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Feuding Coaches Won't Face Off in Finals

With Auriemma out, Summitt is focused on game

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 8, 2008 12:38 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Pat Summitt's feud with Geno Auriemma won't be settled on the basketball court this year, now that his Huskies are out of the NCAA Women's Tournament. And unless both UConn and Summitt's Lady Vols make it to the Final Four next year, the quarrelling coaches won't be meeting any time soon. Which is just how Summitt wants it, Times columnist Harvey Araton reports.

The legendary Tennessee helmswoman has stressed that "It’s not about the coaches, this is all about the players," but her actions may indicate otherwise. Summitt refused to renew her team's non-league rivalry with Connecticut this year, apparently in protest against  possibly shady recruitment techniques that netted Auriemma Maya Moore. But for now, Summitt just wants to focus on beating Stanford.

Stanford's Candice Wiggins, left, answers a queston at her coach, Tara VanDerveer, looks on. The Cardinal will face Tennessee tonight for the national championship.
Stanford's Candice Wiggins, left, answers a queston at her coach, Tara VanDerveer, looks on. The Cardinal will face Tennessee tonight for the national championship.   (Associated Press)
Tennessee coach Pat Summitt will face Tara VanDerveer in tonight's NCAA title game, avoiding a matchup with rival Geno Auriemma and his UConn Lady Huskies.
Tennessee coach Pat Summitt will face Tara VanDerveer in tonight's NCAA title game, avoiding a matchup with rival Geno Auriemma and his UConn Lady Huskies.   (Associated Press)
Tennessee coach Pat Summitt's feud with Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma will likely keep their teams from meeting at all next year. The Lady Vols play Stanford tonight for the national title.
Tennessee coach Pat Summitt's feud with Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma will likely keep their teams from meeting at all next year. The Lady Vols play Stanford tonight for the national title.   (Associated Press)
Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer yells to her team during an NCAA Women's Final Four basketball game against Connecticut Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla.
Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer yells to her team during an NCAA Women's Final Four basketball game against Connecticut Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla.   (Associated Press)
Stanford's Candice Wiggins, left, answers a queston at her coach, Tara VanDerveer, looks on. Stanford plays Pat Summitt's Tennessee for the national championship Tuesday night.
Stanford's Candice Wiggins, left, answers a queston at her coach, Tara VanDerveer, looks on. Stanford plays Pat Summitt's Tennessee for the national championship Tuesday night.   (Associated Press)
Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma won't be seeing Pat Summitt and her Lady Vols in the NCAA finals: the Huskies fell to Stanford in the semifinals.
Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma won't be seeing Pat Summitt and her Lady Vols in the NCAA finals: the Huskies fell to Stanford in the semifinals.   (Associated Press)
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Summitt doesn't see another UConn series in her future
Hartford Courant (Conn.)

Finals coaches use a gentler approach
Richmond Times-Dispatch

 
NCAA basketball • Tennessee Lady Volunteers • women's college basketball • Stanford Cardinal • Connecticut Huskies • Geno Auriemma • 2008 NCAA Women's Tournament • Pat Summitt • Tara VanDerveer

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