A question that keeps popping up in my head and thought I'd ask you since you may know. Why did the AD limit the number of coaches? If it was money, I'm sure they could get some volunteers possibly to help out Coach Siple.

 

Was just curious.

 

The AD doesn't limit the amount of coaches. Getting quality coaches in a county that does not have a lot of adults that ever played or adults who know something about coaching kids is the problem. Most folks in GC are lifetime residents, only a small part have come in from so called football counties or football regions.

The AD doesn't limit the amount of coaches. Getting quality coaches in a county that does not have a lot of adults that ever played or adults who know something about coaching kids is the problem. Most folks in GC are lifetime residents, only a small part have come in from so called football counties or football regions.

Ok, that makes sense.

But doesn't Grant Co. have a pee wee league? If so, I wonder if they have been approached to help out. I'm just tossing things against the wall to see if anything will stick.

Location is a big issue. Grant is 30 min or more from anywhere. So it's tough to get parapros. The coaching spots are there but no one to fill them. That's one upside to NKY is there is a large enough economic base someone can come maybe an hr early or whatever and make practice. In Grant it's not happening. The way budgets are at schools teaching positions are slim. So getting a coach that way it tough.

 

The youth program overall has had a lot of turnover. That is some what the nature of the beast. From what I've heard the youth program right now has some quality coaches. Please do not take that as me saying in the past they have not.

Location is a big issue. Grant is 30 min or more from anywhere. So it's tough to get parapros. The coaching spots are there but no one to fill them. That's one upside to NKY is there is a large enough economic base someone can come maybe an hr early or whatever and make practice. In Grant it's not happening. The way budgets are at schools teaching positions are slim. So getting a coach that way it tough.

 

The youth program overall has had a lot of turnover. That is some what the nature of the beast. From what I've heard the youth program right now has some quality coaches. Please do not take that as me saying in the past they have not.

I really hope they can get it going in Grant. I'd love for that district to be one of the most competitive football districts in the state outside of Louisville's 6A district. Right now I think it's well on it's way to being just that. The last 3 years Conner, Cooper and So. Oldham have all battled for thee top spot, and now this year with the emergence of Scott, which I hope continues to be a very good team in the future, there are 4 pretty even teams which makes it very competitive. I could onlyy imagine how much fun it would be in the future to add Grant to that mix.

I think it comes down to both sides of the ball are not good. So GC only has 2 options. Either continue to run the same offense and defense and wait for that special class that has the skill players and big bodies to be successful or change things up. I believe if you wait for the special class and go 1-9, 2-8 or 3-7 every year til you find that special class, you will never find that class. Kids want to be a part of a winning program, especially in a sport that is so physically demanding. Football is a 10 month sport at the high school level and kids will not put in that much work over that long a period just to loose 80 or 90 percent of their games. A high school coach with limited players and a limited pipeline playing teams without those same limitations must be flexible and I hope the GC football staff can see the handwriting on the wall. Good luck Braves.

 

A good coach looks at his team each and every year and adjusts to the talent he has. You might have a base set of plays you run but you have to adjust to the talent you have. I have seen too many coaches at all levels say this is my offense and I am going to run it no matter what talent I have. Until three years ago Conner was not a spread them out and let the QB control the game. Cooper the last couple of years has always been a run first oriented team. This year they have a QB and receivers and very young TB so they are throwing the ball more. Highschool is not the pros and in some cases not the NFL. You do not get to pick the talent. You have to work with the skills you have.

You're offensive playbook is like The Joy of Cooking. You go to the frig and see what you have and what you can make. Sometimes you can sub out an ingredient but that's the basic concept. You're offense should be flexible enough to adjust along with the fact you have to develop players. In this case there hasn't been enough time to develop players. The next few years is a better litmus test for that. Defense works the same way.

 

A small example is Highlands. When their QB can run you see qb counter trey and draw. When he isn't the best runner it's run with the rbs. When they had Mitchell they ran jet from under center.

Debated on whether or not to post on the subject here or not, but figured since I have followed GC football since it's inception, I would. So here it goes.

 

Let me say right off the bat, there may be some generalizations made in certain areas that may contain exceptions. I will try not to use absolutes, and I apologize in advance if it comes out that way. And I apologize if my memory has started to fade on some specifics. (I hate getting to be an old fart!)

 

First of all, to the support of the administration. On the whole, over the course of the past 20 years, I'd have to say there has likely been very little. I believe, however, in the beginning, it was Dr. Simpson (the super at that time) who convinced Monty Joe Lovell to come out of retirement and come to GC to help start a varsity program. That being said, it was the football boosters who supported the program financially. And in a big way. I'm pretty sure they bought the lights for the field, and at least two out of the following three (bleachers, pressbox, and scoreboard). All of which were pretty high ticket items. And the coaching staff worked their butts off. Not only were they trying to teach the basics to kids who had never played football before, but they were also working with the boosters twice a week helping out with bingo.

 

When they moved to the new high school complex 8 or 9 years later, there wasn't a lot of thought put into the football. For the field itself, they basically dug a pit, and put the field in the middle of it. Sure it gave it sort of a bowl like feel. But, in the process of digging it out, they took out all of the top soil. Then they wondered why the grass wouldn't grow the following spring/summer. They watered the heck out it, and it didn't matter. They finally had to pay for someone to bring in new top soil to replace what they had paid to take out

 

The fieldhouse was never big enough to work as intended. (In fact, I believe most visiting teams still change in the gymnasium's locker room. And for halftime, they stay down at the field level, and go off into one of the corners outside the track.) The front of the fieldhouse also was to double as a concession stand. Unfortunately, it is situated so far away from the stands that most people didn't go. It's one thing to make a long walk in September when it's nice out. But, in mid/late October, when it's cold...you get people up and walking that far, most ended up just going to their car and leaving.

 

The initial pressbox was a joke. It was maybe 5 feet wide, and about 10-12 feet long. The PA announcer, clock operator and a spotter were about all you could fit in. Seemed like all the radio/internet/cable crews that came and covered the games did it from outside. From what I've been told, the person at the board office in charge of the construction (not a football fan), basically went to a list of pre-approved plans for press boxes that the state had already signed off on, and chose one (without getting any input at all from those that would be using it). It was at least half the size of the one the boosters (likely) paid for at the previous site, and not nearly as nice (it was just bare cinder block).

 

After about 10 years or so, the administration finally built a new pressbox a couple of years ago. In it, new concession stands and restrooms, along with dedicated (indoor) rooms for each team's coaching staff. It's 1000% better than the old one. However, I have to wonder if it had not been for the construction of the new Vocational Center being built by the school, if they ever would've sought out funding for this project alone.

 

At the current board office, one of the asst. super's is actually a football fan. I know he's worked games in the pressbox as the scoreboard operator, and I believe he's even been an assistant coach back in the early years. However, how much "pull" he ultimately has, I'm unsure. Most of the AD's have been from a basketball-driven background. I don't know how much support they've been for the coaching staffs over the years. They had one for a couple of years that had also been an assistant coach under Lovell, that I figured would be a strong football advocate. But he ended up moving into a principal's position.

 

As to the current HS principal, I can't speak on certainties. However, what I have heard, has not necessarily been favorable. Whether it's accurate or not I don't know. However, that's the image that's being portrayed.

 

The boosters? What can I say. I'm amazed at the amount of money that they've raised over the past 20 years. They've kept this program going with purchases that most people probably assume the school has paid for (especially in the early years). There have been some greatly dedicated people in this program over the years. But, there's also been a large portion that were part of it only while little Johnny was playing, and then they were gone. Unfortunately, there have been a few that have used their position with the boosters as leverage over the coach. Occasionally it's gotten pretty ugly, and from what I know, most of the time, the parent(s) have won.

 

And finally, to the coaches. I'm not going to mention any by name. But, I think every one of them has taken the job with the best of intentions. Over the course of the time they've been there, each has had his positives and negatives, which is nothing new. The thing that I've found interesting is to see the middle school start sending fairly decent sized numbers to the high school over the years, but yet on Sr. Night, there been cases where just 7 to 10 are still around to be honored. I realize there's attrition to other "distractions" (jobs, girlfriends, academics, driving freedom, etc.)...but that kind of drop off is stunning. Not what you'd expect from a school of Grant's size. But whoever coaches is still fighting the non-tradition of the program. There's been maybe one winning season over the first 20 years, which hasn't necessarily inspired school spirit. And they're just now getting to the point in time where those players from the first couple of seasons are starting to have kids that can play. Hopefully, you'll slowly start to see 2nd generation names appear in the program, which hopefully will begin building additional pride.

 

Sorry for the uber-lengthy post...but, I just wanted to show that laying the blame for the current state of the program at Coach Siple's feet is completely wrong. There's been plenty of things happen over the past 20 years that have led to the current scenario. And it will take a concerted effort by several parties in more than just one season to help correct it.

Thank you CincySportsFan for your post. I agree with a lot of the information in your post. I would like to add a few things that I have seen over the years. I want to start out by saying the things I am about to write are backed up by the Kentucky Dept. of Eduacation website, the Kentucky Gaming Commission and personal emails. In order for a program to be successful it takes quality coaching, kids willing to learn, administration support and parents/boosters who are willing to sacrifice their time in order to raise money and do all the little things it takes to support the coaches and kids.

 

I will start with parent/booster activity. I was a booster member for 4 years and a past president of the boosters. When I joined the boosters I along with a small group of parents worked 2 bingo sessions a week which averaged 3 to 4 hours a session. My wife joined the boosters a year later and volunteered as much time as I did. We often wondered why more parents didn't volunteer. We are relatively new to Grant County, approximately 10 years. I know the following reasons why parents do not volunteer do not apply to all the parents, but over time I have found a majority do not volunteer for the following 2 reasons. 1) Football at the middle school and high school level are free for all players. Only shoes have to be bought and the middle school coach actually has a box of used shoes that players can use. These shoes came from players who moved up and were going to buy new ones so the coach asks that they put their used cleats in the box to help the less fortunate. Sadly some parents know that they do not have to volunteer because their child will get to play regardless. This is a sad reflection on our community but you can't force morals on people and these parents will probably never change. After I became booster president I found out the other main reason why so few parents volunteered. There was a perception in the community that while the boosters were providing a lot of what the kids needed, some thought the boosters were not a reputable organization. According to the IRS tax paperwork, which anyone can observe on the internet because the law mandates all non profits have their IRS paperwork visible to the public, the boosters bring in over a million dollars every year. After their expenses, not including football bills they make anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000 a year. The boosters provide support to the pee wee, middle school and high school programs in Grant Co. After becoming booster president I along with some members became aware that 2 of our members did our taxes every year. One of the members is the booster treasurer. We thought it would be a good idea if an accountant or tax company did our taxes because of the large amount of money that was coming into the possession of the boosters and this would show those who doubted the integrity of our organization, that we were an honest group of people who could account for every dime. Our request was voted down because the other members said we have never been audited. Being a non profit organization the boosters pay no tax and are not entitled to a refund. I believe the government does not look hard at non profit's tax paperwork because no money is paid to either the organization or the government. We wanted the change because of the perception in the community. Their refusal caused me to do some research into our organization. I requested paperwork from the Kentucky Gaming Commission to ensure background checks had been done on all current and past booster board members. This paperwork showed the boosters submitted a false name as a past president because the president before me was not legally allowed to be president due to his failure of the background check. I along with other booster members voted to elect this person and this person acted as president for his entire one year tenure. We as boosters also voted to give the past president a $50,000 contract to renovate our new bingo hall, not knowing about his past. The booster treasurer, who had to submit the names to the state, never told us the president was not eligible and no special election ever took place. My wife and I were voted out of the booster organization because we pushed for transparency. Three other full time members left after they did this to my wife and I. The Kentucky Gaming Commission just completed an investigation which showed the boosters paid a volunteer approximately $10,000 over the past 18 months, which is a violation and must now possibly pay a large fine. Again this information is verified by the Open Records Law in Kentucky. I have all the past booster meeting minutes to confirm these details. The majority of voting booster members have no children playing football at any level in Grant Co. 3/4 of the executive board have no children in the program. I find it odd so many people would volunteer so much time without a vested interest in the program. These events caused and continue to cause hesitation in parents to get involved in the booster organization.

 

As far as a lot of kids leaving the football program during their high school career I think a major reason is a lack of coaches. Because Grant Co has so few assistant coaches a lot of kids don't get the necessary attention as freshman and sophomores. The coaches have to rightfully coach the varsity squad first which leaves little time and reps for the younger kids. If they could get more coaches than these younger kids could have their own practice and be taught the techniques necessary to be successful. Kids hate conditioning especially if they are not being an active member during practice. For these reasons kids are not returning. Again not the coaches fault, they are so limited due to so few coaches at practice. This has been a problem for the last 3 head coaches at Grant Co.

 

I volunteered my coaching services to Coach Siple after last year and he accepted. I also refused any stipend because the teachers on staff needed it more than I did. I just wanted to teach kids the game of football. I waited til after my son graduated because I believe it's not fair to me or more importantly my son to put him in that situation. I helped coach at the middle school the previous year and had the recommendation from the long time middle school head coach. After our second meeting Coach Siple emailed me and said the high school principal did want me on the coaching staff. I emailed the principal and asked for a meeting to discuss her decision and she emailed me back saying no meeting will take place. I do not blame Coach Siple for not going to bat for me because he knows the politics of being a new teacher/coach. He knew the previous coach only lasted one year. I was booster president when the principal fired the previous head coach, David Arvin. I along with other parents met with the principal because of the slow hiring process of the new football coach. We also questioned the academics at the school and why our kids were not being challenged in the classroom. We also went over the results of the Kentucky Dept of Education yearly test results, which showed Grant Co being below the state average. She also printed out my posts on this website and asked if I was Dawg1. Apparently she did not like me questioning low test scores and a slow hiring process so she figured she would get back at me by not allowing me to help coach, an unpaid parent volunteer with a clean background and a recommendation was not needed at Grant Co.

 

I now enjoy watching my daughter perform in the Grant Co marching band, her second year. I try to volunteer when I can. The band has so many great parent volunteers, it is unbelievable. Marching band members must pay a decent amount of money in order to march. This may be one reason why so many parents volunteer. The band boosters are transparent and parents are encouraged to become voting members. These kids spend more time practicing for a seven minute performance than an average football team does. This may be the reason they finished 2nd and 4th in the state the last two years. A great group of kids and a great group of parents.

 

I am also sorry for the long post but I think we all should know what is going on in our schools. Go Braves, never quit fighting.

How interesting is it that Coach Siple is willing to ID himself (a practice I don't recommend for coaches normally) and to publicly state his position, whereas the antagonist in this little drama still throws slings and arrows from behind whatever rock it is he has crawled behind. And make no mistake I have no dog in this fight other than a passing interest. Football is a tough sport in which to build from scratch (excluding the fine upstanding folks at Fairview) and "fans" with "little league mentality" almost always expect far, far too much. Just because they're your kids doesn't mean they are great, or even good players. Coaches don't work miracles, they have success over time. You Jaws, are EXACTLY what is wrong with youth and high school sports today.

 

And I have been coaching for some 30 years. I've been successful and I've been not so successful. And I have NEVER lived in the community in which I have coached. That might be one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read. My suggestion is get on board and help or get out of the way and watch the band. They ARE pretty good you know.

 

Obviously someone didn't get the memo.......you don't wake a sleeping bear!!! :lol2:

 

BTW, nice post Papa.

My mistake, the GC band took 3rd in state this year. Go Braves.

Obviously someone didn't get the memo.......you don't wake a sleeping bear!!! :lol2:

 

BTW, nice post Papa.

 

 

Thank you sir. That old Green Lawnmower is looking better and better every day!! And, it still runs!!!