They seem like they like both pretty well. If I had to guess it's probably a little more of a basketball school, but I think it is still a football school too. I vote both.

When I think of Mason Co, of course I think of a basketabll school.

If it takes a state championship to be a football or basketball school, Mason County didn't become a basketball school until 2003. However, my guess is that MCHS was considered by many to be a basketball school a bit before then.

 

Because of recent success (Mason County is generally acknowledged as the "basketball school of the decade" in Kentucky for 2000-2009), the current status is "basketball school". However, I will echo the sentimets of a previous poster. Coach B has built a extremely competitive program here, and to the credit of the athletics department as a whole, multi-sport athletes abound. Dustin Grutza was the starting PG and QB, Chris Lofton was a first-team all-state wide receiver as well as having a bit of success in hoops. Jordan Gilbert is a wonderful talent in both sports, Josh Harris last year played football, basketball, golf and was a member of a state championship relay team in track. Darius Miller played football until his senior year. I don't mean to leave anyone out; these examples just come immediately to mind.

 

So, a basketball school first and foremost, but football sure has come a long, long way.

There are 6 football classes , which means you are competing in football against fewer teams and against teams which are relatively the same size as your school. Thus, in my mind, a basketball championship is tougher. In basketball, you're competing against the entire state. Take Trinity for example, 19 football championships to 0 basketball championships. If championships are not a fair measure, then how about sweet 16 appearances in basketball versus final 4 appearances in football?

I don't know that you have to win championships to be considered a "football" or "basketball" school but I think you have to run deep into the playoffs on a regular basis. A championship here and there merely seals the deal. How far have they advanced in football and how often?

As a complete outsider, I say basketball.

totally a b-ball school

B-Ball no doubt...Not even close...

Basketball. Football program has probably taken the largest leap in improvement across the state, and I look for them to continue their progress.

basketball

Basketball but the basketball co-exists well with the football and I think there is no doubt that is because of Coach Buchanan.

 

The challenge for Mason in football will be if Coach B ever leaves.

 

And on a side topic, think how good Dunbar would be today had they hired Coach B a few years ago...

Interesting Thread!

 

I appreciate the kind words.

 

A few thoughts:

1- It would be ridiculous to say Mason County is NOT a basketball and without a doubt "ahead" of football because of 2 state titles.

 

2-We are still a "football school" the way I think of it. When I was growing up, there was no doubt that Boyle and Harrodsburg were football schools. We have had as much or more success here during our 14 years as those schools did between 1969 and 1983. If we are comparable to those schools during that era, yes we are also a football school.

 

3-When Danville beat us a TD a couple weeks ago, it really struck me how much things have changed. Danville was really excited to beat us- still trying to get a grip on that one when you grow up watching the mighty Admirals. And, there was ALOT of frustration in our program- coaches, players, fans, parents, and more that I am ok with but should not get into right now. There was no, "wasn't it great we went on the road and lost to the Ads by a TD." It was, "What's wrong with us?" That is definitely the way it is at a FOOTBALL school. :sssh: Please be sure that I think Danville has a very good football team and certainly played very well the night they beat us.

 

4- As much as possible, I stay away from this football versus basketball stuff. Mason County Royals Basketball is not on our football schedule. It is alot more fun to go to the basketball games and be for the team and be happy for the team when they win. Chris O'Hearn was our frosh football coach. Several of our best kids through the years have played both. We work extremely well together in both programs. Selfishly, the LAST thing I want is for basketball to struggle because the way we are doing things has served us well for the past 14 years. If that changed, and the way our programs cooperated changed, that would be VERY bad for football.

 

5-I once had a VERY WISE AND EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL old coach tell me one time that being a coach at a "basketball school" is good because you get left alone. I won't tell who, but I figured the people reading this thread would get a kick out of it.

 

On another note, Joseph Jefferson spoke to our team on Thursday. Former Colt and I coached him on the 98 all star team. I am really proud of Joseph and he did a great job talking to our team!

 

ChiefSmoke

David Buchanan

Chief, first class post. Good luck to your football kids on this football Friday night. Basketball will be along before you know it. No matter how you slice it, IMO, Mason has done it right.:thumb:

Basketball, no doubt.

 

Really, what has Mason county done in football. Maybe make it to the playoffs often, but with the way the system is now, a lot of teams do this. My opinion is that a football school needs a few championships and has built up a tradition over the years to be considered a football school.

 

The way the system is now,... as in 2010? Not clear on this statement. There may be no state championships, yet, but they have won numerous district and a couple of regional titles. But the fact that Mason Co. Schools now enjoys success in both basketball and football is great for the community. I'd say Mason is still a 'basketball' school, but they do love their football too.

 

Let me tell you what Mason Co. has done in football. WINNING! Building a program, and a 'tradition' of winning! Yes, there have been a few subpar seasons, but since Buchanan took over in 1996 the Ragin' Royals have turned a major 'basketball school' in to a school that loves their football too, and this includes the community. I won't say Mason Co. will ever be a 'football' school, but to ask "what has Mason Co. done in football" is nuts!!

 

Since 1996, in the various classes:

2A, 3A and 4A 'good wins'!

Tates Creek, Lafayette, Breathitt County, Russell, Ashland, Rockcastle. The year Mason beat Tates Creek they were Region champs that year and the season before... We all know Rockcastle, Russell and Lafayette are no slouch schools (each have had down years, but Mason Co beat them when they were in their prime!). Well, most of us know the caliber of teams they are.

A few years ago I would have said basketball without a doubt, but I think Mason is going with the University of Florida approach - we can do both. Mason County has really stepped it up in football while maintaining their Basketball. Hats off to them.

 

Excellent point! 100% agreed.