University of Virginia Library

ATHLETICS

The President read a letter from Mr. Joe Noertker, a basketball star who graduated in
1950, concerning the athletic situation at the University.

The Rector then read a letter from Mr. James G. McManaway, President of the Washington,
D. C. chapter of Virginia alumni, endorsing the present athletic policy of the University and
repudiating the Gooch report. Mr. Black proposed that he answer the letter in a sympathetic
manner, enclosing a copy of the statement the President had made concerning this issue and pointing
out that the Board does not wish to make any further statement at this time until the matter
is acted upon by the University Senate and submitted to the Board for action

Mr. Talbott expressed concern over the resolution of the faculty adopting the report of
the Gooch Committee, which implies that faculty authority is paramount in this matter without any
voice by the Board. Mr. Black said that he did not believe this to be the intent of the
resolution

The President stated that he believed the faculty felt they were the proper body to
exercise control over athletics and did not question the ultimate authority of the Board of Visitors
in this matter. The President asked authority of the Board to suggest to the University
Senate that a committee of the Board had been studying this matter for a year and a half and that
the Senate work with this Committee of the Board in a solution to the athletic problem