Resolved.

After making headlines nationwide for several months through the winter, the flurry of attention surrounding the Dartmouth football program has melted like an April snowfall at noon. The following statement, explaining the resolution of the matter, was released by the College:

"Dartmouth College has reached an agreement with Joe Yukica that will permit him to coach for the 1986 football season, after which Yukica will retire.

Athletic Director Ted Leland said, 'This dispute has disrupted the College's athletic program too long.' He added, 'lt is now too late to conduct a search that will produce the kind of coach Dartmouth needs. Dragging this [suit] on will only hurt the students, and I can't let that happen.'

Leland was sued by Yukica on December 2, three days after Yukica was informed that he was being relieved of his duties as head football coach. A ruling by Judge Walter Murphy of the Grafton County (N.H.) Superior Court on December 20 enjoined Leland from filling Yukica's position until a final resolution of the case.

Although Leland and the College complied with Murphy's December 20 order by obtaining a vote of the Dartmouth College Athletic Council approving Leland's actions, the judge refused on January 3 to dissolve the injunction but instead ordered depositions of several Council members, further delaying resolution of the case

Under the settlement, Yukica will step down as head coach as soon as the 1986 season ends. Leland will begin to look for a new head football coach in the fall of this year.

About the 1986 football season, Leland commented, 'Joe and I talked at length about our differences, and we are confident that we can put them aside and work together for a good year and a stronger program to be in place for his successor.' The College has maintained from the beginning that it has not breached Yukica's contract, and that a court cannot force an employer to accept services it no longer desires. The court has never ruled on these issues.

Dartmouth's attorneys continue to believe that the College would ultimately prevail in the case, but in light of continuing delays in obtaining a decision, the likelihood of time-consuming appeals and possible further litigation, and continuing disruption of the program, they also believe it in the College's best interest to put an end to the matter at this time."