What happned to Spartan football?

[The real Spartan.]

Hi, guys. Before i joined this site(which i think is a great site). I read some of the replies to why Springfields football team went way south. Here is my opinion and just my opinion. I am a graduate of SHS, and I went through the ranks at Schrop Jr. High(when it was a jr high). I played football for schrop, and the way we were taught to play on the field and our attitudes are totally different than the way these coaches now and days teach these fine kids. I mean we even were to act a diderent way off the field and at a school function. This was the way we played at the high school as well.

I know the trend changes with generation gap, but football is football. I think
springfield needs to find a coach who knows football, who has some time under his belt as a head coach, not some snot nose kid who just got out of college. Springfield made this mistake one other time in the 90's. His name was Keith Boedecker. That was yrs ago, and now he is coaching at Nordonia, and look where they are today. Some times it takes awhile for a guy to get the picture on how to coach a team. This is the situation at the youth level as well. They have coaches in that program, that never even picked up a football. Some of those guys were in the band. I guess it is all about half time. I know this because I went to school with these people.

The real Spartan

[Ragemaker]

Welcome Real Spartan, I am kinda new here also. Like you I also am a grad of SHS, and went to Schrop when it was a Jr. High. As for the attitudes of the coaches now days, coaches do not have the ability to coach as they did years ago. Some parents would be at the schools door ready to sue the coaches, the pricipal, and the school board members if their son was "made" to do anything. It's a whole different story now. I totally agree with you about hiring young coaches to be the head coach. Hiring an SHS grad is not a problem with me, just make sure they have many years of coaching experience, preferrably under a good head coach. NOBODY can be a head coach at even the High School level with no experience, it just doesn't work.
As for the youth program, it has to start at the High School. They must work together to build a strong football program from the bottom up... but they don't. By the way, what is wrong with being in the band? I was in the band and I have my reasons for not playing High School football for SHS. Just because you didn't play high school football doesn't mean you don't know football. I agree that the attitude on Friday nights in the SHS stands is sickening with the "It's all about halftime" crap, but maybe we should look at why there is mor interest in the band than the football team. Personally I grew up around football, and know plenty about the game, definately enough to coach youngsters. Besides not everybody has 12-16 hours a week to give to the program. You have to deal with what is there. Maybe if we get more interest and can pressure the powers that be we can make sure the hiring of inexperienced High School head coaches doesn't happen again.

[The real Spartan.]

Well first of all i don't want to offend anyone who is or was in the band. This is my point and opinion. We both agree that experience is a key factor in this game. I feel that you have to have been on the field and played the game, to have had the feeling of intensness, of the game, and the feeling you have when you are in pads, under the lights is something you can pass on as a coach. Now think of it this way, lets say i was around band music, for a long time, and never played in a band and all the sudden i want to be a band director, won't work will it? I am not saying you can't coach football because you never played, i am saying experience helps.

The real Spartan

[Ragemaker]

First I didn't say I never played, just not in High School, and actually I do feel that you could be a director if you never played an instrument. This is my personal experience, my dad coached High School football since before I was born. Therefore growing up I was at every practice, every game, in many, many coaches meetings, and watched films with the coaching staff since I was about 4. I have been around every aspect of the game from coaching to playing. So yes I feel that if someone was around music, or directing the same as I was football they could pick up music as I did football.
And don't get me wrong I am not saying in any way that I could be a High School head coach at all, because I couldn't. Charlie Weiss never played College football, but has 4 Super Bowl rings, and is now head coach of Notre Dame. You do not need to have played at the level you coach. But in the case here with Springfield I do feel we need a head coach with some head coaching experience.

[Irish87]

Welcome to the both of you.
Both of you have valid points. The Band in no, way, has any affect on how poor the Football Team has been, over the years. In my opinion, the problem begins with the AD. This person is so unapproachable, its sickening. He has a poor attitude and does nothing for the football team. His head coach selections over the years have been horrible. The last 2 have had zero Head Coaching experience, and it has shown. By no means do I fault the Head Coaches. There were positions available and they went after the opportunities. Unfortunatley, they were just not ready to take over a team. The AD should have known this, but he still decided to hire a 23 year old.

I also agree, that the kids attitudes in Springfield, stink. Everybody thinks everything, should be handed to them. These attitudes are developed at home. I've been in the Township for 10 years now, and never have I seen so many people hate each other, talk behind each others backs, lie to and stab each other in the backs. There are so many residents who are Alumni still living in the community, and they think they run the town or know how to run the town. The people need to come together and begin supporting each other, instead of talking crap about each other. Stop trying to live your lives through your kids, and let the coaches do their jobs. Don't sit on the sidelines during the Youth football season, and talk about how horrible the coaching is. Its not all the coaching. Most of the time its the parents complaining, and the Coaches trying to accomodate and make all the parents happy, that the team suffers.

[Take It 2 Tha Bank]

Well, you just made the case for what is wrong with public schools right now. No parenting, or the parents making excuses for their "Perfect" children. I will tell you this, I know of someone who would come into Springfield and within 2 years could have that program turned around. I will not mention any names because this person doesn't know I am potentially throwing his name inot the ring for the position, plus, the position is not even open right now. Does anyone know for certain if Mazur is going to resign or get the guillotine?

[Irish87]

This is the situation at the youth level as well. They have coaches in that program, that never even picked up a football. Some of those guys were in the band. I guess it is all about half time. I know this because I went to school with these people.

The real Spartan

real Spartan,
I don't doubt, that there may be some coaches in the Youth program, that played in the Band, but I can tell you this:
-there are 2 Coaches on the Varsity team, that played H.S. Football. One went on to play semi-pro in the Akron area.
-2 Coaches from the JV team played H.S. Football
-1 Coach from the A Team played H.S. and D1 College ball
-1 Coach from the C Team played H.S. and D1 College ball
-1 Coach from the other C team, that played H.S. football

There are possibly more, but these are the numbers I'm sure of. There will always be coaches involved in Youth sports, who may have never, played organized Football, but that is the nature of the business. It is all voluntary and usually consisting of Parents from the players, who just want to help and/or be involved with their son or daughters athletics. I see nothing wrong with this. As long as the person running the show, has a good grasp of Football, there should not be any problems.

[The real Spartan.]

Fellas, if you read these postings we all agree on something. Irish I have to agree on the fact that we all , including everybody needs to get along and work togehter for a great program. The thing i went through whe I was playing, is there was so much politics. We had families who were in the boosters and they were so far into the sports directors behind, if he stopped suddenly they would have top be surgically removed. Also if the coach new you came from the wrong side of tracks, he would let you know what he thought you up to, even though ha had no clue what he was talking about. What i am saying this guy did not connect with most of the palyers, if anyhting he made them mad. I witnessed one day while we were running laps around the field, him totally just screwing with a kid from sayerwood, and the kid had enough and told the coach back what he thought of him and the coach said don't come back. The kid had some talent and could of possibly contributed to the team. Heck we had kids who didnt want to leave but he made them. This may seem far fetched but its true. I see sorta the same trend going now. It seems that if you dont have raw talent Springfield isn't going anywhere. Thats where coaching comes in.

The real Spartan

[Ragemaker]

I was in the band and I have my reasons for not playing High School football for SHS.

Real Spartan... did you hit that one right on the head, I guess you see my reasons then. As teenagers we make silly mistakes, and not suiting up is one I made because of politics in the athletic programs. At this point all we can do is our best to teach the kids at the youth level and hope that we can get someone in the Schools to actually care about the program, and a coach that interacts with the youth program.

[The real Spartan.]

Well thanks and I only type from what I feel. I agree with you about youth level. The youth level, is a fundamental stage of correct teaching and coaching for these young guys.

The real Spartan

[thepolster]

Hi, guys. Before i joined this site(which i think is a great site). I read some of the replies to why Springfields football team went way south. Here is my opinion and just my opinion. I am a graduate of SHS, and I went through the ranks at Schrop Jr. High(when it was a jr high). I played football for schrop, and the way we were taught to play on the field and our attitudes are totally different than the way these coaches now and days teach these fine kids. I mean we even were to act a diderent way off the field and at a school function. This was the way we played at the high school as well.

I know the trend changes with generation gap, but football is football. I think
springfield needs to find a coach who knows football, who has some time under his belt as a head coach, not some snot nose kid who just got out of college. Springfield made this mistake one other time in the 90's. His name was Keith Boedecker. That was yrs ago, and now he is coaching at Nordonia, and look where they are today. Some times it takes awhile for a guy to get the picture on how to coach a team. This is the situation at the youth level as well. They have coaches in that program, that never even picked up a football. Some of those guys were in the band. I guess it is all about half time. I know this because I went to school with these people.

The real Spartan Metzger, rogers, whited, boso, sands,coles and who:shrug: cant forget cambell Mr. clutch.

[green1965champs]

the band drains the football program. It takes away good players and the ticket sales which should go to the football program. It sucks even though your team sucks they have to carry the rest of the sports on there back. These kids give it there all just so they have to pay to play. wheres the money? football brings the better share of it in. dont these kids deserve more. That brings me to another point. How can you feed the high school with little kids from the syf? This head coach has made the right choice for Springfield High. I hope we can all get this party jumping.:cool:

[SSpartans]

Green champ
Why do you care so much what Springfield does.

[green1965champs]

If I dont do it then who will. Get some fire under your bottom. People look at green and see only the outside. We are having problems as much as the next guy. I do what I do for a reason. You will be blessed next year with what will be in place for your high school. Finally somebody growed a pair over there. And yes it will be great for us to have you join our league. There are ongoing talks with other youth also. But when I know for sure there coming. You will here it from me first. And I will reviel the next team by middle of november. I am not part of the byf but a very proud parent of syf. Change for a better league

[OldCard]

Akron is down to 4 or 5 teams, why not join them?

Maybe that would put you in the same situation you just left, Getting your .... handed to you every week. Why else would you leave the NC league?

Curious minds want to know!

Green Pride is correct, your league is in trouble and this shows us all what kind of people are involved in your league. ).(

[Young Spartan Nation]

I am a Spartan to the bone, but this youth league needs a change. Even if it is not black stripe (which i don't mind), it still needs a turn around. There are too many bad clicks running the organization. You have coaches with criminal records, you have kids that are too old to play for varsity (coaches/parents know it), dads coaching and favoring their kids while others suffer. There is too much to list. There are too many good people in this township to let things go down like this. There are some good people who have posted on this site in defense of SYF, but I think they know the truth and it is time to clean things up. By the way, our field looks like an ash tray...parents, coaches and fans have some respect for other people's property.....

[green pride]

Do you think that all the issues will disappear if you go to another league, they wont. Parents still will coach their kids people will still complain about playing time and think they can coach better. Quit fighting within sit down and talk to each other. I coached in Springfield in the 80s and you have a great community dont turn into a person like 1965. You guys have made great strides over their you should be proud of your accomplishments.

There will be many changes next year in the Suburban League, possibly unlimited weight for C,B and A teams. Going to Grades instead of ages. Talk to your Director dont ruin your kids youth experience by switching leagues, you wont be happy.

This guy ( 1965 ) is such a coward he hids behind his screen name because he is a back staber so if you believe a person that wont even tell us who he is then shame on you. By the way 1965 were you at our JV game yesterday?
If you were I hope you got to see to well coached teams play a great game.
By the way I know who you are now!

GYF Director ( Paul Kapper ) So you dont get confussed on the name

[thepolster]

Why do you think there is a change taking place possibly with the c,b,a. Not because of you. Its because the people have spoken up. My son is on Varsity now and does it make it fair he plays and My 11 year old cant. Sure that will push me to ask the question, Why cant he. My oldest son is playing at the high school right now. He cant get a block from a kid that hasnt played football for 6-7 years cause he could not make weight to play in syf. Were not in the same boat as you are paul. I dont take threats at all. You are poking your nose in the wrong district. what is syf going to do, let the kids get big till they hit "A" team and say you cant play anymore. This will be my goal and you stay the he-- out of springfield. You have made it personal for me and others. Our high school is in trouble, we need skilled kids at the line. syf is not going to produce that. If you can name one kid on syf thatcan be a linemen, I ask all the coaches of varsity to tell me{larry-- who that would be. Its not a million dollar Question. People are speaking up on both sides. I am forced into a decision to take the side of a Blackstripe League. WE need this parents, WE need vern to make a change. And Tony, rich, dont make it personal with me. Respect me as a parent and still your friend. I know why you guys want the same and you know why we want go another way. We need all the kids in Springfield to come together and play football. And paul Im not making it personal but grow up with back and forth with 1985, just hit the ignore button.

[green pride]

If we raise the weights in on C, B, A, then kids will be able to play unlimited weight up to 6 th grade. We would be offering the same as the Black Stripe league. North Canton and the new league dont offer 8th graders to play.

The reason I have talked on this site is I was asked by several people in Springfield for my opinion because we seen first hand what this will do to a community. If we increase weight in the Suburban League wont this help at Springfield?

You guys make whatever decision you want but mark my words if you leave the SYF you will be very dissapointed.

[OldCard]

Why do you think there is a change taking place possibly with the c,b,a. Not because of you. Its because the people have spoken up. My son is on Varsity now and does it make it fair he plays and My 11 year old cant. Sure that will push me to ask the question, Why cant he. My oldest son is playing at the high school right now. He cant get a block from a kid that hasnt played football for 6-7 years cause he could not make weight to play in syf. Were not in the same boat as you are paul. I dont take threats at all. You are poking your nose in the wrong district. what is syf going to do, let the kids get big till they hit "A" team and say you cant play anymore. This will be my goal and you stay the he-- out of springfield. You have made it personal for me and others. Our high school is in trouble, we need skilled kids at the line. syf is not going to produce that. If you can name one kid on syf thatcan be a linemen, I ask all the coaches of varsity to tell me{larry-- who that would be. Its not a million dollar Question. People are speaking up on both sides. I am forced into a decision to take the side of a Blackstripe League. WE need this parents, WE need vern to make a change. And Tony, rich, dont make it personal with me. Respect me as a parent and still your friend. I know why you guys want the same and you know why we want go another way. We need all the kids in Springfield to come together and play football. And paul Im not making it personal but grow up with back and forth with 1985, just hit the ignore button.

If you think that youth football experience in any kind of league will insure your kid play time in high school you are sadly mistaken.

Springfield can't get a decent block from their line? It is not because of the lack of play time in youth, it is because you can't get a coach at the hs level that can teach it.

Let us put the blame where it belongs. COACHING and only COACHING at the HS level. It is not where or how much you played when you were 12 years old. It is the instruction you get from "SKILLED" coaches when you are 15, 16, 17 and 18 years old.

Let's fix the real problems instead of blaming everything else.

BYF left the NC league. WHY? Now they want to drag you into their mess.

Think about it!

[Irish87]

To all the non-Springfield people reading these threads,

please do not listen to some of these negative posts. They are all being made by disgruntled Parents, who would rather talk badly about the organization, than get involved and help out. As most of you know, these types of Parents are in every League, and they are in the minority. Springfield Youth is doing a good job and is going in the right direction.

[Smashmouth#1]

Thank you old card for hitting the nail on the head. I too believe that either misinformed coaching or just plain bad coaching (sorry...not trying to toss anyone under the bus here) is the reason that Springfield is having problems with their line. I really feel bad for you guys in Springfield. You seem to have more than your fair share of parents that love to complain but don't want to do anything to help....not saying the we don't. The main problem with that is that people are lazy and don't like confrontation...even if warranted. They are afraid that if they speak up, someone might ask them for a solution (laziness for not using their brain to solve the problem)....or worse yet, then they might be noticed and asked to help with the chain gang or in the concession stand. We are here for the boys and girls of our communities, so we can better them. All we are doing right now is teaching them how not to act. Football can be a positive experience, teaching boys to grow (mentally) into young men and teach them life lessons in an easy way. Teamwork, how to reach down inside yourself and do something that you never thought you could do, work ethic, how to conquer fears, valuable communication..etc,etc,etc,....that's what football is about...not backstabbing, gossipping, b----ing to your buddy about how bad things are etc.,etc.,etc......either the good or the bad.....both are reinforced or set aside from home first. People should think about that, and the good of their community before they open their mouth. Football is a team sport....and parents need to be part of that team.

[spartanmom12]

How do you have a jv and varsity team with only 38 players total? Why does it come down to coaching all the time. Do you know the kids up there, well I do. Hardly any of them hit the weights, and you can sit there and say its coaching. You dont know half the ---- coach Tony IM forgot in his life. The guy Knows football. Can anybody tell me how to get more kids to play football? sure like to hear some Ideas.

[thepolster]

If you think that youth football experience in any kind of league will insure your kid play time in high school you are sadly mistaken.

Springfield can't get a decent block from their line? It is not because of the lack of play time in youth, it is because you can't get a coach at the hs level that can teach it.

Let us put the blame where it belongs. COACHING and only COACHING at the HS level. It is not where or how much you played when you were 12 years old. It is the instruction you get from "SKILLED" coaches when you are 15, 16, 17 and 18 years old.

Let's fix the real problems instead of blaming everything else.

BYF left the NC league. WHY? Now they want to drag you into their mess.

Think about it!You can`t honestly believe A kid can come out and play on the line without any playing time, its all about coaching. So are you saying you dont know how to coach either. What about the syf v line. Is that different? You know I speak my mind Joe and I hope this can be just that. There is no freekn way you can take a kid that hasn`t played football in 4-6 years and have him match up against a kid who has and bet he can block him. Thats were experience takes over. Why is everybody so against the byf? Go to the byf game at green this sat. and see. It is not as bad as people say it is. Yea my kid would play. But your kid would get the skilled position. Let me ask you something? What did cuyahoga falls do about there running backs and line? Thats right,they put the bigger kids on the line and the smaller kids in the backfield. I wonder who said that ? any ideas

[thepolster]

How can you coach kids that don`t want to be coached. Kids now Know everything these days. Have no respect, late for practice, not showing up for practice. You guys couldn`t handle a head coaching job at the high school. This is not the 80`s and you can`t put a foot in a kids rear anymore. How does the coach deal with that? Tell a kid he can`t play. Remember last years bullcrap. These teams do not run deep enough to punish the right way. What are you going to do with 40 kids, 10freshman 15 sophmores and 10 juniors 5 seniors. if we can raise 15 thousand plus for a florida trip why not raise money for kids top play high school to increase #s There are so many ways to help this district. I do my part by starting crap and helping out. Lets get rid of all these hasbeens around here and make for a better change. And by the way what is the good ole boy phrase mean?

[Smashmouth#1]

Give me a break....these boys are just entering the age where "hitting the weights" should even be suggested. Yea, let's get the 9 year old's in there to and work on some squats and clean and jerks why we are at it......push-ups, sit-ups, non-weighted lunges and calf raises and that kind of stuff is ok....even plyometric exercises are great but hitting the gym is not the answer. And 38 players total works out to 19 per team.....that's a good amount to have on a team....not a lot of depth, but a good amount to have a competitive team.

And yes it is coaching....I wasnt putting anyone down by saying that. Most coaches were skill position players and not linemen....skill players worry about the skill players more and less on the line and blocking technique....I was trying to convey that it may not be his strong suit.....I dont know any of those coaches.........I am a head coach myself and I too have weak points....I don't know a lot about the defensive backfield.....that's why I have another coach that played there as an asisstant coach. Coaches are the leaders of the team....good leaders surround themselves with good people that help fill in their shortcomings.....that would be my suggestion.....and I do know what it is like not to have a life during football season.....
How do you get more kids into football? Take away the McDonald's and the Playstation and tell kids to go outside...the bright thing in the sky is the sun, dont stare directly at it...yes, I know it's hot...drink water....not Coke or Sprite.......water......kids today are as soft as the parents let them be....the change has to start at home.....and you have some of the answers on why football is such a positive sport because I have given them to you in previous posts. Yea, kids hurt in football....occasionally....a bump and a bruise here and there is nothing...it builds character.....and allows them to prove to themselves that it will be ok.....and yes my son has sustained an injury from football....more than a bump or a bruise......he also didnt want to tell Dad....because he was scared that his season would be over and that he was going to let his team down and their undefeated season go down the drain........that's when he, once again, made me a proud Dad because I realized then that he was starting to figure out what life was about....not because he wanted to play injured...but because he didnt want to let the team down. That's what football is about.
One more thing you could do to help your registration....ban Soccer.

[Smashmouth#1]

No kid in High School respects authority...no matter how good of a kid they are...and they know everything.....it's a natural thing that happens that needs to be taken care of from home........they're going to rebell....Not showing respect is something you can change....You dont stand for it....and you let them know it.....if you are the coach you are in charge period. There may be one or two bad seeds but they're not all bad. As far as being late or not showing for practice...talk to the parents...if it's youth...that's their fault...or they get out late from work....you need to be receptive of that....if it's on the High School level then that's another story......what happens if you are late to work? Usually, first time a warning...since you can make them run grass drills in the parking lot.....second time or beyond....you make them sit...and a spectacle..teens hate being in the public eye...in a negative way, that is.....let the parents and kids know at the beginning of the season what is expected of them and stick to it....no matter if it's your starting quarterback or your 4th string punter...it has to be the same for everyone....that will bring some complaints, some cheers, some hatred and finally some respect.

[thepolster]

Give me a break....these boys are just entering the age where "hitting the weights" should even be suggested. Yea, let's get the 9 year old's in there to and work on some squats and clean and jerks why we are at it......push-ups, sit-ups, non-weighted lunges and calf raises and that kind of stuff is ok....even plyometric exercises are great but hitting the gym is not the answer. And 38 players total works out to 19 per team.....that's a good amount to have on a team....not a lot of depth, but a good amount to have a competitive team.

And yes it is coaching....I wasnt putting anyone down by saying that. Most coaches were skill position players and not linemen....skill players worry about the skill players more and less on the line and blocking technique....I was trying to convey that it may not be his strong suit.....I dont know any of those coaches.........I am a head coach myself and I too have weak points....I don't know a lot about the defensive backfield.....that's why I have another coach that played there as an asisstant coach. Coaches are the leaders of the team....good leaders surround themselves with good people that help fill in their shortcomings.....that would be my suggestion.....and I do know what it is like not to have a life during football season.....
How do you get more kids into football? Take away the McDonald's and the Playstation and tell kids to go outside...the bright thing in the sky is the sun, dont stare directly at it...yes, I know it's hot...drink water....not Coke or Sprite.......water......kids today are as soft as the parents let them be....the change has to start at home.....and you have some of the answers on why football is such a positive sport because I have given them to you in previous posts. Yea, kids hurt in football....occasionally....a bump and a bruise here and there is nothing...it builds character.....and allows them to prove to themselves that it will be ok.....and yes my son has sustained an injury from football....more than a bump or a bruise......he also didnt want to tell Dad....because he was scared that his season would be over and that he was going to let his team down and their undefeated season go down the drain........that's when he, once again, made me a proud Dad because I realized then that he was starting to figure out what life was about....not because he wanted to play injured...but because he didnt want to let the team down. That's what football is about.
One more thing you could do to help your registration....ban Soccer.
I`m talking about the high school, but that was some deep thought. Dude how many screen names you got? And if your talking about Larry thats fighting words. I kinda figured it was you that caused the stirrup earlier this year. Ban soccer and wrestling leave golf

[Smashmouth#1]

I was talking about football in general but more of the youth program as opposed to the high school.....no I wasn't talking about anyone in particular...no offense intended...so relax....and I only have one screen name...let the boys wrestle to keep the in shape through the winter for football........at least we can agree on banning soccer.....

[thepolster]

I was talking about football in general but more of the youth program as opposed to the high school.....no I wasn't talking about anyone in particular...no offense intended...so relax....and I only have one screen name...let the boys wrestle to keep the in shape through the winter for football........at least we can agree on banning soccer..... Yea keep wrestling ban soccer. What about J.C. going to jr high this year? They dont have a coach yet. Thats what I here though. Dillon won`t wrestle cause he thinks its gay. These kids don`t have a clue what there missing. peace

[chopblock]

Springfield high school's soccer team had a very good year. Congrats. SHS's last coach played line in college at a D1 school didn't he? The school slips my mind. I assume he knows line play.

I agree some games are lost because of coaching, but i saw SHS play on tv and i didn't see one kid that SHS had that would have started on greens team. How do you as a coach win when that is the case?

I was told SHS's coach was not on the sidelines this past week. Does anyone know what happened?
Good luck spartans knock off the ravens.

[Young Spartan Nation]

shs coach was up in the coaches box . And what do you know about those boys on the highschool team ? you should check yourself at less they are out there

[Shiloh]

Well, Springfield looks worse this year than last year. I was at the Coventry game and that was the worst high school football game I've ever seen. I thought that football jersey hanging way up on that cherry picker had something to do with Halloween!. Take that spooky thing down! Their new coach was supposed to be all about discipline, but the talk is that several starters dont bother to show up for school or practice.

They need some major changes there. (Still)

Good luck.

[CIA]

To all the non-Springfield people reading these threads,

please do not listen to some of these negative posts. They are all being made by disgruntled Parents, who would rather talk badly about the organization, than get involved and help out. As most of you know, these types of Parents are in every League, and they are in the minority. Springfield Youth is doing a good job and is going in the right direction. mr irish, first of all i would like to say hi, and you seem like a go getter, but i have been reading some of your replies, and threads. it seems to me you need to practice preach. you really dog the new high school coach, and sound really negative. you sound disruntled, talk bad about the organization. just thought i would put my 2 cents in.

[Jack32]

...
I was told SHS's coach was not on the sidelines this past week. Does anyone know what happened?
...

Are you serious? I hope everything is ok. I heard he was ill earlier this year.

Another bad year - no wins(yet). Some day this bad luck of Springfield has to change. The fine folks of Springfield need to rally together and get things turned around.

[Irish87]

mr irish, first of all i would like to say hi, and you seem like a go getter, but i have been reading some of your replies, and threads. it seems to me you need to practice preach. you really dog the new high school coach, and sound really negative. you sound disruntled, talk bad about the organization. just thought i would put my 2 cents in.

CIA,

my comments about the HS program have been about the lack of support, they have shown to Springfield Youth Football. I have never dogged the new coach about his team or his coaching strategies. With all this talk about starting up a new League, with the support of the H.S., why not show some interest in the existing League(SSYF), and build a 3 - 5 year plan, to start up a Heavy. Why would anyone think, that the H.S. would support the new League, when they don't show any interest in the existing.

I appreciate you obsvervation, and I guess I need to be a little more clear, on my Posts. I just get upset when people talk about how bad the H.S. Teams have been, and they try to blame the Youth League for its failures. The SSYF has some good coaches in place and have put together some decent teams over the last 6-8 years. We have tried to get the H.S. to involve themselves, but to no avail.

[spartan71]

The H.S. coach did not have a snowballs chance in ---- of doing anything with this team this year there are to many young bucks that should be on a freshman\J.V. team playing varsity thats it in a nutshell. 15 and 16 year olds with no quality back ups lining up against 17 and 18 year olds that are 3 and 4 deep every friday night is not a good scenario for the coaches or players. i give those kids props for not giving up as other older more experianced players have done in the past for springfield. i think if we keep working hard down @ the youth and get our numbers up (which is the key to all of this) we may have a chance to turn springfield around but with 15 ten year olds, 18 j.v. kids, and 18 varsity boys finishing this year the future honestly looks bleek WE NEED MORE KIDS TO COMPETE.:Ohno:

[Jack32]

CIA,

my comments about the HS program have been about the lack of support, they have shown to Springfield Youth Football...

I know when Murfey was the head coach at the high school he went to the youth games. I believe he went to some youth practices also. He had the youth coaches in over the summer to discuss his defense and offense with them.

[Tressel4Prez]

I know when Murfey was the head coach at the high school he went to the youth games. I believe he went to some youth practices also. He had the youth coaches in over the summer to discuss his defense and offense with them.

Glaze, Parker, Murphy, McBride, Graves were all good coaches who cared about the community and kids (all teachers by the way).

Did the High School do a "youth night" this year? I've read a lot of the posts and it seems there is little if any connection between the community and the high school or the youth and the high school. There needs to be more contact.
Also, youth coaches are generally good people who try to help other kids as well as their own. They should be thanked for their efforts and encouraged to continue. I wish them all luck.

[thepolster]

Glaze, Parker, Murphy, McBride, Graves were all good coaches who cared about the community and kids (all teachers by the way).

Did the High School do a "youth night" this year? I've read a lot of the posts and it seems there is little if any connection between the community and the high school or the youth and the high school. There needs to be more contact.
Also, youth coaches are generally good people who try to help other kids as well as their own. They should be thanked for their efforts and encouraged to continue. I wish them all luck. Yes there was a youth night and there does need to be more involvment with the high school coaches. The high school coach lost 30 lbs this year coaching these kids. I think its pretty obvious that the coach is having it rough. Flip it the other way, why doesnt anybody drop a email to the coach or call and give him some kind of light at the end of a very crappy season and quit blaming him. The guy had no idea what he got himself into. We can help our program by sending up kids with good grades and healthy not stunning there growth by cutting weight.

[chopblock]

young spartan, i am not ripping on the kids who have stuck it out. i do have respect for them- it must be tough. i am simply saying the talent level is not equal.

polster, how can you not say the coach is to blame? i agree not totally but doesn't it all fall on the coach eventually? also he should have known what he was getting into. they have won like 5 games in 6 years and been through 4 different coaches( not exact numbers).

tressel, i believe there was some sort of youth camp at the beginning of the year. it was run by the assistants. i do not think the head coach was there. tressel how many of the coaches are teachers?

i know i said the coach was not at game 9, but i was told he was in the press box. my son said he was not at the ravenna game, but he may have been in the box again, any info. ( no my son does not play, he is just a fan and went to the game)

sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is a train.

[Jack32]

Mr.Chopblock,
It appears your son was right. My sources have told me that the Head Coach did not attend the last game in Ravenna. He has missed two games this year and several practices? Did he quit? ...or am I being insensitive? - is he horribly ill? I read something about that.
Can anyone out there confirm or deny? ...maybe Irish or Sprag can shed some light on this...they seem to be good sources for what is going on up there.
I am in shock! How can this be happening to Springfield? 0-10 - NO coach for part of the year. The losing streak is up to 24 games. Embarrassing! It is like what I posted earlier this year. Doesn't anyone in Springfield care? What is wrong with you folks? I know I am just an old, outsider, but geez!
NO teachers or staff members were on the football coaching staff? What is wrong with the teachers - no one good enough to coach? The Basketball Coach(Anddrick)takes a dead program, turns it around and wins TWO league titles BUT HE isn't coaching this year? Are you kidding? Did you run him out? I thought I read also the Baseball coach(what is his name?) and Softball coach from last year are not coaching? Is this all true??? Chopblock - I think the train (with the light)at the end of the tunnel you were talking about already ran through - it sounds like a disaster area. What ashame! I read about the improvements in academics. C'mon People- pass the levy & get the sports programs back to where they used to be. :wallbang:

[Irish87]

To be honest, I don't really have a whole lot of information on the H.S programs. My son graduated last year and is playing Football at Muskingum this year. After what we went through last year, I lost all interest in the H.S.

As for the coaches, I don't think they were necesarilly run out, simply opted to leave because of the situation the Schools are in. I think they saw what the future held for Springfield, as far as cutbacks were concerned, and pursued other opportunities.

It will take a long time to get the Sports programs back on track at Springfield, and if they don't pass a Levy soon, you will see all sports cut out all together. The pay to play is definately taking its toll.

I feel bad for Coach Imamarino, because I don't think he really knew what he was getting into here. I'm sure he had visions of trying to turn the Football program around, but really didn't know the deep troubles these kids had. Don't get me wrong, there are some good kids and players on the team, but takes more than a couple good kids, to make a team successful. There has to be total TEAM dedication, and that is not present with this team. I feel bad for the good kids, cuz my son has been through it and its very frustrating playing your arse off, when the rest are just going through the motions.

[thepolster]

Mr.Chopblock,
It appears your son was right. My sources have told me that the Head Coach did not attend the last game in Ravenna. He has missed two games this year and several practices? Did he quit? ...or am I being insensitive? - is he horribly ill? I read something about that.
Can anyone out there confirm or deny? ...maybe Irish or Sprag can shed some light on this...they seem to be good sources for what is going on up there.
I am in shock! How can this be happening to Springfield? 0-10 - NO coach for part of the year. The losing streak is up to 24 games. Embarrassing! It is like what I posted earlier this year. Doesn't anyone in Springfield care? What is wrong with you folks? I know I am just an old, outsider, but geez!
NO teachers or staff members were on the football coaching staff? What is wrong with the teachers - no one good enough to coach? The Basketball Coach(Anddrick)takes a dead program, turns it around and wins TWO league titles BUT HE isn't coaching this year? Are you kidding? Did you run him out? I thought I read also the Baseball coach(what is his name?) and Softball coach from last year are not coaching? Is this all true??? Chopblock - I think the train (with the light)at the end of the tunnel you were talking about already ran through - it sounds like a disaster area. What ashame! I read about the improvements in academics. C'mon People- pass the levy & get the sports programs back to where they used to be. :wallbang: The coach has been sick. He suffered a bite by a dog and to top it off his kidney is jacked up. He lost over 30 pnds from season start to end.

[Shiloh]

I've never heard of a coach being so sick that he misses 20% of their games in his first year. I do hope its not serious.
I think no current staff members are teachers. I think the teachers revolted against their AD who sits in his Ivory tower and lords over Springfield like he's some untouchable. How do the coaches know whats going on in the school? The "parent" coaches have no high school (football or otherwise) training of any kind. No other high school staff in Ohio would take either of them.

You need a whole dedicated staff, don't take the AD's boys, and get the kids/community and youth on board.
It's sad to see what's happened to that community.

[spartan71]

i heard today that imamarino has quit is this true?? anybody got the skinny on that?

[OldCard]

i heard today that imamarino has quit is this true?? anybody got the skinny on that?

Is he the main support for Springfield Youth moving to a different league?

[spartanmom12]

Is he the main support for Springfield Youth moving to a different league? I AM!

[RealBaseball10]

This program was too run down when Coach Tony came in for anyone to do anything about it. He didn't recruit enough to get kids to come out and play and there wasn't enough natural pull for kids to come out. You can say all you want about kids not having a good attitude, but not that many people these days can play multiple sports all year round and lift like they need to for football.

[OldCard]

This program was too run down when Coach Tony came in for anyone to do anything about it. He didn't recruit enough to get kids to come out and play and there wasn't enough natural pull for kids to come out. You can say all you want about kids not having a good attitude, but not that many people these days can play multiple sports all year round and lift like they need to for football.

Kids from Tallmadge, Green, Wadsworth and others manage to do it. And oh yea, Tallmadge and Green are from weight restricted youth leagues and Wadsworth's youth weight restrictions are more stringent than SYFA's and they don't allow 13's to play. :shrug:

Next excuse!

[Buckeye29]

I really hate to hear people bad mouth our Athletic Director when they don't really even know him. He does care about football. He coached me as a sophmore, and he coached girls softball for many years. I guess guys who didn't actually grow up in Springfield and play for the man wouldn't know that. I really don't understand people that grew up in other townships trying to run things here. I would never go to Tallmadge and try to take over their program. Maybe if the AD saw something he thought was worth wild he would back it. Regardless, it's hard to run a successful program when there is no support from the community and you have to have pay-to-play, as well as open enrollment in all the surrounding communities. Maybe the people that like to bad mouth the AD would like to spend a day in his shoes. I kind of doubt it!

[spartanmom12]

Insted if talking about the problem lets find a solution. Tallmage has a wonderful discussion going on over there. Can the people make a difference? We sure can, and rise up to support the high school somehow. Everybodys got a idea but do nothing about it. Lets form our own dam board of spartan pride. I know I said allot of shiz on here, but it got everybody talking. There are more things I have to say but will wait for the ok from the top . How is the head coach doing? Is the jr high coming back? I can form a board to pay for the kids to play. Just like the old days. :cool:

[CIA]

hi all, does anyone know, anything about a certain youth varsity coach, drinking before the playoff game @ dix stadium, last weekend. also if certain other people in the fine syf program, knew anything about it? why would they let this person on the sidelines? i know, so he can make bone head calls near the end zone, and argue with the zebras, and get a penalty. also 2 of the players see this coach act like this and then they can get penalties as well. people of Springfield twp, high school, and @ the youth we have to stand up, and get these clowns out of these programs, and take over. i have to agree with spartanmom12, on starting a committee. we as parents, who pay for these leagues, our kids deserve better. the syf league people don't own the league or our kids or us. we need to start teaching football, with class, sportsmanship. i have sat back long enough!

[spartanmom12]

hi all, does anyone know, anything about a certain youth varsity coach, drinking before the playoff game @ dix stadium, last weekend. also if certain other people in the fine syf program, knew anything about it? why would they let this person on the sidelines? i know, so he can make bone head calls near the end zone, and argue with the zebras, and get a penalty. also 2 of the players see this coach act like this and then they can get penalties as well. people of Springfield twp, high school, and @ the youth we have to stand up, and get these clowns out of these programs, and take over. i have to agree with spartanmom12, on starting a committee. we as parents, who pay for these leagues, our kids deserve better. the syf league people don't own the league or our kids or us. we need to start teaching football, with class, sportsmanship. i have sat back long enough!
There is a lot of talk but never any action. The kid and his team took a hit. My kid will not go to varsity next year. I hope there will be a jr high. Everybody knows the head coach was hardly ever there for practices, :shrug: Thats what the good ole boy network is all about covering for one another. I know some coaches are sick of it. This is why the highschool should be in charge of overseeing the progress of the coaches.

[chopblock]

High school coaches can have a clinic in summer and stop by the youth every now and then, but they can not oversee or help run it. This is a pretty busy time for them.

[greendad]

I know im from green now, but i was in a football program like springfields current one back in the mid/late 70's I played four yrs. we had two wins in four yrs! it was awful, and mine and the players attitudes were terrible. HS football is supposed to be fun and memorable, it wasnt, it was drudgery.
I feel for you guys and i hope things get better soon.

thinking of back then, springfield was tough. they were the team to beat, the boys were big and were a powerhouse.

im thinking, things can only get better for you guys. from the above posts, it seems that someone needs to bust some chops and get some answers.

[CIA]

There is a lot of talk but never any action. The kid and his team took a hit. My kid will not go to varsity next year. I hope there will be a jr high. Everybody knows the head coach was hardly ever there for practices, :shrug: Thats what the good ole boy network is all about covering for one another. I know some coaches are sick of it. This is why the highschool should be in charge of overseeing the progress of the coaches.
i know what you mean. there is a good ole boy network, but not all coaches are, in this click. its a handfull of coaches and wives, & this is enough to keep people shut out, & not having to deal with them.

[Young Spartan Nation]

There are a lot of us that want change in the SYF program we just need to figure out how to make it happen. Start by voicing your opinion to Fowler, the AD, he controls the use of the field. There are (a few) people with in the "good ole boy network" that are trying to make things better and I feel have no idea of some of the things that have gone on this year. Thank you for your dedication to the league.. As for the shiesty people in this league (parents and coaches) move on and quit making us look like white trash, we don't deserve it. THANK GOD IT'S WRESTLING SEASON-BEST SPORT OF ALL. PEACE :)

[CIA]

There are a lot of us that want change in the SYF program we just need to figure out how to make it happen. Start by voicing your opinion to Fowler, the AD, he controls the use of the field. There are (a few) people with in the "good ole boy network" that are trying to make things better and I feel have no idea of some of the things that have gone on this year. Thank you for your dedication to the league.. As for the shiesty people in this league (parents and coaches) move on and quit making us look like white trash, we don't deserve it. THANK GOD IT'S WRESTLING SEASON-BEST SPORT OF ALL. PEACE :) im not sure who and what you are talking about. can you explain more, indetail.

[Mr. Sinlinen]

Coach I truely has his work cut out for him. Anyone who thinks he is the problem is either too far removed from the Springfield situation or is a parent or player who think they are better than they are. Springfield is a school with numerous academic problems, no funds, and players that are not used to doing things the right way. The situation is a debacle and one that a coach like Iammarino can turn around. The only thing he needs is time.

[Young Spartan Nation]

Our future is bright!, but it all comes down to the parents. Dedication, discipline, grades and attitude all come from HOME. A few motivated boys don't make a winning football team. We are the ones that can change all that. Do your part and stay on them. They cant quit if it's not an option. We have a great community, let's pick it up.

[thepolster]

If the football program turned around wouldn`t the people of Springfield feel better about passing a levy? Football is and always will be the main sport that brings a school recognition. Why doesn`t the school board and the boosters realize this. Step up and support the jr high and dont make these kids pay to play. Mazer went to Jakson and got a football team with a 127 kids on it. 37 of the kids are linemen. What did we have on our whole team, 38? Dont you think if our football team is doing good that our community will do good? Dan Yost running for board feels the same way, and Mr young. I called them to ask them where they stand, and I got a strait answer. We need a theme or a drive of somekind to get these kids that play other sports to come play football. Any ideas? I am putting a myspace together to try to get in every kids computer at home. Maybe get them to start talking about a change. springfieldspartans2008. We know that there needs to be change, stop talking about it and lets do something together. Look at what other programs have done in our situation.

[CIA]

If the football program turned around wouldn`t the people of Springfield feel better about passing a levy? Football is and always will be the main sport that brings a school recognition. Why doesn`t the school board and the boosters realize this. Step up and support the jr high and dont make these kids pay to play. Mazer went to Jakson and got a football team with a 127 kids on it. 37 of the kids are linemen. What did we have on our whole team, 38? Dont you think if our football team is doing good that our community will do good? Dan Yost running for board feels the same way, and Mr young. I called them to ask them where they stand, and I got a strait answer. We need a theme or a drive of somekind to get these kids that play other sports to come play football. Any ideas? I am putting a myspace together to try to get in every kids computer at home. Maybe get them to start talking about a change. springfieldspartans2008. We know that there needs to be change, stop talking about it and lets do something together. Look at what other programs have done in our situation. i totally agree with thepolster. we need to get people involved, and not, quitting on the community. we have families moving, and sending their kids to other schools. we as a community have allot of work to do. we have some cleaning up to do.

[spartanmom12]

Does anybody have a clue who Vern sent to the allstar team? I wonder who got picked? Then tell me who was picked to go as fill ins for the florida trip. I wonder who?:angel: I know two kids that were shut out because of this good ole boy network. There is one kid on the fill in roster who I can see as a good choice even though I busted his dads balls earlier this year, #6.

[CIA]

Does anybody have a clue who Vern sent to the allstar team? I wonder who got picked? Then tell me who was picked to go as fill ins for the florida trip. I wonder who?:angel: I know two kids that were shut out because of this good ole boy network. There is one kid on the fill in roster who I can see as a good choice even though I busted his dads balls earlier this year, #6. i dont. do you?:shrug:

[spartanmom12]

the directors kid the coaches kid thats who!

[SSpartans]

Yes, I do believe those kids are on the All-star team

[Shiloh]

I really hate to hear people bad mouth our Athletic Director when they don't really even know him. He does care about football. He coached me as a sophmore, and he coached girls softball for many years. I guess guys who didn't actually grow up in Springfield and play for the man wouldn't know that. I really don't understand people that grew up in other townships trying to run things here. I would never go to Tallmadge and try to take over their program. Maybe if the AD saw something he thought was worth wild he would back it. Regardless, it's hard to run a successful program when there is no support from the community and you have to have pay-to-play, as well as open enrollment in all the surrounding communities. Maybe the people that like to bad mouth the AD would like to spend a day in his shoes. I kind of doubt it!

You're kidding right? The man makes over 100,000 with his retirement and his current salary (even cut in half- if it was).
And what does he do? NOTHING. He should have been fired for incompetence years ago. But people like you allow him to sit there and do nothing for the kids (and suck up Springfield tax dollars).
You could talk to him if you want, but he has been on a fishing vacation since week 9 of the football season.
Your community needs to rise up and ask some serious questions from their administration. It's YOUR high school. You might have more support among the staff/community than you think.

[Shiloh]

Coach I truely has his work cut out for him. Anyone who thinks he is the problem is either too far removed from the Springfield situation or is a parent or player who think they are better than they are. Springfield is a school with numerous academic problems, no funds, and players that are not used to doing things the right way. The situation is a debacle and one that a coach like Iammarino can turn around. The only thing he needs is time.

No No No.
Is that why he had NO discipline for his seniors? They had a few that would miss practice each and every week, but would always play. Is that why he played tailbacks that were not even in school during the week? Or show up on Monday of week 10 and end practice after watching a game film at 3:30pm? Or miss 2 games? No. Something is very wrong there

The school is academically fine, and they are now financially solvent (according to the Repository). You need a good football program.

[CIA]

the directors kid the coaches kid thats who!
that does not surprise me. it happened ounce before. ask doug whited.:wallbang:

[Buckeye29]

I think the problem is the entire system. Springfield had a system that was working and they got rid of it. Jay Glaze at the high school and Gary James pumping out players from the youth programs. That equation equalled state playoffs. Those coaches didn't take any s--- and if you didn't do what you were supposed to you didn't play. I read in one of these that the kids don't lift. What????? I don't know that I blieve that. You can not have a successful high school team if they don't lift. Not just during the season, but all year!!! We need to pass our levies and hire a coach that is hard nose and will coach these kids, not be friends with them. Personally, I would ban soccer and the band. Sorry if I offended any soccer people. I've never liked the band since I saw the first "It's all about halftime" tee shirt. There wouldn't even be a halftime without football!!!!!!!!!!! Anyways, just my oppinion.

[Buckeye29]

I couldn't agree more! I did hear about that embarrassing situation, but that's what you get when you have an equipment manager as your director. Too many people in charge that never even played the game!!! Too many people in charge that aren't from Springfield!!!! What can you do? I've looked into it, there's no way to get a director removed. It's sad that Springfield is such a joke now!

[chopblock]

Shilo seems like a person who is well informed. I can not believe some of the things that shilo has said went on. No wonder they were 0-10 and finished with about 27 kids.

[Smashmouth#1]

IMO.....it seems that the polster and a few others had a good thing starting to brew......get some positive change going......don't just sit behind your computer screen a bash everyone........If you want a great football program at the high school level..it starts in the youth league.....currently it is in one of the best, most competitive leagues around.....and your SYF Varsity team should be commended for a heck of a season. There are some that think you should leave the SYF and join another league......one with only 4 teams.......I dont feel that's the answer.....you have a good system in place.....if you have issues.....work with SSYF to change that.......don't take your ball and go home......it will cause a big division in your community....it has in ours.......I dont want to see anyone else go through that.

[Buckeye29]

Hey Spartan Mom 67, saw you were on and thought I'd say hi.

[SPRAG]

According to those closest to the school, many/most coaches that resigned or quit was due to their belief that they had a lack of support from the administration - especially the AD. Find me an AD in Ohio who is on "vacation" and away from the school during the last week of football season and the following week, when basketball is getting into full swing??? Oh, it should also me mentioned that grades closed during this time also, hmmm, wonder who was checking on those eligibility questions??? So, many feel the turnaround can happen at the end of the year if the AD does retire....AGAIN! Rumors abound about why coaches - male and female - had troubles with the AD, some of which are not for chat boards, but not being there for coaches is an obvious problem!

I feel it's obvious that many feel there are many problems with the athletic program in Springfield. It takes all levels working together to make it work. The numbers of kids is criticial though, flight has been a problem, but the economic situation of the community is a big issue too. So many of the kids "need" to work - they want cars, need to pay for insurance, want spending money, etc. - when I was younger, the jobs weren't as plentiful as they are now and everyone played sports in their spare time, now they work. When the numbers are low, kids do not have to compete for spots on teams or starting positions, thus the drive and hard work necessity lessens. Kids figure, there is no one pushing them for their spot, so the work level is not as intense. It's human nature, we push harder when challenged - not when we're comfortable. How can this be remedied??? I don't know, but the Springfield sports community sure would benefit from a cure to the issue of getting more kids out for ALL its teams.

[CIA]

According to those closest to the school, many/most coaches that resigned or quit was due to their belief that they had a lack of support from the administration - especially the AD. Find me an AD in Ohio who is on "vacation" and away from the school during the last week of football season and the following week, when basketball is getting into full swing??? Oh, it should also me mentioned that grades closed during this time also, hmmm, wonder who was checking on those eligibility questions??? So, many feel the turnaround can happen at the end of the year if the AD does retire....AGAIN! Rumors abound about why coaches - male and female - had troubles with the AD, some of which are not for chat boards, but not being there for coaches is an obvious problem!

I feel it's obvious that many feel there are many problems with the athletic program in Springfield. It takes all levels working together to make it work. The numbers of kids is criticial though, flight has been a problem, but the economic situation of the community is a big issue too. So many of the kids "need" to work - they want cars, need to pay for insurance, want spending money, etc. - when I was younger, the jobs weren't as plentiful as they are now and everyone played sports in their spare time, now they work. When the numbers are low, kids do not have to compete for spots on teams or starting positions, thus the drive and hard work necessity lessens. Kids figure, there is no one pushing them for their spot, so the work level is not as intense. It's human nature, we push harder when challenged - not when we're comfortable. How can this be remedied??? I don't know, but the Springfield sports community sure would benefit from a cure to the issue of getting more kids out for ALL its teams. i would like to see everyone work together. i know when you read some of my comments, it may seem that i am negative, and bashing people. well there has to be things said, and people have voiced there thoughts and opinions. but people get snubbed because your messing with their system(which they think is perfect), and think you are just starting trouble. i am all for rebuilding and repairing the sports programs. we have to voice our problems, and we who sound negative on here know the people of the program reads these(including up to high school level). some of you may call this stirring the pot, well so be it.

[proud2b#52]

I would surely like to know what good ole network I'm part of- my son #52 was picked to go to Florida- I'm really having a hard time understanding why people can not be proud of the kids, instead you have to pass judgement on the parents. My son gave 100% all year-his effort got him the invitation to go to Florida- nothing else.

[Irish87]

Proud to be,

try not to let some of the comments made about the picks, get to you. There will always be a few people, who think there is always something behind decisions like these.

It was a difficult decision for the Varsity Coaches, and unfortunately we could not take more. The Varsity Coaches chose the 3 persons that we thought could assist the team, the most. The 3 Players selected, gave 100% all year long(as did a few others) and in conjuction with a few JV Coaches, these 3 were selected. The 3 Players were leaders on the JV and showed a tremendous amout of Teamwork and dedication. They earned the right to join this Team, and an opportunity to compete in Florida. We felt we chose a nice mix of Athleticism, from these 3 Players. It was a mix of Size, Speed and Toughness that were considered with the selections. These 3 players stood out the most on Saturdays and are now being awarded for their hard work.

Congratulations to your son, and you should be proud of his accomplishment.

[thepolster]

I would surely like to know what good ole network I'm part of- my son #52 was picked to go to Florida- I'm really having a hard time understanding why people can not be proud of the kids, instead you have to pass judgement on the parents. My son gave 100% all year-his effort got him the invitation to go to Florida- nothing else.
in your mind who produced the most for for your team. who made the plays when they needed to be made. Its not about who gave it there all its about who is the best player. I dont know who your son is but if you feel he is best player to go over the other then there you have it. I dont feel that if a kid has a attitude problem he shouldnt be allowed to go though. I voiced my opinion to both head coaches about that.

[thepolster]

Proud to be,

try not to let some of the comments made about the picks, get to you. There will always be a few people, who think there is always something behind decisions like these.

It was a difficult decision for the Varsity Coaches, and unfortunately we could not take more. The Varsity Coaches chose the 3 persons that we thought could assist the team, the most. The 3 Players selected, gave 100% all year long(as did a few others) and in conjuction with a few JV Coaches, these 3 were selected. The 3 Players were leaders on the JV and showed a tremendous amout of Teamwork and dedication. They earned the right to join this Team, and an opportunity to compete in Florida. We felt we chose a nice mix of Athleticism, from these 3 Players. It was a mix of Size, Speed and Toughness that were considered with the selections. These 3 players stood out the most on Saturdays and are now being awarded for their hard work.

Congratulations to your son, and you should be proud of his accomplishment.
87 Im not getting peed on here, What was the black kids name on jv tiggs diggs.

[Irish87]

The young mans name was Tiggs, and I prefer not to go into why this young man was not selected, on the the Forum. Polster and I have discussed in person and have different opinions. No problem.

I will discuss in a PM or in person if anybody would like details.

[thepolster]

The young mans name was Tiggs, and I prefer not to go into why this young man was not selected, on the the Forum. Polster and I have discussed in person and have different opinions. No problem.

I will discuss in a PM or in person if anybody would like details. practice tonight? can dillon get a ride from someone to green weds. night. Wrestling practice is mon,weds,fri. for Larry6to8

[Irish87]

Practice tonight, 6:30 - 8:30 at Jedd.
I can take him Weds. Stick around tonight, and we'll talk.

[proud2b#52]

in your mind who produced the most for for your team. who made the plays when they needed to be made. Its not about who gave it there all its about who is the best player. I dont know who your son is but if you feel he is best player to go over the other then there you have it. I dont feel that if a kid has a attitude problem he shouldnt be allowed to go though. I voiced my opinion to both head coaches about that.

My son is Brandon Dawson. I'm not saying he was the best player, but he must have been doing something right to be picked, and NOT having a bad attitude always helps.

[spartan71]

I would surely like to know what good ole network I'm part of- my son #52 was picked to go to Florida- I'm really having a hard time understanding why people can not be proud of the kids, instead you have to pass judgement on the parents. My son gave 100% all year-his effort got him the invitation to go to Florida- nothing else. your son does not know how to give less than 100% i loved coaching him what an animal, as 87 said they would have liked to have taken more because there were a couple more who would have been solid choices as well but they ran out of openings...

[spartan71]

in your mind who produced the most for for your team. who made the plays when they needed to be made. Its not about who gave it there all its about who is the best player. I dont know who your son is but if you feel he is best player to go over the other then there you have it. I dont feel that if a kid has a attitude problem he shouldnt be allowed to go though. I voiced my opinion to both head coaches about that. polster i agree to an extent about the whole best player thing but attitude is a big part of developing chemistry for a team i know football is not like baseball as far as chemistry is concerned but respect for your coaches AND teammates is crucial. a player with a bad attitude can kill a team over time its like a cancer. i have seen it first hand and its one of the most difficult things for a coach to overcome (without kicking kids of the team) i am not pointing any fingers but this is running rampant in springfield and it translates to bad attitudes in high school it makes me sick...:mad:

[Buckeye29]

Hey proud2b#52, you should be very proud of your boy!!!! If every kid in Springfield had half the positive attitude that your boy has the high school would never lose! Brandon is one of the best kids I've ever had the privilage to know. You can expect great things from him someday! Keep up the good work with him. Takes a pretty good dad to raise a kid like that. Good luck in Florida

[proud2b#52]

Thanks Buckeye29- We have a great group of kids and I think if they stick together over the next few years they'll do AWESOME at the HS level. We just have to stay involved and keep these kids going down the right track.

[spartanmom67]

hey jd, dont take to heart on some of the comments on here. brandon is a quality ball player in everything he does. you don't kiss --s to anyone. so it is a very earned opportunity. hey check my latest thread. tell me what you think. talk to you later.

[spartanmom67]

Hey Spartan Mom 67, saw you were on and thought I'd say hi. hey buckeye, how you doing? talk to you later.