Just got an e-mail from IUSF Director Jenny Bruffey. Alumni coaches will be allowed in the pits on race day. Here's the story:
"IUSF changes mind, will allow alumni coaches in pits on race day
From IDS reports
The IU Student Foundation will allow alumni coaches to coach in the pits during Little 500.
In an e-mail sent to Little 500 riders and alumni coaches, IUSF Director Jenny Bruffey wrote that the foundation will allow alumni coaches to "encourage the continued involvement of the many supportive Little 500 alumni and volunteers."
Teams can have either or both an alumni and student coach in the pit on race day, according to the e-mail.
Previously only student coaches were permitted in the pits during the race.
Earlier this year IUSF implemented a student coaching initiative which barred non-student coaches from participating in the pits on race day. In September, IUSF officials defended the initiative, saying it would help increase student leadership positions.
Riders and alumni coaches criticized IUSF for not discussing the initiative before its implementation.
In September, Bruffey told the IDS that "we're not going to not implement this initiative this year. In our minds, it's not something that's up for discussion."
The move comes on the eve of Little 500 Qualifications, which begin 8 a.m. Saturday at Bill Armstrong Stadium."
So, what do you think about this? More importantly, why do you think they changed their minds when it seemed they were so adament about it earlier in the year?
