20/20Hindsight

That's funny right there. :laugh: Seriously though, I think we're on the same page in that I would also like to see those kinds of qualifications in the new coach. To be completely honest, I would absolutely love see a transformation of the girls' program at Newport like Ludlow had under the direction of Coach Stamm. It took him, what, two years to start winning conference championships?? It might take a little longer at Newport, but just as it happened at Ludlow, the right person, with the right priorities can get the job done if s/he is willing to invest a little time. As far as who that right person is, well...your guess is as good as mine. I hope we hear something soon.

I haven't heard any news yet.

I think their summer ball is done, which is unfortunate. This is definitely not a team that can afford to take the summer off. I went out to Simon Kenton last week to check out a scrimmage that was scheduled, but was disappointed to find Holmes playing in Newport's spot. I've heard that there is an interview on Monday, but I didn't catch a name.

I'd say the biggest problem with Newport's feeder program is that their girls' basketball basically doesn't begin until 6th grade. There are elementary co-ed teams that girls can play on, but as you can imagine, this is not an ideal situation. Most girls do not get any real practice or game experience until 6th grade, which, of course puts the young Ladycats about 3 or so years behind their competitors. That's a lot of time to make-up when they get to the middle school level. Unfortunately, I think that lack of experience pretty much carries over to the high school. Establishing an elementary girls' program would be a tremendous step in the right direction for the new coach, if s/he is interested long-term success. (As a Ladycat supporter, I can only hope that the new coach is truly interested in this aspect of the game.:thumb:) As far as what's to come...well, I'm optimistic. The upcoming eigth grade team definitely has the size to be competitive. I do, however, question their commitment to the game. Several camps were offered this summer at Newport, and not one girls' player from the middle school showed up. Hard to be successful if you're not willing to work in the off season. Upcoming freshman are good bunch of girls that will greatly benefit from lots of summer workouts. I definitely think they're smart enough to mesh with whatever system the new coach establishes. Last year Newport didn't have a freshman team because of a lack of players. They should have enough 9th graders this year to, at the very least, get a few freshman games in. Hopefully, this is something the new coach strives for, as it can only pay huge dividends down the road. There's nothing worse than forcing freshmen to play JV before they are ready to play at that level.

With Coach Turner headed off to Holmes, Newport finds themselves looking for a new head coach. Seems like just last year the same frantic searching was happening right about now...wait a minute...that was last year!! It also seems as though there is much more turnover in NKY this year with regard to head coaches. Hopefully, Newport will be able to snag a good one. Asst. Coach Joe Bramalage would be my obvious guess to replace Travece at this late date. Anyone else care to speculate about who it might be?

Whoa...If that's the case, I'm completely shocked. She definitely kept that on the down-low--which I guess can be understood until she knew something official. I know she had been questioned about potentially leaving and she implied that she wasn't even considering the Holmes position. Regardless, if the move is in fact true, best of luck to Travece in her new role. I have no doubts that she will be successful at Holmes.

Good news....I've heard the gym's new air conditioning system is in place. If you've been to the camp in the past, you know it got pretty steamy in there.

I've heard the same today. Big loss for Newport. Though I believe he was an impact player for Newport, will he be able to make a similar impact at Holmes?

Word on the street is that Travece is sticking it out in Newport. Good news for Newport--bummer for Holmes.

I think he has a baby on the way, which may have also impacted his decision to step down.

Is there not a three inning mercy rule in high school baseball? Just asking because of I know of leagues where the mercy rule applies if a team is up by 10 after 5 or 15 after three innings.

Wow. This is a complete shocker. Had he been sick prior to this? I just saw him the week before spring break, as he was subbing up at the high school. He seemed to be in good spirits and cracking jokes like usual. This is very sad news and a big loss to the Newport community.:cry:

When I was a freshman there 11 years ago, it was a 21. I think they've increased their standards since then, rightfully so. I could be wrong, but last I heard it was a 23 and anything less put you on a waiting list.

Was the Loyce Meadows award not given this year?

Could be wrong, but I remember there being a thread about all of the teams in this year's tournament being public.

Keep in mind that it is not the players that vote to seed or draw the districts. That said, I don't think any players deserve to be embarassed, even though mismatches like the HHS and Dayton game tend to result in embarassingly lopsided scores. Each player has the responsibility to go out and play hard regardless of the politics that existed in getting them to the regionals. I wasn't at the game, but from what I understand the Dayton girls never gave up and fought hard to the end. I could never be embarassed by that kind of effort.

Final.

Well stated. :thumb: I agree with your assessment of this game and of Coach Stamm.

Anyone know what other schools were interested in having Katie play for them?

I was never a math teacher, but I worked with plenty over the past few years. As a result, I've seen how teachers have struggled with the fact that math has changed. Obviously, 2+2 will forever and always be 4, but you might be surprised to see how often the pedagogy for teaching a subject changes. In the district I've been associated with, each year there always seemed to a teaching strategy emphasis that we as teachers were supposed to bring into our classrooms regularly. Some examples of these techniques include the incorporation of discovery based learning, increasing open-ended questioning, becoming more of a facilitator for discussion rather than the focus of discussion, differentiating lessons for diverse learners and on and on and on. Hopefully you see that though 2 + 2 = 4, the methods at getting the kids to realize that are constantly changing. Teachers feel the pressure to utilize these new, research based techniques in their classrooms. This of course requires many hours of practice and lots of time taking advantage of PD. To put it more simply, math doesn't change, but math instruction does. For example, I know over the past couple years there was a big push in Northern Kentucky for instruction in connected math. I believe the connected math series that was to be taught utilized more hands-on learning and approached topics in a different sequence than what teachers were used to. To prepare for this transition teachers at the district where I worked spent literally weeks in the summer and many Saturdays during the school year learning this new way of teaching connected math. Hope this gives a little insight in response to your comment.

I agree wholeheartedly with this statement!!:thumb:

I don't think a lot of people realize that just because a teacher isn't at school, it doesn't mean he or she isn't working. I can guarantee you that many hours are spent by teachers outside of the traditional school day grading papers and lesson planning. This is in addition to the hours that a lot of teachers spend supporting their students by attending countless extra-curricular activities. And let's not forget that many summer days are spent either pursuing professional development or taking additional college classes to satisfy certification requirements. Whether teachers work more hours than doctors, well...I don't feel comfortable saying that with complete certainty. However, I can assure you that successful teachers put in a lot more hours than most people give them credit for.

Did Dixie already earn their spot in the championship game? I thought Lloyd and Dixie played tonight.

Gier wasn't in the box score either, and I know he scored a bunch in the first half. Don't know if that was a typo, or what. I agree that was a unique description of Shelton. Hope he doesn't take offense to it.