Received this email today: "Thanks again for keeping us updated. You have done a tremendous service keeping
all of us aware of what was happening. I still can't fathom our
church owned university doing what they did to Tom. I guess this is
an example of trying to remember it was decisions of individuals and
not to judge the church or university by the actions of a few. I pray
that things will work out for Tom. I know he thought this was his
dream job but it certainly was a nightmare in the end and hopefully he
will come out on top and even better off. I thought it was pretty
interesting to read the comments that accompanied some of the articles
and see that they were 99% in his favor. Even the comments from
former players never questioned his integrity or coaching. He can
hold his head high for the way he conducted himself these past 18
months. I don't know too many people that could have handled things
the way he did. I truly admire him and Sheryl."

Judging by information in the news, yesterday, BYU had a challenging weekend. It is understandable that admini: strators would be on edge! All is not lost. The BYU Men's Volleyball Team is achieving. Several of Coach Tom Peterson's talented recruits are helping to keep the current team at the top of the Pacific Federation in Division 1 this year!

Comment from Light bulb: Wow! It sounds like the media is running with this BYU volleyball story. I'm guessing that BYU didn't expect to be squirming under the spotlight after the final decision was made. At least everyone knows what happened now instead of just having it brushed under the rug.

A large sports front page article in the Daily Herald written during Coach Peterson's time as head men's volleyball coach at BYU highlighted Michael Burke who played for the 2004 BYU Men's Volleyball Championship Team under Peterson's coaching. Burke was from Utah and became a team leader in BYU volleyball. Peterson preached the desirability of developing local talent from Utah Valley as well as from the state. He was hoping that a volleyball program of some kind for local high schools could produce recruits for BYU.

Sent to me by Trueblue: The BYU volleyball interim coach spoke to the Cougar Club. I wonder if he and his sponsors know what we are thinking as we listen to their comments. There are "old boys clubs" all around universities and the NCAA. These men have made great contributions but do not want the status quo to change, even for the better. We pictured Coach Peterson as one of the "younger boys club" who would bring improvements to BYU and to the NCAA. Peterson is a coach who has been a great teacher and mentor to the likes of: Shawn Patchell - interim head coach BYU, Grayson DuBose - head coach Utah State University, Ethan Watts - BYU Hall of Fame, Sean Olmstead - asst. coach Utah State University, Shay Clemenson of Salt Lake Community College - new head coach women's volleyball BYU, Debbie Baker - asst. coach New Mexico State, Mark Pavlick - head coach Penn State, etc. Peterson hoped a plan could be developed for fostering local talent like Michael Burke of the 2004 BYU Championship Team and Joe Hillman of the 2004 BYU Championship Team who came from UVSC. Teacher and mentor - Peterson wanted to contribute to his favorite school.

This is one of the more interesting emails I have received:

NO PENALTIES FOR COACH PETERSON:

I agree with "Trueblue" who emailed me. There is a limit to the propaganda I can stand. Coach Peterson would have brought some welcome changes in the old guard. Not that the old guard members haven't contributed to BYU Sports, but they just don't want to hand the reins to anyone but someone who will do things their way. Some of the men involved have grievances against Peterson, like he has been successful, for instance! Grow up athletic administration and Cougar Club members and move into the future without fumbling it or the people who are willing and able to tackle it successfully!

"TrulyBluecougar"