You obviously do not know Coach Hart very well if you are suggesting that he gave up on anything. I KNOW that Coach Hart and his staff didn't just give up in the 3rd quarter or even the 4th quarter. I was on the sidelines for 2 or his games this season and both were loses but I will tell you this, Coach Hart coached until the final snap. Neither game was very close but that didn't stop him and his staff from coaching until the final down. I had respect for Coach Hart before this season but I have an even greater respect for him now for the way he has handled this unfortunate year Ashland has had.

 

:thumb: Good Post, I have no idea what did or did not happen in the Ashland/JC game but to question Coach Hart's "integrity" by giving up to me anyway is just plain wrong.

Coach Hart imo is not about to give up on a team or his assistants are not either. NO Coach wants to lose football games as well as NO h.s. kid/player wants to lose. These players (remeber they are kids) read these threads/boards whether anyone thinks they do or wants them to or not. My advice to anyone at any school that has any type of problem with the coach would be to go staright to the source.

IMO if a concerened person would bring it up in the proper / adult way that a coach would be likely to discuss whatever is on ones mind with them.

That person may not like the answers that they get but jmo should any fan/parent go to the coach and present their concerns usually those coaches would be wiling to talk to the person.

JMO

I met Coach Hart in the spring of 99 when he was the offensive coordinator at Eastern. We wanted to improve our screen package, and wanted to see how an I team ran their screens as opposed to the way everyone was spreading the field when Coach Mumme was at UK. During those two days at EKU, Coach Hart went out of his way to make me feel welcome. He was a great X and O coach, had a tremendous rapport with his players, and a very good teacher of schemes and fundamentals.

 

In 2003, when he came to Ashland, we ended up coaching against him at Mason County. He always had his guys ready to play. Their schemes, effort, execution, and fundamentals were very strong. He was great to his kids and coaches- they like and respect him. They work and play very hard for him. We faced them each year through the 2006 season and they were always extremely well prepared, solid fundamentally, etc.

 

As a friend and coach, he has always been wonderful to help out.

 

Would I want my son to play for Coach Hart? Yes! It would be a great experience for him and a blessing. He would be a better man and football player as a result of being a part of his team.

 

My point would be that, I can't imagine what else you would want in a coach?

 

 

If you look at the big picture of Ashland football, its tradition, and having a guy like Coach Hart in charge, there are a lot of positive things to be excited about. We have had more than our share of tough times at Mason County. We have weathered the storms and got through them here. I am sure over the past 100 years that has happened a time or two at Ashland. The last thing I would be real concerned about is Tomcat football- it couldn't be in better hands.

So I ask again.... If your coach were to make excuses about the class your team was in on a post game interview, how would you react?

 

No one has seemed to answer this yet?

Sounds like everyone else is making exuses for Mr. Leon Hart.....

I met Coach Hart in the spring of 99 when he was the offensive coordinator at Eastern. We wanted to improve our screen package, and wanted to see how an I team ran their screens as opposed to the way everyone was spreading the field when Coach Mumme was at UK. During those two days at EKU, Coach Hart went out of his way to make me feel welcome. He was a great X and O coach, had a tremendous rapport with his players, and a very good teacher of schemes and fundamentals.

 

In 2003, when he came to Ashland, we ended up coaching against him at Mason County. He always had his guys ready to play. Their schemes, effort, execution, and fundamentals were very strong. He was great to his kids and coaches- they like and respect him. They work and play very hard for him. We faced them each year through the 2006 season and they were always extremely well prepared, solid fundamentally, etc.

 

As a friend and coach, he has always been wonderful to help out.

 

Would I want my son to play for Coach Hart? Yes! It would be a great experience for him and a blessing. He would be a better man and football player as a result of being a part of his team.

 

My point would be that, I can't imagine what else you would want in a coach?

 

 

If you look at the big picture of Ashland football, its tradition, and having a guy like Coach Hart in charge, there are a lot of positive things to be excited about. We have had more than our share of tough times at Mason County. We have weathered the storms and got through them here. I am sure over the past 100 years that has happened a time or two at Ashland. The last thing I would be real concerned about is Tomcat football- it couldn't be in better hands.

Excellent Post Chief! ............and by one that would know. :thumb:

When you put yourself out there to try to make kids better people in this day and age you are going to have your critics that doubt everything you do. There are always those people that could do it better but don't have the guts to leave their families at home to make somebody elses kids better men down the road. I am proud to have Coach Hart and all of his staff coaching in Eastern KY. There are a lot of first class guys leading the young men in Ashland. Unfortunatly the majority of schools are going to have their ups and downs. It's not like college where you can recruit the athletes you have. Thomas is a very special player but this isn't the typical size Ashland has had in the past. They will be back. The people there need to be patient. Heck it's not even the post season yet. Anything can happen! I love how people say they support programs and then bash staffs hiding behind names on a message board. The worst part is that the season isn't even over! Hang in there Ashland folks, you will be back!

When you put yourself out there to try to make kids better people in this day and age you are going to have your critics that doubt everything you do. There are always those people that could do it better but don't have the guts to leave their families at home to make somebody elses kids better men down the road. I am proud to have Coach Hart and all of his staff coaching in Eastern KY. There are a lot of first class guys leading the young men in Ashland. Unfortunatly the majority of schools are going to have their ups and downs. It's not like college where you can recruit the athletes you have. Thomas is a very special player but this isn't the typical size Ashland has had in the past. They will be back. The people there need to be patient. Heck it's not even the post season yet. Anything can happen! I love how people say they support programs and then bash staffs hiding behind names on a message board. The worst part is that the season isn't even over! Hang in there Ashland folks, you will be back!

 

But the season is over for us...

In my opinion, Coach Hart is a good man, and a good coach.

"Giving" I think he earned it being with Roy Kid all those years and then coming back after Elon didn't work out???

 

But, Yes most of us are glad to have Leon here. I know for a fact that he has taught the staff that is place a whole bunch of football!

 

However you want to describe it...I don't care. I'm trying to show my support here for the man, honest support. By saying "giving" was nothing disrespectful. Let your guard down a little bit onetoya, I'm in agreement with you here about the great coach you have, not against.

I met Coach Hart in the spring of 99 when he was the offensive coordinator at Eastern. We wanted to improve our screen package, and wanted to see how an I team ran their screens as opposed to the way everyone was spreading the field when Coach Mumme was at UK. During those two days at EKU, Coach Hart went out of his way to make me feel welcome. He was a great X and O coach, had a tremendous rapport with his players, and a very good teacher of schemes and fundamentals.

 

In 2003, when he came to Ashland, we ended up coaching against him at Mason County. He always had his guys ready to play. Their schemes, effort, execution, and fundamentals were very strong. He was great to his kids and coaches- they like and respect him. They work and play very hard for him. We faced them each year through the 2006 season and they were always extremely well prepared, solid fundamentally, etc.

 

As a friend and coach, he has always been wonderful to help out.

 

Would I want my son to play for Coach Hart? Yes! It would be a great experience for him and a blessing. He would be a better man and football player as a result of being a part of his team.

 

My point would be that, I can't imagine what else you would want in a coach?

 

 

If you look at the big picture of Ashland football, its tradition, and having a guy like Coach Hart in charge, there are a lot of positive things to be excited about. We have had more than our share of tough times at Mason County. We have weathered the storms and got through them here. I am sure over the past 100 years that has happened a time or two at Ashland. The last thing I would be real concerned about is Tomcat football- it couldn't be in better hands.

 

PERFECT POST!

When you put yourself out there to try to make kids better people in this day and age you are going to have your critics that doubt everything you do. There are always those people that could do it better but don't have the guts to leave their families at home to make somebody elses kids better men down the road. I am proud to have Coach Hart and all of his staff coaching in Eastern KY. There are a lot of first class guys leading the young men in Ashland. Unfortunatly the majority of schools are going to have their ups and downs. It's not like college where you can recruit the athletes you have. Thomas is a very special player but this isn't the typical size Ashland has had in the past. They will be back. The people there need to be patient. Heck it's not even the post season yet. Anything can happen! I love how people say they support programs and then bash staffs hiding behind names on a message board. The worst part is that the season isn't even over! Hang in there Ashland folks, you will be back!

Another Great Post and Comment stick1...........:thumb:

This season has not afforded many opportunities to speak positively about, at least in terms of wins and loses. Consequently, I have not posted much but have remained very attentive to Tomcat Football. However, I simply cannot sit back and watch this criticism (regardless of the stated intentions) of Coach Hart without chiming in.

 

Leon Hart has dedicated his professional life mentoring young athletes. I prefer to believe that the vast majority of Ashland fans consider having his expertise and energy focused on Ashland football a blessing. I certainly don’t presume to be the voice of the Tomcat Nation, but my vote is soundly in favor of having Coach Hart on our sidelines and in our classrooms for as long as he is willing to continue.

 

Coach Hart doesn’t need anyone defending him or justifying his value to Ashland athletics…it should be self-evident to those who know of his diligent efforts to better our program from grade school all the way through helping seniors proceed to the next level.

 

The notion of removing headsets early a game is a sign of “giving up” is laughable.

This season has not afforded many opportunities to speak positively about, at least in terms of wins and loses. Consequently, I have not posted much but have remained very attentive to Tomcat Football. However, I simply cannot sit back and watch this criticism (regardless of the stated intentions) of Coach Hart without chiming in.

 

Leon Hart has dedicated his professional life mentoring young athletes. I prefer to believe that the vast majority of Ashland fans consider having his expertise and energy focused on Ashland football a blessing. I certainly don’t presume to be the voice of the Tomcat Nation, but my vote is soundly in favor of having Coach Hart on our sidelines and in our classrooms for as long as he is willing to continue.

 

Coach Hart doesn’t need anyone defending him or justifying his value to Ashland athletics…it should be self-evident to those who know of his diligent efforts to better our program from grade school all the way through helping seniors proceed to the next level.

 

The notion of removing headsets early a game is a sign of “giving up” is laughable.

 

So what about the excuses he was making about being in a class because of 6 kids? Everyone has avoided to answer this and this question was the reason for the thread.

It's not excuses....he is just stating facts. Quit trying to find ways to discredit Coach Hart. He is a good person and coach; you are lucky to have him as a coach and mentor to your kids. If you don't like him then don't have your kids play. Or move and transfer your kids to a neighboring school.

 

Here is a famous quote from Teddy Roosevelt you should read closely or anyone who criticizes their coaches or players:

 

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

So what about the excuses he was making about being in a class because of 6 kids? Everyone has avoided to answer this and this question was the reason for the thread.

 

I, as others, simply dont interpret Coach Hart's stating a fact about enrollment as an excuse as to why we had a down year. That is my answer to your question.

Good ending point for this thread.