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Post by shocktroop34 on May 8, 2016 15:47:06 GMT -6
We had a kid come out a few years back for his senior year. He was a baseball/basketball player his first three years and just an awesome athlete. Well he comes out and proceeds to catch 10 touchdowns, make first team all-conference and get a full-ride football scholarship to a D2 school. Great kid! Your guy sounds like a kid I had. Baseball player (being recruited for baseball) which is hard to do in our area. He was 6'3/230. We put him at TE. Awesome, awesome kid. Country boy. Tough as a $2 steak. He could throw low 90's and all season i was like, 'please don't get hurt! Please don't get hurt!' He generated a little football recruiting attention, but his heart was on baseball, and we all understood that. Though he's done playing now, I'm pretty sure he grinded it out in AAA ball for a while. Most others I had like that were just along for the ride.
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Post by shocktroop34 on May 6, 2016 12:00:32 GMT -6
coachfowler thanks for the continued updates. Here are my thoughts, and then I'll let it ride: 1) I would have liked to play for a coach like this. It is clearly apparent that he is an advocate for his players. 2) They win. Haters are gonna hate. I get it. 3) There just seems to be too many slippery slopes for there not to be at least one thing that he has done wrong. He is seemingly claiming to be innocent of all these accusations. He seems like a decent guy. It just seems unlikely that everything in the report is wrong. A few years ago, I had two D-1 players, from two different schools, transfer to my program at the end of their JUNIOR year. I was flabbergasted. One player claimed that his position coach had it out for him. He was able to sway his buddy to come. Thus, I had the best players from two different schools on my roster going into their senior year. One actually had his family move him into an apartment. The other lived in our zone, but had applied to be at the school he just left. I was miserable all season. Constant checks on their residence at all hours of the day and night. They were constantly monitored getting on the bus, coming to school, coming home, copies of rent checks, when/where they stayed from night to night. At the end of the day, the investigator (who I personally requested look into their situations-as I didn't want them there if they weren't legit) could not find any conclusive evidence that they shouldn't be at our school. They were great kids. They came because we had a steady string of D-1 commits during this time. They, of course, thought that I could wave my magic wand and make it happen for them. One signed at NC State. The other struggled with grade issues and bounced around to 4-5 different schools. The other schools, who lost their players, were up in arms about it. Those schools were the two biggest in our division and also major rivals. The whole league went crazy over it. I was accused of recruiting though (I barely knew these players names, and only knew their ability from scout tape) but no one believed that. It was just a miserable time. We went 7-3. We lost to the two schools that the transfer kids came from, and missed the playoffs, which I'm sure was "justice served" in everyone's eyes. This was only two players. One season. I can only imagine what life might be like, with multiple transfers, over the course of many years. I had two kids, that I barely knew, and I made sure I knew what they were going through on a regular basis. If this coach didn't know what was going on, he should have.
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Post by shocktroop34 on May 5, 2016 6:28:58 GMT -6
This forum is a bunch of football coaches- let's not jump on the bandwagon and try to bring down a man who loves working with kids, helping them grow, and building them into a functioning team. I don't see any post (in this thread-at least) where anyone is trying to bring this coach down. More than anything, people have answered the OP stating how their school or community would handle this situation. I see coaches stating objective opinions and thoughts. As natural as it is to react to such egregious accusations, I see no overt comments intended to discredit this coach.
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Post by shocktroop34 on May 4, 2016 14:05:30 GMT -6
I agree. It is interesting. But I also get the sense he is disillusioned. If if you get a chance, post part two. This is more interesting than OJ vs. The people.
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Post by shocktroop34 on May 3, 2016 7:15:32 GMT -6
Im so old I still dip a feather into an ink well. I like sharpies and I like gel pens. I honestly cant believe I responded to this thread. HA! I'm actually surprised to see you here on this one. I like the pilot G2 because I can hang it on my whistle or lanyard.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 28, 2016 10:47:42 GMT -6
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 28, 2016 10:15:44 GMT -6
The HC admitted to being paid between 50-80k for a one week youth football camp. Incredible. Roughly, the average yearly salary of many teachers/coaches. coachfowler What status is this situation in, currently?
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 28, 2016 10:04:38 GMT -6
One of the most interesting things I've read on here in a long time.
In 2013 alone, their boosters raised nearly half a million dollars.
Questionable living areas for players. Suspect grades or classes taken. A head coach allegedly paying the rent for a player. Tuition stipends. Coaching stipends up to 80k a year.
This story has everything. Bellevue needs their own ESPN 30 for 30. It seems as if their football culture grew beyond what they could control.
It just makes you wonder, how many other programs, that are considered to be "elite," are operating with the same impunity?
When you start gaining attention/recruiting/poaching high-caliber athletes from other schools, something like this is bound to happen.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 25, 2016 9:42:22 GMT -6
Boys, don't forget Joe Noha from Menominee. Powerhouse of da U.P, ehe?
Noha has only been the Maroons' HC for four years, taking over from the legend Ken Hofer (41 years).
Probably most successful long-serving UP coach is Jeff Olson of Ishpeming.
Hofer, you're exactly right. He's is the one I'm thinking of. I knew there was a reason that it didn't look right when I typed it. Thanks for that Coach.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 25, 2016 9:08:15 GMT -6
To Michigan I would add Mike Giannone who just left Macomb Dakota for Warren De La Salle. His DC and the new head man at Dakota is Greg Baur, the best coach I have been around period, we will see how he does as HC. Bob Lantzy who just got back into the game. He doesn't have the state titles but has made several appearances and is a great coach. Both of the above respectively built their programs from nothing. Coach Yes I would agree on Mike Giannone, where is Bob Lantzy from? Its funny even within our own state, you have regions of great coaches out there you might not know of Boys, don't forget Joe Noha from Menominee. Powerhouse of da U.P, ehe?
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 20, 2016 14:04:49 GMT -6
I, personally, would only touch on a handful of these items. They will get to know you and your story over the course of time.
1. Get their info 2. A little about you (and if they already know you, make it even less) 3. A little about the process (even this is relative as they have to see the process in action, not hear about it, to buy into it) 4.Summer schedule 5.Summer practice
It's natural to want to hit them with a lot of info. You might feel like less makes you look unprepared or inadequate. It's not. You're obviously prepared or you wouldn't have been hired.
Many of things you have listed should come through the rapport building process over the next few months.
They are going to forget 80% of what you say anyway. Tell them when to be in the weight room and then work everything else in when you have time.
Congrats on the new gig.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 16, 2016 20:48:29 GMT -6
On the other end, during a down year, a team was getting some "get back" on us. I knew it was coming and took it in stride. He was blatantly chucking it all around late into the game. It was about 35-0 with a few minutes left and his starting QB throws a pick six.
We shook hands after the game and I smiled and told him "a shut out looks much better in the papers, but you got greedy."
He was so mad you would've thought he lost the game.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 16, 2016 20:38:54 GMT -6
I've been on both ends. One night my AD who never interfered with my program comes down on the sideline (during the game) because we were beating the piss out of a certain school. He happened to be very good friends with their AD. He was livid and asked why I wasn't subbing. I pointed out to him that we had significant subs in and the 2's, 3's, and 4's were just playing hard.
We kept it all between the tackles, but he was still hot. I didn't care. Those subs worked just as hard all week and deserved anything that came to them.
After the game, their AD locked us out of the visiting locker room after the game, and our AD made our kids go directly to the bus. Once we got in our AD made us carry the players bags to the bus all by ourselves.
We still didn't give a damn, but I knew I wouldn't be returning to coach for someone who treated/and allowed us to be treated like that.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 3, 2016 21:06:59 GMT -6
1. Only practice 3 days a week in the summer. 2. No two a days. 3. Camp is only 2.5 days 4. No longer restrict long hair or facial hair. 5. No practice on Saturday. 6. Always take labor day off. 7. No minimum GPA, just don't fail. 8. We only do one 7on7 and it is not a tournament. 9. Cut back from 3 to 2 fall scrimmages. 10. No dress code on away games, be appropriate though. I'm all for a more relaxed approach if it equals success. What did you experience?
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 31, 2016 7:32:31 GMT -6
This sounds like me in a sense...I prefer the face to face interaction. I don't have ANY social media. I do text a bit, but I'd rather look a kid in the face.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 30, 2016 13:48:00 GMT -6
I'm sorry, hate to sound like a jerk but our society is becoming a little too touchy feely. They know you care by doing a good job. Coach, I can't argue with you in the sense that our society is getting soft, but I would argue that our profession of coaching football is not. I believe that our fundamental principles of teaching young men to become upstanding grown men are still in place. And with all of the other adversarial issues out there threatening our sporting lifestyle, as long as we stay committed to investing in young people, football will be fine. I ask this question rhetorically, as I truly don't have a clear answer, but I wonder how the coaching greats of the past would weigh in on this subject. Would Vince Lombardi take his phone off the hook when he arrived at home? How would John Wooden deal with guys needing more of his attention off the court? I just recently watched a documentary on basketball coach Dean Smith (UNC). There was much more dialog about the person he was to his players off the court than on it. I understand that times are different, but in many ways, the needs of young men are still the same. To me, the great coaches of the past knew that if they wanted to get the most out of their players, they had to invest in various different ways. Most of those ways involved situations that happened away from school and the field. 9 times out of 10, when they call it will be an inconvenience. But something in me just always wanted to be the guy that they wanted to call. I hope I never loose that.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 30, 2016 13:09:56 GMT -6
I don't get this at all. What are you worried about? Seriously, even at17/18 your former players can look to you for advice which shouldn't be an issue. College & post-college life has a whole different atmosphere of issues that you could help see your players through. I'm in my 40's (I'M A MAN!!!)...and I heed my dad's advice like it was coming from a burning bush. I can only imagine the need for kids who don't have that fatherly figure to lean on. I'm not judging, as everyone is not comfortable in that role. In fact, I would rather have a guy be "straight up" with me about this subject, instead of faking it with kids. However, (I personally) would be building my staff around those that were willing to extend themselves in a way that could meet their needs on and off the field. During my time in the Marines, we had this saying that 'we were Marines 24 hours a day.' I look at the profession of teaching and coaching in the same manner. 24/7...365, family comes first, but I'll make time for my guys.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 24, 2016 9:09:11 GMT -6
I tell kids all the time, the military is not for everyone. I totally understand what Chis is saying.
The kid that I referenced was a junior going into his senior year. I think he was 16 or 17 at the time. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone younger than that.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 23, 2016 15:44:07 GMT -6
Let's see how basic training could POSSIBLY affect a young man... A kid gets shipped off (no mommy/no daddy) A drill instructor constantly telling them they're not the sh!t (like they were back on the block-humility) Up at 5am (actually 4:55 because you saw what happened to the guy who slept in) Bed at 10pm (you were tired enough to go to sleep an hour ago) Running non-stop in between (literally) Stress levels of epic proportions (when it's 4th and short, he doesn't blink) Obstacle courses that have life or death implications (enough said) 5 minutes (maybe) to eat a six course meal (you learn to eat your dessert first-decision making) Firewatch (staying up to watch over their buddies-accountability) Field training (no x-box in the field) Marksmanship (attention to detail and concentration) Extra push ups at night (cause you're not sure if "Jody Boy" is banging your girl, and you might need to lay down an a$$ whooping when you get home-intrinsic motivation) Washing clothes by hand (nothing comes easy) Shining shoes to a spit shine (pride) Close order drill/Marching (until you start shouting commands in your sleep-repetition) Regular physical testing (and the distance you train for may save your life or someone else's-scholarship/smolarship) Graduation (a sense of accomplishment-something earned, not given) If kids could see the end from the beginning, armed services wouldn't need recruiters, and we'd have a lot less 'how to I develop leaders in my program?' threads. LOL! The first guy I looked for was ANYONE named Jody! Those great college teams of the late '40's and early 50's were full of veterans who were going to school on the G.I. Bill. There was not much left to teach about "teamwork". No kidding, Coach. I cuffed up a couple guys just based on bad dreams I had. Ha! One of my favorite athletes of all-time is Ted Williams based on his service record (at the peak of his career) and the life he lived. 39 combat missions in Korea. Few people tell those stories to kids anymore.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 23, 2016 14:45:05 GMT -6
Let's see how basic training could POSSIBLY affect a young man...
A kid gets shipped off (no mommy/no daddy) A drill instructor constantly telling them they're not the sh!t (like they were back on the block-humility) Up at 5am (actually 4:55 because you saw what happened to the guy who slept in) Bed at 10pm (you were tired enough to go to sleep an hour ago) Running non-stop in between (literally) Stress levels of epic proportions (when it's 4th and short, he doesn't blink) Obstacle courses that have life or death implications (enough said) 5 minutes (maybe) to eat a six course meal (you learn to eat your dessert first-decision making) Firewatch (staying up to watch over their buddies-accountability) Field training (no x-box in the field) Marksmanship (attention to detail and concentration) Extra push ups at night (cause you're not sure if "Jody Boy" is banging your girl, and you might need to lay down an a$$ whooping when you get home-intrinsic motivation) Washing clothes by hand (nothing comes easy) Shining shoes to a spit shine (pride) Close order drill/Marching (until you start shouting commands in your sleep-repetition) Regular physical testing (and the distance you train for may save your life or someone else's-scholarship/smolarship) Graduation (a sense of accomplishment-something earned, not given)
If kids could see the end from the beginning, armed services wouldn't need recruiters, and we'd have a lot less 'how to I develop leaders in my program?' threads.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 23, 2016 6:38:46 GMT -6
I've had a couple kids do this. They were in decent shape when they left, but in outstanding shape when they returned. The biggest gain was obviously their mental capacity and toughness.
I wish I could've shipped a few more off to boot camp prior to the season.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 9, 2016 10:16:38 GMT -6
Changing culture starts with establishing relationships. All other things are important, but they won't hold if certain bonds are not it place. My suggestions:
1) Create meaningful team-building events. Don't just gather for the sake of gathering. Make them look forward to the next event you create for them.
2) Make it mandatory for coaches to reach out to players off the field and form a bond with their position group, or a group designated by the staff or HC. (Lot's of different ways to do this, but don't rely on social media exclusively)
3) Formulate parent involvement. I truly believe that the strongest, perennially winning programs have some base of parent support.
4) Find a way to include the administration. Again, lot's of ways to do this. Personally, I'm not close with my admin, but I threw them all a t-shirt and they were happy as hell. It bought me some good-will and support when an issue arose within my program this past season.
A lot of things stated above are fodder for us to vent/bitch about, but they are also some of the factors that can impact the building or dismantling of a culture.
However you choose to change/challenge the culture in your program, don't forget to develop rapport with your players, and branch out from there.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Feb 27, 2016 9:29:56 GMT -6
We've done that before. We did it by way of a silent auction. We also signed an older jersey as well. That was pretty good too. I would also take a rejected helmet, buff it out, and have the kids sign that as well. The helmet was the biggest seller.
I think raffle or auction work either way.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Feb 11, 2016 9:20:50 GMT -6
Coach-Just need a little insight on a "commitment score." These are verbal commitments I take it? I assume you're just trying to gauge who is in/out for the Fall.
A few years back, I had two QB's who were competing for the starting spots. They were both big into baseball and played through the spring AND summer.
Long story short, they worked out a schedule of when they could be at football, and I knew every date when they were playing baseball.
I knew they were committed kids. Would I have liked to have seen them more? Of course. But like many other responses to threads we read here, I just worked with the kids who were there and rolled with the punches. I don't think it affected our play once the season rolled around.
BTW, one of those kids made it to the minors.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Feb 10, 2016 11:25:31 GMT -6
Funny stuff...
I would just say, keep it short and sweet. During time time you're talking, they're thinking about your possible replacements anyway.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Jan 25, 2016 17:51:52 GMT -6
Well done.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Jan 15, 2016 11:32:03 GMT -6
because these normally don't stay up long on ESPN, here is a capture of the Coaches Room No Matt Millen this year, but still bonehead Spielman As soon as I saw Spielman, I turned the channel. I can't put my finger on it. I don't know what it is about him that I can't sit and listen to.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Dec 3, 2015 8:21:05 GMT -6
I had a positive experience in college where our coach let the seniors speak. I always tried to let that happen if I had the right group of kids.
One time I let the position coaches speak on their players. It was a riot. I didn't realize how closely the coaches watched their kids on and off the field. Good (clean) stories came from that night.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 6, 2015 17:34:02 GMT -6
I hired a D-cord who was breaking down film with me one night and he said, "Coach they're ridin' dirty." I said WTF does that mean? He said it was a QB who couldn't throw...
Who knew.
Shovel pass vs. Shuffle pass drives me absolutely nuts... Hook and lateral vs. Hook and ladder is also a touchy subject...
I also get a little annoyed with all the titles defensive coaches give their strong safety: Spur, Monster, Rover, Robber...enough already.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 5, 2015 19:40:21 GMT -6
Defense. The offense can score as much as they like, as long as they score less than you.
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