Ruckus Posted November 30, 2007 Posted November 30, 2007 Hello, I see this job is open again. I coach in FL now but I helped out there last year when we went 4-6. I see this year looked to be a disaster 0-10 no real competitive games. Wow, the culture of the shcool with both students and admin. makes this a really tough place to do business. What do some of my more experienced peers think about this situation? I have seen the talent walk the halls and this team should have had a great nucleus of kids back. I also have seen Spring cancelled because they thought they could show up whenever. I have also seen admin. declare several kids inel. for a game on Friday at 5:00 p.m. on more than one occassion. I am surprised that this job actually posted as open instead of letting it die.
CoachJ Posted November 30, 2007 Posted November 30, 2007 Wow, the culture of the shcool with both students and admin. makes this a really tough place to do business. It must be what you said (the culture of the school being the problem) because I know Shawn Thompson is an EXCELLENT coach. I have also seen admin. declare several kids inel. for a game on Friday at 5:00 p.m. on more than one occassion. This sounds pretty condemning if accurate. Both the schools where I've been head coach value football in part because they realize the value it has for kids -- ESPECIALLY ones who might need athletics to MOTIVATE them to do better academically. In both those schools, grade checks were done RELIGIOUSLY and kids were held accountable for their grades, BUT, they were done on MONDAYS. This way, the coach knew at the beginning of the week who wasn't available for that week's game. This serves TWO purposes -- it gives the coach a chance to prepare KNOWING who he will and won't have, and more importantly, it gives the coach a chance to hold the ineligible kid out of practice that week and MAKE him work on academics every minute the rest of the team is practicing. KHSAA rules state that grade checks must happen WEEKLY; it doesn't regulate that it happen at the END of the week. (The fact that they're holding kids accountable somewhat is better though than several places I've heard about. One coach said to me this year, "yeah, it would be tough to coach where you do; I know you guys actually do your grade checks EVERY week the way you're supposed to," implying his school doesn't do weekly grade checks for athletes -- maybe only at mid-terms or something.)
STRIKE3 Posted November 30, 2007 Posted November 30, 2007 Accountability for all, from players, parents, coaches and administration, is a must for maintaining eligibility and continuing a competitive program. If everyone is on the same path, mishaps will occur but can be handled through the Coaching Staff and Administration. It may take several strong-willed personality types, to commit for any program, to maintain.
Park1221 Posted November 30, 2007 Posted November 30, 2007 The lack of football interest at Iroquois and other schools in Louisivlle is sad. Central is getting the kids out, but there's more players and coaches on the field than fans in stands. I'm not sure what could be done get parents and fans to these games. Someone suggested to me that these schools should charge no admission. I initially scoffed at the idea, $5 is keeping parents, family, friends and fans away? Then my friend, a social worker, suggested I knew little about the financials hardships that many of these families face everyday. A single mom, with 3 or 4 kids, often doesn't have a spare $20 to pay admission for her family to watch junior play. I guess we're not all fortunate to have even the slimmest of surplus income. Seems you have to somehow get the parents, student body and surrounding community involved. Make it a neighborhood event. Sponsor a cookout before the game, bring a dj before the game, have face painting or some kid stuff set up. I've also thought the KHSAA should let schools combine (ie. Iroquois and Shawnee) if they don't have sufficient player turn out to field a competitive team. Out of curiousity, what kind of fan support does the Iroquois girls basketball team receive compared to boy's football? I know the girls are very good and I imagine they've developed quite a following since they've been playing together for the Raiders since 7th grade. I also believe Jeff. Co needs middle school football. I think it would help with developing fundamentals early and also generate interst in the game of football amongst the students, parents, community etc...
Ruckus Posted November 30, 2007 Author Posted November 30, 2007 You all are right on several things. First working with Shawn was one of the best people I have worked with. I am sure he will have other opportunities and will want other opportunities. You all are also right baout the culture thing. I would take the kids out to eat sometimes after practices and 0 would have to call anyone and let them know where they were going and what they were doing!!!
Philip Hay Posted November 30, 2007 Posted November 30, 2007 You all are right on several things. First working with Shawn was one of the best people I have worked with. I am sure he will have other opportunities and will want other opportunities. You all are also right baout the culture thing. I would take the kids out to eat sometimes after practices and 0 would have to call anyone and let them know where they were going and what they were doing!!! Shawn is one of the classiest people I have ever come across in sports. He was always more than friendly to me during his time here at Mason County. Just a first class guy both on the field and off. I can not say enough nice things about him. Somebody is going to get one heck of a football coach and an even better person.
.png.ffa34568722b20f38e3c3ecfcb9a2cd2.png)
.thumb.jpeg.8d2472ffe992a9c5c22b4582f4881eab.jpeg)
Recommended Posts