The perception comes from a limited pool of exposures that fit a stereotype. I’m not sure opening that can of worms is productive or that people really want to hear it. 

As far as other programs having outside perceptions/stereotypes goes of course they do. Some have changed and some aren’t as large or unflattering as others. Male under Wolfe is not the same as Male under Redman for example. Even Trinity now compared to say 10 years ago. 

1 hour ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Well you could only answer from an outsiders perspective.  Highlands fans can answer as they see fit.

I don't think how a person looks or where they come from should matter as long as they are a good football coach and are ethically and morally sound. In fact, I think it may be good for some communities to have someone different than the "normal," whatever that may mean in a given place. 

If this kind of thing does matter, and it's known to matter outside of that community, you are limiting yourself on candidates that would even want the job. 

37 minutes ago, Harry Doyle said:

Just an “elitist” type mentality more than anything.

Exactly.

FWIW @Jack of all Trades I believe this perception also exists at a Trinity, St. X, CCH, etc... Some places it's worse than others. 

On 1/12/2021 at 6:48 PM, PurplePride92 said:

With Eddie James being the runner up choice who jilted Highlands at the altar one has to wonder if Highlands has the same allure that it used to have.  

How come no one wants to coach at Highlands anymore?  

Anyone?  

To be honest, the thing that struck me as an outsider was that hiring the coach that ALMOST beat Boyle County seemed like a major accomplishment for Highlands. As a long time football observer in this state, and someone with huge respect for the Bluebirds, it was a sign of the changing times. 

40 minutes ago, TheDeuce said:

I don't think how a person looks or where they come from should matter as long as they are a good football coach and are ethically and morally sound. In fact, I think it may be good for some communities to have someone different than the "normal," whatever that may mean in a given place. 

If this kind of thing does matter, and it's known to matter outside of that community, you are limiting yourself on candidates that would even want the job. 

I agree with what you are saying and the views I have mentioned were not from people in Fort Thomas.

Highlands and it’s fans is such an easy target right now. Sad that they have lost the respect but more likely people are just hating. 
 

Highlands football will return, mark my word on it. 

Highlands isn’t the target.  There are some fans who have made themselves an easy target.  Highlands Football will be fine when the script is finally flipped and what matters most is what matters to the players!  When the players can be free to just play hard, work hard, have fun, & enjoy their high school playing years without the pressure of folks who have already had their playing days.  When the players can stop seeing & hearing these folks talking negatively about their team and their coaches.  Just let them be high school athletes & it will all work itself out the way it is meant to be!

What exactly makes Highlands so attractive now? It’s a $9,000 coaching stipend which is comparable to pretty much everywhere else. It’s located in one of the more expensive areas in the state to live. It’s a job that expects you to win quickly and consistently with what some on here have said is a lack of talent. The only pro I see anymore is they have a great tradition and support from the administration. As an outsider looking in I can’t say it’s a job that would make me want to leave where I’m at if I was making comparable money somewhere else with equal support. 

9 hours ago, Bluebird99 said:

Highlands isn’t the target.  There are some fans who have made themselves an easy target.  Highlands Football will be fine when the script is finally flipped and what matters most is what matters to the players!  When the players can be free to just play hard, work hard, have fun, & enjoy their high school playing years without the pressure of folks who have already had their playing days.  When the players can stop seeing & hearing these folks talking negatively about their team and their coaches.  Just let them be high school athletes & it will all work itself out the way it is meant to be!

You honestly don’t believe Highlands is a target in football?  Every school that plays them right now is relishing the thought of not only beating them, but beating them soundly because of past history.  As for past player comment, it comes with the territory.  I always thought it was “Play To Win” and the fun part was in winning.  

I also have heard from many that it was not “fun” to play football at Highlands the past few years.  So you are correct in that it needs to be fun and the kids have to want to put in the time, but that starts at the top and trickles down. 

I agree it is time to flip the script and give the kids what they deserve, a fun experience where everyone is all in for the team and not out for themselves.  There is no “I” in team and that means ALL players get the same treatment whether they are stars or backups.

I will say this to the kids since they read and hear this and are influenced by it.  You get out of things what you put into them.  You want to get better then stay after practice and work on your craft.  Coaches need not be present.  This helps bring comraderie and unity to the team.  Don’t believe all of this rhetoric about lack of talent, believe in yourself as a football player , work hard and good things will come your way.

50 minutes ago, WestDanville said:

What exactly makes Highlands so attractive now? It’s a $9,000 coaching stipend which is comparable to pretty much everywhere else. It’s located in one of the more expensive areas in the state to live. It’s a job that expects you to win quickly and consistently with what some on here have said is a lack of talent. The only pro I see anymore is they have a great tradition and support from the administration. As an outsider looking in I can’t say it’s a job that would make me want to leave where I’m at if I was making comparable money somewhere else with equal support. 

Agreed.  Only thing I’d add to that is if you were also set up at a place to be successful year in year out- w the above? Why would you leave where you are for Highlands? For what exactly? Not being smart, but I’d genuinely like to know.

That’s been my stance since it opened...the first time.

3 minutes ago, Jack of all Trades said:

You honestly don’t believe Highlands is a target in football?  Every school that plays them right now is relishing the thought of not only beating them, but beating them soundly because of past history.  As for past player comment, it comes with the territory.  I always thought it was “Play To Win” and the fun part was in winning.  

I also have heard from many that it was not “fun” to play football at Highlands the past few years.  So you are correct in that it needs to be fun and the kids have to want to put in the time, but that starts at the top and trickles down. 

I agree it is time to flip the script and give the kids what they deserve, a fun experience where everyone is all in for the team and not out for themselves.  There is no “I” in team and that means ALL players get the same treatment whether they are stars or backups.

I will say this to the kids since they read and hear this and are influenced by it.  You get out of things what you put into them.  You want to get better then stay after practice and work on your craft.  Coaches need not be present.  This helps bring comraderie and unity to the team.  Don’t believe all of this rhetoric about lack of talent, believe in yourself as a football player , work hard and good things will come your way.

Agree with some of this, but some of it is being spun in a different direction than what I was talking about.

I wasn’t talking about targeting to beat HHS. That is the nature of the sport and has nothing to do with years past.  Every opponent should want to beat & beat soundly whichever team they are playing.

Yes, there is fun in winning and should be “Play To Win”.  I played sports and never thought “Play To Not Win”.  No player or coach would put in the time, sweat, & tears to go intentionally lose.

I have also talked to many players in past years and currently who have said the opposite.  They do have fun, even in the crazy COVID practices/games.  

Other stuff in your post, makes sense. 

 

47 minutes ago, WestDanville said:

What exactly makes Highlands so attractive now? It’s a $9,000 coaching stipend which is comparable to pretty much everywhere else. It’s located in one of the more expensive areas in the state to live. It’s a job that expects you to win quickly and consistently with what some on here have said is a lack of talent. The only pro I see anymore is they have a great tradition and support from the administration. As an outsider looking in I can’t say it’s a job that would make me want to leave where I’m at if I was making comparable money somewhere else with equal support. 

Exactly.  

4 minutes ago, Bluebird99 said:

Agree with some of this, but some of it is being spun in a different direction than what I was talking about.

I wasn’t talking about targeting to beat HHS. That is the nature of the sport and has nothing to do with years past.  Every opponent should want to beat & beat soundly whichever team they are playing.

Yes, there is fun in winning and should be “Play To Win”.  I played sports and never thought “Play To Not Win”.  No player or coach would put in the time, sweat, & tears to go intentionally lose.

I have also talked to many players in past years and currently who have said the opposite.  They do have fun, even in the crazy COVID practices/games.  

Other stuff in your post, makes sense. 

 

Honestly at the end of the day we both want the same thing as do the other Highlands faithful.  

10 hours ago, Bluebird99 said:

Highlands isn’t the target.  There are some fans who have made themselves an easy target.

Exactly. You get it. 

22 minutes ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Honestly at the end of the day we both want the same thing as do the other Highlands faithful.  

Highlands will be back. Everyone knows it, winning is what HHS does. Just a matter of how long it takes.