Merle Kidwell is a guy in the system that would make a very good fit into the Boys program at Russell. IMO its almost a no brainer, if Coach Kidwell wants the job?

 

My old Tomcat friend is right. Kidwell would seem to be the obvious choice - if he were willing to switch programs. He's done an excellent job with the girls program.

I have just one question why would Coach Bradley leave a program that will be at the top of the region over the next few years?

Truth of the matter is that Kidwell had paid his dues and should have gotten the job last time.

While you are certainly entitled to your opinion, you are wrong.

 

A select group of parents along with one adminis-traitor and their friends have tried to undermine the basketball program since Coach Dodd's first two years at Russell. As I have stated before, it's not the X and O or the Jimmy and Joe it is the parents of Little Hiram and Elmer that think they should play ahead of the Jimmys and Joes that are part of the problem. With the experience this group of Sophs gained this year they should be much better. This along with a weaker schedule that the AD has secured for the new coach should bring success.

It was a wonderful group of kids this year and I believe every player and parent with the exception of one supported and appreciated Coach Dodd and his Staff. Thank you!!!:thumb:[

 

 

 

Duck you obviously don't get out much. I can name only a couple of players who appreciated Dodd, and they were lucky to be on the team. You can't blame parents and an administrator for what happens on the court.

Actually Dodd's first two years were a honeymoon. RedX hit it right on the head. You can't keep your seniors in with a 20 point lead and not play your bench. You can't have a player keep looking to the sideline every time a mistake is made to see if he is coming out. But enough, this thread isn't to bash the previous coach and his staff. I wish Dodd all the best in his new ventures.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a huge number of applications for this position with Kidwell at the top. I would also like to see Perry Yates and Joda Burgess apply.

Truth of the matter is that Kidwell had paid his dues and should have gotten the job last time.

 

I am not familiar with Merl Kidwell's past experience. Do you or anyone else in this forum know about his experience? Has he coached high school boys?

 

Thanks for any response.

I am not familiar with Merl Kidwell's past experience. Do you or anyone else in this forum know about his experience? Has he coached high school boys?

 

Thanks for any response.

 

He was an assistant coach at Morehead State then head boys coach at Lewis County where he did a great job.

Yes, Bradley has been at Ashland seven years

2001-2002 21-10

2002-2003 20-10

2003-2004 17-12

2004-2005 3-23

2005-2006 8-18

2006-2007 17-14

2007-2008 24-5

Merle Kidwell is a guy in the system that would make a very good fit into the Boys program at Russell. IMO its almost a no brainer, if Coach Kidwell wants the job?

That is good question...if he wants it? I know that he would be a great choice IMO. He seems to be a quality guy from defiantly quality family. Good luck to Russell on finding a coach. :thumb:

While you are certainly entitled to your opinion, you are wrong.

 

A select group of parents along with one adminis-traitor and their friends have tried to undermine the basketball program since Coach Dodd's first two years at Russell. As I have stated before, it's not the X and O or the Jimmy and Joe it is the parents of Little Hiram and Elmer that think they should play ahead of the Jimmys and Joes that are part of the problem. With the experience this group of Sophs gained this year they should be much better. This along with a weaker schedule that the AD has secured for the new coach should bring success.

It was a wonderful group of kids this year and I believe every player and parent with the exception of one supported and appreciated Coach Dodd and his Staff. Thank you!!!:thumb:

 

Ducky you too are entitleted to your opinion. I do not think you have much of a leg to stand on saying that I'm wrong. I can make a pretty strong case of parents from all grade levels that did not support Dodd, not because of playing time but because of the way he played mind games with the kids. A philosophy that carried down to his JV coach. I had two sons in the program. One very good, one that was, at best, average. The JV coach & Dodd took all the excitement/love that they had for the game a trampled it in a few short months during their freshman year. I actually had to make my oldest play his sophomore year. Had we stayed. He was not going to play his junior year because of the two previously mentioned coaches.

 

I do agree. The kids learned a lot this year the hard way. I don't wish Dodd any ill will. I hope he goes on and does well. I just hope his ego get in check and hope he learns that he's not coaching at the college level (assuming he goes to another HS). Kids don't respond to complete negativity. You have to build kids up AND teach them the game. Perry Yates understood that. Dale Henry understood that. I believe Kidwell understands that. I think the AD at Russell understands that and will make the selection that is best for Russell. I have the utmost respect for Sam Sparks. He is a class act.

 

The most important thing is that I do Love the Russell Program and the people, players, & entire community. I hope they can rebuild the program to where it once was.

If the coaching decision is up to Sam Sparks, I am sure he will do a fine job. The people in that community need to get behind whoever takes over this job, as it will be a work in process.

Just wondering how many college coaches Russell has had now?

Dodd and Reed, were there any others?

It is circulating around that Merle Kidwell will be the next Boys coach at Russell and that his assistant coach Cassity will take the helm as the head girls coach at Russell. Has anyone else heard this or can anyone else confirm this?

It is circulating around that Merle Kidwell will be the next Boys coach at Russell and that his assistant coach Cassity will take the helm as the head girls coach at Russell. Has anyone else heard this or can anyone else confirm this?

Sounds about right to me. Look for Mr. Sutton right beside him next year.

Do not remember seeing Mr. Cassity coaching the last couple of years.

If the coaching decision is up to Sam Sparks, I am sure he will do a fine job. The people in that community need to get behind whoever takes over this job, as it will be a work in process.

 

Amen to that! Sam Sparks is a class act all the way and will do what is best for Russell! That I will guarantee.