Coach Schlarman does a great job. I am very impressed with how he handles the players, his game management and how hard his team plays. With the recent flood of great talent at Holmes, excellent coaching of great teams (i.e. McQueary & Schlarman in 09, Listerman in 07 & 08) has not resulted in a trip to Rupp Arena. I hope to see Coach Schlarman back on the sidelines next year.

Anyone who has a passion for the game like Willie does knows this class is special. My thought is he wants to get away from the time commitment for his family reasons but I can't see him walking away until these kids graduate. Willie, come back and get district and regional championships before you go. The Birds in my mind have a legitimate shot at Rupp next year.

I could be wrong, but Matt Mason and Randy Stegman are the only 2 that I can remember to play all 3 as seniors. Mason had an absolute canon.

 

Actually, I think you're pretty close to right. If Noah Gibson played baseball his senior year (99), he'd be the last one. If not, it was Stegman (98).

A few thoughts here........ first, Willie is a good coach, the knock has been that he doesn't commit to the program "out-of-season" and that is probably true to some extent. (aside from the fact there aren't two Dale Muellers, there is room to work your program year round). Regarding seniors, this squad did miss some senior leadership late in the season...something a Turner or Messer could have provided. Unfortunately from a talent standpoint, there weren't players in that class that were necessarily better than the Jrs that did play.

 

Three sports at a school this size is difficult, period. For Welz,Grubbs, Siedl, its football, straight to b-ball, back to Spring football. For Dill, Crowley and maybe Watson, its B-ball from Oct to March and straight to baseball til school lets out. It would be tough to fit all three for anyone.......but for the old-timers like DMZ, LN or me for that matter.......it was different back in the Shields era! You might steal a footballer or two but they were not expected to be at Spring practice at the end because there wasn't any! I do believe that Dale is supportive of the kids being involved in other sports but we are kidding ourselves to think that the existence of Spring football doesn't affect kids/parents decisions regarding multiple sports at HHS. Who is the last kid at HHS to play all three into there Jr/Sr year ?

 

Perhaps due to too many hits to the head or perhaps just to old age, I don't remember if we had spring football when we played, but DMZ assures me that we did and that we split the team into North and South squads for the spring game (which I vaguely remember due to the pretty intense North vs South "rivalry" that existed when I went to Highlands). And even back then we didn't have many 3 sport players. DMZ did his senior year and Ron Malone may have also (not sure if he played basketball his senior year though). But even back then, such was the exception to the rule.

 

And I agree the lure of football and the childhood dream of winning a football state championship does cause some very good athletes to want to concentrate on football.

Perhaps due to too many hits to the head or perhaps just to old age, I don't remember if we had spring football when we played, but DMZ assures me that we did and that we split the team into North and South squads for the spring game (which I vaguely remember due to the pretty intense North vs South "rivalry" that existed when I went to Highlands). And even back then we didn't have many 3 sport players. DMZ did his senior year and Ron Malone may have also (not sure if he played basketball his senior year though). But even back then, such was the exception to the rule.

 

And I agree the lure of football and the childhood dream of winning a football state championship does cause some very good athletes to want to concentrate on football.

 

I'm with you on this comment. As a parent who's son in fact has done this, I think he's made a very wise choice. The things he's gained from the football program have helped develop him into the young man he is today.

Folks, word is that its all done and HHS will be looking for a new coach.

 

We'll see.

Folks, word is that its all done and HHS will be looking for a new coach.

 

We'll see.

 

 

Can't say that I am ever surprised when a coach decides it is time with all of the time and pressure that goes with the job. Still with what they have coming back they would have been consensus top 3 in 9th and while Holmes would have to be the favorite they would have had a punchers chance in a one game scenario at regional tourney.

 

Cupboard is definitely not bare for the next coach!

Folks, word is that its all done and HHS will be looking for a new coach.

 

We'll see.

 

Who is the word coming from?

It is official. He told the team today...he is not returning next year.

It is official. He told the team today...he is not returning next year.

 

This should be an attractive job to many? Wonder who the leading candidates are? I'm sure the administration knew this was coming; as this news has been out there for a while, albiet "unofficial"?

This should be an attractive job to many? Wonder who the leading candidates are? I'm sure the administration knew this was coming; as this news has been out there for a while, albiet "unofficial"?

 

Very attractive position with team coming back and a great school system to teach.

 

I am not familiar with his current staff. Is there someono on staff that is a good candidate or is this position going to open up to outside candidates?

Very attractive position with team coming back and a great school system to teach.

 

I am not familiar with his current staff. Is there someono on staff that is a good candidate or is this position going to open up to outside candidates?

 

If I'm Dale Mueller I tell the new head coach to make sure the freshman coach is involved in the program as a coach. He has a bright future IMO.

 

Not sure about the JV coach if I would keep him or not. He's certainly dedicated but I can't tell if he can coach since he's usually just being loud.

Personally hoping a certain Highlands teacher and outstanding head basketball coach at another area high school isn't interested!!

^

 

I would have to say Mike Code would be the favorite. This could cause a major domino effect in N.KY.

It is official. He told the team today...he is not returning next year.

 

I am hearing it is official also but have no confirmation as yet. There was no team meeting, apparently a couple of players were informed independently by Willie himself.