Coaching, Tradition and Spirit.

 

 

Homer Rice

Owem Hauck

Mike Murphy

Roger Walz

Bill Herman

Jack Eicher

Tom Duffy

Dale Mueller

 

Not to mention the numerous assistant coaches that put their lives into this program, year round. And I think that all but Murphy(not sure) and Duffy played at the school prior to coaching there.

I'm curious, why did Highlands move from 5A to 4A?

 

The rule has always been more is better. The more kids you have the better you are going to be. The one exception to that is Highlands. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but HHS only has about 450 boys? Now how is it that a school with only 450 boys continues to turn out teams that can at least compete (and sometimes beat) teams with 3 and 4X times the number of kids. Pound for Pound HHS has to be the best team in KY year in year out. So what's their secret? Is it the youth league program, ie. feeder system? Have they just been lucky in the talent that grows up in the area? I mean how many D1 QB's have come from HHS? What about other positions?

 

Does Ft. Thomas youth program just do a better job of teaching football at a young age? What is it about their program that as lead to such success? Is it something other then the feeder system?

 

I don't want this to turn into mud slinging so please don't bother posting if it's only to make accuasations.

I'm curious, why did Highlands move from 5A to 4A?

 

They didn't have a choice..The KHSAA changed the rule about playing up..

I'm curious, why did Highlands move from 5A to 4A?

What does my post have to do with that?

The biggest advantage I have seen in regards to Highlands is the fact that in addition to all points thus listed, the community/football families/etc. invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in our school and programs, not just sports annually. We are a Blue Ribbon School who is currently in the midst of a three part multi-million dollar renovation on our school largely funded by the community because we are an independent. The football program receives over $25000 on an annual basis just to provide the best equipment and coaching tools available. A lot of this has to do with demographics, not just the close-minded attitude of "we are better than you". Overall the Community is the catalyst.

I have had to think about this for a day or so before responding. Back in the day (60's, 70's, 80's) Highlands was very successful on a statewide level year in and year out. To Dale's credit, he has taken this program to a new level with the main differences I see being year round training focusing on speed and quickness rather than how much one can squat or bench, spring football providing the opportunity to try new things and kids at different positions and the biggest thing of all going to a two platoon system. This enables 22 kids to see the field on a regular basis, not to mention the countless substitutions that are made during the course of the game and then getting the younger kids involved by having them play special teams. What other sport gives that many kids an opportunity to play the game?

 

This is where the benefits of the FTJFL come into play. The fact that every kid is required to play at least one quarter of each and every game is a real benefit because it keeps kids interested. Also allowing kids to begin playing as soon as 2nd grade enables Dale, his staff and players to be visible to the kids at a young age and thus they become hooked on football at an early age.

 

Finally, I think Dale has been a breath of fresh air for the program. I like many enjoy listening to him speak to the younger kids. He speaks with enthusiasm and at a level that they can relate to. I have heard the speeches the last few years at the camps, league training camps and after the 8th grade recognition game and his personality is infectious.

They didn't have a choice..The KHSAA changed the rule about playing up..

 

Even if the rule hadn't changed, why would they want to stay in 5A?

How many players were on HHS freshman team this year. I tried googling it but could not find a roster. Thanks.

Even if the rule hadn't changed, why would they want to stay in 5A?

 

Exactly...

That is by far one of the best posts that I have ever read on here! Not all people dis-like your program. Many of us in west KY root for you because in one shape or another every little community has traits of Ft. Thomas. In your community you seem to wrap every quality up year in and year out, and that equals sucess. Congrats on all of your accompishments and good luck next weekend.

How many players were on HHS freshman team this year. I tried googling it but could not find a roster. Thanks.

 

High 40's or low 50's I believe..

How many players were on HHS freshman team this year. I tried googling it but could not find a roster. Thanks.

 

The last number I heard was 53.

High 40's or low 50's I believe..

 

The last number I heard was 53.

 

 

Thanks.

They didn't have a choice..The KHSAA changed the rule about playing up..

 

Nah, the KHSAA didn't change the rule. I've heard that before so I need to put it to bed. The rule was not changed at all. Teams could still request to be moved up if they were geographically isolated. Highlands was not considered as being geographically isolated being in a district including CovCath, Pendleton and Harrison.

Wait...don't they have cryogenics labs somewhere? I know they're landlocked, but I thought I heard that.