How about a name? Ken Shields.

 

Now that is a plan!

Good stuff and hopefully the coach can turn the program back into a program that BB players want to come to and excel. I believe the elementary school programs as well as improving the middle school program is the way to go. I get the era of the three sport star is over but 2 sports players should still be possible. It seems to me that most of the multi sport players seem to end up at NCC, maybe because it is easier for them to play the multiple sports there than at HHS.

Ken Shields is an easy answer because I have mad respect for the myth, the man, the legend! Truly why my son loves the sport listening to a coach camp story. He definitely connects well to the kids, I guess it's because of all the practice with his grandkids:D

Honest question, in this state is there any football school that has had success that matches that success level in basketball?

So some Highlands people think Big Willie didn't care about the program?

It would appear that some are attempting to put words in my mouth by implying that I am blaming the football program for the basketball/baseball program issues which could not be further from the truth. I did play multiple sports and would like for my son to do so as well, but not to relive any glory for myself. Been there, done that. The decision of whether to continue will be his/hers to make and not based upon what I or anyone else want them to do. LN is correct in that it is their decision, but my question is more one of why are some of these mulitple sport athletes choosing to only select one whether it be football, basketball, baseball or soccer? I agree that the most important thing is that they play because it is fun and they like the competition. What can be done to keep these other sports interesting and fun.

Edited December 17, 201015 yr by Jack of all Trades

It would appear that some are attempting to put words in my mouth by implying that I am blaming the football program for the basketball/baseball program issues which could not be further from the truth. I did play multiple sports and would like for my son to do so as well, but not to relive any glory for myself. Been there, done that. The decision of whether to continue will be his/hers to make and not based upon what I or anyone else want them to do. LN is correct in that it is their decision, but my question is more one of why are some of these mulitple sport athletes choosing to only select one? I agree that the most important thing is that they play because it is fun and they like the competition. What can be done to keep these other sports interesting and fun.

 

That's the million dollar question. If someone knows please let us all know..

It would appear that some are attempting to put words in my mouth by implying that I am blaming the football program for the basketball/baseball program issues which could not be further from the truth. I did play multiple sports and would like for my son to do so as well, but not to relive any glory for myself. Been there, done that. The decision of whether to continue will be his/hers to make and not based upon what I or anyone else want them to do. LN is correct in that it is their decision, but my question is more one of why are some of these mulitple sport athletes choosing to only select one? I agree that the most important thing is that they play because it is fun and they like the competition. What can be done to keep these other sports interesting and fun.

 

I believe that the commitment needed to play any of the big 3 HS sports at the highest level is significantly more than it was 25 or even 10 years ago.

Between AAU and HS Basketball is at least an 11 month sport. Football is the same way. Baseball is not quite as demanding but it is getting close.

 

I think the time and energy commitment is just too much for many of the kids. When they become sophomores and Juniors, I think they begin to "get Burned out" on the non-stop pace of training/competing. Many choose the sport they love the best, and many times that is influenced by either their ability in that sport or that sports success at their HS. At Highlands Football is King and always will be. So as a result I think you see more kids choosing to play football over the other sports. I think this is especially true if you are a very good football player, who plays or will play a ton. Especially if in the 2nd sport you are a role player or a non-starter.

 

I think the exception to this rule are the smaller schools, where they don't have enough "top notch" athletes to have that situation. Quite honestly over the past 10 years the only school that has been consistenly a state champion contender in Football and a real threat to win the Region in Basketball and Baseball is NewCath. They seem to somehow keep those players playing multiple sports.

Honest question, in this state is there any football school that has had success that matches that success level in basketball?

 

Lexington Catholic

 

Louisville Central

I think more and more emphasis is being put on the need to obtain college scholarships, given the economic times. Based on that, I think that kids are concentrating on sports that they think will win a scholarship. At Highlands, maybe they think football will give them the most exposure and therefore increase their chance to get a scholarship.

I think more and more emphasis is being put on the need to obtain college scholarships, given the economic times. .

 

That's where many kids make a bad decision. 90+% of them will never see an athletic scholarship come their way. I'd hate to think I gave up basketball or baseball chasing something that in all likelihood wasn't coming no matter what. If securing money for college is their #1 goal I'd suggest quitting football and getting a part-time job.

That's where many kids make a bad decision. 90+% of them will never see an athletic scholarship come their way. I'd hate to think I gave up basketball or baseball chasing something that in all likelihood wasn't coming no matter what. If securing money for college is their #1 goal I'd suggest quitting football and getting a part-time job.

 

Could not agree more with this line of thinking except for rather than getting a part time job, they could focus on their studies and get an academic scholarship which is just as valuable. You should play whatever sport or sports you so choose in high school because you cannot get those years back once they are past. If you do not have the physical size and tools that college coaches look for you are left with paying your way to college and playing that particular sport because you love it.

That's where many kids make a bad decision. 90+% of them will never see an athletic scholarship come their way. I'd hate to think I gave up basketball or baseball chasing something that in all likelihood wasn't coming no matter what. If securing money for college is their #1 goal I'd suggest quitting football and getting a part-time job.

I didn't say it was sound reasoning, but could be a reason. It was more of a hypothetical. Although the odds are against them, some think they are the exception.

Honest question, in this state is there any football school that has had success that matches that success level in basketball?

I think it depends on how you look at it. Myself, I equate State titles in football to Regional championships in basketball. Working withing that equation, I feel that in the late 70's 80's and 90's Highlands basketball was right with the football program.

I believe that the commitment needed to play any of the big 3 HS sports at the highest level is significantly more than it was 25 or even 10 years ago.

Between AAU and HS Basketball is at least an 11 month sport. Football is the same way. Baseball is not quite as demanding but it is getting close.

 

I think the time and energy commitment is just too much for many of the kids. When they become sophomores and Juniors, I think they begin to "get Burned out" on the non-stop pace of training/competing. Many choose the sport they love the best, and many times that is influenced by either their ability in that sport or that sports success at their HS. At Highlands Football is King and always will be. So as a result I think you see more kids choosing to play football over the other sports. I think this is especially true if you are a very good football player, who plays or will play a ton. Especially if in the 2nd sport you are a role player or a non-starter.

 

I think the exception to this rule are the smaller schools, where they don't have enough "top notch" athletes to have that situation. Quite honestly over the past 10 years the only school that has been consistenly a state champion contender in Football and a real threat to win the Region in Basketball and Baseball is NewCath. They seem to somehow keep those players playing multiple sports.

 

Kind of my point here. It seems at about 8-10 years ago is when the void began at Highlands. I think before that 10 year period, we could have said the same for Highlands.