Letter: Temple's Dunphy leads on and off the court

ISSUE | COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Dunphy's a leader on and off the court

Kudos to the Inquirer not only for publishing the story about Temple basketball coach Fran Dunphy's thoughtful treatment of his players and an 11-year-old Sports Illustrated for Kids reporter after a heartbreaking loss in the NCAA tournament, but also for putting it across the top of the front page ("Grace and dignity after the buzzer," March 22). In an era of salacious judges, juvenile politicians, and others wrapped up in their own image and self-importance, Dunphy stands out as an honest man who understands his role in life without illusions.

We were fortunate to have had him as the head basketball coach at the University of Pennsylvania for 17 seasons. While he was an excellent coach with 310 victories and a long list of achievements, his greatest value was what he provided for his student-players. He taught them how to live their lives off the court and demonstrated it with his own behavior. He was a model for these young men to imitate. He demonstrated a life led with honor, dignity, and humility, coupled with great accomplishment.

When he left Penn for Temple in 2006, we were heartbroken, but we knew that he would take that wonderful quality with him and continue influencing young lives in a very positive direction. He clearly has done so.

We applaud the Inquirer for recognizing one of Philadelphia's treasures and highlighting his presence.

|Jane (Penn, 1967) and Robert Pollock (Penn, '66), Philadelphia