I'm not sure there is a good answer that benefits both athletics and academics.

 

Sorry, but here is an response to that question that will not be popular on this site. It is not the job of the public school system to provide athletic advantages nor to be concerned with such. It is their job to provide a basic education in a setting that is conducive to learning (class size, etc.). Athletics is only an extracurricular activity. It is the fans, and some parents who have driven the importance of these activities to a level way beyond where they were intended to be by school districts. Yes, some schools buy in to that level and some others don't, but thinking athletics is or should be a concern when making decisions as to expansion, consolidation, etc. just isn't realistic. Nor should it be frankly. There are advantages and disadvantages to virtually every scenario you can present, private, independent, large consolidation, new school, yada, yada when it comes to athletics. It's the perspective of the person that determines whether they see themselves at a disadvantage or not.

Edited August 27, 201016 yr by Birdsfan

Not a chance in the world.

 

How many coaches, since the championship has been established, have been at the helm at Highlands without winning one? I thought it has been only one, but maybe I am wrong. As far as keeping them at the sucess level they have achieved in the last twelve years, I would agree with you.

How many of the county schools were succeeding BEFORE consolidation and aren't now?

How many of the county schools were succeeding BEFORE consolidation and aren't now?

 

Usually only the county school in the county seat would do well. London HS, for example. My Old Ky. Home in Bardstown (although Nelson Co. has a title, so it's not the best example) is another. Richmond Madison, Henderson, Versailles, Mt. Sterling, etc.

I think also that if a school enjoys community support, then the parents and kids don't mind so much putting in the time and trouble for extra things to make the team better (off-season workouts, weight-lifting, etc.) because the community looks with favor on those things....or at least the results they produce. Support breeds an environment for excellence.

Interesting point Jim. I've been lucky enough to coach in Lville, Lex and Eastern KY. I think to speak to your point one reason a lot of these programs are so good is because the great programs get great players. Take a program like Highlands. There are a lot of good schools in NKY with some good football. From what I've seen if you grow up in a family that had Dad's and Grandparents that went to Highlands then you are a "cake eater" at birth. When you have no real loyalties talent tends to flock to winning programs so the rich get richer.

How many coaches, since the championship has been established, have been at the helm at Highlands without winning one? I thought it has been only one, but maybe I am wrong. As far as keeping them at the sucess level they have achieved in the last twelve years, I would agree with you.

That is true. Seven of the eight coaches, in that time period, won at least one state championship. But that shouldn't be seen as adding any credence to the notion that just any coach could come in here and win state. All but one (Duffy) of our head coaches were connected to Highlands -- as an assistant coach, player, or both -- long before being named the head coach. It goes along with the philosophy of developing talent (within the system) at the earliest possible level. And for the record: Dale Muelller not only played on one of the HHS state championship teams, he was also brought up through the FTJFL. He's been one of our most successful coaches ever.

And as I just said, there are very few coaches that could replicate Dale's sucess. However, I think that there is a much higher number that could win a AAAAA state championship at Highlands if they had four years to coach there.

Edited August 27, 201016 yr by 94 Camel
spelling

That is true. Seven of the eight coaches, in that time period, won at least one state championship. But that shouldn't be seen as adding any credence to the notion that just any coach could come in here and win state. All but one (Duffy) of our head coaches were connected to Highlands -- as an assistant coach, player, or both -- long before being named the head coach. It goes along with the philosophy of developing talent (within the system) at the earliest possible level. And for the record: Dale Muelller not only played on one of the HHS state championship teams, he was also brought up through the FTJFL. He's been one of our most successful coaches ever.

 

And as I just said, there are very few coaches that could replicate Dale's sucess. However, I think that there is a much higher number that could win a AAAAA state championship at Highlands if they had four years to coach there.

 

Guys, this is a great topic, so I gave it its own thread.

 

Can anybody win at Highlands?

And as I just said, there are very few coaches that could replicate Dale's sucess. However, I think that there is a much higher number that could win a AAAAA state championship at Highlands if they had four years to coach there.

I think the evidence suggests otherwise.

The tradition at Highlands allows the coaches to ask for and receive an insane amount of commitment from players and families.

The tradition at Highlands allows the coaches to ask for and receive an insane amount of commitment from players and families.

 

I agree completely but I also believe kids go to Highlands to play football which enables them to platoon and have unbelievable competition in practice eveyday. If you think Highlands does not have student/athletes go there to play football you are living in a dream world. The fact that they have great academics and community adds to the ability to draw players.

I agree completely but I also believe kids go to Highlands to play football which enables them to platoon and have unbelievable competition in practice eveyday. If you think Highlands does not have student/athletes go there to play football you are living in a dream world. The fact that they have great academics and community adds to the ability to draw players.

 

Of course kids go there to play football. When you've grown up with your parents, grandparents, uncles, brothers, cousins and friends all having played for HHS it kind of gets into your blood. BTW, HHS has only truly been able to platoon the past couple years. How is the success of the other 90 or so years explained?

WRONG! I played with Dale on the 1972 team. We lost one game.....we platooned. Maybe one guy played both ways.

 

IMO Dale is the best coach in HHS history because he has been smart enough to build on all the great work done by great coachs and players who have come before him. He is unique.

WRONG! I played with Dale on the 1972 team. We lost one game.....we platooned. Maybe one guy played both ways.

 

IMO Dale is the best coach in HHS history because he has been smart enough to build on all the great work done by great coachs and players who have come before him. He is unique.

 

Not according to Dale. He must not be such a great coach if he isn't aware of that?