Personally I'm very happy for your good fortune and no have personal connection to Ryle whatsoever. Most of the whining I see on this thread seems to be coming from the Ryle faithful themselves and I'm not sure why.:confused:

 

You've got the be joking. You need to re-read the thread more closely if you really believe that. The only thing Ryle supporters are doing in this thread are responding to the jealous whines of people who think it is so "unfair" for Ryle to have this field, essentially because their school doesn't have such a field.

They got a $750,000 donation from ONE person.

 

I commend them for working to raise the $100,000. Great job.

 

But they didn't work hard and sacrifice for the 3/4's of a million dollars.

 

The fundraising efforts are far from over. In fact, they were just beginning when this large donation came in. Yes, it was an absolute blessing to receive such a donation, especially from someone not directly tied to the Ryle family, but this will ultimately be a small grassroots drive to raise the additional funds.

In post 107, cshs81 did a good job of posting my thoughts.

 

It is not the act of giving, that is great. It is simply that whether they wanted to or not, many rural areas, this is not an option for them.

 

Sorry, LBBC, not looking for a fight, but I would add that post #90 also seems to clearly convey your feelings on this matter:

 

"Things like this stinks when some districts can get huge advantages while others cannot.

 

And those feelings seem to imply that you greatly begrudge Ryle for their ability to accomplish this feat. What? I should feel guilty as a Ryle supporter and parent of Ryle children that my school undertook such a challenge and succeeded? Honestly, if your school - whatever school it is - privately raises $10M for a new field, with plenty left over to install a 24K gold walkway from the school to the field, it won't bother me in the least. In fact, I'd be quite happy for you. I might find the need for the gold path a bit odd, but it would be your funds and your school's decision on how to handle those private funds.

Sorry, LBBC, not looking for a fight, but I would add that post #90 also seems to clearly convey your feelings on this matter:

 

"Things like this stinks when some districts can get huge advantages while others cannot.

 

And those feelings seem to imply that you greatly begrudge Ryle for their ability to accomplish this feat. What? I should feel guilty as a Ryle supporter and parent of Ryle children that my school undertook such a challenge and succeeded? Honestly, if your school - whatever school it is - privately raises $10M for a new field, with plenty left over to install a 24K gold walkway from the school to the field, it won't bother me in the least. In fact, I'd be quite happy for you. I might find the need for the gold path a bit odd, but it your funds and your school's decision on how to handle those private funds.

 

It begrudges Ryle if you are looking for it to begrudge Ryle.

 

I am trying to point out the continued differences that go on in our system. Differences that coaches have zero to minimal control over but directly impacts the quality of the product they put on the field.

 

Some will say it is all about hard work and the reasons why some have success and others do not. And while that is partly true, it is not the only part of the equation.

 

As been shown on here, those with a turf football field have seen their baseball and softball teams taking a sort of infield practice. Other schools have been in parking lots and the gym. And many of those schools have ZERO hope to ever get a turf field to practice on because of economic conditions in their community.

 

So while those schools will be getting in a good practice over the next 2 weeks, other schools will be in the gym.

 

That will result in a big difference on the field come April.

 

As far as Ryle is concerned, same thing I said about T and X. It really matters nothing to me as I really have no dealings with that program.

 

My point is to make people realize that there are many coaches out there that are busting their hindquarters trying to get their players to be competitive but they are going up against circumstances that is a MAJOR road block for them and they have no control over.

 

How to solve that problem? As I told cshs81, I really don't know how to solve it.

 

More and more I am thinking the best thing for sports would be to move it out of the HS setting and let HS's be about education.

It begrudges Ryle if you are looking for it to begrudge Ryle.

 

I am trying to point out the continued differences that go on in our system. Differences that coaches have zero to minimal control over but directly impacts the quality of the product they put on the field.

 

Some will say it is all about hard work and the reasons why some have success and others do not. And while that is partly true, it is not the only part of the equation.

 

As been shown on here, those with a turf football field have seen their baseball and softball teams taking a sort of infield practice. Other schools have been in parking lots and the gym. And many of those schools have ZERO hope to ever get a turf field to practice on because of economic conditions in their community.

 

So while those schools will be getting in a good practice over the next 2 weeks, other schools will be in the gym.

 

That will result in a big difference on the field come April.

 

As far as Ryle is concerned, same thing I said about T and X. It really matters nothing to me as I really have no dealings with that program.

 

My point is to make people realize that there are many coaches out there that are busting their hindquarters trying to get their players to be competitive but they are going up against circumstances that is a MAJOR road block for them and they have no control over.

 

How to solve that problem? As I told cshs81, I really don't know how to solve it.

 

More and more I am thinking the best thing for sports would be to move it out of the HS setting and let HS's be about education.

 

Seek formula for athletics?:confused:

Seek formula for athletics?:confused:

 

I agree that is scary.

 

But I know that some have an advantage that others will never have. And that advantage makes it easier to have success. NOT guaranteed but easier.

 

As I said to cshs81, I honestly don't know what the answer is.

You've got the be joking. You need to re-read the thread more closely if you really believe that. The only thing Ryle supporters are doing in this thread are responding to the jealous whines of people who think it is so "unfair" for Ryle to have this field, essentially because their school doesn't have such a field.

 

:thumb:I have gone back and I stand by my post.:ylsuper:

How long will it be before this field is ready?

That chip on your shoulder must really get hard to carry after a while doesn't it?

 

I don't think it has as much to do with a chip on anyone's shoulder as it does playing under the same circumstances and rules. Obviously, you disagree LN. However, for playing under those hinderances that they have to play under, Ryle's athletic program has been pretty sucessful. And by hinderances, I mean the rules that I believe every school who competes in the KHSAA should have to abide by.

:thumb:I have gone back and I stand by my post.:ylsuper:

 

Well then I guess we'll agree to disagree. I, too, have gone back and reviewed the thread in its entirety and see very little, if any, complaining by Ryle supporters. All I see is responses to other's complaints about how unfair this is. Here is a summary of the various complaints from non-Ryle people about us getting the field:

 

• It is unfair because Boone County did not get their field when Alexander offered a donation (already shown to be apples and oranges).
   
  
• It is unfair because Ryle is so “rich” and the rich just keep getting richer. (??)
   
  
• It is unfair because all the BC schools don’t have turf. (No such requirement that they need to).
   
  
• It is unfair because the turf/stadium is only 11 years old and surely couldn't need renovations already. (It does and it is older than 11 years anyways).
   
  
• It is unfair because upgrades to the locker were more needed and beneficial. (Those in the know at Ryle prioritized the field as being more important and beneficial. The lockers will also be done once funding allows).
   
  
• Unfair because opening of Cooper High will lessen use of Ryle’s facilities. (Not accurate).
   
  
• Unfair because other school districts aren’t stock full of millionaires, as is lucky Ryle. (Interesting that it wasn't a millionaire from Ryle's "super-rich" district that made the donation).
   
  
• Unfair because other school districts can’t afford such a field. (Neither could Ryle, that's why they held a private fundraiser and did not ask the Board of Education to help finance something they knew BOE couldn't afford).
   
  
• Unfair because Ryle won’t share the money with other schools. (That's so far out in left field it's hard to know how to respond).

 

What I don't see amongst the list of complaints, despite the fact that this is the heart of most of the gripes, is this:

 

It is unfair because my school (insert name of school) has failed to consider and take on such an endeavour as Ryle and is really unfair that Ryle gets a new turf field that my school (insert name of school) doesn't have.

 

 

You don't think your school has the capability of raising money for some type of capital improvement as this? How would you know exactly unless you made the attempt???

I'm glad to see Ryle is finally getting a much needed upgrade. :thumb:

 

What are the plans for the field and the future renovations? Are they just going to replace the grass with the artificial stuff or are they doing any rearranging? Ryle's stadium is one of the more poorly designed I've been to, I hope they get it right this time.

Wrestling and girls softball - domination.

 

As good as anybody else in soccer (boys won region last 2 years actually), football (except Highlands), baseball (won region last year), golf, volleyball, swimming, girls' basketball dramatically improved and will be as good as anybody starting next year (almost got there this year). Heck, I heard they have a pretty good ping pong program last year. And, nobody ever beats us at checkers. I'm proud of Ryle's accomplishments in sports. Good kids that work hard just like the good kids that work hard everywhere.

 

Sorry about any assumption on my part. Just responding to your sarcasm about "keep us posted" and "noted" and knowing that you are a big Highlands fan.

 

Wait until Allen is gone and if the domination continues I will agree with you.

 

The second bolded part is funny. They lost to 4 NKY teams last year. 2 of them beat them by more than 4 TD's

 

I am happy as anyone for Ryle and their turf but, I am not willing to call them the most dominate athletic program in NKY, as much as I hate to admit it I would have to say that school is in Park Hills.

Honestly, I don't know.

 

But it gets real frustrating when a school with no resources cannot do the things that raises the level of the program and there are no other avenues for them to consider.

 

The rich get richer and the poor are left to sit back and wonder.

 

It is always easy to complain but it takes a lot of work to beat the streets and go face to face and ask for money. I think before I sat on my tail and felt sorry for myself I would be out beating on doors. As far as the other Boone Co. schools go, I can think of major companies in eveyone one of their districs that could be big time partners in any fund raiser but I can tell you that they are not going to feel sorry for you and show up at your door with a check in hand. For the amount of time that has been wasted on this web page complaining ever single person could have gone and meet at least 6 business executives face to face and pitched your idea. So I really don't feel sorry for you if you have not put fourth the effort. And to say well I am poor and there's just nothing that I can do is a joke. There is always something that you can do.

It is always easy to complain but it takes a lot of work to beat the streets and go face to face and ask for money. I think before I sat on my tail and felt sorry for myself I would be out beating on doors. As far as the other Boone Co. schools go, I can think of major companies in eveyone one of their districs that could be big time partners in any fund raiser but I can tell you that they are not going to feel sorry for you and show up at your door with a check in hand. For the amount of time that has been wasted on this web page complaining ever single person could have gone and meet at least 6 business executives face to face and pitched your idea. So I really don't feel sorry for you if you have not put fourth the effort. And to say well I am poor and there's just nothing that I can do is a joke. There is always something that you can do.

 

I think your assumption is that there are major companies in every county, community to beat the doors of. Not true.

 

If I went to 6 business execs in the county, that might be all to 3/4 of the business execs in the county.

First of all, I am surprised that no one has located and referenced a thread on the situation in Ft. Thomas when Cris Collinsworth and others put together financing for its turf. In spirit and content, the arguments were very similar.

 

The problem, as cshs81 has raised several times, is what do you do when a benefactor wants to donate money to a public school, and wants to dictate how that money is spent? I understand the whole "public schools must be equal" thing, but let's look at the reality here. Ms. Borland, or Mr. Collinsworth, or Jim Huff or Staple's CEO Ron Sargent (two examples of affluent Holmes High school benefactors - see, there are some) decide they want to donate money for turf, or a scoreboard, or a solid gold chess set, whatever - the BOE says "great, you write the check and we'll figure out how to spend it". The benefactor says "thanks but no thanks - I can donate my money to a lot of other entities that will honor my wishes".

 

All the BOE will have done then is denied the kids at Ryle, or Highlands, or Holmes the improved facilities. The "have nots" will not have had their lots improved.

 

Maybe its me, but I don't see any positives there. I say let schools, private and public, accept contributions applied as the donors wish. The government still has its role to oversee public education, and I am not offended by the notion that wealthy alumni can give back to their alma mater without offending the "separate but equal" doctrine.