In the spring of 1977, I signed a coaching/teaching contract with Jacksonville School District 117. Among the numerous understandings, I was granted the opportunity to personally recommend three assistant coaches for employment. Ken Hickman, who was on my Edwardsville staff, came with me to Jacksonville. John Conklin had played for me in the mid1960's at Mason City, Illinois. John agreed to join the Crimsons staff as varsity assistant. The last spot was significant to and beyond the boys' basketball program. After conversations with District administrators it was agreed that our basketball program, school district and community would be well served through the hiring of a black coach-teacher.
My coaching reality nudged me to acquire a black coach on staff for the positive statement it made to the 110 black students mixed into a high school population of 1200 students. I needed that individual of character who served as the 'role model' while diffusing the perception within the black community that 'our kids' don't get a chance. I needed that individual to serve as a subliminal recruitment tool.
My choice had a history. While coaching at Edwardsville high school, I had the opportunity to observe the nearby SIUE basketball program. I recalled a young black player who impressed me with his approach and the gentlemanly manner demonstrated. Sam Holmes was my guy.
All of the assistant coaches on my staff during the twenty-one years that I was responsible for JHS basketball will undoubtedly tell you that they felt access and 'ownership' to our program. Oh, by the way, in a community of approximately 7% black, my Crimsons basketball teams were comprised of nearly 40% black players...our JHS basketball program made giant strides.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Just Looking For Support
One bit of consultant work I have done for the past 13-years is with the Decatur School District as coordinator of a Thanksgiving boys' basketball invitational tournament. This tournament is one of Illinois' best prep basketball showcases. Over seventy Division I players have played in this tournament and consider the fact that last year's NBA Champions, Golden State 'Warriors' had two players, Andre' Iguodala and Shawn Livingston on its team, both of whom were former MVP athletes in this Decatur Tourney.
This 46-year running event is a costly proposition. Team guarantees approach $20,000.00, then tag on security, game management/officials, corporate perks, etc. and the total monetary amount needed to be raised is approximately $32,000.00. Nevertheless, we realize a profit each year.
It would be easier if it was permissible to accept beer-distributors' sponsorship-donations, however that is a public school no-no. That said, the school's accept ads from other grocery store-outlets, which sell beer and liquor. I believe a partnership could be formed especially with educational-targeted messages for the high school age student. Beer distributors and school districts could form an alliance to drive one profound educational effort regarding legality issues, drinking and driving and general risks. That plea falls on deaf ears.
Of course, our society will televise the post-game MLB playoff celebrations showing abusive alcohol behavior; even a player's young son pouring campaign into the mouth of his father. We Americans talk out of both sides of our mouth!
This 46-year running event is a costly proposition. Team guarantees approach $20,000.00, then tag on security, game management/officials, corporate perks, etc. and the total monetary amount needed to be raised is approximately $32,000.00. Nevertheless, we realize a profit each year.
It would be easier if it was permissible to accept beer-distributors' sponsorship-donations, however that is a public school no-no. That said, the school's accept ads from other grocery store-outlets, which sell beer and liquor. I believe a partnership could be formed especially with educational-targeted messages for the high school age student. Beer distributors and school districts could form an alliance to drive one profound educational effort regarding legality issues, drinking and driving and general risks. That plea falls on deaf ears.
Of course, our society will televise the post-game MLB playoff celebrations showing abusive alcohol behavior; even a player's young son pouring campaign into the mouth of his father. We Americans talk out of both sides of our mouth!
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
'The Cardinal Way'
Okay, Cardinals Nation. You folks are so quick to buy into St. Louis ownership's annual summer Kool Aid drinking ritual...put this in your memory bank for a 2016 reference. The Cardinals will not re-sign Jason Heyward. The company line will be...Piscotty at first base, Pham in centerfield, Holiday in left field and Grichuk in right field. Fourth outfielder will be Jay.
We are committed to Holiday's contract. The others (Piscotty, Grichuk, Pham and Jay) are the cheapest way to go. Never mind that Heyward and Carpenter are your two best hitters. Never mind that Heyward is among the top four defensive outfielders in all of baseball. Never mind that Heyward is your best base runner. And for good measure, never mind that Heyward has one of the best batting averages against the best pitcher in the National League Central Division...that pitcher is Jake Arrieta.
Mark it on your calendar...first day of spring training no Jason Heyward wearing the Birds on the Bat.
We are committed to Holiday's contract. The others (Piscotty, Grichuk, Pham and Jay) are the cheapest way to go. Never mind that Heyward and Carpenter are your two best hitters. Never mind that Heyward is among the top four defensive outfielders in all of baseball. Never mind that Heyward is your best base runner. And for good measure, never mind that Heyward has one of the best batting averages against the best pitcher in the National League Central Division...that pitcher is Jake Arrieta.
Mark it on your calendar...first day of spring training no Jason Heyward wearing the Birds on the Bat.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Special Angels
Yesterday afternoon, I was sitting on the backyard swing pondering the ways of the world when I thought about the concept of Heavenly Guadian Angels. Many people embrace the notion of having those Heavenly Angels looking over them.
I hear many people claim that their greatest mission on earth is parenting their children. I hear folks offer children as their greatest blessings. The thought occurred to me that childless folks may appear to be left out of this great parenting blessing. Ah, but that's not the case at all. They are often those 'earthly' guardian angels. Whereas they did not have children of their own they often find themselves at the smorgasbord table of endless possibilities to nurture several nieces and nephews.
My own journey found aunts and uncles with boundless energies to assist in that abstract idea of a village raising a child. These childless Aunts and Uncles stood alongside grandparents supporting the parents in nurturing the children.
My paternal Aunt Verla and Uncle Paul along with maternal Aunt Kate and Uncle Bud were more than cheer leaders for my brothers and me. They were hands on and significant 'parts' of family gatherings, celebrations and mentoring moments. Yep, they were guardian angels, which shaped my earthly journey.
When I left the swing late yesterday, I realized that summer is drawing to a close. This means less swing time. Consequently, my thoughts will be less profound. The furnace heat tends to dull my mind.
I hear many people claim that their greatest mission on earth is parenting their children. I hear folks offer children as their greatest blessings. The thought occurred to me that childless folks may appear to be left out of this great parenting blessing. Ah, but that's not the case at all. They are often those 'earthly' guardian angels. Whereas they did not have children of their own they often find themselves at the smorgasbord table of endless possibilities to nurture several nieces and nephews.
My own journey found aunts and uncles with boundless energies to assist in that abstract idea of a village raising a child. These childless Aunts and Uncles stood alongside grandparents supporting the parents in nurturing the children.
My paternal Aunt Verla and Uncle Paul along with maternal Aunt Kate and Uncle Bud were more than cheer leaders for my brothers and me. They were hands on and significant 'parts' of family gatherings, celebrations and mentoring moments. Yep, they were guardian angels, which shaped my earthly journey.
When I left the swing late yesterday, I realized that summer is drawing to a close. This means less swing time. Consequently, my thoughts will be less profound. The furnace heat tends to dull my mind.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
OMG
My youngest daughter telephoned to direct my attention to an editorial in her local newspaper, which she thought I'd enjoy. After the read, I can state that I did enjoy and I was enlightened.
I did not know there are 'playground counsultants' and 'recess consultants.' When I was attending Charles L. Manners' Grade School (1947) in East St. Louis, we never had recess or playground consultants. As I recall, Eddie Gigilotto was playground/recess boss. Eddie was the toughest kid in the entire school therefore Eddie made ALL all recess/playground rules & decisions. Things went smoothly.
Today's recess/playground consultants are making changes in the informal and formal youth sports' play culture. Consider the following changes: Many youth sports' programs give trophies for just participating. Some leagues do not keep game scores thus there are no declared winners or losers. These consultants have put an end to the dodge-ball activity because it's very design is intentionally hitting players with a thrown ball, a form of bullying. Football participation seems to be on the decline due to the escalated fears of concussions, something that evidently did not happen back in the day when players wore leather helmets.
The latest push by recess consultants is to do away with playground 'tag.' It appears that causing some youngster to be 'IT' potentially damages the youngsters psyche. Oh, look for next summer's youth baseball leagues to do away with calling a player 'OUT.' When a player fails to reach base safely it is best to say, "Nice try."
When I was attending public schools, I would have loved a 'grade-evaluation consultant' who would insist that all us kids should receive 'A' grades in all subjects. That's what American families really need to insulate our precious little ones from psychological hurt.
I did not know there are 'playground counsultants' and 'recess consultants.' When I was attending Charles L. Manners' Grade School (1947) in East St. Louis, we never had recess or playground consultants. As I recall, Eddie Gigilotto was playground/recess boss. Eddie was the toughest kid in the entire school therefore Eddie made ALL all recess/playground rules & decisions. Things went smoothly.
Today's recess/playground consultants are making changes in the informal and formal youth sports' play culture. Consider the following changes: Many youth sports' programs give trophies for just participating. Some leagues do not keep game scores thus there are no declared winners or losers. These consultants have put an end to the dodge-ball activity because it's very design is intentionally hitting players with a thrown ball, a form of bullying. Football participation seems to be on the decline due to the escalated fears of concussions, something that evidently did not happen back in the day when players wore leather helmets.
The latest push by recess consultants is to do away with playground 'tag.' It appears that causing some youngster to be 'IT' potentially damages the youngsters psyche. Oh, look for next summer's youth baseball leagues to do away with calling a player 'OUT.' When a player fails to reach base safely it is best to say, "Nice try."
When I was attending public schools, I would have loved a 'grade-evaluation consultant' who would insist that all us kids should receive 'A' grades in all subjects. That's what American families really need to insulate our precious little ones from psychological hurt.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Presidential Material ?
I would not wish to compare my academic past to that of Dr. Ben Carson's. Comparing a basketball coach to a neurosurgeon is like comparing Tiny Tim's voice to that of Andea Bocelli. That said, the more I hear GOP Presidential candidate Carson speak off the cuff the more I think he is best suited in a surgical mask (muffling his comments) and letting his skilled hands do the talking.
Let's cut Right to the case ! If anyone began listing high-priority issues facing our nation the list would look something like this in no particular order: terrorists, economy (jobs), health care, education, race relations, environment and military strength.
Recently, Carson said and I paraphrase, 'When I'm asked why I don't talk about race it's because I'm a neurosurgeon.' The tell me Boastful Ben: Why would you then talk about the economy, jobs and poverty since you are obviously wealthy? Your frayed common sense is showing. However, you did show honesty when you shared the personal experience when a hold up man pointed a gun at you and you explained to the potential killer that it was the young fella behind the cash register he needed to point the weapon towards.
And you have balls to suggest what those Oregon community college shooting victims should have done facing a gunman...Shame on you!
Let's cut Right to the case ! If anyone began listing high-priority issues facing our nation the list would look something like this in no particular order: terrorists, economy (jobs), health care, education, race relations, environment and military strength.
Recently, Carson said and I paraphrase, 'When I'm asked why I don't talk about race it's because I'm a neurosurgeon.' The tell me Boastful Ben: Why would you then talk about the economy, jobs and poverty since you are obviously wealthy? Your frayed common sense is showing. However, you did show honesty when you shared the personal experience when a hold up man pointed a gun at you and you explained to the potential killer that it was the young fella behind the cash register he needed to point the weapon towards.
And you have balls to suggest what those Oregon community college shooting victims should have done facing a gunman...Shame on you!
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Wish I Was A Cubs' Fan
My 18 year old Chicago-Northwest Suburb grandson text me after the Cubs' playoff win over the Pirates last night. Through his typed words you could hear and feel his enthusiastic jubilation. As millions of others across this nation he is a Chicago Cubs' die-hard fan. Their long wait to bathe in World Series' waters suddenly seems truly possible with a young and talented team.
One of his text messages to his Cardinals-rooting grandfather read: "I've been waiting for this for eighteen years." God bless him, that is his lifetime. However, I had to tell him that considering no World Series winner for Cubbies fans since 1908, that meant some fans died waiting.
Upon completion of our text exchanges, I lay in bed thinking about the scenario of the upcoming five game playoff series between my grandson's Cubs and my Redbirds. It occurs to me that at the moment it is more fun being a Cub fan than a Cardinals fan. Let me explain. Keep in mind the old saying: "Life is a journey not a destination."
This 76 year old Cardinals fan is somewhat conditioned to his team winning...getting in the playoffs...advancing deep in the playoffs and yes...winning the BIG prize. With that experience, I have unintentionally developed high personal standards of fan expectations. You see, I won't be happy unless my team is 'in' the World Series. That's when I will feel the joy that my grandson is feeling for his Cubs. This attitude is unfair to Cardinals' players and myself and really, not much fun.
The ride is always better than the arrival. Success is living in a truly joyful state and that 'living' is in the journey. One cannot argue the fact: It's a good time to travel in Cubbies' 'Blue.'
One of his text messages to his Cardinals-rooting grandfather read: "I've been waiting for this for eighteen years." God bless him, that is his lifetime. However, I had to tell him that considering no World Series winner for Cubbies fans since 1908, that meant some fans died waiting.
Upon completion of our text exchanges, I lay in bed thinking about the scenario of the upcoming five game playoff series between my grandson's Cubs and my Redbirds. It occurs to me that at the moment it is more fun being a Cub fan than a Cardinals fan. Let me explain. Keep in mind the old saying: "Life is a journey not a destination."
This 76 year old Cardinals fan is somewhat conditioned to his team winning...getting in the playoffs...advancing deep in the playoffs and yes...winning the BIG prize. With that experience, I have unintentionally developed high personal standards of fan expectations. You see, I won't be happy unless my team is 'in' the World Series. That's when I will feel the joy that my grandson is feeling for his Cubs. This attitude is unfair to Cardinals' players and myself and really, not much fun.
The ride is always better than the arrival. Success is living in a truly joyful state and that 'living' is in the journey. One cannot argue the fact: It's a good time to travel in Cubbies' 'Blue.'
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