I have heard from reliable sources that this seems to be the ultimatum given to the kids trying out for the Highlands BAseball team. Is there any truth to this and if so, I am sure it has to hurt the potential each year.

 

Spring Break in Ft. Thomas seems to be a rite of passage with most families as its like a ghost town that week around here. I would have to imagine there are a lot of multi-sport athletes who have a tough decision to make.

Many teams head South, for tournaments, bonding, practice and excellent competition, against players who go year round.

 

Spring Break games/practice, are an absolute MUST for any program, whether they are rebuilding, re-loading or maintaining excellence. If a player wants to go on vacation or a parent is forcing them, than he will fall behind and honestly....I would question his commitment to the program. Many families do take vacations and family outings, but the KHSAA has set the guidelines for practice and "can't play the first game, till the Monday following the Basketball championship", so allowances by families have to be made.

 

What would happen if a player practices from Feb. 15th, plays 5-6 games and then goes on vacation, missing his team play 4-5 games....someone else will move ahead, gain valuable playing time, improve, make the commitment to the team and likely, not relinquish their position. I'll be conservative and if any player, misses 4-5 games...it will take another two weeks of practice and 5-6 games or more, to work overcoming the lost time.

 

Do what thousands others do, schedule vacation in late, late summer or fall....or the dead period.

I think the spring sports season is so short, I can certainly understand why this time would be considered mandatory.

I think the spring sports season is so short, I can certainly understand why this time would be considered mandatory.

Agreed and in the '08 season, several changes will be implemented....Including number of games played, the playing for another organization during the Varsity season and feeder program, so being away can/will affect playing time.

It's pretty much like that at every school that I know of. If you can't play at spring break, or post season when school is out, don;t try out.

I think this is a great decision on the coaching staff's part. If you want to become a championship program you have to sacrifice. Football parents know to only go on vacation during the dead period. Great call coaches and good luckk HHS baseball!

I'm not sure why baseball is the sport this is always an issue. Can you imagine someone telling Dale that they're going to take a week off for a Labor Day family holiday vacation? How about telling Coach Listerman that they're going to take a week off to go skiing over the Christmas holidays?

 

I can't fathom someone thinking this is an acceptable reason. "Coach Krumps, we'll be back in about 10 days after we go to Daytona Beach." Response: "Great. Enjoy the sun. Eat some good seafood. Root for us when you get back because you sure as hell won't be wearing a uniform."

I'm not sure why baseball is the sport this is always an issue. Can you imagine someone telling Dale that they're going to take a week off for a Labor Day family holiday vacation? How about telling Coach Listerman that they're going to take a week off to go skiing over the Christmas holidays?

 

I can't fathom someone thinking this is an acceptable reason. "Coach Krumps, we'll be back in about 10 days after we go to Daytona Beach." Response: "Great. Enjoy the sun. Eat some good seafood. Root for us when you get back because you sure as hell won't be wearing a uniform."

:thumb:

 

I say if you don't care that much, then go right ahead. But don't bother coming back.

I don't think it's an issue at all - you are either committed to your team and making it and yourself better or you are selfish and don't have the team first on your list of priorities.

 

You can't do both at the same time. That is why they put 365 days in the year to be able to do both a different times.

This has been a long time coming and I am glad to see it happening. Also glad to see that there are 30+ games on the schedule this year rather than the 15-20 and out in the first round of the district.

I'm not sure why baseball is the sport this is always an issue. Can you imagine someone telling Dale that they're going to take a week off for a Labor Day family holiday vacation? How about telling Coach Listerman that they're going to take a week off to go skiing over the Christmas holidays?

 

I can't fathom someone thinking this is an acceptable reason. "Coach Krumps, we'll be back in about 10 days after we go to Daytona Beach." Response: "Great. Enjoy the sun. Eat some good seafood. Root for us when you get back because you sure as hell won't be wearing a uniform."

 

 

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

This has been a long time coming and I am glad to see it happening. Also glad to see that there are 30+ games on the schedule this year rather than the 15-20 and out in the first round of the district.

 

Its good to schedule more than you will play. With inclement weather and such it atleast gurantees them around 20-25.

 

On the Spring Break topic I started, I have heard many posters say its a good thing to have but how many athletes do they lose out on because of this? I know of 2 specifically at Highlands and probably not because of the Spring Break issue soley but I think that it was factored into the equation. These 2 kids will be doing offseason football conditioning so they wont be sitting around but I think the SB issue was part of it.

 

I agree it is good to make it mandatory simply for the fact that you need committment and there are so many things you can do during that week like doubleheaders, extra hitting/fielding practice and not to mention team bonding on trips out of town.

If you are truly committed to a team and want to play, sacrifices must be made by families and players.

 

Everyone know going into Baseball, first practice begins Feb. 15th, spring break is scheduled per school, District, Regional, Semi and State dates, are scheduled per the KHSAA calendar.

Its good to schedule more than you will play. With inclement weather and such it atleast gurantees them around 20-25.

 

On the Spring Break topic I started, I have heard many posters say its a good thing to have but how many athletes do they lose out on because of this? I know of 2 specifically at Highlands and probably not because of the Spring Break issue soley but I think that it was factored into the equation. These 2 kids will be doing offseason football conditioning so they wont be sitting around but I think the SB issue was part of it.

 

I agree it is good to make it mandatory simply for the fact that you need committment and there are so many things you can do during that week like doubleheaders, extra hitting/fielding practice and not to mention team bonding on trips out of town.

 

I'm sure Spring Break was a major factor in their decision not to play. Last season spring football and baseball existed together better than it had before at HHS. This was directly said by both coaches recently. I commend the coaches for their thought and commitment to building a better program at HHS. It may suffer a year or two but eventually people will get over it. We go to Florida every Spring Break, but guess what? This year mom and daughter are going and I'll be home with my son who isn't even guanteed a spot, but wants to tryout because he likes to play baseball. Before you know it, HS is over and the days to play HS sports is over. Go Birds!

Its good to schedule more than you will play. With inclement weather and such it atleast gurantees them around 20-25.

 

On the Spring Break topic I started, I have heard many posters say its a good thing to have but how many athletes do they lose out on because of this? I know of 2 specifically at Highlands and probably not because of the Spring Break issue soley but I think that it was factored into the equation. These 2 kids will be doing offseason football conditioning so they wont be sitting around but I think the SB issue was part of it.

 

I agree it is good to make it mandatory simply for the fact that you need committment and there are so many things you can do during that week like doubleheaders, extra hitting/fielding practice and not to mention team bonding on trips out of town.

This reminds me of a story John Wooden told about Bill Walton. Bill Walton met with the coach to discuss the long hair and facial hair policy at UCLA. Walton was a very free spirit and liked the beard and mustache look. Coach Wooden thanked him for sticking up for what he believed in and he told him that he should always stand up for his rights. He also told him that he'd miss him and wished he'd reconsider his stance. Walton shaved and got his hair cut and won a few championships along the way. I think coaches make the rules and let the kids decide if it is for them. Maybe a week in Florida is more important to the kid than playing baseball or running track. But if he/she wants to play spring sports, they have to forfeit the Spring Break.