bleachercoach

Any games in the Knox. area tonight?

What will be his decision if his dad isn't retained after this year? Will he be a scholarship athlete? Just for the sake of conversation, by him getting his GED, won't this make him ineligable for the "draft" (military), if it were brought back? Has anyone ever skipped their senior year, got their GED, played what would have been their senior yr. of ball, as a freshman in college? Haven't ever heard of this happening before.

Is it too early for pitchers to be pitching a full game? What is the "cut-off" or too many pitches this early in the season? I'm hearing of quite a few pitchers in the Roane Co. area that are pitching complete games. Is this good, this early in the season?

Adams pitched the entire game? Guess his arm is back. Why would the coach allow him to pitch a full game this early in the season? Glad he's not my son. Glad to hear that his arm is back to normal. Just hope it stays healthy for the full season. What about Mills? Heard he's suppose to be on the hill against Harriman today? Guess we'll see if his shoulder has recouped or not. Did hear that Kingston defense was looking a little sluggish and that the bats are still cold. Better heat up soon. Good luck this season & hope everyone stays healthy!!

While I agree with most of what has been said regarding this topic, I disagree with the reference made about restricting kids from playing on traveling teams. 1st, this is a parents/athlete decision, not TSSAA or a H.S. coaches. 2nd, how would you expect an H.S. baseball player to be noticed by a college scout if it weren't for the traveling teams, AAU, USSSA summer tournaments, that showcase their talents. Very few baseball players get noticed during the H.S. season because the college season is in full swing at the same time. Most college recruiters will tell you that the competition during the summer traveling season is better than during the H.S. season. With the exception of a few, coaches on the traveling teams are better instructors than most H.S. baseball coaches, and tend to have better "contacts", as a whole, at the college level. I can assure you, that if my son were still playing and his H.S. coach said that he HAD to play on his summer team, and/or had to make the H.S. team his 1st priority, that coach and I would have a major problem. Most summer H.S. teams only play in a few area tournaments, which aren't very competitive nor do they receive much following with recruiters. The traveling teams, such as Thunder, The Yard, etc, mostly go where the recruiters are. Honestly, if you were a parent of an athlete that aspired to play at the next level, what would be your choice?

When you are talking about players of the year, I believe that you can't just go by stats. Yes, the Johnson kid is probably one of the best running backs that Roane Co. has seen in some time. But, you have to consider other qualities when you are talking about 'player of the year'. Such as leadership & team player. At this time Johnson hasn't displayed that type of quality to be considered as the 'player of the year'. I will agree that he is doing much better than in the past, but from talking to players on the team, he lacks the respect from his fellow teammates that he should have. As I stated, if the criteria is stats, Johnson is the man. My vote would be for Cory Payne from Rockwood. He has had good stats, but more than that he has displayed the leadership ability to keep his team in a close ballgame. The other criteria should be what a team could do with or without a certain player. A 'difference maker', if you will, on the team. No respect to OS or Harriman, but this year nobody has stood out as that difference maker for those teams. Kingston has proven that they can compete and win without Johnson. Rockwood hasn't proven that they can compete and win without Payne. Let's not forget about Woody at Midway. He doesn't get hurt in the Rockwood/Midway game, could have been a different outcome, surely would have been a different game. Goose. Enlighten us on your criteria for 'player of the year' so we can be on a more even playing field when considering our votes.

kingston is due for a let down- fumbles will reoccur-rain will play a factor. Loudon by 8 Kingston is looking past Loudon to Fulton. Loudon has nothing to lose.

Has the game been re-scheduled again? I'm hearing that they will be playing tonight, instead of Monday. Can anyone confirm? Harriman by 21

ah! I thought that was you Troy. Good to see that you still have that old spit and fire about you. Maybe I can come by the dealership and we can talk about how you stiffed me on that vehicle last year. Settle down Troy. You aint getting any younger either. I would hate to see you get all bent out of shape about an observation that was made. You know who I am, and you know how to get in touch with me. Heck, I'll give you a better hint. I recruited your boy in baseball for the same college I do some recruiting for now. You know what I think is funny? Is how defensive you have gotten now that someone from Harriman has been caught doing something questionable. I believe you jumped all over that story about Kingston hazing. You questioned the character of those kids and made a lot of accusations that were simply not correct. I have done none of that in regards to #33. I have only stated what I saw happen in the game, and asked a few question. Which I appreciate the answers I received back in #33's defense. Again, I will state that I don't think #33 is a bad person, just think he made a mistake in the heat of the battle. Tank & Goose- thank you for your comments and support of #33's character. bballtn- take a deep breath. Exhale. Now don't you feel better?

bballtn, you sooooo bad, it scares me! Grow-up! Do you think that the only people that look or reply to a Kingston-Harriman post are Roane Co. people? Until #33's Mom divulged his name, I'm sure most didn't know nor care who #33 was! By the way, I will be at the Rockwood game this Friday evening. Just for you, I will wear a old Harriman Blue Devils shirt, a John Deer hat, and blue jeans. I am 58 yrs old and would welcome the opportunity to "chat" further with you. I will be standing on the hill in front of the restrooms. Come introduce yourself and we'll have a nice chat. Now with all of that out of the way. Let me explain what difference this make's to me, regarding the incident with #33. Since I'm not going to give my name out on this puplic forum, I will tell you that I was at the game recruiting for a small college in West Tenn., as I will be this Friday evening at Rockwood. Maybe the events at the ballgame this past Friday evening do not mean that much to you or Mom, but they do to me when I am evaluating talent. Yes, it did show some class that he didn't finish his actions. And, yes I am aware of his 2 Grandparents passing. I also look at how an individual acts or reacts in the "heat" of the battle. I also look at the families and I will say that I respect Mom's feelings, although I still have a problem with the intent of the incident. Does this mean that #33 is a bad individual, or that he can't play sports at the next level? No! Just was making an observation. Hope to see you Friday at Rockwood! Good luck to #33 and the rest of the Blue Devils this season!!

bballtn, where was that feeling of courtesy when you were bashing the "hazers". Little double standards aren't they?

Actually, Mrs. Hall, the ONLY reason I brought this up was the simple fact that I don't see much of the difference of what #33 did, or should I say intended to do, than what you and most others in the Harriman part of this county have tried complain that the 'hazers' did or intended to do. Although I knew who #33 was by name, I was trying to be courtious by not using his name. I do not know him personnally, but have heard many good things about him and was very surprised by his actions. I was not attacking your child, but was pointing out something that I saw that happened during the game and was curious as to how many people saw this happen. Furthermore, how did this not constitute #33 being thrown out of the game, but #7 from Kingston getting thrown out for shoving #12? If I wanted to bash your child, I would have used his name on here. I have no reason to think that he isn't as good of a kid as you have stated. I just know what I saw and stated that I was shocked to see him, or anyone else, attempt to do something like that. You have made it sound like I have labeled your child as a "thug" or something. Which I have not. Nor have I, like many in this county, labeled the "hazers" from Kingston as "thugs". What was the intent, in both actions? By the way, I don't live in Roane Co., but did play football at Harriman during my days and have seen alot of football in my years. But, I don't believe I have every witnessed someone trying to kick another person while he was down, during a football game. Not saying it has never happened, just that I haven't seen it. If you want to excuse it due to emotions, thats up to you. To me, thats letting your emotions get the best of you. This wasn't a street fight, it was a football game. Big difference.

bballtn, easy partner! Just made a statement that I was disappointed in his actions. I have heard that he is a good kid, but that doesn't excuse his actions, as many have informed me about the kingston kids that did the hazing. I'm not trying to ignite a situation here. Just was pointing out that pushing, shoving, a little trash talk, etc., are all part of the game, but not kicking. I don't care if it was #12, #33, or someone from the Kingston team, I would make the same statement. Personally, I don't know the kid. I do know his name, and have been told he is a good person and good athlete. Did you really think that no one saw this and that no one would question it? No matter who the player was and what county he was from?

Both teams looked sloppy. Harriman couldn't catch the ball and Kingston couldn't hold onto it. Harriman plays with alot of heart and determination. Eble played a heck of a game. Defensive coach at Kingston needs to reevaluate his 'zone' defense! Too loose and too many holes. It should tell you something as a coach when your secondary has done their assignments and you are still getting beat on the fade routes. The quick slants will kill kingston because of how deep the corners our playing off the ball. Secondary didn't play that bad, bad scheme! Thought the D line did very well. Offensively for Kingston, thought Vic was very conservative in his play calling. Whats the deal with so many QB sneaks? Moorfield had an outstanding game at RB. Adams showed some toughness that I didn't think he had. Honestly, thought these two did quality job in the backfield. Don't think Kingston missed much with them in the backfield. O line blocked well for the 1st game. Showed some wear and tear late in the game. Very physical game. Harriman, had alot of missed opportunities that could have changed this game completely. 4 or 5 wide open dropped passes. Where was Ivey? Wasn't a prescence in the game. As reported before, Harrimans lack of size in the line will continue to hurt them this year, but maybe they can make up for that with the speed that they have. Thought Goddard and Hall would have had a better game. As stated before, Harriman has alot of heart and that in itself is going to win them some ballgames this year. Alot of emotion in this game, which was expected. Some pushing, shoving, and borderline late hits, on both sides. I know that is somewhat expected and glad that it never got out of hand. One incident that I saw towards the end of the game that was very disturbing to me. At the end of a play #33 from Harriman pulled his foot back, as he was standing over a downed Kingston lineman, and made the motion of kicking him in the ribs, but seemed to get his senses back just in time to stop before he made contact. Still got a flag from the ref., but what was #33 thinking? I know who this kid is, thought he was better than that. Very disappointed in him! In closing, both teams will have a respectable season. Alot of emotion on both sides. Harriman seems to be playing this season with a 'chip' on their shoulder which if channeled correctly, will help them down the road. Kingston will need to adjust their secondary scheme and learn to hold onto the ball (#34) if they are going to be successful this year. One last thing, #34, learn how to be humble and stop trying too hard to draw all the attention to you. This is a team sport. I think Kingston can survive. Look at the 1st half.

Lets get these facts straight. 1. Some sort of hazing occurs at every school. 2. These freshman weren't made to have this done to them. Yes they probably would have been ridiculed or made fun of. 3. No, the freshman that went to the hospital, didn't have anything wrong with him. 4. Yes, one of the fathers whom son was hazed was sitting by watching. 5. Yes, the bat had sand in it. Not full, as previously reported. 6. Yes, the freshman had countless opportunities to say "NO". Remember the phrase that we parents tell our kids when they are faced with a difficult decision in their young adult lives- "JUST SAY NO". 7. Yes, some of these parents have overreacted. 8. No, they can not be charged with assault when they willingly accepted to be hazed. 9. Yes, the freshman that went to the hospital, is now at another school. 10. Yes, the principal and coaches handled it differently than I would have. Now, if those of you that have no direct connection with this incident want to give your opinion, that's fine. But, don't get on here and try to act like you know what happened and that because these kids were "filled with fear and intimidation" they had to have this done to them. What are we telling our kids when we say it's not your fault, you didn't have a choice? They did have a choice. NOBODY twisted their arms or held them down. The kids that are being "persecuted" by everyone have accepted responsibility. Make these kids accept some responsiblity that didn't say "NO".

FB and BigCat- neither of you have a clue of the actual facts in this situation. You get on here and spew your vinum about how bad Kingston is and what the kids have done to ruin the reputation of Kingston High. You have your opinions and that is fine, but stop trying to smash Kingston on something you do not no the facts about. As I have stated before, I believe the coach and principal made bad decisions on the punishment. Please tell me how you can charge someone with assault when they willingly let it happen to them? They didn't ask them to stop. The didn't say NO. They stood in line and CHOSE to have this happen to them. I'm not saying that the ones applying the licks didn't make a bad choice, but so did the ones getting the licks. No one seems to want to throw that in the mix! To clarify another untruth that has been stated on here, 6 individuals were hazed. Roughly 20 were standing their prepared to take their licks, before the assistant coach came out to stop the incident. All the freshman were questioned on who was involved in the hazing. None would identify. Why? Because this is a team and they stand together through thick and thin. Who wined? Momma's and Daddy's! Not the kids. Oh, and stop trying to take up for the poor kid that had to go to the hospital. He wasn't "damaged" anymore than anyone else was. This is about $ with this kids parents. This kid has since moved to LC and his parents will now be LC's problem to deal with. Trust me, when this kid gets in trouble at LC for fighting, his parents will then move him again. They will probably file a suit against LC for "unfair treatment". One more thing to chew on for all you self riteous non-Kingston folks, one of the fathers of a kid that got hazed was sitting in his car watching this take place. Even sat and watched his own son get hazed! Of course momma finds out about the hazing and wants to raise cane. region4fan- I guess all the freshman that stood in line waiting, and the dad that watched his son get hazed, should be prosecuted also? They were their and didn't try to do anything about it, right? Get the facts before you start bashing!

No, I do not work at Kingston High, nor do I live in Kingston. No, the player that went to the hospital wasn't injured. He played Friday evening in a scrimmage, and Sat. morning in a scrimmage, and then his parents decided to take him to Oak Ridge Meth. Hospital to be examined. Which, by the way, said that he was fine. ksgovols, with no disrespect intended, why would you put this in the same class as someone being raped? The freshman knew this was going to take place. They chose to take part in the activity. Ok, lets use your analogy, woman gets naked tells the man she wants to have sex, then after the fact she wants to claim that he raped her!? BAD EXAMPLE KSGOVOLS! Better example for you blind parents- your kid goes to a party where his friends are drinking and smoking dope. His friends raz him for not "partying". He leaves. Good choice!- your kid goes to a party where his friends are drinking and smoking dope. His friends raz him for not "partying". He drinks some beer. Gets home and you smell the beer. Bad choice! Who do you want to see punished? The kids at the party that "razed" or "shamed" your kid into doing something he knew would get him into trouble or your child for making a bad choice? I have personally spoken with 2 of the kids parents that were involved as the "hazors". The kids have apologized to the "hazees", as have the parents to the "hazees" parents. I know that these 2 parents have taken responsibility for their childs action. But, do they or I think that their child should be "hung" for his foolish mistake? NO! Everyone is wanting an example to be made of these kids. Make an example out of the principal or coach for not giving a stiff enough penalty, not the kids. As for the legal action, I would hope that the judges would see that there is no previous history for any of these kids and throw it out of court with a warning. These are good kids that some of you are wanting to be treated like common criminals. I wonder if you would feel the same if one of these kids was yours? You would be the 1st to scream, "this is ridiculas".

ACCARP, if you went to Kingston and you didn't get "hazed" in some sort or fashion when you were a freshman, I am surprised. I would imagine that a policy is forthcoming from TSSAA and all school administrators that any form of hazing will not be tolerated, and will fall under the zero tolerance rule. Why? because there will be some parent out their that will complain "that freshman johnny shouldn't have to carry senior johnny's shoulder pads" just because he is a freshman and that's a form of initiation. What about college baseball teams that make the underclassman rake and line the field after every practice? Are we getting to a point as parents that we can't let freshman johnny make a decision on whether he is being treated fairly and to make his own decision on whether or not he involves himself? Right or wrong, these freshman made a choice to involve themselves in this "hazing". They were not forced to "take" the licks. They made that choice. No one held them down. No one told them they HAD to take one lick or 3. If your child was against this happening, why would he make that choice of standing in line to be the next "victim"? I question the decisions that these freshman made, just as much as I question those that delivered the licks. If you don't want to be hazed, don't. If you don't want to drink alcohol or take drugs, don't. But don't sit here and blame these other kids for doing something that has been a long standing tradition at Kingston High, as well as many other schools. These kids made a bad decision. So did the kids that willingly took the licks. Now they are wanting retrobution for something they agreed to do and didn't try to walk away from. Think about it!

Travis, why did you leave your beloved Clinton to go to Halls? How did your dad get around TSSAA eligibility rules by simply renting an apartment in Halls? Something smells here! Wouldn't be because your dad is a TSSAA ref., would it?

First and foremost, let me congratualate the players that were selected to represent our great state against other states. The answer to the previous question on whether there was a tryout or not. No. The coaches selected these players based on recommendations from coaches. While I do agree on some of the selections, I have to question putting soph. players with the juniors, and at least 1 freshman with the soph.. Yes, these players are probably deserving, but, you are telling me that you didn't have enough deserving juniors to fill those slots, and 1 other true soph.? My problem is that we are getting very polictical in our selections. Which I understand is very common place today. In fact, I am aware of a Freshman standout 2 years ago that wasn't "eligible" because he wasn't a soph.. He had the stats, in fact his stats were better then than they are now, and he made the jr. team this year! TBCA needs to set-up a sysetm and stick by it. Why not just put together an All Star team from Tenn., or 2, and be done with it? Don't label "soph" or "jr" and publish the criteria for making the team. Take as much speculation and bias out of the picture as possible.

Would still like to know what the criteria was for making the team? Was this tryout done for the sole purpose of putting together the best possible tournament team available? I know that everyone evaluates talent differently, but there has to be some general quidelines that were followed. I could only hope that the TBCA will go back to the drawing board and put together a more equitable way of selecting a team. Or, was this just a region 1/2 way of putting the team together? (holding slots open for players selected by coaches in the state) When I was putting a summer traveling team together, I held 2 different tryouts, on different days, and selected players from those tryouts. There were several times that I had to turn away kids that wanted to play, that for whatever the reason, didn't tryout. Prior to the tryout, I knew what kind of player they were and knew they could help my team, but I couldn't hold a spot open for them simply because they didn't come to the tryout. Is that fair or equitable? It was to the kids that followed the quidelines and tried out. It wasn't to the one's that, for whatever reason, didn't tryout. CoachFro- Ask yourself this, how can you put the 6 players on the team from the state tourn., that didn't tryout, because of their stats during the season, or because of their coach placing them in slots left open, and by your own admission, leave a player from your own h.s. team off just because he had a bad tryout? Knowing, that this kid simply had a bad tryout. See my point?

As usual, all of these spots aren't selected based on tryouts and who is deserving based on the performance during tryouts. I have reviewed the list posted on Wildcatbaseball.com, and find it funny that Farragut and Halls each had 3 players "placed" on the team. Were these spots automatically saved for each of these teams to "place" a representative from them? I was at both tryouts and saw those that did tryout. Without mentioning names, how did Clinton make it, 3b-Farragut, 2b- Halls, and P/OF- Webb? What was the criteria? Was it based on what you did during the season, or what you did during the tryout? I'm sorry, but something smells rotten here! Should players be penalized because they can't come to the tryout because they are in memphis? NO! Question is, if they were their and tried out, had a bad tryout, would they have made it based on their season. Yep! Point is, why have the tryouts? Got to be a better way to select the very best from each region, to represent that region. Either tryout or be selected due to performance during the season. Not either, or. CoachFro- I'll be there rooting you on in Murfeesboro, although I question some of your selections. Did you decide that you could win on pitching alone, or are you going to manufacture runs to win? I know a few true power hitters that you left at home. Hope you don't end up needing them?

I would still like for someone to give me there educated insite on why most coaches are not evaluated by the administration that they work for? As stated before, very few principals come to baseball games and evaluate a coach. As long as he/she doesn't get any complaints, everyone is happy. I'm sorry, but that's not the way it works in the business world. Even when principals get complaints on coaches from parents or booster clubs, they aren't attending the games to see if there is any validity in the complaints. What I have experienced is the principal meets with the parents and/or booster clubs, meets with the coach, end of discussion. Yes, it is still just a sport. But, these coaches are getting paid, so it is their job. If parents aren't happy with the direction a program is headed, they should take the right course in filing their complaints. I believe they should 1st meet with the coach, away from the practice or game. If they don't get satisfaction after meeting with the coach, go to the principal. Then to the school super.. Granted, your complaints need to be warranted and legit or they will fall on deaf ears. Complaining about playing time will only make matters worse. How many legit complaints need to be filed before someone takes action? If one of my employees is getting complaints filed on them, repeatably, and I don't take action, guess who will be responsible? Me!

Is region 2 going to be represented only by the slots left open for the players off the teams in memphis? I know there were some outstanding players from region 2 that have apparently been left off the team, that aren't at memphis. I understand that there will always be good players that don't make it, but from the previous post, looks like at least 10 spots were taken from region 1. How many slots are going to be filled, total?

what irritates me is the parents that think that because they are booster club members that, that gives them the right to tell the coach that he owes them! I have heard this statement more than once coming from a parent. These parents should stay at home. The only thing a coach owes the player, parent, or the booster club, is to help his player be the best baseball player he can possibly be. At times, the coach will put himself in a position to where he will need to show his talent(game management) during a game, in order to help his team win. Manufacturing runs, as most of us call it. The coach doesn't catch the ball or hit the ball, but he is responsible for preparing his team and managing his team during the game. I have seen and heard parents complain about a coach due to there child not getting enough, or any playing time. Some have gone to the principal and/or the school super.. Should they? I have been to alot of h.s. baseball games in the past few years and have seen very few principals, a.d.'s, or school super.'s, in attendance. I know some programs that have had the same problems for years and the same complaints from different parents, with no changes. Who is responsible for insuring that the baseball coach is doing his job? Is it still determined by his win/loss record? Shouldn't the baseball coach be evaluated by his superior's, just as I am at my job? Would any of us still be employed if you had complaints year after year, being brought to your supervisor? What is the responsibility of a H.S. baseball coach? Who is responsible for evaluating his performance? What standard do we as parents hold the baseball coach to? Do we expect too much?