According to al.com, 56 Alabama high school football coaches are letting University of Alabama at Birmingham President Ray Watts know that they want him to reinstate the UAB Blazers’ football program that was shut-down in December.
The website reports that coaches, many of whom are from the Greater Birmingham-area, have signed what is described as a “powerful and passionate letter” that urges Watts to re-start the program. Watts is expected to make an announcement on his decision on June 1st.
Here is an excerpt of the letter:
“Dr. Watts, we urge you to consider the impact your decision will have, indeed is already having, on young men across this state. We dedicate ourselves daily to making a difference in the lives of young men. As coaches we see first-hand how the lessons learned playing football help develop character. We see the potential for football to shape young men into leaders. We hope you will consider these young men as you reflect on the future of UAB.”
The letter states that from 2000 through 2014, 53% of the 376 players that were offered UAB scholarships came from the State of Alabama with 19% of them being from the Birmingham metro area.
