rjs4470

I think teams won't look backwards for the third helmet design. I would expect to see something new and exciting rather than just another throwback.

If it's about allowing small schools to be competitive, then 6 classes is better than 4. 4 classes make the size difference between the largest and smallest schools greater at the top and bottom classes. That makes it much tougher for the smallest schools in what would be 1A and 4A to compete. The size of the state vs the number of classes is not the only factor. You also have to look at the discrepancy of sizes between schools when determining the number of classes.

OJ's reputation was already ruined. He's lived as a pariah for 30 years.

In my multiple decades of coaching I’ve encountered very few kids like you are describing. Sure there have been a few. Sure some things have changed in society, but I think you’re overestimating when you say “many”.

Kind of like how every previous generation feels about the new generation. Bad behavior has always existed and is not unique to any one generation, not to mention there are way more good kids than bad kids. To lump a whole generation under the bad umbrella is at best hyperbole. Besides, if all these kids are truly disrespectful etc, then the previous generation has nothing to complain about since they were the ones that raised them to be that way.

Here's the thing. The tough guy, abusive stuff might fly and even produce results in the short term. Long term successful programs in this day and age, don't have coaches that are regularly crossing the line, especially with the transfer rules. Coaches no longer can hold players captive, and as a result, they won't put up with abusive behavior. It only worked back in the day because athletes had few options. Think about it, how long would you be willing to put up with an abusive boss? Adults shouldn't and won't put up with it, and neither should athletes.

What's gotten old is people defending this behavior by saying athletes are too "soft", not tough enough, and/or spoiled, as well as the belief that this is what it takes to be a "champion".

Or does it mean that it's ok for coaches to be abusive towards players in the interest of "toughening them up"?

That’s fair. But if administration is why you want to leave, why move to a school in the same school district?

Me too. If Purdue wins, I win. If they lose, I’m in second.

The other thing those coaches have in common is that none of them have won any championships in a long time, with Summit's last title coming in 2007ish. Should players be a little thicker skinned? Maybe. But no one deserves to be verbally and sometimes physically abused by a person in a position of power over you. The coach isn't always right, and just because he/she yells/screams at you and calls you names doesn't make them always right. Yes, some athletes are spoiled, but they all deserve to be treated like human beings.

According to ESPN, 7.9% of the brackets had this matchup in the finals.

I guess the question you really have to ask yourself before moving forward is why do you think you need it. I'd wager that most haven't really thought about that question and are taking it because they read it somewhere or because they heard about how great it was from a friend. Once you answer that question, you can then determine if the risks are worth it. I think your diet plays a big part in the decision. One group who can probably benefit most from creatine are those who are eating a mostly plant based diet as much of the creatine we take in comes from meats.

I think it's something that if you want to pursue it, to really study it and do it under a doctors care. Genetically, kidney disease runs in my family, so I can't completely blame creatine. I'd venture that most people, as long as they do so reasonably, would be able to use creatine without any long term effects. Unfortunately for me, I just used it with no guidance or input from a doctor and with my genetics, that probably wasn't a good idea. I used it for the better part of 20-25 year period beginning in high school. I don't think high schoolers should be using it without strict supervision. And while some studies have shown that it can be helpful in recovery and muscle performance and efficiency, there are limits to it's benefits, and it's easy to overdose which only puts additional stress on your kidneys. Scientifically, for most folks, our bodies produce and get all the creatine we need from what we eat. In the end, especially in my situation, I don't think the limited benefits outweigh the potential risk. Not to mention since it's not regulated, you never are completely aware of exactly what you are taking. Obviously my opinion is biased, but at the very least, it should give one something to think about before diving into creatine supplementing.

I'm down about 10 lbs since the beginning of the year. Potential health concerns are what's behind. I'm focusing more on portion control on things I like and trying to eliminate unhealthy choices and processed foods. I'm not really focused on weight loss, but weight loss will be a welcome bi-product of eating better. Ironically, most of my current issues (kidney function specifically) today are likely related to the healthiest period in my life when in the interest of building muscle, I was following a super high protein diet and supplementing with things like creatine.