Contradicting emotions for Hawkeye Nation

Dear Gary Barta:

I'm not sure I have ever in my life been so very proud and very disappointed to be a Hawkeye as I was today (March 15).

Not only was I disappointed that you chose to not give Todd Lickliter one more season to try to prove that he could turn around the men's basketball team, but you chose to announce it on one of the worst possible days.

You turned a joyous day for Lisa Bluder's women's team - congrats on the NCAA tourney invite, ladies - into a day of controversy for Hawkeye Nation as we now spend the next weeks debating whether you made the right choice pulling the plug on Lickliter.

Now, some like myself aren't able to fully enjoy the excitement for Bluder's Bunch over the coming week or two as we try to figure out how to be proud of Hawkeye Nation.

Thanks SO much, Mr. Barta – I hope this was a part of your plan!

John Crosheck

Solon