UNCW students react to Peterson firing

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – Around UNC-Wilmington students were shocked to find out about head basketball coach Buzz Peterson’s firing, but not for the reasons you might think.

“When success is measured in wins and losses as it is in coaching it weighs on you,” said senior guard Tanner Milson. “He did a lot more than just what our wins and losses shows.”

As the product on the court diminished, so did the crowds that once filled into Trask Coliseum.

While word spread around campus that Peterson had been let go by the university many students were shocked that he had lasted with the program as long as he did.

“Well we sucked,” said freshman Austin Revels. “I mean honestly the team wasn’t all that good. We had great players but the chemistry and the coaching wasn’t there.”

Many students pointed to the homecoming game against College of Charleston as proof that fans will return if the right man is at the helm.

“I mean you bring in a good coach who’s going to bring an exciting sport to the students and he’s going to perform and show them that we can win then yeah we’ll definitely return,” said senior John Helms.

According to Senior Associate Athletic Director Joe Browning the school will begin a nationwide search for their next head coach Wednesday morning.