RCC9

So what is your explanation for the dramatic drop in talent level? Furthermore, the timing of Dale's retirement suggests he knew this was coming.

I can only speculate. I don't coach football. But I can tell you that we have seen talent decrease before and it was for years at a time. Some will tell you that talent is still there. Some will tell you the depth of talent is not there like it used to be. Some will tell you that these last couple classes have had talent, just not the 1-5 studs that previous classes have had. Some will tell you size has been an issue with these last couple classes. And some will tell you because HHS isn't getting outside talent any longer is the sole reason! Ha Ha. I said this about 3 years ago. When you platoon and your depth of talent goes down (over multiple classes in a row), you will struggle. My feeling is that the "depth" of talent (compared to the past 10 years) is not there and these last couple classes have had some very good football players, but not the big time studs the others had when depth was down. We've had other years where depth was down and were able to hide it because we have studs in certain positions that made up for it. But when you have depth issues, no big time studs and platoon still and multiple classes in a row without a big stud, it becomes tough.

HHS is really a 4A school and landlocked. Some will say, "well that's always been that way!" and they are right. But what they don't realize is success goes in cycles. No one wants to believe that because of the unbelievable talent run they had recently. But in the course of the entire program, that was a small period of up time. We are now in a small period where the stars are aligning and you are seeing the down sides. It happens, even in Ft Thomas.

Look, we can't go out and build new houses. So think about this as just one example...the families that were here thru all those years of success still occupy the houses they were in. But they have no boys that play any longer. So the turnover of houses slows eventually. People grow old and move out or pass on and then it opens up housing. This goes in cycles as well. Sometimes there are a lot of houses available and sometimes you can't find houses that are even close to affordable and they go off the market as fast as they hit the market. I know this is kinda morbid, but in small towns, it does play into it a little bit. Also, the cost of your average house is not what you see in other areas and it's a sellers market right now so prices are skyrocketed, even for Ft Thomas. So it's not easy for parents, that want to come, to actually pull the trigger. I hear it almost every day! And yes, other schools have stepped up their game! Which is awesome for NKY!

I only use those few examples above because there are a lot of things people outside the community don't think of or have any idea about. But we know. There are SEVERAL other factors that play into it. But at the end of the day, it comes and goes just like every other school. Luckily the tradition typically covers it up in the Fort and it's not as noticeable as some other areas. But it still happens and I really think everything has aligned perfectly in this case to see the success level we are seeing right now. But guess what, I have no doubt it will turn back around at some point. And I mean absolutely no doubt. .

To platoon or not platoon. Tough question. HHS has won state championships both ways. IMO...It really depends on adapting each year to what you have. Every coach knows their talent level and depth. The reason I think Dale was so good is because he adapted so well to all the variables you face coaching high school sports.

Believe me I get what you are saying on rumors, however, I dealt with it, confronted it, and reported it (didn't stop it). Let me just say that when varsity football coaches, including the head coach attends a middle school basketball game which their school was not playing, which had no family playing, and wanted to talk to a basketball player from the school where I was principal after the game. When I asked why, the head coach smiled and said "dont worry if I don't talk to him tonight , I will eventually" I said I don't doubt that, but have a good evening. That player ended up playing at HHS and did very very well, one of the best.

 

I know the player personally and he and I have had a laugh or two about it a couple of times.

Still all perceptions of what was happeneing. Just because you say he will talk to him eventually, you're making assumptions as to what that means. How many head coaches have watched other kids play? And if you reported it I'm sure it was investigated. Do you know how many people reported things during Mueller's time there? And still nothing! He was my AD while in his last year's. His advice to me was play completely by the rules and suspect EVERYONE as trying to take you down. Strick instructions to refer everyone to the administration and don't have conversations about your program. Because people would love to take hhs down in any sport. That is straight from his mouth. So again, believe what you want. And you have your perception of the event. But you reported it and nothing happened. Just like 100's of other reports and accusations.

Some just refuse to admit it happened in the past, and that its part of the issue at current.

Okay, so let me ask this? As many people that would have loved to take down HHS...and nothing! All those years of accusations and nothing. Don't you think that SOMETHING would have been proved and assesed? But nothing! So again, all rumors til something is proven. And again, do you know how many accusations I've heard over the years?? I mean so many that we became numb to it. You all can keep reaching an making accusations, but you really have no idea unless you have first hand information. And I mean first hand. I'm not talking about this info that's trying to take down Trump. Real info. And I will say this. If you had it at the time, you would have brought it up cause every program in NKY would have love to take down HHS at that time.

Thanks for the info. Guess I had never heard/read reference to that part.

 

But I still have questions, since the topic was introduced. How many of the other 11 state titles were won by "Highlands Guys?"

 

Duffy wasn't from there, unless I've read wrong. Is Owen Hauck a Ft. Thomas Bluebird?

I don't know about Hauck. Someone a little older would have to chime in. Duffy was not a hhs guy.

We need to talk some time, not on here. I witnessed things in the 90's first hand. This was as a principal in Kenton County. I know you probably believe that. But I know what I saw and witessed first hand. I won't violate the recruiting rules on here.

I'm not saying you're lying or wrong, but do you know how many "stories" I have heard that turned out completely false? Do you know how many accusations I've heard about HHS and none of them were true? Do you know how many times I have heard dads tell me their some is being "recruited" by HHS to find out the staff didn't even know who the kid was? I'm stating facts. The vast majority of HHS success of due to Ft Thomas kids. I know that first hand and have witnessed it for almost 40 years. So again, believe what you want. Just like everyone else. Everyone has the "Highlands" story. It's fine.

BINGO

You too need to read my response to that quote. Ridiculous! Everyone thinks they know so much about HHS and they are incorrect. Anyone that thinks that anyone other than Ft Thomas kids have the most impact on this program over the years is insulting the entire program. But nice try. Keep following the rumors that have surrounded this program for years. There have been some impact players from that came from other areas. But that's all people remember. There are 100's of Ft Thomas kids that have had just as much impact.

I though Mueller came out of Cincy? Coached several years there before coming to HHS? Did he play for/graduate from Highlands?

Yes. He's an HHS guy. Played and graduated from there.

No answer is an answer got it.

No, you are trying to lead me to a conclusion and it's not going to happen. I respect BW a lot and I think there is a lot he is dealing with right now and I have confidence he will get it cleaned up. Every program has ups and downs. I've been saying for years that HHS has seen downs in the past. When you're coming off 10 years of exceptional success, everything you do will look like a downfall.

Yes, they have experienced the worse last year, but there are several factors and all those take time to repair. Culture is one of them. Each coach has their own style and they have to instill that. Sometimes it works and sometimes it's doesn't. And sometimes change takes time to take hold.

My question was about culture not coaching. Ive stated clearly the issue isnt coaching.

Well you asked if Dale's culture would produce better results. Not answering that. I gave you my opinion on "culture".

But you refused to answer the question.

If your question is about coaching, then yes, you are correct. I won't answer or participate in a discussion about coaching. I coach there too!

I know the kids and coaches work their tails off. I see it all the time. We battle them for time in the fieldhouse! I have opinions, but you won't see too much out of me around coaching.

Dang. We lost to Highlands a couple of weeks ago. Does that mean we should be calling for our coach's firing also?

Well he is a HHS guy! He must stink too!

So what you are saying is if Dale's culture was still present, this team today would be playing better?

I didn't say a word about coaching. And I won't.

AND HHS culture goes back way further than Dale.

Or good players that dont like said culture dont play either, which reduces the talent on a team.

Do you know how many really good players chose not to play over the years because of the culture? It's hundreds.

Doesnt the culture of any team change with its players?

Absolutely not! Culture is part of the program. You as a player adapt to the culture or you don't play.

How many people will claim to be "in the know" in some way in this thread and have absolutely no idea what they are talking about?

I can tell you there are only a very few on here and one of them is in this thread.

Do the HHS faithfull really think that Dale could have won with this level of talent? Clearly, kids who were flocking to HHS years ago are going else where now. Has there been lost connection with the youth program?

Flocking??? You realize that over time those flocking to HHS only made up about 5% of the roster each year. And there are tuition kids on the team now! And there were the last two years.

Tried once, trickery with the QB but he bobbled it and was stopped half yd shy of the 1st down. Thats all I remember.

So do the Birds have 1 defensive stop (other than interceptions) in two games?

Nice job Colonels!

How many times has Ryle punted tonight?

Looks so much worse

Bend don't break!

Wow! One loss to an opponent HHS wasn't going to beat anyway and everyone jumps ship. Perhaps the once-proud fanbase could use some toughening up as well and quit looking for scapegoats (aka. DV, fieldhouse, etc.)

The kids on that field still work-out year-round, still have a desire to win, and still live with their successes and failures. Perhaps we can hear from those that still support those qualities of a winning program.

I don't think it's lack of effort from the players at all. I see them in their workouts and they bust their tails!

Somewhat of a new fan. And if it's on the back of the shirts, this team and these coaches have needed new shirts for 4 years.

I was actually saying we have that saying on the back of our shirts for softball...I'm the softball coach! I thought maybe you saw it on our shirts and that's where you got it from!

Okay, very disappointed...I came here looking for the Ryle "playbook update of the day" and nothing!!! Very disappointed in some of you!!

All of a sudden it's hush hush...the Union Mafia put out a gag order on you guys???

I'll agree with the culture comments as well. I played for a not so good high school team, and when we lost, we went directly into the field house - period. I just feel like if you don't hate losing more than you love winning, you shouldn't be playing high school football.

Are you an HHS softball fan??? We have that on the back of one of our shirts!!!!