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ball fan but I recognize that a man
must be judged by standards of some
sort. My question is this: Is the won
lost record the main criterion of a
coach's ability?"
A plump, balding man in a rear
chair waved a hand for recognition.
"I think we should approach this
thing from a business standpoint.
Now let's take the production man
ager in the woolen mill down the
street." The balding man's finger
pointed out the window.
"Sure, production is his job, but
he isn't judged solely on that basis.
There are other considerations like
how he gets along with the em
ployees and the kind of impression
he makes on visitors. Nope, produc
tion isn't the whole story. And it's
a good thing it isn't. It would be
a mighty uncomfortable world if
everything were that cold-blooded."
Irv cringed. He saw some members
nodding agreement. Mr. Nicholas
obviously was pleased. "Then I think
it's safe to assume that is the feeling
of the board."
He turned toward Irv. "So that's
how it is," he said simply. "The
record isn't everything. We hope you
understand that."
Irv nodded. He understood.
"Now, Mr. Looten, we have in
vestigated your situation thoroughly.
We have thrown out the record and
looked at your efforts from a more
important point of view."
Irv asked for an explanation.
"Well, to be real frank about the
matter," Mr. Nicholas said, "the
board considers molding character
and teaching sportsmanship more
important than an imposing record."
Irv was hesitant to speak. Finally
he blurted: "Does that mean I . . ."
Mr. Nicholas interrupted, "Yes,
young man, it means your request
for a salary increase has been ap
proved. A coach who retains your
vigorous outlook after three seasons
deserves anything we can offer."
Irv's knees were weak. He steadied '
himself by grasping the back of a
chair. Laughter was muffled in the
rear of the room.
A smile creased Mr. Nicholas' face.
"Congratulations, coach," he said,
extending his hand. Irv accepted it
happily. Then he signed a contract
offered by Mr. Nicholas.
In boldface printing it read: 'To
Irv Looten, best coach ever to lose
25 games in three seasons!"