blopesmate

SORRY, MOST CHURCH LEAGUES ARE WORSE

I have to agree with you about the language. That has been an issue in the past at Oak Ridge also. I am PROUD to say that this year Coach Stevens, starting with himself, has taken that up with the other coach's and even the team. To the point of challenging the seniors to lead by example the rest of the team. For the last 4 years I have been involved with the Oak Ridge football program. I can't say that I have always been proud of what I have seen or heard. But.....standing at the goal post last night I was able to hear what was said in the Clinton huddle. The Booster Club of Oak Ridge High School football has a vested interest in our "house" or better word would be our "ship". I was appalled and lost respect for Clinton's program. One of my questions would be; what exactly is the coaching staff teaching? Are we teaching respect for others or disrespect for others? I will not repeat what was said, you can ask the man himself. It will be up to speak the truth. I can tell you I was not impressed. In the past several years it had seemed that Clinton had several obstacles that had taken the wind out of there sails. I was very happy to see them win last week over South-Doyle and thought they played very well last night. There was 1 exception, I was extremely proud of a player from Clinton (I think it was No. 88) for the mature way in which he handled another team member. When his fellow team mate was loosing his dignity, he took control of the situation explaining to him why you don't act the embarrassing way he was. It is one thing for a coach to do that, but a completely different story when coming from someone your own age. Then this morning talking I had the pleasure to talk with No. 32 from Clinton. We were extremely impressed with this young man they way he carried himself and talked about last nights game and Clinton's future seasons. The family's of the these 2 young men should be very proud. There attitudes had to come from family influence because I can assure you it didn't come from the coach's.

As a Clinton Alumni, that was on the field at the end of the game, I have to disagree with your comments. Protecting your home turf from senseless vandilism was a number one priority last night. When you have a coach/asst. coach tell team members and fans to "go for the goal post" it shows nothing more that ignorance and immaturity in there position. What were we teaching our young men or right and wrong? Then after that, I was able to hear the speech during the huddle from Coach Shattuck; I was not happy at all with what I heard come from the from Andy Shattucks mouth during there huddle after the game. Clinton should not have any shame in how they played the game. This was the best I have seen them play in several years and was very proud as Alumni of what they brought to the field. What I was disappointed in was the lack of unsportsmen like conduct after the game. If there was a flag to be thrown, it would have been thrown on Clinton at that time. When we teach our young men that it's ok to be disrespectful to there teachers and elders where will they go next this that disrespect? I also was on the field and heard Coach Stevens say that they needed to get off the field, but the version of the story that you have typed is not what I saw. What I saw was a coach trying to stop a student from doing a immature senseless act. But, after that what I saw was the immaturity of a coach from Clinton in the way he reacted. What the Asst. Coach should have done was backed up Coach Stevens in stopping that student. Unfortunately, all that was taught was that it is all right to be disrespectful and not obey school officals. If this type of behavior what will cause this student one day to be a statistic like to many others. After 4 years involvement with the Oak Ridge program, this year they have implemented a program that I am proud to see. It is called the "Total Package". The focus is on athletics, academics and personal development, with a lot of emphasis on integrity and not being a "Vic" or "Pac Man". Each week they bring in respected ex coach's and players from the area to speak. As in Jacky Pope, John Brown (ex USFL player), and Ronnie Franklin (ex- UT coach). So far, each one has talked what really matters.... making the right decisions, choosing the right friends, doing your job, etc... With that in mind I want to go back and challenge Andy Shattucks and his team. Are you challenging your players and students the same way? What person in there own home won't defend there own house? So with that comment in mind, I disagree totally with what your comments were to I have never heard an Oak Ridge Coach tell any player to go for the goal post when we have to play at Clinton as I I heard last night. So how can you build my pride in the Clinton Dragon program back? The only thing I have ever heard from the Oak Ridge Coach Stevens was: if you plan on being disrespectful or being stupid to Clinton TURN IN YOUR HELMET AND SHOULDER PADS NOW AND GET OFF THIS TEAM! This was also said to our team 2 years ago when WE were vandilized. I could say more but now the challenge is on your shoulders. Teresa Prewitt Class of 1980

Thank you, we work really hard on keeping out web site up to date.

To be exact 28 graduated off the squad last year, but just to let you know; there are plenty of returning players. With several new-comers also. And I totally agree with you several players have stepped up to the gridiron. They have a great number of seniors willing to step in as leaders.