Maybe UCLA Can Enjoy the Change of Seasons

It has been said that an athletic team reflects the character and personality of its coach. This axiom was certainly validated over the last few weeks with the Trojans’ spirited yet disciplined performance in the Rose Bowl and the “Sleepwalking in San Jose” display put on by the Bruins.

It is evident that the UCLA program has a long way to go, but making the two Toledo holdover assistant coaches out as scapegoats and firing them doesn’t seem to be a step in the right direction.

Doug Hays

Glendale

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KARL DORRELL ROOKIE REPORT CARD

Recruiting: Not applicable.

Defense: B (at least up until the USC game).

Special teams: F (Don’t get me started).

Offense: F (Was there ever a worse year?).

Discipline: D (waaay too many penalties).

Postseason: F (embarrassing).

Leadership: Pass (taken pass/fail).

Sideline demeanor: A (Why get excited?)

Result: On probation next year. Recommend transfer to J.C. and reapplying when grades improve.

Rich Rhea

Mar Vista

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The Bruin basketball sweep of the Oregon schools helped restore a certain positive feeling in Pauley Pavilion, a feeling lost in the Lavin era: These Bruins will keep fighting to the end to put themselves in a position to win.

In these first two conference games, the Bruins showed many encouraging attributes: They can both defend and rebound tenaciously; they can move the ball unselfishly, settling only for the best shot; they can hold onto a lead for the entire second half, despite frenetic pressure from a formidable press; they can claw their way back from a 10-point halftime deficit; role players can step up when starters are injured; and timeouts often lead to effective adjustments.

The Bruins’ desire to be the best they can be is shining through. Is there any more important attribute to a team’s success? Though it is going to take a couple of years to see the extent of Coach Howland’s impact, the Howland era is certainly beginning on a positive note.

Ruben A. Vassolo

Hollywood