I can say with certainty that Western interviewed 3 coaches. Preston, Shawn Thompson (Currently HC at IroquoisHigh and another coach from outside Jefferson Co. but im not sure who that was. Im not sure how many applied but I was told that these were the only one they actually interviewed.

Actually Western is a tough place to coach because it is a tough place to teach. They have some talent. Wright did a good job of bringing some discipline into the program which was a doormat for awhile. Western was as bad as Shawnee at one time. Shawnee has some athletes and when they take the field they look good. But they just don't have the discipline and character they need to win. Western has some talent. Wright did a great job. Western still has some talent. Preston was an assistant at Danville. He should have some experience both teaching and coaching in the environment he is in. I think he will be a good fit.

 

I do not care who he is married to or where he coached it will not compare to the kids that the school gets form the west end of Louisville. He will be the first to tell you once he gets there for a season and a school year.

Every school and coaching job has its challenges. Some are tougher than others. I do know that he has spent a few days in the building there already and is pretty happy with the school and atmosphere. He says there are over 60 signed up for next year in grades 10-12. The school has already began purchasing some additional equipment he has asked for. They have also made a committment to allow him to bring in whoever he wants on the coaching staff. That is pretty good stuff. But a good point is that this will be a challenge different than one might have at a county school. :thumb:

The good news is that Wright did all of the hard work of building the program. The bad news is that Wright ran an offense very similar to Bob Redman's wing offense and didnt focus a whole lot at building a solid offensive line. This is an offense that relies on speed and they have a lot of that at Western. I dont know what kind of offense Preston will bring to Western but one of the first things he will probably need to address is the basics and fundamentals of the offensive line and getting them stronger. Its good they have 60 signed up but with all of the success they had under Wright, it will be important for the staff to continue as much of that as possible into next year. Unfortunately, with a school like Western it doesnt take but one or two "down" years for the kids to lose interest again and then be right back where they were prior to Wright arriving. Since im not familiar with Preston that much no one can predict what will happen. But at a school like Western, you have to stay on those kids every day, year round and show a real sincere interest in them. Im sure Preston will do this...but its hard filling the shoes when a successful coach leaves. Trust had to be earned immediately. These kids were very loyal to Wright (and rightfully so) and if that isnt established right off the bat...it could be a hard first season.

Every school and coaching job has its challenges. Some are tougher than others. I do know that he has spent a few days in the building there already and is pretty happy with the school and atmosphere. He says there are over 60 signed up for next year in grades 10-12. The school has already began purchasing some additional equipment he has asked for. They have also made a committment to allow him to bring in whoever he wants on the coaching staff. That is pretty good stuff. But a good point is that this will be a challenge different than one might have at a county school. :thumb:

Very true- problems are always there!