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Wednesday, May 24, 2000
Loud out;
Canadian believed
up for UH post
By Pat Bigold
Gwen Loud declined the coaching
job today for family and financial reasons
may be offered the position
Star-BulletinGwen Loud-Johnson, who five days ago was selected to be the University of Hawaii women's track and field coach, has turned down the job for family and financial reasons. Loud-Johnson, who won the 1984 NCAA long jump title as a member of the Wahine team, called it "one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make."
Athletic director Hugh Yoshida said that he was in the process of contacting another of the final four candidates.
Neither Yoshida nor any other university athletic official would say who, but it's believed to be former University of British Columbia and Canadian national team (1995) head coach Carmyn James.
"Right now, we are in the process of contacting another finalist and a decision is forthcoming," said Yoshida in an athletic department press release.
Contacted as recently as yesterday by the Star-Bulletin, James said she would accept if Loud-Johnson declined.James, 37, is single, and she said she could be in Hawaii as early as next week if needed.
She is currently doing a clinic tour in northern British Columbia.
James said that she will bring at least one top British Columbia athlete with her to Hawaii. That's Sarah McDermott, the nation's top collegiate high jumper who has won two national titles.
"She could win a WAC championship," said James. McDermott would have only one year of eligibility left.
Despite her age, James's coaching experience goes back 20 years. Her University of British Columbia team won a conference title in 1992 conference title and she has produced seven Canadian Olympians.
She was president of the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union for two years.
James's coaching strengths have been in the jumps and distances.
"I'd love to coach in Hawaii," said James a few days ago.
As of late this afternoon, James had not returned from her clinic and had yet to return calls.
"It was one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make in my life," said Loud-Johnson in the release issued late this afternoon.
"I honestly gave this every ounce I had. At this juncture, it would be hard for for us to do it as a family. Unfortunately, I'm a package deal. I dont want to do anything to hinder the rebirth of that program. As an alumnus, I'm so enthusiastic about what is being started there. I wish it nothing but the best. There's no doubt in my mind that Hawaii can be a mecca for track and field."
The other two candidates in the final four field also told the Star-Bulletin they would still consider the position if it was offered.
They are 25-year University of Idaho head coach Mike Keller, who coached Olympic decathlon gold medalist Dan O'Brien and well-known exercise physiologist, coach and author Jack Daniels, who coached Olympic marathon gold medalist Joan Benoit.
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
