University of Virginia Library

Goodbye, Blackie

The firing of a head coach of any college
football team is always a messy affair at best.
George Blackburn's dismissal was no
exception. Only minutes after he was
informed of the University's decision to
replace him the news was officially leaked to
the public, even though Mr. Blackburn had
not yet left the meeting.

In spite of the sloppy job done by the
University, it was not bad enough to merit the
blistering remarks from former Coach
Blackburn. If he really does like the
University, as he claims, he should not have
attacked the integrity of Gene Corrigan, Steve
Sebo, and D. Alan Williams. Such attacks
make headlines, but serve no real purpose
except to create bad feelings and hurt this
school.

In a few years few people will remember
these events associated with the firing of Mr.
Blackburn. We hope they will not forget the
more than six good years of service he gave to
the University. From 1965 to 1968 Mr.
Blackburn had more ACC wins than any other
coach in University history. In that last year
Mr. Blackburn coached the Wahoos to a 7-3
season and was named ACC Coach of the
Year. He was offered lucrative coaching jobs
elsewhere but decided to remain at Virginia.

But the last two seasons did not go as well.
It was felt that he did not make the best use
of the talent at hand and severe pressure was
exerted by alumni to get rid of Mr.
Blackburn. On the other hand, most students
didn't seem to mind. Very few of them allow
their Saturdays to be ruined by a defeat in
football.

Although George Blackburn will be gone
from the Grounds we will be reminded of him
as we watch the Cavalier football team over
the next several years because it was he who
recruited the players who are now first, second
and third-year men. Mr. Blackburn should do
well no matter where he goes from here. We
wish him well.