University of Virginia Library

Controversy Elicits
Gibson's Statement

Almost simultaneous with the
letter in support of Coach Bill
Gibson, signed by some 106 Varsity
athletes, was a release given by Mr.
Gibson himself concerning the
recent decision of the Faculty
Athletic Committee to retain his
services as coach.

Coach Gibson's statement reads;
"I would like to say that I was very
pleased with the decision of the
Faculty Athletic Committee concerning
my position at the
University.

"I am very sorry that the past
ten days have caused considerable
embarrassment to the University.
My love for the University and
what it stands for makes this type
of embarrassment even more disheartening
to me personally.

"My staff and I intend to study
the entire matter in order to
determine the necessary steps to
continue to move the basketball
program forward."

Mr. Gibson revealed that he
intended to talk with his squad
members individually, and that he
would have no further official
comment until this task had been
completed. Mr. Gibson indicated
that these talks would take place
over the next several weeks.

Recruiting of future Cavalier
cagers continues despite the controversy,
as the Athletic Department
announced the signing of
Barry Parkhill to a
scholarship. Parkhill stands 6-3 and
plays his basketball out of State
College High School in University
Park, Pennsylvania. UPI's selection
to the all-state team. Parkhill
manned the guard spot this season
for an average of 23.6 points a
game.

Parkhill holds no less than three
records as he concludes his high
school basketball career; 42 points
for a single game, 387 rebounds in
one season, and 1,101 points over a
two-year period.

Coach Gibson was high in his
praise of the Pennsylvanian, "We
are very pleased with Barry's
decision to enroll at the University.
He'll give us more size in the
backcourt and will add to our
rebounding. He has all the tools to
be a good one."