BigDog7

Someone asked how many finals for CBHS. This is the fifth in a row and six out of the last seven. Of those six, they have won one. As a die-hard Brothers fan, I'm pulling hard for them to go all the way this year. Of the five final losses, two have been to Father Ryan, so don't look for them to be intimidated. Congrats to both teams for getting there, but Go Brothers!!

In the Battle for LeBonheur charity games in Memphis on Tuesday night: Collierville and MUS tied 1-1 in crazy wind conditions. Nightcap was CBHS over White Station 2-0 in the crazy rain that followed the wind. In the end, the winners were once again the kids at LeBonheur Children's Hospital and the John Talley Neurological Cancer Research Fund. Thanks to all four of those teams and the players and coaches for being a part of something much bigger and more important than soccer! /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />

Ned, I was also at the game, although my last one graduated from CBHS last year. I want to pass along an observation on Maryville's coach. Late in the game, a Maryville player bumped a CBHS player on the far side near the sideline. It was nothing major, no dirty play, but the CBHS player ended up down on the track surface. I could hear M'ville's coach admonishing his player that there was no reason for anybody to get hurt and to knock it off, in so many words. That was a class act! I don't know your coach's name, but I really appreciated his sportsmanship and concern for the players early in the season. Best of luck this year! /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />

CBHS 2 Hendersonville 0

I just noticed on CBHS website that CBHS and Hendersonville play on 3/20 at CBHS. Should be a great match and provide some interesting early season results.

Never viewed it as boo-hooing, not at all. Just wanted to let good coaches know they do make a difference, and it is appreciated by good parents. I'd make a side bet that the "urinators", if not already, will be working for your kids someday!

Amen to that!! Been on both sides of the same statement . . .

Dins8, I think it depends upon your definition of winning. If it's the score of a single game, or championship and in the context of the original question, I think we're all agreed on speed, technical ability, and more speed. I like to think of the definition of winning more along the lines of John Wooden's. He defined it as every player getting the most out of his ability every time down the court. That is a very tall order, but he said if you do that, the W's and L's will take care of themselves. That requires G's 10. I also define the game as not ending at the end of a high school or college career, it's when we all have to make that final accounting. It sounds like you are a coach, so please know I respect and appreciate the value of your's and G's profession. You are a key figure in the lives of young men when they don't necessarily believe or want to hear from their parents! I encourage you to always tell your kids they can beat the powerhouses, but to also challenge their definition of winning. During my playing days (not in soccer, we didn't even know what that was), we never got out of the county playoffs, and I've been on the wrong end of some major a-whippings. But, I was also involved in a couple of "Miracle" games. They do happen. I'm quickly approaching 50 and I can say I've had people metaphorically "urinate on my field" many times since high school. However, I can definitely say that based upon God's grace and the lessons I learned playing sports in high school, I've had more than my share of W's. So, this post is to say thanks to guys like you and G and all the other coaches. But, moreover, to help you realize that whether you get your brains beat out or you dust somebody else, y'all are powerful influences on what the score will look like 25 years from now. If it gets frustrating, just review your definition of winning. And, to quote "Coach" Miagi in Daniel's championship match against the Cobra Kai's - "It's okay to lose - it's not okay to be afraid". Respectfully, BD7

Several years back, I saw an interview with whom I believe is one of the greatest coaches I have ever seen, John Wooden. This was during the time when players and whole teams were threatening to "walk out" and other such nonsense because they didn't like the coach or his style. They asked Coach W about team discipline, etc. and he said "Coaches today have the greatest tool readily available to them to manage their players. It's called the bench. In the end, they all want to play." He then went on to tell the now famous story of Bill Walton showing up with a beard on the first day of practice, knowing there was a strict team rule against facial hair. He told Coach W that based upon his personal beliefs and convictions, he was going to wear the beard. Coach W told him "Bill, I respect a man who stands up for what he believes. We're going to miss you." The next day, Walton shows up clean shaven. I've never coached at the high school level, but I've "coached" plenty of my own teams in the business world. If you have a problem player, you bring it to their attention, make it clear what the expectations are and that you want them to be a part of the success (an important point). If they don't come around, you terminate them. I've never failed to see the rest of the team come together, pick up the slack, and normally operate much more effectively. I've watched John Calipari do this with the Memphis Tigers basketball and not only has he reinvigorated a program, but he has made the difference in the lives of a lot of young men.

Since my youngest graduated from CBHS last year, I'm not as tied in as the past, but will offer these observations. Houston did lose a very large and talented Senior class. They will be competitive in this area, but not dominant as in the past. I think they will find tough going at the state level. They do have an excellent goalie in Will Powell, though. If he stays focused, he could carry them further than people expect. CBHS can, once again, go as far as they let themselves go. They have a very large and talented Senior class, followed by a talented Junior class, followed by a talented Sophmore class, etc. They lost a small group of Seniors from last year in what was probably the least talented of classes for CBHS in a while. However, that group of Seniors were the best leaders they have had in a while. Hence, their performance last year. This year, JJ certainly bears the responsibility of being the leader on that team, but there are others that must step us also, i.e. Devin Character. If they do, they will be hard to beat. If not, there are plenty of teams that can knock them off at the state level. St. Benedict may be the surprise D2 out of Memphis this year. Now, about settling games with PK's . . . (just kidding, G. That can of worms won't be opened again by me) /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" />

My bad. I stand corrected. Thanks!

If it's D3, then probably academic scholarship. They don't give athletic scholarships in that division.

Not to worry - Dr. J is all show and no go! I've seen him play golf . . . /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" /> Trying to figure you out rockytopreigns - should be easy given only one or two Big Orange fans in this part of the state!

Gotcha' JA!

On paper, Dr.J, I would have to agree. However, I don't have to look back but to 2007 to see a Baylor team of "no names", as was reported, scrap together and end up beating a loaded CBHS team for the championship. That same CBHS team graduated 11 Seniors and 9 starters, causing some to question their capability in 2008. I think they showed well this year. Houston does graduate some very talented Seniors, but they will return a very capable Senior goalie in Will Powell and some good athletes looking for their chance. It should be interesting.