Humboldt State University Athletics Department boosters are calling for Interim Athletic Director Duncan Robins’ job, claiming that he is unfit for the position.

In a petition letter addressed to President Lisa Rossbacher, the boosters state that “Robins was appointed into the position with no formal knowledge, training or prior experience in the operations of a university athletic program.”

The letter comes after two finalists for the HSU head football coach position recently bailed on visiting the campus, according to yesterday’s report by the Times-Standard.

Contrary to what boosters are saying, Robin’s staff profile on the athletics department website states that Robins has extensive experience.

“Duncan Robins brings a wide range of experiences to the position, including leading change in numerous organizations,” his staff profile reads. “He was also a college athlete and has enjoyed success as a coach.”

The petition letter is the latest quarrel between HSU administrators and athletics boosters, which has been ongoing since the university announced a $500,000 shortfall in its athletics budget last year.

Read the full petition letter below:

Dr. Lisa Rossbacher, President Humboldt State University
We the undersigned students, alumni and community members, respectfully request that you immediately begin a national search for a director of the HSU Athletic Department.

The Athletic Department has been operating for the past 18 months with two different interim athletic directors. The current interim AD, Duncan Robins, was appointed into the position with no formal knowledge, training or prior experience in the operations of a university athletic program.

In the past 10 months Mr. Robbins has demonstrated poor judgment and a lack of integrity that has done nothing to merit any confidence in his leadership skills. He has been arrogant, difficult to work with, unwilling to accept sincere straightforward input or suggestions, and is always quick to make excuses or becomes angry if you dare question him. This behavior has alienated coaches, students, alumni and the local community.

We believe the student athletes, coaches, alumni and the community deserve a mature, highly qualified professional Athletic Director with university leadership experience, proven skills in fundraising, public relations and with high expectations to hold our athletes, coaches, and stakeholders accountable in rebuilding our once proud athletic program.