Taking a look into Oneida Football

[TheBigOFan]

12 hours ago, IndianOutlaw24 said:

We are definitely in an era of finger pointing. Maybe even necessary at times. The confusing part is the multi-direction finger pointing. The board, the coaching staff, the school, the players, the community, the parents, cell phones, rural Appalachia, lack of turf field, too many Mexican restaurants... I am sure the list continues.

One we rarely mention is the 2 buildings (mostly 1) that sit on the southern border of the Oneida High School campus. The buildings are home to over a million dollars in annual salary (roughly 15 employees) and we never hear/see/smell/taste/feel even the beginning of a plan to push this thing the right direction. 

And please don't comment on this saying the 2025 change is a plan to fix any of this. I'll withhold my theory about the 2025 change, but I feel confident the inner workings of that plan had nothing to do with Oneida football winning more games. 

 

I don’t believe this decision will change much for Oneida. I see Oneida Football dwindling down to absolutely meaning nothing. Coaches don’t buy in, why should the players? If the coaches aren’t gonna put the effort in to be great, why should the players? As we have saw last year, there is no fire lit under the #### of our players. Something needs to change and these young men need to get fired up to play for that O. It’s a absolute darn shame with everything going on, and it just shows how much the board really cares to see the team win, or else we would have held interviews. I don’t know the meaning behind holding no interviews but I believe some things that I won’t post on here, and I don’t see it being for the better, but we will see. I just know the board is taking the easy way out. Could we be marking down the last of Oneida Football? Playing for Oneida don’t mean anything anymore, it’s a shame. 

[gcapride]

Y'all have a mess going on up there. Oneida should be a powerhouse in 2A and nobody could change my mind on that. The teams we played in the playoffs would be in the state championship game, or at the least, the semi's (if it weren't for the privates in public, yada yada yada). TL was good up there, but his focus and mindset was ALWAYS on a bigger pasture. He left once and you guys fired the guy who was there that wanted to be there until he retired to bring TL back. Guess what, he left again. I might get roasted for this, but I'm saying it. Oneida should've never fired John Brewster and you guys would've had incredible success and never had to put up with this May debacle the "board" has put you through. I hope you guys have great success with your new coach. I think this year will be a disaster. And, as a parent, I'd be pissed to have a lame duck coach coaching my son. 

[PoundTheRock37]

3 hours ago, gcapride said:

Y'all have a mess going on up there. Oneida should be a powerhouse in 2A and nobody could change my mind on that. The teams we played in the playoffs would be in the state championship game, or at the least, the semi's (if it weren't for the privates in public, yada yada yada). TL was good up there, but his focus and mindset was ALWAYS on a bigger pasture. He left once and you guys fired the guy who was there that wanted to be there until he retired to bring TL back. Guess what, he left again. I might get roasted for this, but I'm saying it. Oneida should've never fired John Brewster and you guys would've had incredible success and never had to put up with this May debacle the "board" has put you through. I hope you guys have great success with your new coach. I think this year will be a disaster. And, as a parent, I'd be pissed to have a lame duck coach coaching my son. 

This whole ordeal goes beyond just the head coach. There are multiple problems with the program right now. I don’t know much you’ve read of all this but as you might know, a very large portion of kids have either transferred or just quit altogether. It’s just sad these kids never had a deep run in the playoffs, or in the playoffs at all…

[CYJACKETT]

I watched their baseball team play the other day, and the players had 0 discipline so I think part of this is a bad group of athletes right now with a selfish mentality. 

[IndianOutlaw24]

52 minutes ago, CYJACKETT said:

I watched their baseball team play the other day, and the players had 0 discipline so I think part of this is a bad group of athletes right now with a selfish mentality. 

Not a better term to describe Oneida athletics at the moment. This might be everywhere, but I feel it in our community on a level never experienced before. The Oneida 90s generation made Oneida Athletics "winners". Round of applause for that era of athletes, coaches, admin, school leaders (who cared about athletics), community members etc.

Unfortunately this created the wrong idea for generations to come. Many parents, or people in general, chose/choose Oneida because their kid will win there. Which means we are going to use Oneida Athletics as a vehicle for our child to experience athletic success aka winning. I'm sure 95% on this thread, or even this site, understand how that will lead to where we are at now. 

The selfish mentality overlooks all the reasons why we were good in the 90s. They don't give a dang about any of it. They just want the outcome. The wins, district championships, state tournament appearances, thousands of people in the stands (at away games). Who doesn't want all that?????? This generation struggles to see the hundreds of components that went into the success of those teams. Do we want tough coaching, challenging workouts, commitment to team goals, attending team functions during summer breaks and off-season, individual and team accountability, competitive practices and training. How fun does any of that sounds to the modern blended community???

[PoundTheRock37]

3 hours ago, IndianOutlaw24 said:

Not a better term to describe Oneida athletics at the moment. This might be everywhere, but I feel it in our community on a level never experienced before. The Oneida 90s generation made Oneida Athletics "winners". Round of applause for that era of athletes, coaches, admin, school leaders (who cared about athletics), community members etc.

Unfortunately this created the wrong idea for generations to come. Many parents, or people in general, chose/choose Oneida because their kid will win there. Which means we are going to use Oneida Athletics as a vehicle for our child to experience athletic success aka winning. I'm sure 95% on this thread, or even this site, understand how that will lead to where we are at now. 

The selfish mentality overlooks all the reasons why we were good in the 90s. They don't give a dang about any of it. They just want the outcome. The wins, district championships, state tournament appearances, thousands of people in the stands (at away games). Who doesn't want all that?????? This generation struggles to see the hundreds of components that went into the success of those teams. Do we want tough coaching, challenging workouts, commitment to team goals, attending team functions during summer breaks and off-season, individual and team accountability, competitive practices and training. How fun does any of that sounds to the modern blended community???

From what I can tell, most of the kids are willing to work and push themselves/others. I don’t think that’s the problem. However tho, I did say most, I’ve heard some would rather be elsewhere. That’s unfortunate and something no one can control but them. But to say the kids as a whole is a big problem is a terrible statement in my opinion. We all have our opinions and you’re entitled to yours but personally from what I’ve seen and know that’s not the case. Take 2 seasons ago for example, same group of kids as now for the most part, very young team. Most said they would be just another bad team like the year before, and tho the team wasn’t perfect, the youngens still managed to go 7-3 in the regular season, and make it to round 2 of the playoffs. Now do we really think that just magically happened? No, it happened because the young men played hard and worked hard. Again, I think the argument of the kids as a whole is just silly. Now some, probably, but as a whole, not a chance.

Edited April 25 by PoundTheRock37

[PoundTheRock37]

4 hours ago, CYJACKETT said:

I watched their baseball team play the other day, and the players had 0 discipline so I think part of this is a bad group of athletes right now with a selfish mentality. 

 

4 hours ago, CYJACKETT said:

I watched their baseball team play the other day, and the players had 0 discipline so I think part of this is a bad group of athletes right now with a selfish mentality. 

Well that is baseball, compared to football it’s basically an entirely different group of kids. I just don’t think this statement makes much sense but I can definitely see where you’re coming from.

[Crow]

Well I think everyone has clearly expressed their thoughts at this point. May be a good idea to let this one just fade away from page 1. I can’t see much good coming from continuing to talk trash and air out dirty laundry publicly although I’m sure several programs are truly enjoying the show. Just my thoughts on the matter and something for each to consider. Carry on as you see fit of course though gentlemen. 

[Chicken]

3 hours ago, IndianOutlaw24 said:

Not a better term to describe Oneida athletics at the moment. This might be everywhere, but I feel it in our community on a level never experienced before. The Oneida 90s generation made Oneida Athletics "winners". Round of applause for that era of athletes, coaches, admin, school leaders (who cared about athletics), community members etc.

Unfortunately this created the wrong idea for generations to come. Many parents, or people in general, chose/choose Oneida because their kid will win there. Which means we are going to use Oneida Athletics as a vehicle for our child to experience athletic success aka winning. I'm sure 95% on this thread, or even this site, understand how that will lead to where we are at now. 

The selfish mentality overlooks all the reasons why we were good in the 90s. They don't give a dang about any of it. They just want the outcome. The wins, district championships, state tournament appearances, thousands of people in the stands (at away games). Who doesn't want all that?????? This generation struggles to see the hundreds of components that went into the success of those teams. Do we want tough coaching, challenging workouts, commitment to team goals, attending team functions during summer breaks and off-season, individual and team accountability, competitive practices and training. How fun does any of that sounds to the modern blended community???

You make some strong points, and I’m with you on most of it. I remember the 90s clear as day — not just the wins, but the culture. It was something special. Kids were bought in, coaches were tough but respected, and the community backed the teams like it was Friday night church. That kind of foundation doesn’t just pop up overnight — it was years of grit, pride, and commitment.

That said, I wouldn’t go so far as to say this generation “doesn’t give a dang.” Some of them do — maybe not in the same numbers or the same way, but I’ve seen kids who care, who want to work, who just haven’t been given the full picture of what that work really looks like. There are a lot of great athletes coming through that still have that old school mentality and toughness, they are just sadly blended in with a bunch of kids that don’t want to work and don’t know what it’s all about. I think it does a real disservice to the kids who are showing up and grinding every day when we sit around and say they don’t work as hard or aren’t bought in. That kind of thinking feels short-sighted, especially coming from us old-timers who should know better. Effort and commitment still exist — it just might look different now than it did back then. It’s on us — the older folks — to show them, not just expect them to know it or get it by osmosis. We can reminisce about how great the 90s were all day long, but the truth is, this generation doesn’t want to keep hearing that — and honestly, it’s not the way to motivate them. Constant comparisons don’t inspire, they discourage. Instead of looking back and saying, “It’s not like it was when I played,” we need to step up, get involved, and help these kids build something of their own. That’s how we make a real difference. The world’s changed, sure. But I still believe you can build a strong program today. It just takes more than nostalgia — it takes leadership, patience, and people willing to invest time into kids who may not yet know what it means to bleed school colors the way we did.

But yes — the mindset that you just walk into a program and expect banners to hang just because of a zip code? That’s a recipe for disappointment every time.

[BringTheWood]

2 hours ago, Chicken said:

You make some strong points, and I’m with you on most of it. I remember the 90s clear as day — not just the wins, but the culture. It was something special. Kids were bought in, coaches were tough but respected, and the community backed the teams like it was Friday night church. That kind of foundation doesn’t just pop up overnight — it was years of grit, pride, and commitment.

That said, I wouldn’t go so far as to say this generation “doesn’t give a dang.” Some of them do — maybe not in the same numbers or the same way, but I’ve seen kids who care, who want to work, who just haven’t been given the full picture of what that work really looks like. There are a lot of great athletes coming through that still have that old school mentality and toughness, they are just sadly blended in with a bunch of kids that don’t want to work and don’t know what it’s all about. I think it does a real disservice to the kids who are showing up and grinding every day when we sit around and say they don’t work as hard or aren’t bought in. That kind of thinking feels short-sighted, especially coming from us old-timers who should know better. Effort and commitment still exist — it just might look different now than it did back then. It’s on us — the older folks — to show them, not just expect them to know it or get it by osmosis. We can reminisce about how great the 90s were all day long, but the truth is, this generation doesn’t want to keep hearing that — and honestly, it’s not the way to motivate them. Constant comparisons don’t inspire, they discourage. Instead of looking back and saying, “It’s not like it was when I played,” we need to step up, get involved, and help these kids build something of their own. That’s how we make a real difference. The world’s changed, sure. But I still believe you can build a strong program today. It just takes more than nostalgia — it takes leadership, patience, and people willing to invest time into kids who may not yet know what it means to bleed school colors the way we did.

But yes — the mindset that you just walk into a program and expect banners to hang just because of a zip code? That’s a recipe for disappointment every time.

I have just made an account on Coach T to share my thoughts. I have however kept up with everything said for years now and just never decided to join until now. I have been supporting the Indians through thick and thin since the 80’s. Rough patches are going to come — teams are going to underperform — unfortunate events will take place. That is no reason to give up and quit. Regardless of what is going on, people have got to buy in and try their best. Anything else would be a disservice to the program. I agree with you there Chicken, the 80’s and 90’s are over, we have to focus on today’s game and kids. I believe we can still be a good football team but everyone has to get on board. Let’s encourage these kids, and if we do we might just see another “botched” season turn into something greater. I look forward to another season of football at Oneida. 

Edited April 25 by BringTheWood

[Indians18]

The culture change has to begin in middle school. Coach May had Coach Wright and others, Coach Lambert had Coach Sexton running a great middle school program. If you want tough, hardnosed, egoless football teams it has to start when they're young. That foundation has to be set as soon as possible. I couldn't tell you what the middle school program looks like right now, my only insight into the program is IH. I could be completely off base, the middle school program could be great. I've been apart of two program culture changes as a coach and it isn't easy, but it can be done with buy in from parents and the. Coaches on all levels getting on the same page.

 

This is a storied program and one I've always been proud to be from. 

[IndianOutlaw24]

On 4/25/2025 at 1:22 PM, Chicken said:

You make some strong points, and I’m with you on most of it. I remember the 90s clear as day — not just the wins, but the culture. It was something special. Kids were bought in, coaches were tough but respected, and the community backed the teams like it was Friday night church. That kind of foundation doesn’t just pop up overnight — it was years of grit, pride, and commitment.

That said, I wouldn’t go so far as to say this generation “doesn’t give a dang.” Some of them do — maybe not in the same numbers or the same way, but I’ve seen kids who care, who want to work, who just haven’t been given the full picture of what that work really looks like. There are a lot of great athletes coming through that still have that old school mentality and toughness, they are just sadly blended in with a bunch of kids that don’t want to work and don’t know what it’s all about. I think it does a real disservice to the kids who are showing up and grinding every day when we sit around and say they don’t work as hard or aren’t bought in. That kind of thinking feels short-sighted, especially coming from us old-timers who should know better. Effort and commitment still exist — it just might look different now than it did back then. It’s on us — the older folks — to show them, not just expect them to know it or get it by osmosis. We can reminisce about how great the 90s were all day long, but the truth is, this generation doesn’t want to keep hearing that — and honestly, it’s not the way to motivate them. Constant comparisons don’t inspire, they discourage. Instead of looking back and saying, “It’s not like it was when I played,” we need to step up, get involved, and help these kids build something of their own. That’s how we make a real difference. The world’s changed, sure. But I still believe you can build a strong program today. It just takes more than nostalgia — it takes leadership, patience, and people willing to invest time into kids who may not yet know what it means to bleed school colors the way we did.

But yes — the mindset that you just walk into a program and expect banners to hang just because of a zip code? That’s a recipe for disappointment every time.

Great post. I appreciate an intellectual discussion.

I wrote "they" in my reference for figurative purposes. If the shoe fits.

Honestly, I was referring more to the parents if I had to label a specific generation. 

Only 1 statement you made in which I place myself on the opposing side. Effort and Commitment shouldn't change appearance. Those 2 terms have thousands of years of shaping (sports aside). I feel they are significantly pure when evaluating a football team and its capacity of both. 

Maryville and Alcoa mastered the zip code thing you mentioned. When kids enroll there, they fully expect to win a state championship. I know that's kind of big scale and an extreme for the example, but it does exist.

I support the idea of the old timers just saying how much better things were back then. I agree, that does nothing for kids. Zero motivational help.

I guess I was taking the analytical approach and trying to examine some comparisons across the history of the program. Nothing against our kids in this community. We have some great athletes! With the proper guidance, they can be successful. 

 

 

Edited April 29 by IndianOutlaw24