I read that the Paine College golf team won the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament title. However, Athletic Director Ron Spry decided that the team would not participate in the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship ("Paine golf team is told to sit it out," May 10). It was deemed an "unnecessary expenditure."

Please help me understand why Paine College would field a team, play its regular schedule and not participate in an earned visit to the national championship tournament.

All Mr. Spry had to do was to reach out to the community for support. Two weeks went by before the announcement, and that would have been plenty of time to secure the support from the local community. This is a good opportunity for Paine College to fill the athletic director's position with someone who supports athletics.

The decision was not based on academic issues or punishment for some unruly behavior -- merely lack of proper planning from the athletic department. This is unacceptable!

Congratulations to Paine College Golf for an outstanding season. We're proud of your accomplishments, but saddened for the lack of leadership and support for your national championship bid.

Mike Pope, North Augusta, S.C.