Priest parts ways with Grizzly football team
Peter Bulger
Montana Kaimin
9/23/2004
The Rev. Jim Hogan is no longer the
chaplain for the University of Montana football team after holding the position for
23 years. He hasn't been with the team since before the
season began.
Hogan, a Catholic priest at Christ
the King church, issued a written statement to the Kaimin.
In it, he said, "Coach (Bobby) Hauck wanted me to "say Mass"
for the team on Saturday mornings. For various reasons I
consider that an inappropriate time and declined, while
suggesting an alternate time. He then informed me that I was
no longer needed to minister as team chaplain. Beyond that I
have no comment."
Hogan would not answer further
questions. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to
be involved with the team. He said that his and Hauck's
ideas of his role as Chaplain differed and although he's
disappointed with the decision, he respects Hauck's
responsibility and wishes the Grizzlies luck.
Both Hauck and UM Athletic Director
Don Read preferred not to comment on the situation. Read
coached the Grizzlies when Hogan began working with the team
in 1986. When asked what effect team chaplains have on
teams, Hauck said none and added, "We're a state university.
We have no official affiliation with any church or
chaplain."
When Read coached, he said, Hogan
acted as a type of counselor for players, listening to their
concerns on any subject. He said most of the time Hogan also
"gave chapel," a gathering the Grizzlies have before games
when somebody shares inspirational or spiritual words.
"When I was here, most institutions
across the country had spiritual counselors to help students
with their concerns," Read said. He added that he considered
the position a valuable one.
Hogan received nothing in return for
his service from the department, Read said. Grizzly fans
have been critical of Hogan lately on www.egriz.com, a Web site on which fans can post their
thoughts on matters involving the team.
Former Grizzly linebacker Adam
Boomer, who played from 1996 to 2000, said Hogan was good at
including everyone in "chapel," regardless of their
religion. "He was a great influence and a great man," Boomer
said. "He always had an open heart for us." |
