RCC9

Me too! What questions do you have?

There's no doubt other programs have improved...which is what most of us on here have been hoping for a long time now. Getting it back to the days where NKY was consistently strong in all divisions.

I think the ownership is in multiple places. First and foremost, I think it's on every player to look in the mirror and ask how bad they want it. Do they just say they want it or do they show it in their actions? Its one thing to want it and it's another to give every ounce of effort you have in you in practice and games to make it happen. Play with an attitude every time you cross the line! But in my opinion, Coaching has to create a culture that keeps the kids motivated and hungry. The team last year never really looked "hungry". However, there are some that just don't have it. Its the coach's job to figure out who will run through a wall for them and weed out the others. Play the kids that want to be there and want success for the program more than they want to breath!

Just my opinion...They are trying a few different things. I think some will help. However, I think a lot of it is mental and getting the "fight" back is a big part of it and playing with a chip on their shoulder. I think that was missing last couple years as a program. I think they will improve a lot this year and as the depth continues to creep back, you will start to see them make runs again. I think it's ridiculous to think they will get back to the unreal level they sustained for about 10 years, but they will get back near the top again. And I know there are some very talented alum that have very athletic boys heading our way very soon. It goes in cycles at times and its on the way back up from last year.

There is too much money in the industry to regulate the equipment. Organizations come up with guidelines and requirements and bat companies figure out ways around it. So bats can be tested originally and then stamped "okay" but there is not a way to effectively or cost wise check bats on a ongoing basis. There is a lot that can happen to bats once they are purchased off the shelf. Most bats today get hotter with use. Or once they are "broken in". And then you have the ability to modify bat performance as well. So monitoring equipment is not as easy as it sounds.

Back when the season actually meant something! The good ole days!

I hear ya! There is a fine line between too much and what should be. I would be lying to you if I told you as a coach I haven't thought of putting full catcher's gear on some of my third baseman!! LOL!

No, but also think about this. In high school girls, there is such a difference in the level of play and experience. For example, last year we had a masher that went to Louisville. Within our district, we had two teams with third basemen that had never played softball before. And they played third without a mask. While I was coaching third, I was nervous as a rattlesnake for their player every time our player came up. In fact, I would ask the opposing coach to move them back, assuring that I was not going to bunt my player. Over time, I ended up sitting my 2-5 hitters during those games because I was afraid of injury for the other team. I say this just to illustrate my point. In girls, the level and skill between players can be a huge gap depending on who you are playing. And some of the players and coaches don't know better to protect their kids. This forces programs to do it. Softball is played differently than baseball. You have a lot more bunting, you have slappers that hit from the left side and are lightening fast, but can also hit a line drive at you if you play too close and you have kids that can pull back and hit (fake a bunt to get you charging and then pull back and smash it down your throat!) In softball, your 1st and 3rd are constantly moving in and out to adjust to batters.

Looks like facemasks will be required for any player occupying 1st base, 3rd base or pitcher for all levels effective immediately in the 2018 season. "At its July 15 meeting, the Board of Control approved a recommendation from the Commissioner and staff to mandate the use of face protection in softball for pitchers, first basemen and third basemen. The new requirement will go into effect at all levels of play for KHSAA member schools with the upcoming 2018 season. No specific brand was selected or endorsed, but all schools are reminded that all face protection equipment must be worn as intended by the manufacturer. It will also be recommended for immediate implementation to the Middle School Advisory Committee when that body meets during the 2017-2018 school year."

Pretty sure that's them. Frakes is their coach. Colors are blue and black. Sometimes add a little pink in there. Well at least the 18u team does. They have a real nice team. I have a Bird on that team!

Wish her a speedy recovery. Absolutely hate injuries. They are a part of sports, but they still suck!

You got that right!!! Sitting on it, wiping my feet on it, blowing my nose on it.... But the ones I really get use out of are the NCC All A State Champion rings. They make great weights for my fishing rod!

I'm saying in NKY, kids get attracted to the other sports. Several of the athletes chose the other sports because softball doesn't get to them at an early age. And when they do, the sport is very boring. It much easier to go to a soccer game or bball game, be done in an hour and have things that were exciting to the kid at a young age. Compared to going to a game in 90 degree weather for an hour and a half getting two at bats, maybe you hit the ball once and stand in the field for 20 minutes at a time with no balls hit to you. If you were a kid, which one are you attracted to? So yes, other sports can attract the athletes easier at a young age. And if you don't get to the athletes in softball and have good coaching early on, you're not going to attract the better athletes. And by the time you can, the good athletes are already committed to other sports as their main sport. And as for blaming other sports for lack of success...I coached AAU bball and ran an organization for several years. I now am the coach of Highlands softball. We haven't had a lack of success. So I'm just speaking from several years of experience coaching at different levels in multiple sports. In NKY, the other sports get the athletes prior to softball and I'm not saying that from "lack of success"...trust me.

You're exactly right. I would add basketball. Us softball coaches fight the other sports constantly. It's very easy to have success in other sports and I can see why girls are attracted to them. It takes time to develop the skill necessary to be really successful in softball. It's also boring at a young age. So you lose kids. But the kids that make it thru the early years and embrace softball really love the game and are very passionate about it. You just can't get the really good athletes to get through the tough times. At least here in NKY.

Couldn't have picked a better coach and person. They will not stumble one bit with this coaching change. Congrats to Sarah!!

Agreed! Great athlete.

Separate topics, but can have similar impacts. Let's use Kenton co. What if any kid from Kenton could go to Beechwood without paying tuition?

I didn't say a thing about winning or losing at any school. I said Kenton has an advantage because of open enrollment within their schools. Are you saying that SK has never reap any benefit from open enrollment with their schools. My point is saying that all the kids on the team are Kenton Co residents is pretty broad. It's insinuating all the kids went came up through the schools that feed that particular high school. What if Camp Co was able to get kids from all over Camp Co legally and without tuition? What if Highlands was able to do that and say "well they all live in Camp Co!? I get that it's the rules there and I don't care at all...but don't pretend its not an advantage! Its fine they do it. Be happy they do! It's a nice perk.

Well Kenton Co is a little different and has an advantage to be able to say that because of open enrollment across the schools. It's a nice perk.

I saw you posted and I thought for sure I knew what you were going to put. :scared: I was wrong.

Scoot over!

They looked at other schools too.

I think that is the case unless the departing team grants permission, which could have been the case in this scenario since the departing school knew she was moving anyway. I'm not positive though.

I know she played against Highlands and another team that night in the summer. I could be wrong, but I think she played a couple other days with them in the summer. Was that not allowed?

How much did she miss? I thought she was there pretty early. Did she play in the scrimmages? And by the end of the season she still wasn't comfortable? Just seems like there was more wrong than just picking up a system. SK has had other transfers be able to come in and figure it out right? And Harney is an athlete and has basketball sense. Just a strange situation all the way around. It feels like you're right about "not the right fit"...for whatever reason.