CSUN Alum Burned Up About Cassidy’s Firing

I am outraged by Cal State Northridge’s firing of Pete Cassidy.

After 25 years of coaching, teaching, and shaping countless numbers of students’ lives, interim Athletic Director Paul Bubb had the audacity to fire the most professional, loyal, and charismatic teacher/coach that has ever graced the campus.

While Coach Cassidy’s record the past few years may not have been the best, there were many factors contributing: difficulty recruiting without being a member of a “real conference,” not having a full allotment of scholarships, having to play games on a court that resembles a high school gym, and limited funding. Coach Cassidy never publicly complained about these circumstances. He took what was given to him, and I feel he did an outstanding job.

And speaking of limited funding, prior to the firing of former Athletic Director Bob Hiegert, Paul Bubb’s position at Northridge was “Director of Athletic Development.” His main responsibility at this position was to raise money for the athletic department. As a former student and (assistant football) coach at Northridge, I feel that he fell horribly short of bringing enough money into the athletic program.

Paul Bubb, who has been acting as the interim athletic director for only a few months, has fired a legend whose program was probably one of the cleanest in the NCAA. This is unforgivable, and the athletic department and administration at Northridge should be embarrassed.

Since Northridge has finally “reached the big time” and entered the Big Sky Conference, Paul Bubb apparently felt it was time for a change. The fact that Coach Cassidy has been providing leadership and shaping young men’s lives for 25 years did not seem to be important to him.

I was never a basketball player, but Coach Cassidy always had time for me or for any other student who needed guidance or counseling. I have the utmost respect for Coach Cassidy and I am totally embarrassed by my former school, its athletic department and the administration. Coach Cassidy is a man of integrity and he deserves much, much better.

A message to Northridge: Don’t even think of sending me an alumni donation form!

W. SCOTT NORTON

Cal State Northridge ’83