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PRINT THIS PAGE | E-MAIL THIS PAGE Wednesday, November 18, 1998 Cougars coach accepting heat for losing season By MICHAEL A. LUTZ AP Sports Writer HOUSTON (AP) - Kim Helton hears the talk and he listens, but not too much. Talk show critics are really down on the University of Houston coach and the Cougars, who have lost to both good and bad teams in a frustrating season of almost-victories that have added up to a 3-7 record. The detractors have been vocal. "You listen because it's human nature, but if you listen to too much you might start believing it," Helton said. Last week, the Cougars handed Cincinnati its first victory of the season. Earlier, they lost to two of the four remaining NCAA Division IA teams (UCLA, Tennessee) and Saturday they go against unbeaten No. 12 Tulane (9-0). Helton, with three years remaining on his contract, expects to weather the storm. "I'm going to do the right thing," Helton said. "Do I think I'm the right guy for this job? Absolutely. Do I think I do a good job of coaching? Yeah. Am I good for these kids? Sure. "I've got all the votes and I'm voting yes. I'm absolutely the best guy for this job." The Cougars won the first Conference-USA title in 1996 and played in the Liberty Bowl, three years after Helton took over the rebuilding program at Houston. But the Cougars dropped to 3-8 last season and they are 15-point underdogs to the Green Wave for Saturday's final game. "I intend to be here until I'm 60 years old and that's 10 years," Helton said. "Everything that's been accomplished with this program can match or parallel with any other thing that's been done here. We've taken what was here and done the best we could with it." Possibly the Cougars most embarrassing loss came at Cincinnati. Houston took a 41-24 lead into the fourth quarter but the defense came apart. They have one more chance against Tulane, which has locked up a share of its first title since 1949. "I don't know where our defense went last week, but I hope they show up Saturday," Helton said. Cougar players are rallying behind Helton. "He's been there for us so it's time for us as players to stand up and take some of the heat," running back Ketric Sanford said. "We've been playing pretty good but not at the right time." Safety Mike James would like to end the season on a happier note. "Beating them would be almost like winning the conference title," James said. "It would be something to push us through the spring and into next season." Helton is confident the Cougars will rebound. "All those critics are going to have to stand and applaud next year when we go back to a bowl," Helton said. "The only thing I'm afraid of losing is Pam. As long as I can stay married to her, I'm not afraid of much else. But even she's a little stressed now. But I don't think she's making calls to the radio stations." Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local Sports Texas Sports Copyright ©1998, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below:

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