleefully expose what an amateur operation Cal State Fullerton truly is, from the top on down.

If the administration did not have enough goods to fire Vanderhook for cause, then he should've been reinstated quickly. If it did, then he should've been fired with cause and let the lawyers handle the aftermath. But the entire situation was treated as if he's a chemistry professor and that his taking four weeks off is no big deal.

But Vanderhook is not a chemistry professor, but the most high-profile employee at Cal State Fullerton, the face of the university's most visible and valuable commodity. Those in charge clearly did not understand this and proceeded like the second-rate bureaucrats that they are.

No one ever called a press conference. Nobody took charge. Not Garcia, not Donovan, no one. No one gave account of what exactly happened and what was done other than a terse press release with one Donovan quote. There is no leadership, no accountability.

Make no mistake, this will be a watershed moment for the program. The Titans last season for the first time failed to make a trip to Omaha in four consecutive seasons, this will make it five. They will have made the Super Regional just once in the last four years after appearing in the Supers in eight straight seasons from 2003-2010.

Vanderhook, made to apologize to the players, will find himself in a toxic situation where he will trust neither his superiors nor those in his charge. This is a recipe for disaster. After Donovan gave him a four-year extension that won't run out until the 2018 season, he'll be determined to toe the company line just to make sure that he sees the end of his contract.

So this program will go nowhere in the next four seasons, and probably beyond. The golden age of Cal State Fullerton baseball is over. It took 40 years to build it and just four weeks to leave it in ruins.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your article, although well written, convicts Vanderhook of major wrongdoings. I understand baseball today is not the baseball it once was at the college level or when many of us played years ago (for me 1983-86). I understand one cannot coach, berate (allegedly) or yell at players like it was once done. But let me say this, unfortunately, The way I see things here are this. First, let me say I am not aware of any specific allegations against Vanderhook. No one is perfect in this great country of ours. I think we can all agree on that. If someone is going to savagely write and convict Vanderhook and CSFU of all wrongdoings here, I believe that is poor judgement. To write and say nasty things about a program and how it is running is one's opinion. Their opinion does not make anything factual and should not be construed by others as again, factual. I would hope people who author articles on programs and their coaching staff have, not only EXPERIENCE in the game, but SPECIFICS and PROOF to back up their claims. I believe fans would be shocked to see how similar other programs are in relation to this story. Again, Vanderhook was investigated and others,,, not. I am definitely not here to say I would like programs to be investigated like Fullerton's. It's actually the opposite. Programs throughout the nation have been successful for decades. During those times, coaching strategies have always been a challenge. A coaches way of handling his team was always done with sternness, aggressiveness, motivation, respectfulness and most of all, teaching to have fun. If a team possessed the mentioned, with a little luck and talent, they would go to Omaha.
Today, everyone is so quick to pry into the business of a team that it hurts tremendously. Whether it's fans, or simply a couple of bitter alumni, they need to stay out of the every day business of Titan Baseball. Leave it up to them to ensure the program continues to be successful.
If you are a fan, great. If you are an alumni, great. If you fit into a different fan base and love the Titans, fantastic! Come support them. If you are one that is filled with negativity about the team and its functions, please distance yourself and become a fan of another team. Titan fans do not need you here at Fullerton. For me, I stay positive because I believe, again, as stated earlier, that the Titans will come out of this strong. I try to make most games, however, due to work conflicts, I am unable to do so. In a few years however, I will be retiring and will more than likely make every game.Personally, I believe Titan fans are going to see a program flourish and become stronger from this. I see most players staying loyal, however, there may be a couple that figured out Titan Baseball was not for them. Anyone on the current team that feels he cannot make a 100% commitment toward the ultimate goal, should not be there. Although this year has been disappointing and out of the question, next year, with the new recruits and the current players, Titan fans will hopefully be happy! Do a bit of research,,,,, good things to come! I just hope a few of the new recruits do not sign professionally...
Final thought: Vanderhook, since his inception, wants nothing more than to bring another championship to Fullerton. He, without a doubt, wants what is best for his players, fans, alumni and university. Unfortunately, we as fans are going to continue to read negative comments from people that simply do not understand the inner side of baseball. Most who comment have very little experience playing, let alone coaching the game.
Good luck Titan players, future players, staff, administration, alumni and anyone else who cares about Titan baseball. Good things are on the horizon!

Anonymous said...

Hmmmmm!!!!! I have never seen the name Samuel Chi on any donor lists, baseball lists, or ever been introduced to anyone by that name. Invisible, fairweather fan is what you appear to be. Before you indict Hook and the whole program, find out what really happened and then watch how it finally works out. A lot of CSUF
fans think it's our birthright to be in Omaha every year and it just
doesn't work that way. Players have off years, coaches make a mistake or two, and the moon ain't in conjunction with Jupiter.
These things happen and the ball will take some bad bounces. It is
not carved in stone that we get to
go east all the time. George Horton didn't make Hook his co-head coach before he left because he didn't think Hook could do the job. Serrano didn't set the world on fire even though it looked like it for a while. If you follow things closely you can
see how it all works but you have to be patient enough to watch and smart enough to think a bit. I've followed the Titans from the
beginning and been around the game
all my life. To tell the truth I
probably played many, many more
games than Mr. Chi did and I didn't win every one of them. I also didn't bury the team every time we lost. Classic frontrunner, We're with you win or
tie. I would hope, Mr. Chi, that
you would take yourself and your
attitude to another team and another ballpark. The next team
that is perfect with a perfect coach will be the first one. If I
had an address I would send you a
crying towel. As for me, I've been a Titan longer than a whole bunch of the naysayers have been
alive and I'll be one when they're
gone.

Anonymous said...

Hmmmmm!!!!! I have never seen the name Samuel Chi on any donor lists, baseball lists, or ever been introduced to anyone by that name. Invisible, fairweather fan is what you appear to be. Before you indict Hook and the whole program, find out what really happened and then watch how it finally works out. A lot of CSUF
fans think it's our birthright to be in Omaha every year and it just
doesn't work that way. Players have off years, coaches make a mistake or two, and the moon ain't in conjunction with Jupiter.
These things happen and the ball will take some bad bounces. It is
not carved in stone that we get to
go east all the time. George Horton didn't make Hook his co-head coach before he left because he didn't think Hook could do the job. Serrano didn't set the world on fire even though it looked like it for a while. If you follow things closely you can
see how it all works but you have to be patient enough to watch and smart enough to think a bit. I've followed the Titans from the
beginning and been around the game
all my life. To tell the truth I
probably played many, many more
games than Mr. Chi did and I didn't win every one of them. I also didn't bury the team every time we lost. Classic frontrunner, We're with you win or
tie. I would hope, Mr. Chi, that
you would take yourself and your
attitude to another team and another ballpark. The next team
that is perfect with a perfect coach will be the first one. If I
had an address I would send you a
crying towel. As for me, I've been a Titan longer than a whole bunch of the naysayers have been
alive and I'll be one when they're
gone.

Unknown said...

I Like your Article. You can also Check these 15 August 2015 related stuff.

15

August Sms In hindi

15 August

Speech

15 August Status for Facebook
15 August Images Download
15

August Live Parade

15 August School Pledge Videos
15 August Poems in Hindi
15 August Ascii Sms
15 August Rangoli Designs
15 August National Anthem
15 August Anchoring Script
15

August Poems for Kids

15 August Long Essay
15

August 2015 Nibandh

69th Independence Day Speech
Indepence Day Messages
Independence Day Fb Cover
15 August 2015 Shayari

Unknown said...

Chhath Puja 2015 Songs
Chhath Puja Vrat Vidhi
Chhath Puja 2015 Mp3 Bhajans
Chhath Puja 2015 Sms
Chhath Puja 2015 Images
Bhai Dooj 2015 Images
Bhai Dooj 2015 Sms
Bhai Dooj 2015 Photos
Bhai Dooj 2015 Wishes
Bhai Dooj 2015 Gift Ideas
Bhai Dooj 2015 Messages
Bhai Dooj Tohfa for Sister
Bhai Dooj Animated Greetings
Bhai Dooj 2015 HD Wallpapers
I can Do That Live Show
Happy Diwali Sms
Happy Diwali Wishes

Unknown said...

Karva Chauth 2015 Images
Karva Chauth Vrat Vidhi for Girls
Karva Chauth 2015 Sms
Karva Chauth 2015 Wishes
Karva Chauth 2015 Vrat Vidhi
Karva Chauth Thali Decoration
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo HD Torrent
Prem Ratan Dhan payo Box Office Collection
Happy New Year 2016 Wishes
Happy New Year 2015 Images
Merry Christmas 2015 Images
Govardhan Puja 2015
Govardhan Puja Vidhi In Hindi
Govardhan Puja 2015 Images
Govardhan Puja 2015 Sms
Govardhan Puja 2015 Songs
Happy Dussehra 2015 Wishes
Happy Dussehra 2015 Sms
Happy Dussehra 2015 Images
Happy Dussehra 2015 HD Wallpapers
Happy Dussehra 2015 Live Ravan Dahan

puja nautiyal said...

latest update images Sms Status
best Images sms and Wallpapers
christmas images for wahatsapp

Admin said...

I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to understand.

new year 2016 images
happy new year 2016 images
feliz ano novo 2016

Unknown said...

Don't Forget For Visit Our Given Below Links
Merry Christmas 2015 Images
Merry Christmas 2015 Photos
1 January New Year 2016 Images
1 January New Year 2016 Sms
Naya Saal Mubarak 2016 Sms
Naya Saal Mubarak 2016 Shayari
Mastizaade Box Office Collection
Mastizaade HD Torrent Download
26 January 2016 Speech
Republic Day 2016 Images
Happy Valentines Day 2016 Images
Happy Valentines Day 2016 Gift Ideas
IPL T20 2016 Schedule
T20 World Cup Schedule
Happy New Year 2016 Profile Pics
Happy New Year 2016 Shayari
Happy New Year 2016 Wishes
Happy New Year 2016 Messages
Happy New Year 2016 HD Images
Happy New Year 2016 HD Wallpapers
Dilwale Box Office Collection
Dilwale First Day Collection
Dilwale HD Movie Download
Dilwale Full HD Movie Download

Unknown said...

Sharukh Khan Lovers & Haters( Dilwale Movie Hidden Facts)
First day dilwale Box Office collection
Friday dillwale Box Office collection
First day bajirao mastani box office collection
Friday box office collection of bajirao mastani
Total Bajirao mastani and Dilwale Collection
Dilwale first day Collection
Bajirao mastani first day collection
Bajirao mastani first day box office collection
Dilwale Box Office Collection
Bajirao Mastani Box Office Collection
Dilwale Opening Day Collection
Bajirao mastani Opening day collection

HappyDusshera said...

I loved your website hope You will like my content on Republic Day & Pongal

Happy Republic Day 2016 Status For Whatsapp

Happy Republic Day 2016 Essay

Happy Pongal Animated Greetings Cards

Pongal Rangoli Kolam Design

Happy Pongal 2016 Wishes

Happy new year Funny Whatsapp Video

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Whatsapp DP 2016

New Year Greetings

Happy New Year 2016 Images Wallpapers Pics

Happy New Year 2016 Wishes For Girlfriend

Happy New Year 2016 HD Images Download Free

Happy New Year Animated Wallpapers In HD

Happy New Year 2016 Quotes

Happy New Year Wishes

Bye Bye 2015 SMS

Happy New Year Advance Wishes


Unknown said...


I loved your website hope You will like my content on Republic Day & Pongal

Happy Pongal Greetings Cards

Pongal Rangoli Kolam Design

Happy Pongal 2016 wishes

Happy Republic Day 2016 Status for whatsapp

Happy Republic Day 2016 Essay

26 January 2016 Speech hindi

26 January 2016 Speech in english

HappyDusshera said...

I loved your website hope You will like my content on Pongal

Special Pongal Muggulu Design Images

Happy Pongal 2016 Hd Images In Tamil

Happy Pongal 2016 Whatsapp Status and Facebook Timeline Status

Happy Pongal 2016 Whatsapp DP and Facebook Profile Pictures

Rava Pongal Recipes in Tamil Step by Step Dish Video

sakkari Pongal Recipes in Tamil

chakkari Pongal Recipes in Tamil

Rava Pongal Recipes in Tamil

Pongal 2016 Rangoli Kolam Images Pictures & Wallpaper For Mobile Whatsapp Facebook

Happy Pongal Animated Greetings Cards In Tamil Font English

Pongal Rangoli Kolam Design With Dots

Happy Pongal 2016 Sms In Tamil


I loved your website hope You will like my content on Republic Day

Happy Republic Day 2016 67th गणतंत्र दिवस Whatsapp Dp and Profile Picture for Facebook

Happy Republic Day Speech For School

Happy Republic Day Deshbhkati School Function Songs Download

Happy Republic Day whatsapp status

Happy Republic Day 2016 Essay In English, Hindi Language

Uffaq Butt said...

Valentines Day 2016
Rose Day 2016
Propose Day 2016
Chocolate Day 2016
Teddy Bear Day 2016
Promise Day 2016
Hug Day 2016
Kiss Day 2016
Valentine’s Day 2016
Valentine’s Week 2016
rose day images with quotation free
rose day facebook status
rose day whatsapp status
rose day greetings
rose day wishes
rose day sms
rose day messages
rose day quotes
rose day Photos
rose day wallpapers
rose day pics
rose day images
rose day whatsapp messages
Rose color meaning
Valentine’s week list
propose day whatsapp status
propose day texts
propose day messages
propose day sms
propose day hd pics
propose day love images
propose day quotes
happy propose day 2016
propose day quotes in hindi english
propose day date
chocolate day date
happy chocolate day wishes

Daniyal Ghaffar said...

Visit us now to view & share beautiful collection of Best Images of
rose day images 2017

Unknown said...

Visit us now to know Easter Monday
Easter Monday