Letter: Tark was the man

Ron@lasvegassun.com

Friday, March 16, 2001 | 11:11 a.m.

Regarding Dean Juipe's column on Jerry Tarkanian: ("Tarkanian indicates he's through," March 14): Does anybody really think it was Bill Bayno's hard work that would make Rick Pitino (or anyone, for that matter) even think about taking the UNLV job?

It was Jerry Tarkanian who brought national recognition to UNLV. It was because of Tarkanian's team that there was a need for the Thomas & Mack Center. It was because of Tarkanian's team that UNLV has a national championship banner hanging in the arena. And he never complained about the National Finals Rodeo being at the Thomas & Mack.

We had so much when Tarkanian was here. But because of a small handful of people like Steve Wynn, Carolyn Sparks and Joe Foley, he was forced to resign.

UNLV has lost $50 million since Tarkanian left. UNLV is a poor participant in the Mountain West Conference instead of a national powerhouse.

I wish Jerry Tarkanian would come back.

-- DEBBIE MELLETTE

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