Less than a dozen come to Painter rally

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A few students were a part of what was supposed to be a planned rally of hundreds to show support for Men's Basketball Coach Matt Painter.

The event was organized on Facebook after the St. Louis Post-Dispatch printed a story that Painter would meet with officials from the University of Missouri about a coaching position. About 400 people joined the Facebook event; only 11 showed up at the Memorial Mall.

"I saw the Facebook group and I was on my way to class so I figured I'd stop by and support a good cause. I don't want to him to leave," said Purdue student Shane White.

White thought at least 100 people would show up to the rally. White said to him keeping Coach Painter means a lot to the basketball program.

"He's the reason we had E'twaun, JaJuan and Robbie. He's the reason we've turned our program around to what we are now. I think if he leaves, it's going to be a big hit. It's going to be bad," said White. 

In a teleconference, Assistant Athletic Director Tom Schott reaffirmed the University's commitment to keeping Painter as head coach.

Schott would not get into specific details but he did say Purdue administrators made clear with their words and actions they want Painter to remain a Boilermaker.

Students like Amanda Dyson said the school should pay Painter more.

"According to statistics, Painter is in the bottom half of coaches paid in the Big Ten. Tom Izzo, Ohio State, Tom Crean is third highest. So Painter obviously deserves an upgrade in his salary," said Dyson. 

During the morning teleconference when Schott asked about the possibility of a raise for Painter, Schott said he will not comment on the subject.