LCA’s Paul Rains should be Coach of the Year

 

In 5 years Paul Rains has taken a fledgling program and turned it into a team within 1 play (4th and goal at the 1) of winning the State Championship.

 

What type of team did Rains inherit?

-2-year-old varsity program, with a record of 3-17

-about 20 kids on the team

-LCA had been consistently trounced/thrashed/creamed by average and below average teams.

-Middle school program run by dads – SO desperate that Bluto was one of the coaches…. :scared:

(many of the players on this year’s team had to overcome all of my previous instruction 5 years ago – THAT’S how good a coach Paul Rains is!!!)

-Weight room consisted of 1 set of dumbbells (not kidding)

-average # of kids per grade: 5-6

 

In 5 years since taking over:

-Spiritual development of the young men

-increased team size from 20 to 53

-Weight program

-Youth program down through grade school

-Outstanding Jr. High coaches

-Outstanding assistant coaches

-District Title

-Beefed up schedule

-Signature wins: 1st playoffs 2003; 1st playoff win 2004; Beechwood 2005

-2007 State Runner-up (lost when a “gutsy” call failed at the 1)

 

In my book, that is an OUTSTANDING achievement, and deserves consideration for COY.

My vote would go to Shawn Berner of Fort Campbell. I don't know of any coach that had to deal with more off-the field issues every day than he and his staff. Not to mention the transformation and adjustments made after a bad 0-2 start.

Consider this: Highlands is the only team in the state of Kentucky to play 2 classes up in this new alignment. They go 15-0 (the only team in the entire state to do so), handle Bowling Green 28-7 in the 5A championship, beat the current Class 3A and 4A state champs ON THE ROAD, plus go 2-0 vs. the defending Class 3A state champ. PLUS, HE DID THIS WITH NO CURRENT PLAYERS WITH NCAA D-IA OFFERS.

 

I'm sure he won't get it, but in my book Coach Mueller of HHS is Coach of the Year!!!

He wont get it because he's expected to win 15 games a year. It's nothing new and noteable when it hapeens. I guess its the price you pay for winning title after title.

Most HHS fans on here know that I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for the HHS program. However, there is no way Mueller should be in the running for COTY imo. Mueller is no doubt one of the best in the state, but I feel COTY should go to a coach that does an awesome job with a team that traditionally has not been in the spotlight but has worked its way into the spotlight as of late. Mueller has the feeder programs and a large number of kids in general from which to draw, whereas in the lesser populated areas of the state, many coaches don't have these advantages.

 

When I think of COTY, I think of Lone Oak, Green County, Fulton and perhaps even Central (however Central obviously is not in a population restricted area:D).

 

JMO.

He has my vote!:ylsuper: Dale

He wont get it because he's expected to win 15 games a year. It's nothing new and noteable when it hapeens. I guess its the price you pay for winning title after title.

 

I'm sure Dale would rather have state champioships than a coach of the year honor. Nobody remembers coach of the year honors like they do state championship years.

Consider this: Highlands is the only team in the state of Kentucky to play 2 classes up in this new alignment. They go 15-0 (the only team in the entire state to do so), handle Bowling Green 28-7 in the 5A championship, beat the current Class 3A and 4A state champs ON THE ROAD, plus go 2-0 vs. the defending Class 3A state champ. PLUS, HE DID THIS WITH NO CURRENT PLAYERS WITH NCAA D-IA OFFERS.

 

I'm sure he won't get it, but in my book Coach Mueller of HHS is Coach of the Year!!!

 

I believe covington catholic did this also...weren't they 3A and now 5A?

Dale should be COTY. 7-5 last year and 15-0 and State Champs this year. Play's up 2 classes with 55 player's( Same number as LCA).

I believe covington catholic did this also...weren't they 3A and now 5A?

CovCath should be 4a.

I believe covington catholic did this also...weren't they 3A and now 5A?

 

They would have been 4A this year but moved up one class to 5A, whereas Highlands would have been 3A but moved up two classes to 5A.

Naturally, I think it should be Coach Rash. He had a very tough way to go this year. Despite adversity, he managed to lead those boys to a state championship.

 

He taught by example, what true heart is all about.

Consider this: Highlands is the only team in the state of Kentucky to play 2 classes up in this new alignment.

I'm sure he won't get it, but in my book Coach Mueller of HHS is Coach of the Year!!!

 

Russellville played up two classes. I think Somerset may have as well.

I like Louisvilel Central, stepped up and led his team to a title, and played a brutal schedule, they were much more disciplined this year than last.

Russellville played up two classes. I think Somerset may have as well.

 

HHS won their class. Just a minor detail one might want to consider