tiredbbmom

I just wanted to say congratulations to Jana Cross on her first game in her high school career. What an outstanding game last night; 26 points, two blocked shots, and I don't know how many rebounds. Jana is a freshman and she's only going to improve over the next few years. Congratulations Jana!!

South Lawrence in Loretto is a K-8 school. Kids can try out for the school teams in 6th grade. It's worked really well and helps to develop young players.

Can donations be mailed to the school for those of us who won't be there tonight?

My prayers are with Adam and his family. I had the pleasure of meeting him once and he's a great kid. Can anyone tell me if a fund has been set up for him. I would like to make a contribution to help his family during a very difficult time. May God's blessing be with you all.

Coaches don't understand, Parents don't understand, who does that leave in the middle? Our kids! I'm sure some of them feel they can't stretch far enough to please both sides.

Loretto has the talent to win games. They did a great job at their camps this summer. They have three solid Seniors who can step up and lead this team in Birdyshaw, Lamb, and Ernest. There is also a talented bunch of Juniors in Casteel, Giles, Ashworth, and Kendrick. Lumpkins didn't see a lot of playing time as a Freshman but he has a lot of potential and I hope to see more of him this year. The key for this team is to play as a team. Leave individual attitudes in the locker room and work together. When that happens you guys are a fun bunch to watch win or lose. Looking at the roster of Freshman, I've seen the majority of them play. They have some talented players and will be a good team in a couple of years. I don't see any of them getting much, if any varsity time. I do look forward to seeing what they can do with JV. Best of Luck to all the Mustangs!

Vic, as a parent myself I do understand how you feel. I'm sorry you and your family were hurt by the announcers comments. It doesn't change my opinion whether the comments were said in the heat of the moment or the emotional aftermath of the game. I still believe that a public apology should be sufficient. If he commented that the players were classless, he only showed that he was in the same category on that particular night by making the comment.

Over the years I've seen some wonderful parents who support their kids, the program, and the coach. It's true that some of them are living out their dreams through their kid, some are over zealous, some are never going to be happy no matter how much playing time their kid gets, etc. But, I'll take that over the parent who doesn't care. I know a kid who never has a parent at a game, has never seen a single point made, or a ball stolen. That to me is a far worse crime than caring too much.

Based on what I've read here, the radio announcer was wrong and should offer a public apology to the players and their parents. He is after all a professional and needs to hold himself to a high standard. After that, forgive and forget. I'm sure he was caught up in the moment and regrets what came out of his mouth. All we have to do is look at numerous threads on this website and see that adults are capable of saying cruel and terrible things about kids. It doesn't make it any more right just because the majority of us are not announcers or reporters. I don't know these players but I'm sure they're good kids. I hope they'll forgive a grown up his childish mistake and just go on.

Hey Thelma, I didn't make it to Collinwood. Had an offer I couldn't refuse! I can't offer an opinion of what I didn't see but I hate to hear of it anyway. Sounds like the refs did a good job controlling the situation. I seem to be a dinosaur in that I believe athletes represent their schools and how they behave on and off the field not only affect them, but their school and community. I don't care who it is, I hate to see poor sportmanship. Hopefully, Coach Jacobs took care of the situation with that player. Congratulations to the Trojans on their win. CHAKRA, YOU'VE ADMITTED ON THE BOARD HOW TO GET UNDER YOUR SKIN. I'M SHOCKED!! Just joking around with you.

It's a great idea Chakra. Thelma's earlier post of the visiting team picking up their own trash is a prime example. Hothead, I'd be happy to send a dollar. [Edited by tiredbbmom on 8-29-02 9:43A]

I've always been a fan of Jason Burleson. He's the new boys assistant coach at Lawrence Co. He's tough but fair. He's one of the younger coaches who still believes in discipline and has always had the respect of his players and parents. I'm sure the Bulldogs are going to miss him but I'm proud to see him take the next step.

Tubs, setting a State record and tying a National record are things to be remembered and to be proud of. I'm sure any team with the opportunity would have done the same. No one wants to be the one those records were set against but it happens. I also agree that no matter how much you practice a play, it's game time that's going to tune them up for you. You guys have a good team and hope you continue to do well. Thelma, I'll be there. Looking forward to a good game. The Trojans are always a solid, tough team to meet. Wish I could find a way to take out some of the curves between Iron City and Collinwood! I'll be lady who matches your Collinwood green before I get there. Chakra, what can I say. Once a mom, always a mom. It's a habit I never hope to break. To beat a kid down doesn't take much effort, if you can pick a kid up when they're down then you've accomplished a great thing.

Chakra, let's end this thread on a positive note. You have an opinion of Loretto that seems to be set in stone and no amount of debate is going to change it. I respect your right to have any opinion you want. Ezell is a good team and I wish them nothing but the best for their season. Mustangs, you played a good game. Keep your heads high and don't pay attention to negativity. I know what a great bunch of guys you are and so does your community. We'll be there to support you no matter what. Best of luck to you on Friday and the rest of the season.

Good post Thelma. I always enjoy reading what you have to say. I know quite a few of the Loretto boys and I know them to be fine young men. I also know they play aggressive but what team doesn't. I don't see where it's necessary to bad mouth a team or a community, but that's me. Ezell played a great game and they deserved the win. No sour grapes. Best of luck to you in the season. As for the game this Friday, I'm always pulling for my team. Collinwood always has a solid program and they're going to be tough. It was great to see Ox back on the field! You are one of God's miracles. I hope you have a great season. Luke, I missed seeing you and I know how hard it must be to miss your Senior year. I'll keep you in my prayers. Work hard, do what the docs tell you, and keep a positive attitude.

Chakra, When you get to Loretto, go through the red light. There's only one! Take a right at the Quik Mart and go over the railroad tracks. Continue straight until you get to the 4-way stop and then turn left. The school will be less than a 1/4 mile on the right. They are also doing a road expansion project through Loretto so be careful with the construction. Have a safe trip and enjoy the game.

Chakra, I understand how you feel but it's up to the refs to control the game. Late hits and personal fouls should result in penalities or players thrown out, whether it's Loretto or Ezell. Trash talking and trying to intimidate an opponent goes on all the time. Just look at this board! As I said, last year's game is over and done. There's nothing that can be done to change what happened. I hope both teams will conduct themselves in a manner to make us all proud. I'm going to be cheering for my team and having a good time at a game. [Edited by tiredbbmom on 8-21-02 1:52P]

Why don't we leave last year's games where it belongs, in the past. I hope that both of the teams can approach this game with a good attitude and come on the field to play a good game. Cheap shots are taken all the time by every team out there. To say a team doesn't do it would not be realistic. I don't like it but unfortunately it has become a part of the game at all levels. It's not going to change unless we as parents, coaches, and officials teach kids at an early age that this just isn't acceptable behavior. The win at any cost attitude is drilled into our kids heads from youth leagues to pro ball. Parents and coaches have to share that blame and also deal with the consequences that idealogy brings. I've watched Loretto for a lot of years and leave the game through the same gate as the visiting team. I've never seen cause for a police escort but we have some fine officers on the force who would be there should you ever need them. We're generally a good bunch of folks.

Let me begin by saying that there are some very good officials out there but as in anything, there are some that give the the profession a terrible name. I agree that there has to be a better system to hold the officials accountable. I don't want someone who's going to call in favor of my team or against my team. I want it to be fair and unbiased. I don't like to see any team or kid cheated out of a win because of poor officiating. We pay our money to watch a game but we expect the coach to do his best and the kids to do theirs. Why should we expect anything less from the person holding the whistle. I'm really tired of hearing about their pay scale. Not many of us feel that we're paid enough in our jobs and I'm sure we'd all like to see a little more in the pay envelope each week. The fact is they chose to be a referee and they probably knew the pay scale before they decided to do the job. I'm paying $5.00 at the gate now and I don't want to contribute anymore of my hard earned money towards their paycheck. The bottom line is the officials have a job to do and they need to do it to the best of their ability. As in any job, if their best ability is substandard, they need to be gone.

JANA CROSS AND JESSICA GREEN COMING FROM A STRONG PROGRAM AT SOUTH LAWRENCE WILL BE PLAYING FOR LORETTO HANNAH ASHWORTH ALSO FROM SOUTH LAWRENCE, LEAH STONE AND BRITTANY ROCHELLE FROM E.O. COFFMAN WILL BE PLAYING FOR LAWRENCE CO. MALLORY SCOTT AND BETH LONG WILL BE FRESHMAN AT SUMMERTOWN. LAWRENCE CO. GIRLS BASKETBALL SHOULD BE EXCITING ALL THE WAY AROUND FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS