An open letter to UCLA director of athletics Dan Guerrero . . .Dear Mr. Guerrero:
I have some advice. If you don’t like it, then how about a deal?
A few days ago, O.D. Vincent resigned as men’s golf coach to accept a similar position at Duke University. This leaves you in need of someone to guide a team that might be the No. 1 squad in college golf when the 2007-08 preseason polls come out.
UCLA teams have won 14 national championships under your watch. No. 15 likely could be resting in the hands of your men’s golf team.
The team returns its top seven players. The No. 1 recruit in the country, Philip Francis, hopefully is on his way.
I say do the obvious and offer assistant coach Derek Freeman the head coaching job. His hire would make for a very comfortable transition, something administrators enjoy.
If that’s not an option, here’s the deal: Hire me to coach your men’s team for the 2007-08 season.
I’m sure you’re getting ready to file this letter in the can next to your desk. But wait. You need to know a little bit more. It’s well documented that I have predicted the Bruins to win the last two NCAA titles. I would be more than happy to practice what I preach.
I’m not just your everyday media member insisting I can come up with the winning formula. I do have some of the necessary experience.
First, we all know that coaching golf is not as difficult as trying to explain the difference between a match-up zone and help-side man-to-man defense when all screens are switched. And its certainly not like trying to stop Pete Carroll's USC passing offense.
I should know. I have three years of coaching experience at Division I schools. I spent a couple of seasons at Idaho (1997-99), where I helped lay the foundation for a women’s team that earned the school’s first postseason bid. I also helped build a men’s squad that claimed the 2000 Big West Conference title then just missed advancing to the NCAA Championship by a single shot.
So what if I am a 10 handicap? If you ever tee it up with me, you’ll see I get a lot of mileage out of my way-too-handsy swing. Why? Because I am a grinder. A blue-collar sort of fellow with a never-give-up attitude. I don’t order a turkey on rye from the beverage cart. I bring my lunch pail with me and go to work.
Then there’s that work ethic I polished while caddying on the PGA Tour in the late ’90s. Players such as Kevin Chappell, Erik Flores, Daniel Im, Lucas Lee, Jason Kang, Craig Leslie, James Lee and Francis don’t need someone in their ear telling them about angle and ball flight; they already have their own swing coaches.
I can help them get from point A to point B on the course. Seriously, when you can hit the golf ball, it’s simply a game of numbers and having the right attitude.
Worried about any administration skills? Don’t. I understand the behind-the-scenes stuff. I have done the whole athletic department thing – marketing, sports information and even a few months in the compliance office. Don’t ask me why.
Managing a team or group of people is not a problem. I once chaperoned the Iowa State cheerleaders to the Big 12 Conference basketball tournament. If I can do that problem free, getting five guys to the tee on time is a piece of cake.
Worried about UCLA golf continuing to attract top-notch student-athletes? How, you ask, can Lance Ringler go head-to-head with the likes of Chris Haack, Buddy Alexander, Dwaine Knight, Conrad Ray and that Oklahoma State empire? No problem.
As a student at Iowa State, I built arguably the greatest dynasty in collegiate intramural basketball history. The squad that I recruited won three consecutive titles – yes, in the open league – and was well on our way to many more, but I graduated. We lost one game in three years, and that’s because we got screwed over by this official who was friends with players on the other team. There’s a story for you. We can chat about that on my interview.
In closing, if you make me your next golf coach, I promise, no, I
guarantee the Bruins will win the NCAA Championship. If not, you can fire me.
Deal or no deal?
Sincerely,Lance Ringler
P.S. References upon request.
Posted: 6/27/2007
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