soft/basketballmom

Please add Chesnie Cox, 2b, from Unaka, Elizabethton, Tn--Signed with Lincoln Memorial University

Thanks!!! DrEnuf, I was feeling soooo... Blue, I just had a birthday and I sure do wish I could be 16 again, but I am not. RangerChik is certainly 16 and NO one knows it better than soft/basketballmom. So, I am not one of the players, NEVER was, and have lost no sleep over it either, so in that being said, she is not living my dreams. But, my daughter, on the other hand, was a player, and quitting has been her decision, but I completely stand behind her. If you go back and read her post, the post should tell you she is certainly able to think for herself!!!!! She makes me proud to say she is my daughter, I will miss watching her play basketball, but I will NOT miss all the drama from this past seaon. Now, I think that should be ENOUGH of the UNAKA stuff on the Cyclone site. Good Luck to Elizabethton and Happy Valley on whatever their season holds.

Chelsea Burem and her younger brother Zackary's father passed away June 18th. Chelsea played Unaka Lady Ranger Basketball last season. Please remember this family in your prayers!

Trustworthy, I must admit Bruce Pearl has had larger crowds, than Lady Vols, but according to the records on the offical VOL SITE, before Pearl, in Jan. 1989, crowds were at a record high of approx. 25,600. Since, they had declined to present time, 2007-2008, of approx. 20,000, with a Pearl record of 22,300 in Jan 09. Now, with that being said, the LADY VOLS on the other hand, began in 1990-1991 with record attendance of less than 5,000, but to present date they are hosting crowds of no less than approx. 16,000, with record attendance of 24,000 or better, giving them an increase of at least 11,000. So now to say that the remodeling was done because of men's basketball would be, well, your opinion. All that, just to say this, TRUE UNAKA FANS, get the facts, from the root of the sources, and not at a barbershop. There are always two sides to EVERY story, and yes, Wes has his as well, ( I AM SURE), but so do these young ladies. Most people probably do not know, they tried to the best of their ability to solve this situation, someone ask did they talk to their Principal, YES, they did, own their own, after the fact the parents found out. I have been told, by one of the girls that she has tried to make an appointment to talk to MR. WILLIAMS, but got NO response back from him. This, at first, may have been to some degree about Coach Chambers, he was THEIR coach. For some of the girls, not only in basketball, but 2 to 3 years of Jr. High Softball as well. They liked him and respected him. Now, i am NOT blind to the fact, everyone did not like him, HELLO!! there were lots of people who wanted him out, people who had kids who had played for him or people who did not have kids. I, myself, wasn't always pleased, but as my daughter said to me often you don't play I do (with disrespect NOT intended) but I would not have wanted him fired, but if here in the real world you get rid of someone on the job, you at least have someone who can do as good of job or better than, NEVER WORSE THAN. Unless its girls sports!!! When they have to change coachs from elementary ball to high school ball it is an adjustment, but, they know that elementary ship has sailed and must move forward. Just like shortly, after the dismissal of Coach Chambers they realized he was gone and would NOT be back. THE SHIP SAILED!!!! And this is far more about what they dealt with during THEIR season with Coach Wright. As a previous coach said to me recently, if its one or two players making a deal about something then you don't think so much about it, but when its all of your VARSITY players then there is a problem.. These are not bad grade students, trouble making students, these young ladies make mostly ALL A's, to my knowledge they are all active in their churches and youth groups, (and NO they does not make them perfect either or anyone else for that matter) they have decent reputations, they all are planning to go to college. They ARE NOT TROUBLE MAKERS!!! So, yes, Screenandroll you are right, they have been hurt by all this mess, if they don't play anymore high school basketball, they will get over it, why? because as we know as adults, life goes on, will they forget? NEVER, they will ALWAYS REMEMBER and realize eventually what roll their school leaders played in this, and so will the young ladies that played this past season. WHAT A MEMORY!!! You also, ask Krich a question, did Coach Chambers encourage the girls to play? I know for certain he did my daughter, she was already off to a ruff start, she had had heart surgery and missed some time and became discouraged, she wanted to QUIT, and he told her she needed to hang in there, she needed to be playing, he knew her potential as he did the others as well. He encouraged them to stick together and play. (just a thought, if she had of quit, Mr. Trustworthy, you could have posted on the Bowling Transfer post about her being a new recruit, as well, instead of her being one of the "all Americans of Unaka". Another thing, TRUE UNAKA FANS don't put off on their own.

Well, I really couldn't either(on forming my own team). LOL This really is about these girls wanting to play basketball, but when they say they can't for Wes, then that's enough for me and I would guess the others parents as well. To be perfectly honest, I have really been thinking about how nice a Myrtle Beach trip would be at Thanksgiving, LOL, when your kid plays ball if you don't know that is out of the question. TOURNAMENTS!!! FORGET THE HOLIDAYS AND FAMILY!!! So at least for us it is about putting our kids well being first and being there for support. Playing ball or not!!! #2 I think I could answer your question but I won't. And the other answer, "Coach" Wright was out of there (maybe he had poop in his pants) LOL My husband is pretty slow to anger, but you know what they say opposites attract. LOL

I also said UP UNTIL THIS PAST SEASON and DID NOT say ONLY!!! How do I get my facts, read all the post, Unaka girls have had to be a good program or people would not remember past seasons. And yes, we do have a big family, but most of these other girls do also, and alot of people do come to watch the girls. Nothing towards the boys, but there are more girls who have parents who show up and attend ballgames, even away for that matter than the boys. But, you know so much about the situation, apparently even the Chambers situation, never have got a straight answer on that, just a whole lot of beating around the bush, however, you must have forgot what it was like season before last for the boys team. People left and didn't stay and watch, why? bad seaon, not their fault, but I am NOT saying it was Coach Snavely either, he is a swell person, but no one was blaming the boys or their parents the way they have the girls and their parents. All we have heard is how wrong the girls are, what bad parents they have, and "The Coach" Wes Wright, the Knight in Shining Armor, what a bad time he has got from these girls and their parents. And yes, the STAR and the PRESS write more about boys in all sports for all schools than they do for the girls. And another fact, I have been to both, mens and womens sports at UT, and there are just as many or more people who attend LADY VOL BASKETBALL GAMES, and have heard the name PAT SUMMITT than you probably would want to believe. Hate to bust your bubble, but life is not all about BOYS. And one more thing, don't know if anyone else has noticed or not, but it is funny how so many people know all about this ordeal, but later, can make another post and not know anything about what is going on.

What part of did NOT chase him out to the car did you NOT understand, he went out behind him and ask him(WES) to come in and talk to us about the situation. But as I said NOT once, NOT twice, but THREE (3) times now, he (WES) ran like a scalded dog. If you are the coach, and you are not ADULT ENOUGH to talk to the parents of the players, about whatever they want to talk to you about with reasoning as adults then you don't need to be coach. And that does not apply to just WES alone. Giving birth does not give me (or any other mothers for that matter) right to be involved on the ball court(that's what the refs get paid for), but it does give me the RIGHT to have a say in how my child (or any other child) is being treated if it is without respect. And thanks for the vote of confidence, maybe I will form my own team, should already have at least 5 or 6 players. LOL

Once again, facts NOT straight!!! Coach Wright, as you call him, came to a boosters meeting and yes he brought his wife and child with him, I don't know if that is a common practice for a coach or not, it was a first for us(parents). We were taking care of our business, when he (Wright) said he wanted to say something, and he did, he commented he no longer had need for the parents, or the boosters club, that HE was disbanding it and he and his mother-in-law would be taking over the fundraising. Well, you surely might, or might not, understand why these redneck parents that YOU have called us may be a tad bit upset. HE fired the parents of the girls who were playing for him, but You said it "in order to gain respect, you must give respect". He said his say, but when he was ask questions, as I stated in MY previous posts he ran like a scalded dog, yes, it was MY husband who went out the door, and NO NOT CHASED HIM OUT, but ask him to put the BIG BOY pants on and come back in and talk to US (REDNECKS as YOU have called us) like ADULTS!!! Now, yes this is on video, but remember, a video without the sound of words can say a million things, it can even get rid of someone if thats what someone wants it to say. And, also FYI, several of these girls that are NO longer playing ball, their parents(NOT THERE) (I am a UNAKA graduate) graduated from ELIZABETHON, my husband for one, does that excuse them from being a REDNECK MR E-TOWN 06??!!! And personally, I really don't care what his buns look like. And one more thing, he had parental support, but he didn't want it, and I do KNOW for a FACT that parents did try to talk to him and he didn't care what anyone had to say. And while HE was still in diapers, I was being taught and old saying "WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND". As you have pointed out, he has a child and he won't like it either when what is going on with his kid someone makes the STUPID remark "thats not your business", well let me tell you and whoever else, when you have laid in labor for 26 1/2 hours (and had your own child) then YOU or whoever can tell me how protective or how much say I have with what goes on and how it effects MY DAUGHTER(S). And with that being said it will take more than some coach to make me POOP in My Pants as YOU put it.

First, most of these post are by the girls themselves. Secondly, this is NOT sbout playing time and NEVER has been. Thirdly, the girls that turned in their uniforms were ALL the in coming Seniors and Juniors. #4, We are not slinging mud at anyone else's program or their girls here, so PLEASE don't do the same to OUR daughters, they have had enough of that. #5, We do not throw things at or near our daughters to get their attention, so as parents we certainly would NOT use them as pawns to get our way (would U?). #6, Mr. Wright is going to "Coach" the Unaka girls this year, but where that leaves the program who knows, these girls DID NOT make the adult decision that was dealt them last year, so for EVERYONE'S record they have made a stand and the parents SUPPORT THEM, not the other way around. #7, Yes, there were parents and others who wanted rid of Coach Chambers, and no these girls parents did not agree with everything he did as with any other coach that your child may have at whatever level, but I can assure U and everyone else, these parents had NO part in running off Coach Chambers.

I don't know what grapevine you have been listening to but you DID NOT get your information correct!!!!! My daughter does play both sports or did and she is not the only one, but the softball problems had nothing to do with either of these two girls or their (and not there) parents. Coach Wright did NO house cleaning or coaching either for that matter, and maybe, in a sense with the talent HE had, and I don't know what planet you have been on legend, but the GIRLS SPORTS PROGRAM are the reason most people come to games or up until this past season. But as we know, it is the GIRLS, and they don't really matter after all do they (and I will throw in for free the GIRLS SOFTBALL program is one of the best around). Now for myself and the parents of the other players who are no longer playing basketball we are tired of being mouth assaulted for only thinking of the best interest of MY/our daughter(S). These are some of the BEST PARENTS around and have always been supportive of whatever or whoever our daughters have played for. And as far as legendarywright goes, parents did try to talk to him, but you CANNOT talk to someone who runs like a scalded dog all the time. And NO we did not sign them up for ballet lessons and we DO NOT talk to them like babies, but I am sure by now most of us wish we had kept them in dance lessons, and we expect them to be talked to with respect and if a coach can't control his/her temper enough (who by the way is to be a role model) to talk to them with some order then they need to GET OUT. Legendarywright sounds a little full of himself, as to Experience, Legend, in is own mind, maybe, but his experience at coaching ballet may be a little more appropriate for him, at least, thats what I hear through the "coachs" grapevine. But, We should all stick to the facts that we know for certain, then again, records do speak for their self.

Thoughts and prayers from Unaka Lady Ranger Chesnie Cox family. This happen to her 5 years ago, she was very lucky! Prayers for this young athlete and his parents. God Bless!

What an excellent post!!! My hat is off to you. I, myself, am so sick of everyone else that don't agree with being a Christian think they are the only ones who have rights, and think they also have the right to tell us as Christians what they think our rights are. I have the right to believe that there is only ONE TRUE AND LIVING GOD, I also have the right to teach my daughters the same thing as well. My oldest had heart surgery 4 months ago, I could not image what it would have been like sitting in the waiting room while her Doctor operated on her without being able to exercise my right to pray. Also, when I sit in the stands, watching her play basketball and her grasp for breath during a game after the Doctor 's release. Now, whoever others pray to and how they chose to live is their right, but WHO I pray to and worship is my right. I chose to believe there is God, the Supreme Being, I prefer not to gamble in not believing in God and not being a Christian. Christians! WE need now more than ever to stand for our rights!!!

zaZa90, I mean this in no way smart toward you, but I have found NO humor in this long-over due to be over basketball season. It has been heart breaking and very disappointing for most all the girls and their parents as well. I can only image how it would feel to put 3 years of Elementary ball time and practice in and then 3 more years in in high school, and come to the last year and it turn out this way. A time that's suppose to be the time of their life and they can never go back to this place and time and always wonder what would of been. But, when we adults, and that's not just ONE person, but ALL of us do something really stupid, it is our children who pay the biggest price. As a very WISE MAN use to say to me and my sisters THIS TO SHALL PASS. And YES IT SHALL!!! As for the answer to your question--Coach Chambers has been at the games supporting the Lady Rangers!

Thoughts and PRAYERS from Unaka High "Ranger Country" in Elizabethton (Stoney Creek). May GOD put his loving arms around these families and students affected by this terrible accident. So very Sorry!!! God bless all of you.

Krich, do you know what years that Larry Bowling coached the Lady Rangers? Just curious!

Chesnie is doing really great. She went back to the doctor yesterday and she was released to give basketball all she's got, so yesterday was her first full practice day. The doctor's had her on restricted practice, which was allowing her to shoot only. Her dad and I would like to Thank everyone for all your prayers and thoughts and calls, GOD allowed her a good surgery and a fast recovery. Again, Thanks everyone for remembering Chesnie!!!

Larry is : Coach Larry Bowling, he is Coach Wes Wright's assistant this year at Unaka High (girls team). And may I add, a very likeable guy.

My daughter plays on the UHS Lady Ranger team as well, I ask her about this letter from TSSAA, which was suppose to be read to the ENTIRE TEAM, and she knew nothing of it. Was this for just a few ears only?! I DO NOT condone cheating of whatever kind, (so who was cheating and how?) and I DO think we should ALL set a good example for our children. That is why in the spring, after the last season was over, if there was to be something done about the coaching situation, it should have been done then. But according to everyone, it is all about the KIDS!!! Not so in CARTER COUNTY!! If the "OFFICIALS" really had our girls at heart they would have waited until THIS SEASON was OVER. They had already been to ball camps and begin their conditioning with Coach Chambers. Just exactly what was 4 or 5 more months. REALLY. But ONLY in CARTER COUNTY would a "FEW" decided to change the course of the river half way up stream!!! TELSEA, I personally am with you, I think it is way past time for changes in OUR school system. I believe we should have a say in who runs the show and go back to a VOTED position. TELSEA, Maybe YOU should really put some thought into becoming a School Board Member. And let us not be selfish, but let us ALL pray for each other and our team.

Krich, Thanks so much for your concern and prayers for Chesnie. Recently, we learned she was born with a PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus), which is a condition where a blood vessel fails to close after birth. The condition leads to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. You can read ( and probably understand it, better than me trying to explain) at Mayoclinic.com. The up side is God is ALWAYS in control!!! Had it not been that my Dad had a heart disease (Hypertrophic Cardiomopathy) we probably may have never found this out and that could have been bad for her later. Again, thanks for thinking of her and keeping her in your prayers. She is scheduled for surgery at 8:30, Wednesday morning at Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem.

Unfortunely, they lost!!! This is always sad for all the players involved, but especially for the Seniors when they realize this is the end of many good ball playin' memories. Good Luck to whoever is left in Carter County still competing for the State Title. ALWAYS A RANGER FAN!!!!

My heart and prayers go out to this family! My Dad left this world for a better place 5 1/2 years ago, he had eye surgery on Friday, and on Sunday while at church he past away instantly. The paramedics worked hopelessly for along time on him but there was nothing they could do. My Mom ask for an autopsy, afew weeks later we learned my Dad had Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, since then my sisters and myself and our children have been tested for this disease. According to my MD this is a diease that is genetic and if there are direct line relatives of someone who has been diagnosis with HCM they should be screened regularly. I would like to say to this young ladys family and anyone else that's lost someone from HCM I blamed myself for along time "Why didn't I make my Dad have a more detailed check-up?" but you can only learn from something like this, only God knows the whys, in my familys case that maybe it may make a difference for my daughters, nieces and nephews that play sports and in the lives of me and my sisters. Chest pain should never be over-looked in anyone, and not taken lightly, even in children and teens. Also, a regular phyiscal or sports check-up won't show HCM, this is detected by an ultra-sound of the heart area. Again, my prayers are with this family. God Bless!!!

Well, I am sorry you have been so misinformed. The only coach on this road coaches in Georgia and I sure don't know of any other coaches on the other 2 roads as well. Furthermore, it does not matter to me who goes or who stays, I have found that in playing ball of any kind the parents or at least most of us have very little say or none at all, good or bad. I go to the games to support my daughter(s) and to do whatever I can to support her(s) team and that really has nothing to do with whoever the coach is, was, or wants to be.

BIZZLE Maybe you would like to clear up just exactly what you do mean by the "Hurley Hollow" "Hodge Branch" and "BLUE HOLE ROAD (which by the way is PANHANDLE ROAD)" committee, especially since I live on blue hole road.

Unaka plays Cloudland tomorrow night at Lander Land. GO LADY RANGERS!!!

Krich, what game will you be covering tonight ? Also, do you know what games will be covered by radio in the near future?