OP-ED: Saint Aug…You Ought To Be Ashamed…For Firing Legendary Coach George Williams

Op-Ed 

By Thomas ‘Cozzi’ Thomas – Spectacular Magazine Sports Writer

Saint Augustine’s University – a historically black college located in Raleigh, NC – should be VERY ASHAMED of themselves for firing a coaching icon who introduced the world to Saint Aug’s track and field teams, winning 39 NCAA Track and Field titles, the most of any active coach. Plus,  he served as the school’s Athletic Director and coached the 2004 USA Olympic Track Team.

Nicholas Sanservino Jr., the attorney representing George Williams, longtime track and field coach at St. Augustine’s University, released a statement Wednesday (July 1) confirming that the 78-year-old coach had been fired by the school on that same day without cause. 

As an NCCU Eagle, I still find it unprofessional and vile to fire someone who has been with the school for over five decades. Coach Williams has put the track program on the map, as well as having an impact on the Saint Aug. community this whole time.

I don’t care what anyone says, this is almost as bad — or right up there — with Indiana University firing the great Coach Bob Knight in September 2000. The university should have enabled Williams to finish out his job until 2021 — when he was set to retire.

His resume speaks for itself. Coach Williams molded young boys and girls into men and women to be just as excellent off the track as they were on it. No wonder why Coach Williams is very accomplished and he has the credentials to prove it.

Coach Williams is a member of various halls of fame, including the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. In 2011, Saint Aug. opened the George Williams Sports Complex, a 2,500-seat stadium on campus.

Saint Aug. is very disrespectful and should be ashamed to “unlawfully terminate” him without cause. Coach Williams is a type of individual who will complete his tenure on his own terms.

Coach Williams — you SHOULD be able to FIGHT for your job back! Saint Aug. deserves to have a MAN like you who will look out for the greater needs of the University!

Saint Aug…Please do better!

Thomas ‘Cozzi’ Thomas

Spectacular Magazine Sports Writer