While NIU announced that the contract of women’s head volleyball coach Herb Summers will not be renewed by mutual agreement, there are some unanswered questions.

“I don’t know what they mean by mutual agreement,” Summers said. “I can honestly say I had every intention of returning next fall, so it was a surprise.”

Women’s Athletic Director Susie Pembroke-Jones said in a telephone interview on Monday that Summers and the administration thought it best not to renew the contract for next year. Pembroke-Jones, however, would not give a reason why this decision was made, because she believes in the privacy act for coaches.

“When both parties agree, it is not a surprise,” Pembroke-Jones said. “Programs are reviewed once or twice a year. (Gerald) O’Dell (athletic director) consulted with coaching staff and administration about reviews. When I say administration, I mean he talked with more than one person.”

O’Dell said that he had input from other people because of his short tenure before meeting with Summers in December.

“Summers and I met quite a bit and had many discussions about the future of the volleyball team,” O’Dell said Monday night. “The bottom line was that we agreed mutually (about his departure). I have a lot of respect for coach Summers.”

Pembroke-Jones said the process of looking for a new head coach will begin right away, and it is hoped a new coach will be named by July 1. Assistant coach Pam Mehrens will take over until a replacement is named.

A co-worker of Summers—who wished to remain anonymous—said most people were surprised at the decision, and no one knew the real reason for it.

The people who are confused the most are the athletes. While the administration will meet with the players this week, many of the players are asking questions.

“It is kind of confusing,” Jamie Steenblock said. “It is hard, because we ask ourselves why. I believe they (the administrators) are trying to do what is best. I hope they are working for the best, because I don’t want them dumping on us.”

In Monday’s press release O’Dell said, “We’re looking for a new direction in our women’s volleyball program. We want to see our volleyball program continue to grow as it has over the last six years. There is no doubt that Herb worked extremely hard in upgrading the program.”

Summers, who compiled a record of 105-98-1 in his six seasons at the Huskie helm, led the Huskies to a 19-16 record and a second-place finish in the North Star Conference last season. The Huskies have nine returnees from the 1987 team.