Post by kr7263 on Nov 26, 2008 7:41:43 GMT -6
This is my second year (1-17 record) at a rebuilding project. My school is on the 5th year of academic probation (less than 45% at reading/math/science proficiency), 33% free/reduced lunch, 82% graduation, 6% dropout, 84% attendance, you get the picture. 6 years ago the team had 3 consecutive winning seasons, after that year the school moved up to one of the top conferences in the state - 5 schools in the top 10 academically (average act 25+) economically (better facilities, per pupil spending, ave home, ave home income) & community, parent, school involvement (all 5 have field turf, separate football facilities, 8+ coaches at each level, separate video staff etc) & winning traditions - 3 state champs last 5 years, 7 of 9 opponents on our schedule playoff teams, at least 2 go deep every year, 3 teams in our conf. have not had a loosing season in 20+ years.
I have cleaned up discipline, academics, off-season commitment, coaching staff etc. I have done everything the right way and have not compromised.
Problem: Since moving to the conference EVERYONE - school, teachers, administrators, coaches, media uses it as an excuse. We lost 6 games this year when we lead going into the 4th sometimes by 2 scores. The kids seem to fall apart late in the game as soon as something goes wrong. One missed tackle, one turnover, one big play and its over. We've tried everything to combat this feeling of "we can't compete in this conference because.." and when we loose the game its always "well you gave it a good try but you know you can't compete in this conference because.." How can we instill that pride and winning habit when everyone around us has low expectations and it rubs off on the kids?
I have cleaned up discipline, academics, off-season commitment, coaching staff etc. I have done everything the right way and have not compromised.
Problem: Since moving to the conference EVERYONE - school, teachers, administrators, coaches, media uses it as an excuse. We lost 6 games this year when we lead going into the 4th sometimes by 2 scores. The kids seem to fall apart late in the game as soon as something goes wrong. One missed tackle, one turnover, one big play and its over. We've tried everything to combat this feeling of "we can't compete in this conference because.." and when we loose the game its always "well you gave it a good try but you know you can't compete in this conference because.." How can we instill that pride and winning habit when everyone around us has low expectations and it rubs off on the kids?
