On the 40-yard line of the Bulldog Stadium, home of the Springfield University football team, quarterback D’Andre Lewis lead 25 of his fellow teammates in prayer. Tears leaked from the star’s eyes as he clutched the hands of his peers, the group in a tight circle, holding hands as they listen to him speak with their heads lowered to the ground.
“Oh, Lord, please forgive our leader, our mentor, our friend,” Lewis said, tears continuing to fall from his eyes.
Lewis continued his prayer, stopping at least four times to wipe tears away from his eyes. It is evident that something has happened to this team. Something has brought the team together to pray for their former leader. What, however, appears to be illusive.
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Jonathan Leather, who has been the head football coach of Springfield University for 18 years, was dismissed this afternoon. The terms of the dismissal will not be disclosed according to university Athletic Director Alison Lowe.
With an overall record of 98-46 for his last 18 years, Leather’s dismal comes as a surprise. Leather is currently in the midst of a divorce from his wife of 22 years, Tawny Leather.
Leather has not answer his phone, nor has replied to his email for a comment about his release.
Assistant Coach Loren McCormack will act as interim varsity football coach through the remainder of the season.
“We are pleased to have such an experienced, 10-year veteran of our football program to call on in a challenging situation like this one,” Lowe stated in her October 27 press release. Lowe has not responded to neither phone messages nor emails over questions about the Leather’s dismissal.
McCormack responded to email, saying, “I am distressed and saddened by the situation my men 100 percent, particularly since we face a formidable opponent this weekend.”
Springfield University’s nest scheduled game is Saturday, October 29, against University of Kentucky at home.
Miami University Police Officer silently watches over the students, staff, and faculty who gather in Central Quad for the Unite Miami Festival.
A Miami University student listens to a local A capella group preform at the Unite Miami Festival instead of attending the protest against the Westbro Baptist Church.
Attendees of the Unite Miami Festival stand firm on the side of love over hate.
A young girl and her mother hold the peaceful signs they made at the Unite Miami Festival.
Four members of the Westbro Baptist Church display their controversial signs during their 30 minute protest at Shriver.
Two Miami University students hold one another's hands as they watch members of the Westbro Baptist Church, who are known for the negative views of homosexuality.
A Miami University police officer survies the crowd of people who are agressively protesting the Westbro Baptist Church's protest.
A female Miami University student watches on as her peers gather to either protest or observe the Westbro Baptist Church.
One of four present members of the Westbro Baptist Church proudly displays her provocative posters to the dismay of the surrounding crowd.
Miami University police officers escort the four members of the Westbro Baptist Church away from Shriver after their permit to use the area expired as onlookers sang Steam's "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye".
Those students who decided to observe the Westbro Baptist Church's protest were reminded by other students that a peaceful demonstration was taking place in Central Quad.
As students left Shriver after the conclusion on the Westbro Baptist Church's protest many passed reminders that they were urged to stay away from the four protestors by Miami University and instead stay united against Westbro Baptist Church.
