Mike Coutts deserved UMaine baseball job

For the second time, the University of Maine administration has bypassed a local candidate with strong ties to UM baseball: Mike Coutts.

Steve Trimper might be able to use his energy and experience to return UM baseball to its glory days (where NCAA bids were a regular event), but how much success will UM baseball enjoy before coach Trimper decides to leave UM for bigger and brighter lights?

Coach Coutts has the integrity, skills and experience necessary to succeed as the head coach at UM. Unlike coach Trimper, Mike Coutts has very strong ties with the Maine community and would be a perfect choice to lead the program for the next 20 years.

After being bypassed for the head coaching job nine years ago, Mike has become very successful in his ventures in the private sector (where it takes more than a .500 record to operate a successful business). Maybe men’s ice hockey is really the only sport that matters at UM. Or perhaps the administration is satisfied with mediocrity and has no desire to create long-term stability within the baseball program.

There is one thing that I am sure about: It’s very disappointing to see someone with so much passion and respect for the entire Maine community to be denied the opportunity to lead the baseball program at the University of Maine.

Mark Decker

Raleigh, N.C.

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