REDSMAN

I HAVE SEEN MANY GOOD ONES. DEFENSIVELY, DAVID PATTERSON OF BEECH IS MY CHOICE.I THINK HE HAS A VERY NATURAL FLOW TO HIS DEFENSIVE GAME. IF HE COULD THROW A LITLLE BETTER, HE WOULD BE DEFINITE DRAFT AND FOLLOW. THERE IS A KID FROM HENDERSONVILLE THAT IS VERY GOOD. THE MBA KID IS VERY GOOD. FORREST AT LEBANON IS POTENTIALLY OUTSTANDING. I SAW A KID FROM KNOXVILLE THIS SUMMER WHO WAS VERY GOOD, THOUGH I CANT GIVE YOU A NAME OR SCHOOL. I BELIEVE HE PLAYED FOR THE KNOXVILLE BRAVES THIS SUMMER? OBVIOUSLY, THE KID FROM HUNTERS LANE HAS MANY TOOLS.

Of course, I really am not real clear of what our guys will do on the field, especially against this strong district of ours. I do feel Coach Stites is doing a good job getting the pitchers ready, and we do have some arms to work with. Coach Douglas and Coach Tubbs will work to improve the defense and situational hitting. Coach Spurlock is an outstanding young coach who will develop our Freshmen team. I know from last year's team that we must improve defensively foremost. I feel the lineup will be solid, and i think our Sophmore class adds quality depth. For now, we are like everybody else - just hoping to get outside!

Of course, I really am not real clear of what our guys will do on the field, especially against this strong district of ours. I do feel Coach Stites is doing a good job getting the pitchers ready, and we do have some arms to work with. Coach Douglas and Coach Tubbs will work to improve the defense and situational hitting. Coach Spurlock is an outstanding young coach who will develop our Freshmen team. I know from last year's team that we must improve defensively foremost. I feel the lineup will be solid, and i think our Sophmore class adds quality depth. For now, we are like everybody else - just hoping to get outside!

We all know that politics are going to be a part of most jobs. There are alot of coaches who have been victims of these situations, but we also know that it will always be a problem. The problem is with baseball itself. In no other sport (in my opinion) are there as many "dads" who think they know the game because they have had success in the summer or travel leagues. They feel b/c they won games with their all-star teams and their sons Babe Ruth batting titles entitles them to input at the school level. The bottom line is the school adminstration. If the administartion is looking for a coach who will work hard, treat players the right way, play by the rules, and be competitive- then most schools I see are in great shape. However, if money and the good ole boy network is a factor, then a lot situations will never get better. As for Cookeville and Kennedy, I do not know why he left. I really believe he liked it here, but simply had a better financial situation in South Georgia. Probably pretty good talent too! I know this from my few months here - the most popular topic of discussion around here seems to be why things do not or have not worked. There is constant reminders of the coaching changes and why things will never work here. Personally, I will not worry about it.... I love coaching baseball and I am thankful for this opportunity. If the past rears it's ugly head again, there is absolutely nothing I can do about that. But what about the positives? Cookeville has always had the players, and we will continue. We have nice facilities, and money is not a problem. The players here are probably the best kids that I have ever coached. I like the administration and school. This town seems to be a baseball town, and it seems like a great place to live and raise a family. I hope I get that opportunity.

THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS. AND YOU ARE RIGHT ABOUT ONE THING, I HAVE LEARNED SEVERAL LESSONS RELATED TO COACHING. THE MOVE TO HAVE A NON-PARENT AS BOOSTER PRESIDENT IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK IS ESSENTIAL. ANYTIME YOU CAN AVOID POTENTIAL CONFLICTS WITH PARENTS, YOU SHOULD TRY TO DO SO. HOWEVER, I DO TRY TO INVOLVE THE PARENTS AND GIVE THEM AS MUCH OF MYSELF AS I CAN. THEY WORK HARD IN THIS PROGRAM TOO, AND I TRY TO RESPECT THAT. BUT, WE ALL KNOW THAT A COACH REALLY MUST TRY TO KEEP HIS DISTANCE. I DID NOT DO THAT AT LEBANON , AND IT COST ME BIG TIME. ALCORN LOOKS GREAT. HIS INJURY SET HIM BACK A BIT, BUT FROM WHAT I SEE, HE COULD REALLY BE A TERRIFIC PITCHER. THE MORALE AND WORK ETHIC OF THIS TEAM HAS BEEN GREAT, I HAVE THE BEST STAFF A HIGH SCHOOL COACH COULD ASK FOR, AND THE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUS. COACH TUBBS IS AS GOOD WITH THESE KIDS AS I HAVE EVER SEEN ANYONE , AND COACH DOUGLAS, COACH STITES, AND COACH SPURLOCK ARE EXCELLENT YOUNG COACHES. I WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN TO SEE THESE SENIORS BE SUCCESSFUL THIS YEAR.

I APPRECIATE THE WORDS,AND I HOPE THIS WORKS OUT FOR THE BEST. IT ALWAYS DOES. SO FAR, THINGS HAVE BEEN GREAT - EXCEPT FOR THE COLD WEATHER!!! LET'S HOPE IT CONTINUES.

I can only disagree with you eagleleader1. I am sure the past things have happened just as you mentioned. I can also assure you that I will do what I feel is right concerning the baseball program. If that type of situation happens, then I cannot control what happens. I have great respect for Mr. Shanks, and have enjoyed working here very much. It does seem that most people I meet want to point out the things that will happen to make my stay here unsuccessful. That is too bad, because these young men deserve better. You have to understand that I cannot worry about those things. I spent a great deal of time in prayer about coming to Cookeville. There was so much negativity surrounding the job, and there still is - it seems. I felt God led me here. This job is means more to me personally than you can imagine. I know there were other applicants for this job that certainly would have been great fits for this program - there are several in Cookeville who would have been outstanding. I feel like I am here because God wants me here this season. If that changes, it will because the good Lord has other plans for CHS baseball and me.

Hey, no offense really taken. I just wanted to make it known that tyler wa staying, and that our younger guys are getting a chance to compete. As a matter of fact, the seniors know nothing is set in stone, because tryouts are coming up, and they are for everyone. No one has anything yet. As for the past, I can only say that Cookeville has always had very good players. Having played and coached against them, I remember a lot of good players. I also know the coaching seemed good to me. I can say this: I like Cookeville. I am grateful and thankful that God led me here. I will give everything I have to move CHS baseball forward. Beyond this year, we will see. Thanks for the post.

I cannot comment on football, but Jed is doing fine in baseball. He and the other coaches: Coach Tubbs, Coach Stites, and Coach Spurlock are doing a great job for me. However, Coach Tubbs is no longer scouting. He is teaching and coaching at CHS, and enjoying coaching his sons. Thanks anyway for the interest in our staff.

I believe Tyler is going to be at Cookeville. He has been working out with us, and he is doing well. He will be a good player. However, disgustedfan, I take offense to the comments about allowing older players to lose a position. I feel pretty confident that I can decide who deserves to play in my lineup. It has nothing to do with the administration, I promise you that. And yes, Militana is a very good player also. You are welcome to come by any time and check us out if you feel younger players are slighted. AND -I do know a thing or two about the talent we have - thank you very much.

ALRIGHT, THIS IS IT- VOL24, JD, E5 AND ENE. WE ARE FLAT SQUARING OFF RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. 1. VOL 24 - THE BEST THING HE COULD DO WITH THAT 2,000 DOLLARS IS GIVE TO MY MAN COACH SMITH, WHO BEING A LOYAL UK FAN, HAS HIS PRIORITIES STR8. OR, HE COULD GIVE SOME TO JD TO LAND BEECH PLAYERS A FEW MORE SPOTS ON THE TN PREP ALL STAR TEAMS. OR, HE COULD THROW SOME CASH TO CARDWELL TO SEE IF HE COULD TAKE LESSONS ON INTERVIEWING COACHING CANDIDATES. OR, IF HE WANTED, HE COULD USE SOME OF THAT TO LAND JAGGERS A SPOT IN THE CUMBERLAND GAP MOUNTAIN MAN MUSEUM AS REAL TO LIFE TOUR GUIDE. 2. JDMTPB - I EAT ONE SQUASHED UP ROLL OFF THE FLOOR, AND YOU CAN'T LET A MAN HAVE HIS PEACE. ONE QUESTION BROTHER: CAN A MAN GET HIS SHOE LACES BACK? 3. E5 - THE REAL ISSUE HERE IS NOT FEAR; IT IS ALL ABOUT WHO IS HOSTING THE DISTRICT TOURNEY. AS LONG AS JIMMY HOSTS, I AM HAPPY AS A TICK ON A HOUND. I THOUGHT I WOULD GET MORE RESPECT FROM YOU KNOWING WHAT I WENT THROUGH IN THAT DISTRICT TOURNEY OF 2001. AS FAR AS HAIR GOES, YOUR STAFF HAS BEECH'S WHIPPED. YOU, BOWERS, AND MANNNING LOOK LIKE THE THREE AMIGO VERSION OF A CHIA PET COLLECTION. I SAW YOU UMPIRE THIS SUMMER. WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A THROAT PROTECTOR HANGING FROM THE MASK WAS JUST A MASSIVE TUFT OF HAIR SPILLING THROUGH YOUR SHIRT COLLAR. HOW ABOUT CHANGING YOUR NAMES FROM THE BLUE DEVILS TO THE HAIR-DEVILS. AFTER ALL, YOU DO WORK FOR EVIL KIP-NEVIL!!!!!

I CAN GUARANTEE YOU I AINT SCARED. AS FAR AS BEECH GOES, I DONT MIND EATING A SNACK OR TWO, BUT CARDWELL'S NEXT MOVE MIGHT BE TO BAN ME FROM THE ENTIRE MIDDLE TN. AREA. AND FOR E5, YOU NEED TO QUIT POINTING FINGERS AND WORRY ABOUT SELLING TURKEYS AND HANDING OUT KNEE BRACES. IT'S NOT THAT I'M SCARED, I JUST AM INSECURE ABOUT MY NEW EYEPATCH. SPEAKING OF PRINCIPALS E5, YOUR BOY WAS ON THE RADIO THE OTHER NIGHT TALKING UP A NICE GAME ABOUT LOYALTY TO LHS ALUMNI. THAT'S ABOUT AS BIG A PILE AS I'VE HEARD IN AWHILE. HE SAID HE WAS GONNA FUND A NEW LIMB REGENERATION PROGRAM TO BE RUN THROUGH THE LEAD PAINT CHIP EATERS CLASS. IS THAT TRUE?

IT WAS ENOUGH TO HAVE E5 ON OU ALL THE TIME, NOW WE GOT VOL24 IN THE MIX. WE WILL DEFINITELY HAVE SOME TEA IN ST. LOUIS. AS FAR AS BEING SCARED, I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A BAD-EYE FAN. HECK, HE OWES HIS FAME TO ME. AFTER ALL, I WAS THE ONE WHO POINTED OUT TO HIM IN A GAME (IN WHICH HE CALLED FOUL BALL) THAT THE BALL HAD BEEN HIT TO LEFTCENTER FOR A CLEAN SINGLE. AS FAR AS SCHEDULING, NOBODY WILL PLAY US. I HAVE TO PLAY ALL ROAD GAMES B/C MY BUDGET IS DRY. WE HAD TO USE FUNDS IN A FALL BALL GAME AGAINST LEBANON TO CLEAN UP A MASSIVE LOSS OF LIMBS AND BLOOD. I BELIEVE THERE ARE STILL A COUPLE OF CUTOFF THROWS YET TO COME DOWN FROM THAT GAME. BY THE WAY VOL24, IS JAGS STILL WEARING THOSE BROWN U.P.S PANTS THAT MATCH HIS CHEST HAIR?

WE DID'NT DROP THE GAME. I CALLED COACH DARNELL EARLY BECAUSE SCHEDULE WAS FILLING UP. HE WASNT READY TO SCHEDULE. BY THE TIME HE CALLED BACK I WAS ALREADY FULL.

THAT'S HOPEFULLY NOT TRUE. I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP TYLER, HE IS ONLY A SOPHMORE. I WOULD HOPE HE WOULD GIVE ME AND MY STAFF A CHANCE. HOW IS COACH WARD DOING THERE AT MHS?

I THINK YOU SHOULD SELL EYE PATCHES, PENCILS, AND APPOINTMENT BOOKS- THE KIND THAT DONT LET YOU CANCEL ON A SO CALLED FRIEND . MAYBE SELLING DAGGERS WOULD BE GOOD. DONT EVEN TRY TO TAKE CHAINSAW OIL FROM ME AGAIN.

WE CAN CALL IT THE MASTERLOCK CLASSIC. SEEING'S HOW YOU LOCK UP LIKE A RUSTY KNEE BRACE EVERYTIME I ASK YOU TO DO SOMETHING. I AM A BIT SCARED OF YOU AND YOUR STAFF. I AM AFRAID YOU MIGHT CUT ME -YOU AINT GONNA CUT ME ARE YA? I'M AFRAID A S.W.A.T. TEAM WOULD COVERGE ON THE FIELD LOOKING FOR YOU AND BOWERS.

NO WAY, MAN. I CAN'Y BELIEVE YOU WOULD DO ME THAT WAY!!! WHY DON'T YOU AND THE OTHERS TALK HAYES AND JAGGS INTO COMING UP HERE.

COOKEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL IS LOOKING FOR A VARSITY GAME TO BE PLAYED FRIDAY, APRIL 25. THE GAME WOULD BE A NOON OR 1:00 GAME AND PLAYED IN FRONT OF OUR STUDENT BODY AS PART OF A FIELD DAY EVENT. CALL COACH HUNT AT 931-520-2287, 931-261-2012, OR 615-452-7688.

WE ARE IN A STRANGE TIME. I WAS HIRED HERE VERY LATE- ONE DAY BEFORE SCHOOL STARTED. WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF CATCHING UP TO DO. HOWEVER, I LIKE THESE GUYS. THEY ARE WORKING HARD IN THE WEIGHT ROOM, AND THROWING LIKE THEY SHOULD. I THOUGHT WE LOOKED DECENT IN FALL BALL. I FEEL LIKE WE WILL WORK HARD, PLAY HARD, AND HANDLE OURSELVES LIKE WE SHOULD. I AM STILL NEW - HAVE NOT SEEN THESE GUYS PLAY ENOUGH TOGETHER YET. BUT, I LIKE OUR FOCUS. I ALSO FEEL LUCKY TO HAVE AN ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF THAT WILL BE OUTSTANDING. IT IS GOOD TO BE BACK IN DISTRICT 7. I KNOW ALL OF THE COACHES AND ENJOY EACH OF THEM. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SEASON.

COOKEVILLE HS IS LOOKING FOR A TEAM TO PLAY A GAME ON FRIDAY, APRIL 25. THE GAME WOULD BE AT NOON OR 1:00, AND PLAYED IN FRONT OF OUR STUDENT BODY AS A PART OF A FIELD DAY EVENT. CONTACT COACH SCOTT HUNT AT 931-261-2012, 931-520-2287, OR 615-452-7688.A LETTER OF VERIFICATION CAN BE SENT TO YOUR PRINCIPAL OR ATHLETIC DIRECTOR.

LOOKS LIKE THE SCHEDULING STEPS UP EVERY YEAR AROUND THE STATE. HERE IS OUR SCHEDULE AT COOKEVILLE: 1 - DISTRICT 7 AAA 2- ORLANDO NATIONAL TOURNAMNET 3 - WHITE HOUSE, BEECH, WILSON CENTRAL, SMYRNA, MCGAVOCK, LAVERGNE, MT. JULIET, ANTIOCH, OAK RIDGE, UPPERMAN, OLNY HS (ILLINOIS), DAVIDSON ACADEMY.

I DISAGREE WITH YOU E-5. I BELIEVE I WAS THE ONE WHO LANDED THAT DEAL WITH POULAN AND VALVOLINE. I WILL GIVE YOU CREDIT FOR THE ACTION FIGURES, BUT I ABSO- GAWL -DURN -LUTELY KNOW WHAT KIND OF OIL TO USE. PS - HOW MANY TIMES DID THE FRESHMEN HIT AND RUN PER GAME? GOT ANY EXTRY GREEN BAGS? BY THE WAY, FOUND ME A NEW THUMB SALVE.

I AM NOT TAKING ANTYHING AWAY. I AM SAYING THAT PERHAPS THERE SHOULD BE TWO "CLASSES" OF FIELDS - THOSE THAT ARE STRICTLY SCHOOL FIELDS KEPT UP BY ONLY COACHES AND PLAYERS, AND A THOSE FIELDS THAT ARE CITY BASED. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW NICE THE LHS FIELD IS, OR WHO WORKS ON IT. BOTTOM LINE, THE CITY HELPS TO KEEP IT UP. ALOT OF SCHOOL FIELDS COULD BE NICER IF THERE WAS MONEY AND MANPOWER TO PUT INTO THEM. COACHING AT A SCHOOL LIKE LHS IS A GOOD SITUATION, BECAUSE THE FIELD DOES NOT HAVE TO TAKE PROIORITY OVER THINGS LIKE PRACTICE TIME. ALSO, I HAVENT SAID ANYTHING NEGATIVE TOWARDS THE DEVILS AT ALL. I SIMPLY STATED WHAT THE FIELD WAS ORIGINALLY INTENDED FOR, AND THAT IT IS UNFAIR TO COMPARE FIELDS. THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY FIELDS OUT THERE.

THERE ARE A TON OF GREAT FIELDS AROUND. SOME ARE STRICTLY SCHOOL FACILITIES, SOME ARE NOT. NICK NORRIS - YOU CANT INCLUDE LEBANON'S FIELD WITH FIELDS THAT ARE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY AND KEPT UP BY THE COACHES. LEBANON HAS A GREAT FIELD , BUT IT IS MAINTAINED BY THE PARKS DEPT. WHO HAVE THE MONEY AND RESOURCES TO KEEP IT NICE. AND BY THE WAY, THE FIELD WAS INTENDED TO BE A JOINT FACILITY FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM, CUMBERLAND, AND A MINOR LEAGUE TEAM. AS FAR AS SCHOOL FIELDS, THERE ARE A BUNCH THAT I LIKE - BEECH, BGA, WHITE HOUSE, RIVERDALE, LINCOLN COUNTY JUST TO NAME A FEW.