http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2004155464_prepnotes31.html
On paper, it looks like a great hire. Ray Roberts is obviously a man who understands the game and has a passion for being a positive role model.
I hope the Lake Washington football program, as well the rest of the school, are on a better path now than they were a few years ago. I don't know the whole story, but it culminated in former football coach, Tim Tramp, successfully suing the school district for wrongful termination, in addition to some other issues.
There's nowhere to go but up. It doesn't appear that will be a problem for Ray Roberts. Good luck, Coach Roberts.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Return of the Rebels!?
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2004133829_prepnotes19.html
More than likely not, although Coach Tarantola could have them playing their best ball in more than 15 years. Nothing against Juanita or their new coach, but any school that experiences the kind of success they had in the 80's should consider themselves fortunate. It isn't as if there is a revolving door and everyone gets a turn to be one of the top programs the state has ever seen (or returns to it). Years from now programs such as Bellevue, Skyline, Pasco, etc. may be perrenial bottom feeders. If you're great now, you really shouldn't take it for granted.
That being said, I'm sure that they are going to be just fine. Judging from what I've read about him, I hope he sticks around their for awhile. Good luck, Coach Tarantola.
More than likely not, although Coach Tarantola could have them playing their best ball in more than 15 years. Nothing against Juanita or their new coach, but any school that experiences the kind of success they had in the 80's should consider themselves fortunate. It isn't as if there is a revolving door and everyone gets a turn to be one of the top programs the state has ever seen (or returns to it). Years from now programs such as Bellevue, Skyline, Pasco, etc. may be perrenial bottom feeders. If you're great now, you really shouldn't take it for granted.
That being said, I'm sure that they are going to be just fine. Judging from what I've read about him, I hope he sticks around their for awhile. Good luck, Coach Tarantola.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Glacier Peak's First Coach
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2004125488_prepnotes15.html
Glacier Peak High School is going to open this fall, and their football program appears to be off to a great start. I don't know anything about Rory Rosebach, but anyone who wins 2 state championships in a state as strong as Oregon must be a pretty good coach. It looks like Oregon's loss will be Washington's gain. Good luck, Coach Rosenbach.
Glacier Peak High School is going to open this fall, and their football program appears to be off to a great start. I don't know anything about Rory Rosebach, but anyone who wins 2 state championships in a state as strong as Oregon must be a pretty good coach. It looks like Oregon's loss will be Washington's gain. Good luck, Coach Rosenbach.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Jay Turner Takes Over For Oak Harbor
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2004119082_prepnotes11.html
Head coach, Dave Ward, stepped down after holding the position for 17 years. I don't know anything about Jay Turner, but he is a hand picked successor. There is no reason to think that he isn't capable of continuing what Ward started.
I didn't see much of Ward's teams, but really liked what I saw. The most memorable game for me was when the Wildcats beat Gonzaga Prep in the semifinals last year. With nearly half of the second quarter gone, the Bullpups led 10-0 and Oak Harbor had run only 3 offensive plays in the entire game. The combination of playing on the road and having no answer for G-Prep's option, I figured the game was pretty much over. Well, Marshall Lobbestael & Co. found a way to not only stop their offense, but got the passing game going as well. In the end the undersized Oak harbor team prevailed, 14-10. They were as resiliant of a team as I've ever seen, going on to win the state championship.
This past season I thought they proved themselves not to be a "lightning in a bottle" team by having an undefeated regular season and making it all the way to the quarterfinals. I'm looking forward to seeing it continue. Good luck, Coach Turner.
Head coach, Dave Ward, stepped down after holding the position for 17 years. I don't know anything about Jay Turner, but he is a hand picked successor. There is no reason to think that he isn't capable of continuing what Ward started.
I didn't see much of Ward's teams, but really liked what I saw. The most memorable game for me was when the Wildcats beat Gonzaga Prep in the semifinals last year. With nearly half of the second quarter gone, the Bullpups led 10-0 and Oak Harbor had run only 3 offensive plays in the entire game. The combination of playing on the road and having no answer for G-Prep's option, I figured the game was pretty much over. Well, Marshall Lobbestael & Co. found a way to not only stop their offense, but got the passing game going as well. In the end the undersized Oak harbor team prevailed, 14-10. They were as resiliant of a team as I've ever seen, going on to win the state championship.
This past season I thought they proved themselves not to be a "lightning in a bottle" team by having an undefeated regular season and making it all the way to the quarterfinals. I'm looking forward to seeing it continue. Good luck, Coach Turner.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
I Guess That's That.
The last thing I heard about this situation was that some of the players for Archbishop Murphy were going to attend a meeting with the WIAA executive board. The purpose for them attending the meeting was going to try and get an amendment passed so that if a situation like theirs ever takes place again, that team will not have to forfeit their entire season and miss out on a chance to potentially play for the state championship. Whether any of this happened or not I have not heard.
In case anyone wonders what I'm referring to, Terry Ennis passed away September 12, 2007 after a battle with prostate cancer. Given the stature of Ennis and his role on the football team, the events leading up to his passing at very least had a monkey wrench thrown into them. Among the things that were overlooked was the fact that one the players on the team had a physical expire four days before Ennis passed away. As most people can imagine, there were more pressing matters at the time than an expired physical. Regardless, the violation was eventually discovered by the team which led to them immediately reporting it. Upon doing this, they were informed that there entire season would be forfeited. No problem, since that is how one has to formally respond. Archbishop Murphy then appealed to the Cascade Conference and Northwest District so they could formally explain how their coach died, which led to the minor oversight. They responded by saying Ennis should have taken care of this before he died, now go turn in your gear.
As shocking as this response was, the team had one more appeal left. Certainly the 13 member executive board of the WIAA would understand and grant them mercy. All they did was remind them to turn in their gear. Just like that their season was over. Many people weighed in with their opinions about how this was handled. Sports Illustrated even wrote an article about it. I think everyone is trying to figure out such a ridiculous ruling could be made. While everyone was trying to figure that one out, the Archbishop Murphy players were too busy responding with class.
Most people would have assummed that they would have showed up at the first playoff game that was taken from them and done some sort of protest. They went to a playoff game alright. The girls soccer team was in the semifinals, and everyone who was their said no one cheered louder than the Archbishop Murphy football players. All the while not one gripe was heard from the football team. In fact, the impression I got from the articles I've read is that the effort to get the ammendment passed is being done moreso to honor the memory of their coach rather than express bitterness over what happened. Certainly an argument can be made that I am out of line for even implying that bitterness even plays a role, however minor it may be.
From everything I've read about Coach Ennis over the years, this is exactly what he would have wanted. Congratulations, Coach. May the glory you receive in passing inspire all of us to take the high road you travelled.
In case anyone wonders what I'm referring to, Terry Ennis passed away September 12, 2007 after a battle with prostate cancer. Given the stature of Ennis and his role on the football team, the events leading up to his passing at very least had a monkey wrench thrown into them. Among the things that were overlooked was the fact that one the players on the team had a physical expire four days before Ennis passed away. As most people can imagine, there were more pressing matters at the time than an expired physical. Regardless, the violation was eventually discovered by the team which led to them immediately reporting it. Upon doing this, they were informed that there entire season would be forfeited. No problem, since that is how one has to formally respond. Archbishop Murphy then appealed to the Cascade Conference and Northwest District so they could formally explain how their coach died, which led to the minor oversight. They responded by saying Ennis should have taken care of this before he died, now go turn in your gear.
As shocking as this response was, the team had one more appeal left. Certainly the 13 member executive board of the WIAA would understand and grant them mercy. All they did was remind them to turn in their gear. Just like that their season was over. Many people weighed in with their opinions about how this was handled. Sports Illustrated even wrote an article about it. I think everyone is trying to figure out such a ridiculous ruling could be made. While everyone was trying to figure that one out, the Archbishop Murphy players were too busy responding with class.
Most people would have assummed that they would have showed up at the first playoff game that was taken from them and done some sort of protest. They went to a playoff game alright. The girls soccer team was in the semifinals, and everyone who was their said no one cheered louder than the Archbishop Murphy football players. All the while not one gripe was heard from the football team. In fact, the impression I got from the articles I've read is that the effort to get the ammendment passed is being done moreso to honor the memory of their coach rather than express bitterness over what happened. Certainly an argument can be made that I am out of line for even implying that bitterness even plays a role, however minor it may be.
From everything I've read about Coach Ennis over the years, this is exactly what he would have wanted. Congratulations, Coach. May the glory you receive in passing inspire all of us to take the high road you travelled.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Letter I wrote to the WIAA a couple of months ago
My name is Adam Slind, and I have been a fan of high school football since my father took me to my first Kingbowl in 1981. In fact, I am such a fan of high school football that most UW Husky fans I talk to do not consider me a "true dawg fan" since I am also a fan of the WSU Cougars as well. This is due to the fact that as much as I love the Dawgs, my passion for high school football leads me to root for the Cougs due to their roster containing a significant amount of players from the state of Washington. How can appreciate the performance of someone like Marshall Lobbestael and then turn around and root against him in College? No chance of that happening.
Another year is here, and the playoffs are already as exciting as ever. I first of all wanted to share how much I appreciate the WIAA for expanding the high school playoffs. When I think of some of the great high school playoff games I've seen, unfortunately something that also comes to mind are some of the great teams that didn't make the playoffs. The 2 that stand out to me are the 1984 Gonzaga team and the 1987 Interlake squad. I felt that both of those teams were among the top 5 teams in the state, neither one had a chance to prove it. The WIAA now ensures that it is possible for teams like that to challenge for the state title. I was especially excited to see Woodinville challenge for the state title 2 years ago. Before the playoffs were expanded, they would not have even gotten in. And by adding an extra week, the WIAA has made it possible for them not to burn themselves out with that 3 games in 9 days format that was so common before 2005. I look at the brackets now and am very pleased to see the 4A include 3 teams with 4 losses and 4 teams with 3, and the 3A include 3 teams with 4 losses and 3 teams with 3. This is something that would not have been possible 15 years ago. Now teams that either play in tough conferences or take a little longer to jell will no longer have to suffer the consequences of that.
That being said, though, there does seem to be some room for improvement. In looking at the brackets I can't help but notice that several teams from the same league are either playing each other in the first round (Bellevue vs. Newport & Kennewick vs. Kamiakin in the 3A) or will have eliminated themselves by the quarterfinals (the bottom quarter of the 4A bracket includes 3 teams from the Wesco). In my opinion it would be much more exciting to spread the teams out more and make it so teams do not have to play each other until it is mathmatically neccesary. For example, if a league has 6 teams that qualify for postseason play then they would not be forced to play each other until the quarterfinals. If a league has 3 teams, then they wouldn't have to play until the semifinals. The Wesco, for example, has 5 teams in the round of 16. The way those teams are bracketed, it is impossible for all 5 of them to make it to the quarterfinals and for more than 3 to get to the semis. Spreading them out more could not only give a better perspective of who the top leagues in the state are, but also ensure that the teams are progressing according to their level of play. Kamiakin & Kennewick could very be the 2 worst teams in the field of 16, but one of them is certain to make it to the quarterfinals. One the other hand Cascade, Snohomish, and Edmonds-Woodway could be the top 3 teams in the state but only one of them has a chance to make it to the semifinals. Please know that I do not have a dog in this fight. I do not care who the best team or league is. I would just like to see a format that is more indicative of showing who that actually is.
Something else that could be improved upon is the seeding of teams. I realize the format is decided upon long before the season ever starts, but it sure would be nice to see the teams who are presumably the best teams in the state not meeting until they have to. The most obvious example of what I'm referring to is the matchup between Skyline and Lakes in the first round of the 3A tournament. I think most people are disapointed that matchup cannot take place in December. Perhaps having the AP rank the 32 teams that qualify for the tournament could provide an oppurtunity for this. If there is still a mid-week play-in that takes place (as is the case with the SPSL and Seamount league), then the winner of that game can automatically be the 32nd seed. Something like this could easily cancel out the suggestion made in the previous paragraph, so it may be a vain point. Given the choice, I think it would be much more beneficial to spread the leagues out than put too much emphasis on an AP poll. Most of the people who vote in that poll have not seen a majority of the teams play.
Lastly, I was wondering if something could be done about home field advantage in the playoffs. I think a neutral site for the game would not only improve the chances of determining who the better team is, but also limit the travel done by one of the teams. As great as the 9 overtime playoff game between Bothell and Pasco was last year, I can't help but think that Bothell had the advantage in that game playing at Pop Keeney stadium that they wouldn't have had in some place like Longview. In 2004 I couldn't help be feel sorry for all those Evergreen fans who had to travel all the way to Spokane for the semifinals. Having the game at Lampson stadium in Kennewick would've not only shortened travel time, but also made for safer trip back home. I wouldn't change anything about having the title games in the Tacoma Dome. That's a standard that shouldn't be touched.
As I said earlier, the WIAA has made some tremendous changes in the last few years that are very beneficial. So encouraged I am be your vision, that I'm inspired to write this e-mail. Regardless of what the WIAA thinks of this of my suggestions, I look forward to cheering on high school football for the rest of my life and appreciate everything you do to make the experience as positive as possible.
Sincerely,
Adam B. Slind
Another year is here, and the playoffs are already as exciting as ever. I first of all wanted to share how much I appreciate the WIAA for expanding the high school playoffs. When I think of some of the great high school playoff games I've seen, unfortunately something that also comes to mind are some of the great teams that didn't make the playoffs. The 2 that stand out to me are the 1984 Gonzaga team and the 1987 Interlake squad. I felt that both of those teams were among the top 5 teams in the state, neither one had a chance to prove it. The WIAA now ensures that it is possible for teams like that to challenge for the state title. I was especially excited to see Woodinville challenge for the state title 2 years ago. Before the playoffs were expanded, they would not have even gotten in. And by adding an extra week, the WIAA has made it possible for them not to burn themselves out with that 3 games in 9 days format that was so common before 2005. I look at the brackets now and am very pleased to see the 4A include 3 teams with 4 losses and 4 teams with 3, and the 3A include 3 teams with 4 losses and 3 teams with 3. This is something that would not have been possible 15 years ago. Now teams that either play in tough conferences or take a little longer to jell will no longer have to suffer the consequences of that.
That being said, though, there does seem to be some room for improvement. In looking at the brackets I can't help but notice that several teams from the same league are either playing each other in the first round (Bellevue vs. Newport & Kennewick vs. Kamiakin in the 3A) or will have eliminated themselves by the quarterfinals (the bottom quarter of the 4A bracket includes 3 teams from the Wesco). In my opinion it would be much more exciting to spread the teams out more and make it so teams do not have to play each other until it is mathmatically neccesary. For example, if a league has 6 teams that qualify for postseason play then they would not be forced to play each other until the quarterfinals. If a league has 3 teams, then they wouldn't have to play until the semifinals. The Wesco, for example, has 5 teams in the round of 16. The way those teams are bracketed, it is impossible for all 5 of them to make it to the quarterfinals and for more than 3 to get to the semis. Spreading them out more could not only give a better perspective of who the top leagues in the state are, but also ensure that the teams are progressing according to their level of play. Kamiakin & Kennewick could very be the 2 worst teams in the field of 16, but one of them is certain to make it to the quarterfinals. One the other hand Cascade, Snohomish, and Edmonds-Woodway could be the top 3 teams in the state but only one of them has a chance to make it to the semifinals. Please know that I do not have a dog in this fight. I do not care who the best team or league is. I would just like to see a format that is more indicative of showing who that actually is.
Something else that could be improved upon is the seeding of teams. I realize the format is decided upon long before the season ever starts, but it sure would be nice to see the teams who are presumably the best teams in the state not meeting until they have to. The most obvious example of what I'm referring to is the matchup between Skyline and Lakes in the first round of the 3A tournament. I think most people are disapointed that matchup cannot take place in December. Perhaps having the AP rank the 32 teams that qualify for the tournament could provide an oppurtunity for this. If there is still a mid-week play-in that takes place (as is the case with the SPSL and Seamount league), then the winner of that game can automatically be the 32nd seed. Something like this could easily cancel out the suggestion made in the previous paragraph, so it may be a vain point. Given the choice, I think it would be much more beneficial to spread the leagues out than put too much emphasis on an AP poll. Most of the people who vote in that poll have not seen a majority of the teams play.
Lastly, I was wondering if something could be done about home field advantage in the playoffs. I think a neutral site for the game would not only improve the chances of determining who the better team is, but also limit the travel done by one of the teams. As great as the 9 overtime playoff game between Bothell and Pasco was last year, I can't help but think that Bothell had the advantage in that game playing at Pop Keeney stadium that they wouldn't have had in some place like Longview. In 2004 I couldn't help be feel sorry for all those Evergreen fans who had to travel all the way to Spokane for the semifinals. Having the game at Lampson stadium in Kennewick would've not only shortened travel time, but also made for safer trip back home. I wouldn't change anything about having the title games in the Tacoma Dome. That's a standard that shouldn't be touched.
As I said earlier, the WIAA has made some tremendous changes in the last few years that are very beneficial. So encouraged I am be your vision, that I'm inspired to write this e-mail. Regardless of what the WIAA thinks of this of my suggestions, I look forward to cheering on high school football for the rest of my life and appreciate everything you do to make the experience as positive as possible.
Sincerely,
Adam B. Slind
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
