Gov

cbg, You should be thanking the good lord that there is public education. We teach the masses, not just the rich, smart, and healthy, we teach them all, including the poor, learning disabled, and the physically challenged. Don't try to compare private education with public education, because there is no comparison.

Wow, this is a good topic. I haven't looked at Maryville's sucess from this point of view. This does remind me of the Brentwood Academy days when they were AA. Its easy to prepare and be sucessfull when there are inferior opponents on the schedule. It would be much easier for a team like William Blount to prepare for Maryville if they had Lenior City the week before compared to playing Ooltewah. When Brentwood Acad. was making their run at state titles they would spend one day on McEwen and the rest on 1st round opponents. Yes they would schedule one or two tough games like Paduka, but it was easy to stay healthy for a play-off run. A great example of teams struggling when playing a tougher schedule would be Trousdale Co. As a single a team they dominated, getting breathers from red boling springs, watertown, etc. But when they tried to move up to AAA they did not have as much success. It wasn't that they were not as good but they played in a tougher region. It became harder to stay healthy, no breathers to get healthy. I think this plays to Maryville's advantage too, although I believe the gap is closing as William Blount is much improved with Meadows at the helm. This makes them no cupcake anymore. It will be interesting to see if that game takes it toll on Maryville as the year progressess. To there defense, the schedule does not make for much variation. You have to play cross town rivals to get the gates you need to run not only your football program but your entire athletic program. They have nothing to do with what classification and what region they may be put in. They have been on the positive side of classification. Instead of being one of the smallest 5A teams they are one of the largest 4A teams. But as in any long run as Maryville has produced there has to be alot of hard work and a little luck along the way. No one can take away from what they have accomplished, others before them have taken advantage of the same circumstances as they have. I would even venture and say there have been other programs that have not taken advantage of these same circumstances. By the way I am an Austin Peay Gov not a WB gov.

I mean, why do softball and baseball care what's going on with the other events and vice versa. They don't really impact each other that I can see. I think that is one of the points to seperate. Baseball and softball may not benefit from being in the Fling. By seperating from the fling it could benefit these two sports as far as getting exposure and a venue that will take ownership and cater to it. It works well for the other sports. The TABC has an excellent clinic in which it recognizes coaches and players in a banquet form, this could be done in conjuction with the state tournament. You could even try to find a cooperate sponser near the venue who could help offset some costs. I think the pigeon forge is a great example of a community that would take ownership. Jackson, Clarksville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Columbia, Franklin, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Tri- city area are just a few more that could come up with good packages to host such an event. Even Murfreesboro could make a bid at a seperate time than the fling.

Football, Wrestling, Basketball, Vollyball all have their own tourn. Is it time that Softball and Baseball part from the Spring Fling? What would be the advantages vs the disadvantages?

Tennesseebball, antwan is one of the best, knows all, sees all. Has a chip on the ole shoulder about privates, but handles it well. Great advice to all the young coaches out there. These things happen, sometimes they are intentional and sometimes it can't be helped. Have been on both sides, had teams that could not throw it in ocean from the pier, and even when they did it was the other teams ocean. In these situations, the players can be more embarrassed when the dogs are called off. Not taking open shots, missing lay-ups on purpose, not playing any defense. I have even been in situations that the other coach plays with four. Rolls the ball down the court and only plays defense. There are always two sides to every story. It doesn't matter which side of the lop-sided game your own, its never fun.

It could well be that these few could be the difference in winning and losing. How many of these prospective student/athletes have applied to different D-II schools in the nashville area shopping for the right one? In this case, will it be a factor?

Just one concern, I may be over analyzing this situation but how is not having a coach in place affecting all the prospective students in the 8th grade who may want to enroll at MBA and play football. I am sure there are lots of parents waiting to see who gets the job as to what private school their son may attend. I would think there is a lot of competition surrounding nashville on propective students. Is BA, as well as other D-II schools getting the upper hand here. Does MBA really have the time for such a large search.

Paul Wade has five rings, three as an assistant, two as a head coach, any consideration he may be getting is well deserved. His record and reputation in the coaching circles speak for themself.

Ole dad and the like, it is the job of the coaching staff to decide the direction of the football program (offensive and defensive philosophies, off-season workouts, who starts, etc). It is the job of the athletic director to monitor and evaluate the direction of the program. Any concerns that the athletic director has should be reported to the Principal. It is the Principals job to assess these concerns and take the appropriate action. The problem with this process is that sometimes board members, influential boosters, and parents with ulterior motives get involved. I encourage all those who feel that the demise of the Oak Ridge football program is at hand let the process work. Otherwise get out of the way and let those who feel the program is in good hands do there job. Ole dad maybe you need to take up playing X-Box. This way you can pick your own team and be in control of every aspect of the program, play on-line with others. You could create a dynasty. This way your time will not be wasted arguing with me and others about what Oak Ridge should or shouldn’t do.

See you are already starting to be more positive. That is a step in the right direction. Now, if we just can just figure out where all this anger started from, you will be well on your way to recovery and part of the solution. Remember time heals all wounds no matter how deep. I am sure that Oakridgecat can help you find a positive, role to play within the program. All booster clubs need good positive members even someone who lives far away. There are not many booster clubs out there that can compare to the wildcat nation.

Once again ole dad' I sense anger and intimidation, being so far removed from the program, what are your objectives, all I have read on here is how you bash the players work ethic, coaches, and the administration. Maybe communication is to blame, living so far away, you may not be getting the whole story. Maybe your like the grandfather who has been told by his son that his grandson is the fastest kid in school. Only to watch him finish last in the county meet. He wasn't that fast in the first place. Just because someone tells you one truth doesn't mean it tells the whole story. My suggestion to you is come up to Oak Ridge and see for yourself what is going on. As far as comparing your knowledge about Oak Ridge to mine, Facts are I am closer to the program than you are, by about 500 miles closer. Oak Ridge is a well coached team that had a down year, compared with the fact that everyone else in the region was on the upswing (minus Soddy) William Blount proved that when they upset D-B in the first round and Ooltewah having success in the play-offs. Yea I don't spell very well, that's easy to attack but it will not deter me from trying to help you see the wrong in your ways. If you really have a problem with the coaching staff, meet with the administration, air your grievance and leave it at that. Don't keep on bad mouthing the program in public. You make yourself look bad as well as other Oak Ridge supporters. As far as what I know about Ooltewah, Fine School, team, staff, and administration. I can remember when Benny use to take his Cleveland teams to Oak Ridge to scrimmage back in the day.

Yes ole dad I have been a part of some turnarounds in my lifetime, usually its the same process, you have to get rid of the ole giesers like you who think they own the program because of the money and time thay have given in the past. Sounds as if you have always had alterior motives for your giving. (Control and Power) I hope that you will continue to support the players, coaches, and administration in a more positive way and with good motives. Pointing fingers and blasting the coaching staff on coacht isn't going to make positve changes.

Ole dad, most losers hate to lose, winners know how lose and are able to turn it around, that is the difference between you and the other Oak Ridge supporters. You want to take your ball and go home, complain to everyone about who's to blame and makes excuses when someone points the finger at you. Or in this case try to bully and intimidate anyone who gets in your way. Its supporters like you who get in the way of solutions to problems. Once again you are part of the problem and the sooner you come to admit and apologize the the better off oak ridge and you will be, you may even be able turn it around and help the program. God gave us two ears and one mouth so we would listen more than we talk. Just a little advice if you are listening.

That's your problem ole dad you are so full of hate you can't even understand plain english, I didn't say just football state championships. As for my knowledge of Oak Ridge football, I don't have to have any to have an opinion on you. I have seen your kind before, your the type of fan who thinks they know whats going on and has all the answers. How many film sesions have you been a part of. Can you tell me what type of defense william blount runs. What is Ooltewah's favorite play, what are there tendencies. Are you in on Oak Ridges Game plan, do you attend these meetings. Your the type of fan that watches practice or just forms an opinion after a game with out any real knowledge of whats going on. As far as my life, I can look at the number of your posts campared to mine and can tell you that I have more of a life that you do. Its a shame that with all the tradition Oak Ridge Football has they are still left with fans like you. You are more destructive to the program than any player, coach, administrator, or board member. Do everyone a favor and let it go, you may add a few years to your life and it will speed up any damage that you have caused the program

My step dad use to tell me you are either part of the solution or part of the problem, ole dad your part of the problem. Either get on board with the palyers coaches, administration, or find another team to support. I am sure given the right school you could channel all of your negative energy into something positive for a number of programs. How bout Clinton, they seem to need alot more answers than Oak Ridge. Or how bout a Heritage, They could use someone like you to turn it around. With your knowledge you could even help them upset Oak Ridge next year. Oak Ridge has won 33 state championships in there history the most by any public school. Believe it or not they will survive without you.

I hope all you knox catholic fans appreciate coach pemperton and the job he does there. He does a great job with his offense and knows how to attack defenses no matter how they adjust in the game. He is one of the best in the state.

Hope the bears win. Give it up for papa wade!!!!!

Brentwood is part of williamson county schools if I am not mistaken. Thier teachers and coaches pay scale are the same as any other public school in the county. Oak Ridge and maryville are seperate from the county system. What this creates is a ton of money that flows into these two schools. They get a percentage of county taxes as well as the city taxes that support them. It is a big advantage when it comes to base pay and coaches supplements as well as other advantages. Alcoa, maryville, cleveland and oak ridge fall into this catagory. In the past, these schools have been dominant.

Antwan and others, If you don't think it matters then why year in and year out, Oak Ridge and maryville are constantly at the top of there classification. Its because they are school districts inside of the county system, this translates to having more money, to pay coaches, build better schools and facilities, spend money per student. Its a hugh advantage.

Oh it is a hugh factor if you coach in one of the multuple school systems. Your program is competing for the same athletes coming out of middle school. Not only are you competing with other public schools in your county, throw in a few good privates in the vicinity and it makes a hugh difference. All schools are basically opened zoned when it comes to incoming freshman. It would be interesting to find out of the teams that are left, how many players are from out of their schools bus zone. I think one would be amazed at the numbers, especially the players that are considered impact players.

Sounds like to me that baylor and mccallie are the ones not getting to compete with the best. Isn't this what's really the problem, Baylor not being able to compete against the best. This has nothing to do with ND not competing against the best because they do. The problem here is that McCallie and Baylor have this allusion that they are the best and are being left out of the loop. The difference between Bradley and Baylor/McCallie is that Bradley doesn't feel they have to beat Baylor and McCallie to be the best, They have wrestled other Div. II schools in the state, best in other states including alabama, georgia, louisiana, if I am not mistaken. In spite of what McCallie and Baylor think there is actually just as good or better competition out there for ND to have matches with to get better. "Like someone posted earlier to be the best you have to compete against the best." Sounds to me that Baylor and McCallie are the ones left out not ND.

The open zone issue is something that really needs to be explored, no one can really explain or define open zone. Not even the TSSAA knows how to define it. I will try to enlighten those if I may about zones. There are many different types of zones that are used in public and private situations. Most counties use a bus zone to define areas in which a particular school is serviced. This example is usually used in a county that has only one school system. ex. Rutherford Co. Williamson Co. Most of the counties Fall into this Catagory. However, many counties differ in the exceptions to the rule. For instance you may have a dual zone in which a particular part of your county is serviced by two schools. This usually happens in middle and elementary, but It can happen in some school systems at the high school level. Some of these counties have different rules about students who live outside the bus zone. Some counties may not restrict students to go outside there bus zone as long as they provide transportation and there is room at the school the student plans to attend which is usually the case. But for some systems it may be harder to get in a school that the student is not bus zoned for. I believe that in rutherford county all incoming freshman not within the bus zone for a school must have the superintendents permission, just to be sure it isn't for athletic purposes. Important note to remember about TSSAA, Before the 9th grade students can choose any school to attend and be eligible. After the 9th grade it gets a little hairy of course because of transfer rules. The reason i say this is that in some counties the competition for middle school students can become quite interesring. Some counties in this catagory let students change schools if it helps the minority status of the school. Many metro systems use this exception, Hamilton Co. uses it. A student outside the bus zone may attend a school outside the zone if the student is going from majority to minority. Example white student going from Sale Creek to Howard. Important note, By tssaa rule the the student would be eligible if he attends howard in the ninth grade but ineligible if after the ninth grade unless that student moved into the howard bus zone. After the ninth grade he would be considered a transfer. See it gets a little complicated. Now lets move on to more complicated zones. These are two or (three ex. Blount Co.) system counties in which there is usually total confusion. Students living within the city may attend both the city or county school as the parents pay both city and county taxes. The city students that attend the county school are not in a bus zone because the county doesn't usually provide bus service inside the city limits. Usually these students may attend the county school of there choice. Hence we have a difference between bus zone and school zone. Students living in the county may also attend the school of there choice. If they decide to attend a city school then these students must usually pay some type of tuition to attend and there has to be room at the school as well as provide transportaion since they are not within a bus zone. Has everyone followed me to this point? They may also attend the county school of there choice as long as they provide transportaion. Important note, TSSAA before entering ninth grade all of these students would be eligible at the school of there choice after the ninth it becomes a transfer and it really becomes confusing for everyone including the tssaa. Now some counties allow students from outside the county to attend with no tuition some have tuition, these students are niether bus zoned or school zoned. How about that for confusion. These schools could even be considered to have no zones. So Laz if you can figure all this out I will be very impressed. So you see Zone can be very confussing.

Antwan, Having 2 private and 2 public divisions would be perfect. As a matter a fact that is the most constructive idea I have ever read from you. I think it would work if you could keep the collinwoods and trousdales from complaining cause they wouldn't dominate anymore. I am sure that the privates would complain also cause some school had more financial aid than they had. It would create a tougher environment to repeat or even get to the third round or even make the playoffs. Of course the TSSAA would go nuts with all the lost revenue. Doing the right thing is always tougher than doing the easy thing. Its all about easy and what brings in the most money. It seems to me that you have put magnet schools in the same class as private with your comment about them not having an advantage because of entrance requirements. Maybe deep down inside you have realized that privates have disadvantages also. I hope that you are not being cured of your bias. You may have been reading to many Bald Coach posts. Be careful not to be hypnotized by his evil subliminal messages he uses in his posts. They can turn any public supporter into a mush.

antwan, It may not make a difference to you but for the schools that these kids move from it matters to them. I am sure that william blount and heritage thinks it makes a difference when a student zoned from there school choses to go to maryville. Not only do they lose the athlete they lose the federal dollars that follow him as well as the local tax money. I am sure that Bradley and Walker Valley thinks it matters when they lose a student athlete to Cleveland high school who is zoned to one of them, because the city system spends about a 1,000 dollars more a year on students. It only takes a few players to move in these counties to change the balance to thier favor. This is a problem in 4a and 5a. Its not just a public/private problem, its not just a rural/metro problem. Lets put everyone back in the pot 4 ways in every sport possible and large and small in the rest and lets play. The cream will rise to the top. To try and level the playing field is futile. The sooner we realize this, the better the product will become. Everyone will benefit from players to coaches to schools, to even the tssaa. If we don't stop this madness we will have 15 state football champions. Rural, county, city, metro, private, 25 players and under, 6'0 and under, over 200, 50 players and under, over 50 players champion and so on.

Congrats to Coach Wade and the Bears for winning the State. Coach Wade is a winner where ever he's gone. As this is his 4th State Championship.