04-01-2005, 08:25 PM
Quote:By Sam Khan Jr., The Daily CougarI think what we have here is a case of the right school hasn't came knocking yet. I know I will try to do a better job of supporting the Ladies.
April 1, 2005
(U-WIRE) HOUSTON -- As is the case when a head coach turns a downtrodden program into a perennial success, people take notice.
That is no different with Houston Lady Cougar head basketball coach Joe Curl, who apparently was on the wish list at a couple of other schools, namely Oregon State and Oklahoma State. However, Curl didn't show interest and indicated that he wants to stay put.
"I was approached by Oklahoma State and Oregon State about open positions there," Curl said. "And without hesitation or reservation, I absolutely and unequivocally said, 'I'm really not interested; I don't want to waste your time.' I love the University of Houston, I love the players we have here, but most importantly, I love the diversity and the students."
Former Oklahoma State head coach Julie Goodenough resigned from her post March 14 after the Cowgirls went 7-20 (2-14 in the Big 12). Judy Spolestra was relieved of her duties as head coach of Oregon State that same day, following the Beavers' 6-23 season and 1-17 mark in Pac-10 play.
Curl has compiled a 121-90 record in seven seasons at UH, which included leading them to the best season in school history in 2003-04, when the Lady Cougars went 28-4, won their first Conference USA championship and went to the NCAA Tournament for only the third time ever. Curl received numerous accolades that season, including the title of 2004 Associated Press National Coach of the Year and C-USA Coach of the Year.
The Lady Cougars made a return trip to the Big Dance this year, as they went 21-9 and lost to Boston College in the first round. It is the first time the program has made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
The success hasn't translated into fans in the seats of Hofheinz Pavilion, however, as the Lady Cougars' average attendance dropped from 1,670 fans per game in 2003-04 to an average of 1,060 in 12 home games this season.
"I'd like to have more student involvement, and yeah, I'd like to have more people at our ballgames, but I think I can affect that by continuing to win and continuing to go out and cookout for people at homecoming and things like that," Curl said. "We're living in the real world here. I don't think it's supposed to be easy."
Curl said he enjoys the family-type atmosphere in the women's program, and the university and doesn't feel it would be better at the other schools.
"I appreciate the camaraderie and friendships that we've developed over the years," he said. "Quite honestly, that's why I'm staying here.
"I'm proud of this place. It's not any greener at Oregon State or Oklahoma State."