The past week has been a wild one in sports.
We’ve seen the Tampa Bay Rays complete their worst to first story book season by punching their ticket to the World Series.
Just as the Atlanta Braves of 1991, these Rays have gone from laughing stocks to THE Cinderella story of the year in sports.
Alas, not everyone is happy. The suits at Fox Sports who paid millions of dollars for the rights to broadcast the fall classic were praying for a Los Angeles versus Boston match-up.
Now, to them, they’re “stuck.” Stuck with a Cinderella story, but WITHOUT Darth Vader.
Every great story has a hero and a villain. A good guy, and a bad guy. Now, I ask you, how can you NOT root for the Rays and the Phillies?
Tampa Bay is the prototypical chalk up one to the little guy. On the other side, the usually easy to hate Phillies have Charlie Manuel. The “good guy” who always is nice, smiles, is jovial. Compound those qualities with the fact he just attended his mothers funeral and you have a problem. There’s not really anyone to loath. You have two feel good stories. Good for society, BAD FOR RATINGS!
Mark it down, this will go down as one of THE least watched world series ever. It’s sad, but true. I for one, am picking the Rays to win in 6 games.
Time will tell.
On to other odds and ends. I appreciate the feed back I received over last weeks rant. It’s good to know people are reading the blog, and more importantly giving me feed back. Sadly, I have NOT heard that the powers that be in Laurens 55 and/or 56 are going to be PROACTIVE and announce that competitive cheer and/or swimming is on the horizon for the 2009-2010 school year.
I was hoping, after totally blowing their arguments out of the water that they’d admit they were wrong and would do the right thing”
Maybe they’re just getting that committee together, who’ll appoint a sub-committee, who’ll then get a focus group together, who’ll make recommendations…. You get my point.
I’m hoping, sooner rather than later that we’ll hear, officially, they’ll take a step into the 21st century and give these kids an opportunity.
It’s good to see Laurens is off to their best start since 1996. At 7-1 and 2-0 in the region, they have a crucial home game this Friday against Westside.
It’d be neat to see the home stands full and fans being FANS and cheering their heads off Friday.
That’s my rant, what’s yours?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Time for a reality check
The last time I checked the calendar it told me we were in October of 2008. Sadly, it seems that some folks are caught living in the past. Living with old, out-dated thinking, ideas, and vision.
And no, I am not talking about Laurens County Council! Not this time at least.
I am talking about the people who think that cheerleading is not a sport, think there’s not enough interest, think there are not enough resources, and think the kids in small town South Carolina can’t keep up with the larger schools in bigger cities.
For years, I have heard weak arguments such as the ones I just mentioned. I’ve heard them from principals, athletic directors, district office personnel from both Laurens School Districts 55 and 56.
With a new man in charge of Laurens 56 as well as Clinton High School, and the vision in place in Laurens 55, the time is now, not later, to change the way some things are done.
Let’s review. A story printed this summer in the Clinton Chronicle detailed the situation at Clinton High School. Dale Roth the “sponsor” of the cheerleading squad was quoted as saying it was appropriate that her “program” wasn’t funded and stated there wasn’t an “interest” in letting the cheerleading squads compete.
At the same time, these “cheerleaders” are required to raise money to attend summer camp, learn routines, all the things that kids who “compete” do as well.
If you’re not going to compete, why make the kids spend the money?
I’ve heard the argument from people at Laurens High School over the years that there isn’t a facility in Laurens County for kids to learn tumbling and some of the other skills necessary to realistically compete at the level expected of a competition squad.
Well, now there is. Michelle Spires has assembled quite a facility and staff at the Laurens COUNTY Gymnastics Center. The facility is located at 970 Old Airport Road, which according to Mapquest.com is 8.43 miles from Clinton High School and 5.79 miles from Laurens High School.
That’s about as close to in the middle as you could expect distance wise.
This facility offers gymnastics classes, from beginner to advanced, and will begin offering a competition gymnastics AND cheerleading opportunity after Christmas.
They have a staff that offers the experience to teach tumbling.
Second, I have had some in administration tell me that schools in their regions don’t compete either. In Region 1-AAAA Wren and Easley not only compete, but HOST cheerleading competitions. Wren co-hosted a competition October 11th while Easley will be hosting one on October 18th. Both schools have made it to the upper state finals of their respective divisions in the last few years.
In Clinton’s region, Union, Blue Ridge and Riverside compete. Riverside placed in the top 5 in the state in recent years.
Third, Whitmire, Ware Shoals, Woodruff, Liberty, Pendleton, Walhalla, Aynor, and Belton-Honea Path, all schools in rural towns, field competitive cheerleading squads.
When I heard the issue of funding this summer I surveyed several schools. Woodruff, B-HP, Ware Shoals and Union ALL fund these squads at some level.
Wayne Green, the Athletic Director at B-HP who is as old school as you can get, funds one hundred percent of the expenses of the schools program, save the cost of a bus driver. Granted, B-HP does their share of fundraisers, including hosting a competition. This should illustrate that rural town South Carolina can, if done properly, give an opportunity to kids that are available in larger communities.
So, now that every single argument that has been raised over the years has been addressed, a sane, rational, adult would believe that the powers that be in both Laurens 55 as well as Laurens 56 would wake up and realize the opportunity they have.
Not to beat a dead horse, but some pretty sharp people in economic development told me that one of the first things that corporations look at are facilities and recreational opportunities for their employees.
While I am not saying having or not having competitive cheerleading squads at Laurens and Clinton would be the deal breaker, I have to believe that the more opportunities available the better.
Why stop there? The YMCA’S of Clinton and Laurens recently announced a cooprtative effort in fielding a Laurens COUNTY swim team.
Each YMCA has a heated indoor swimming facility. It would seem to me, that Clinton and Laurens High School could easily strike an agreement with these YMCA’S to help in establishing a swim team at each school.
The moral to this rant is this… it’s time to embrace change. Time to embrace advancement of opportunities. It is NOT the time to stone wall. It is NOT time to say “we’ve never done that before.”
You have every opportunity to be a part of the ever-expanding job of economic development. The recent developments in the short falls of public school funding due to the switch from property taxes to sales taxes should make all of us understand the need to expand and grow business in Laurens County.
Instead of sticking your heads in the sand, swallow hard, and take the opportunity to offer some new things. Football, baseball and basketball and tennis are great.
At the same time, I’m willing to bet that if offered, and promoted, PROPERLY, that these new programs would attract a significant number of new athletes to the schools.
That’s my rant, what’s yours?
And no, I am not talking about Laurens County Council! Not this time at least.
I am talking about the people who think that cheerleading is not a sport, think there’s not enough interest, think there are not enough resources, and think the kids in small town South Carolina can’t keep up with the larger schools in bigger cities.
For years, I have heard weak arguments such as the ones I just mentioned. I’ve heard them from principals, athletic directors, district office personnel from both Laurens School Districts 55 and 56.
With a new man in charge of Laurens 56 as well as Clinton High School, and the vision in place in Laurens 55, the time is now, not later, to change the way some things are done.
Let’s review. A story printed this summer in the Clinton Chronicle detailed the situation at Clinton High School. Dale Roth the “sponsor” of the cheerleading squad was quoted as saying it was appropriate that her “program” wasn’t funded and stated there wasn’t an “interest” in letting the cheerleading squads compete.
At the same time, these “cheerleaders” are required to raise money to attend summer camp, learn routines, all the things that kids who “compete” do as well.
If you’re not going to compete, why make the kids spend the money?
I’ve heard the argument from people at Laurens High School over the years that there isn’t a facility in Laurens County for kids to learn tumbling and some of the other skills necessary to realistically compete at the level expected of a competition squad.
Well, now there is. Michelle Spires has assembled quite a facility and staff at the Laurens COUNTY Gymnastics Center. The facility is located at 970 Old Airport Road, which according to Mapquest.com is 8.43 miles from Clinton High School and 5.79 miles from Laurens High School.
That’s about as close to in the middle as you could expect distance wise.
This facility offers gymnastics classes, from beginner to advanced, and will begin offering a competition gymnastics AND cheerleading opportunity after Christmas.
They have a staff that offers the experience to teach tumbling.
Second, I have had some in administration tell me that schools in their regions don’t compete either. In Region 1-AAAA Wren and Easley not only compete, but HOST cheerleading competitions. Wren co-hosted a competition October 11th while Easley will be hosting one on October 18th. Both schools have made it to the upper state finals of their respective divisions in the last few years.
In Clinton’s region, Union, Blue Ridge and Riverside compete. Riverside placed in the top 5 in the state in recent years.
Third, Whitmire, Ware Shoals, Woodruff, Liberty, Pendleton, Walhalla, Aynor, and Belton-Honea Path, all schools in rural towns, field competitive cheerleading squads.
When I heard the issue of funding this summer I surveyed several schools. Woodruff, B-HP, Ware Shoals and Union ALL fund these squads at some level.
Wayne Green, the Athletic Director at B-HP who is as old school as you can get, funds one hundred percent of the expenses of the schools program, save the cost of a bus driver. Granted, B-HP does their share of fundraisers, including hosting a competition. This should illustrate that rural town South Carolina can, if done properly, give an opportunity to kids that are available in larger communities.
So, now that every single argument that has been raised over the years has been addressed, a sane, rational, adult would believe that the powers that be in both Laurens 55 as well as Laurens 56 would wake up and realize the opportunity they have.
Not to beat a dead horse, but some pretty sharp people in economic development told me that one of the first things that corporations look at are facilities and recreational opportunities for their employees.
While I am not saying having or not having competitive cheerleading squads at Laurens and Clinton would be the deal breaker, I have to believe that the more opportunities available the better.
Why stop there? The YMCA’S of Clinton and Laurens recently announced a cooprtative effort in fielding a Laurens COUNTY swim team.
Each YMCA has a heated indoor swimming facility. It would seem to me, that Clinton and Laurens High School could easily strike an agreement with these YMCA’S to help in establishing a swim team at each school.
The moral to this rant is this… it’s time to embrace change. Time to embrace advancement of opportunities. It is NOT the time to stone wall. It is NOT time to say “we’ve never done that before.”
You have every opportunity to be a part of the ever-expanding job of economic development. The recent developments in the short falls of public school funding due to the switch from property taxes to sales taxes should make all of us understand the need to expand and grow business in Laurens County.
Instead of sticking your heads in the sand, swallow hard, and take the opportunity to offer some new things. Football, baseball and basketball and tennis are great.
At the same time, I’m willing to bet that if offered, and promoted, PROPERLY, that these new programs would attract a significant number of new athletes to the schools.
That’s my rant, what’s yours?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Now THAT’S home field advantage!
Last Saturday, the Presbyterian College Blue Hose traveled to Boone, NC for a game against the three times defending national champion Appalachian State Mountaineers.
The game was scheduled for a 7pm start, the first night game scheduled in Boone since the beginning of the 2001 season.
On that night, against a team in just it’s second season in Division I FCS (the artist formerly known as I-AA) it was listed as a sell-out with an estimated actual attendance of over 20,000 fans.
I’ve been to games at Williams-Brice to see the Gamecocks, to Death-Valley for a Clemson game, and even to Charlotte to see the Panthers.
Last Saturday night, to me, was the epitome of what sports is all about. The Mountaineer fans were there, early, loud and even on a rainy night made their stadium a true home field advantage.
When PC had the ball, they were loud. As if on queue, when PC had it on 3rd down, the PA announcer would hit the first few measures of AC/DC’S Hells Bells and then the crowd went nuts!
The stands literally shook (made me think back to the days of if it ain’t swaying, we ain’t playing) and the crowd truly was the 12th man!
That same atmosphere has been replicated in certain stadiums on Friday nights. Just last Friday, when we were in Mauldin for the game with Laurens, the 4th quarter belonged to the Raider fans.
When I can hear them, clear across the field, being LOUDER than the Mauldin fans that’s impressive.
On the Greg Lawson show last night at The Hub, coach specifically mentioned that the fans, and their noise were a huge factor in keeping the kids pumped up when their backs were against the wall and Laurens pulled out the win.
Some old-timers will say players shouldn’t concern themselves with what the fans say, or how loud fans get. To a certain point, they’re right. At the same time, let’s be honest, in that kids are kids. They play with emotion. The more POSITIVE things they hear coming from the stands the better off they will be.
So, this Friday, when Laurens hosts Dorman, and Clinton hosts Riverside, the fans have yet another opportunity to be that 12th man.
Laurens is 5-0 for the first time since 1987. Win, lose, or draw, the Raiders have everything to gain and truly nothing to lose against Dorman. Dorman is literally twice the size of Laurens with Dorman boasting over 3200 students. That Big 16 school gives the Raiders an extra point in the playoff formula.
The lessons the Raiders learn going against Dorman will play out the next five weeks during region play.
I’ve heard many a Raider fan saying they long for the days when year in and year out the Raiders were contending for the region title and a state title.
While I’m not ready to declare them ready for the latter, I certainly feel that this Raider team is ready to contend to claim their first region title in quite a while.
So, when you get to K.C. Hanna stadium Friday night, go ahead, relax, let your hair down, and be a true 12th man, OR woman for the kids. They and YOU deserve it!
That’s my rant, what’s yours????
The game was scheduled for a 7pm start, the first night game scheduled in Boone since the beginning of the 2001 season.
On that night, against a team in just it’s second season in Division I FCS (the artist formerly known as I-AA) it was listed as a sell-out with an estimated actual attendance of over 20,000 fans.
I’ve been to games at Williams-Brice to see the Gamecocks, to Death-Valley for a Clemson game, and even to Charlotte to see the Panthers.
Last Saturday night, to me, was the epitome of what sports is all about. The Mountaineer fans were there, early, loud and even on a rainy night made their stadium a true home field advantage.
When PC had the ball, they were loud. As if on queue, when PC had it on 3rd down, the PA announcer would hit the first few measures of AC/DC’S Hells Bells and then the crowd went nuts!
The stands literally shook (made me think back to the days of if it ain’t swaying, we ain’t playing) and the crowd truly was the 12th man!
That same atmosphere has been replicated in certain stadiums on Friday nights. Just last Friday, when we were in Mauldin for the game with Laurens, the 4th quarter belonged to the Raider fans.
When I can hear them, clear across the field, being LOUDER than the Mauldin fans that’s impressive.
On the Greg Lawson show last night at The Hub, coach specifically mentioned that the fans, and their noise were a huge factor in keeping the kids pumped up when their backs were against the wall and Laurens pulled out the win.
Some old-timers will say players shouldn’t concern themselves with what the fans say, or how loud fans get. To a certain point, they’re right. At the same time, let’s be honest, in that kids are kids. They play with emotion. The more POSITIVE things they hear coming from the stands the better off they will be.
So, this Friday, when Laurens hosts Dorman, and Clinton hosts Riverside, the fans have yet another opportunity to be that 12th man.
Laurens is 5-0 for the first time since 1987. Win, lose, or draw, the Raiders have everything to gain and truly nothing to lose against Dorman. Dorman is literally twice the size of Laurens with Dorman boasting over 3200 students. That Big 16 school gives the Raiders an extra point in the playoff formula.
The lessons the Raiders learn going against Dorman will play out the next five weeks during region play.
I’ve heard many a Raider fan saying they long for the days when year in and year out the Raiders were contending for the region title and a state title.
While I’m not ready to declare them ready for the latter, I certainly feel that this Raider team is ready to contend to claim their first region title in quite a while.
So, when you get to K.C. Hanna stadium Friday night, go ahead, relax, let your hair down, and be a true 12th man, OR woman for the kids. They and YOU deserve it!
That’s my rant, what’s yours????
Monday, September 22, 2008
Ok, I’ve had enough!!!!!
I have had to bite my tongue many times the last several weeks. Not because of County Council, or a sports topic, but because of the recent spike in gas prices.
Let’s be perfectly clear, I truly feel, we, the consumers are the ones being ripped off!
Even before the fear of Hurricanes Fay and Ike sent prices spiraling higher the price of crude oil had steadily gone down for weeks.
It seemed like every day that the rice of crude oil was at a 7-month low. Just last week it had settled at “just” $87.00 a barrel.
Yet, gas kept spiraling up and up. Now, I understand supplu side economics, supply and demand and all that good stuff. At the same time, I also know that it bothers me that gas stations and big oil companies can “speculate” and raise the price whenever they want, yet, when THEIR expense goes down, namely crude oil, they don’t automatically LOWER the price.
The recent bout with the Hurricane Ike crisis exhibited just how far some people are willing to go to get a fast buck. In less than 48 hours I observed one local gas station raise their price of gasoline a total of $1.55 per gallon over 7 price increases!!!!!!
I understand that local gas stations are subject just as we are to the changing price whenever they get a new shipment of gas, but when local stations prey on local customers by raising constantly their price on gas ALREADY in the ground I have issues.
To me, it comes down to what’s ethically and morally correct. The recent episode we have all had to live through has made me come t the conclusion that the decisions gas stations made were neither morally nor ethically correct.
You can hand me the excuse that corporate sets prices but at the same tie, when a station maintains a price that is 73 cents higher then a competitor across the street, corporate made a horrible decision.
My morale to the story is this, remember long and hard the station whom took advantage of us during this recent episode and only frequent the ones who tried their best to maintain som sense of sanity.
My case in point ism this morning The Plot Travel Center at exit 52 off of I-26 had unleaded gasoline for $3.69, the next lowest rice I found between Clinton and Laurens was $3.95.
See the disparity? That’s my rant, what’s yours?
Let’s be perfectly clear, I truly feel, we, the consumers are the ones being ripped off!
Even before the fear of Hurricanes Fay and Ike sent prices spiraling higher the price of crude oil had steadily gone down for weeks.
It seemed like every day that the rice of crude oil was at a 7-month low. Just last week it had settled at “just” $87.00 a barrel.
Yet, gas kept spiraling up and up. Now, I understand supplu side economics, supply and demand and all that good stuff. At the same time, I also know that it bothers me that gas stations and big oil companies can “speculate” and raise the price whenever they want, yet, when THEIR expense goes down, namely crude oil, they don’t automatically LOWER the price.
The recent bout with the Hurricane Ike crisis exhibited just how far some people are willing to go to get a fast buck. In less than 48 hours I observed one local gas station raise their price of gasoline a total of $1.55 per gallon over 7 price increases!!!!!!
I understand that local gas stations are subject just as we are to the changing price whenever they get a new shipment of gas, but when local stations prey on local customers by raising constantly their price on gas ALREADY in the ground I have issues.
To me, it comes down to what’s ethically and morally correct. The recent episode we have all had to live through has made me come t the conclusion that the decisions gas stations made were neither morally nor ethically correct.
You can hand me the excuse that corporate sets prices but at the same tie, when a station maintains a price that is 73 cents higher then a competitor across the street, corporate made a horrible decision.
My morale to the story is this, remember long and hard the station whom took advantage of us during this recent episode and only frequent the ones who tried their best to maintain som sense of sanity.
My case in point ism this morning The Plot Travel Center at exit 52 off of I-26 had unleaded gasoline for $3.69, the next lowest rice I found between Clinton and Laurens was $3.95.
See the disparity? That’s my rant, what’s yours?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Develop now, win BIG later!
What a busy week we had last week. Monday was the Bobby Bentley Show at Fatz Café. Tuesday we were at The Hub for some wings and Laurens Raider football with the Greg Lawson Show. Wednesday, Big Gene had us at KC Hanna Stadium for the Middle School Football Jamboree and again Thursday for the Laurens versus Clinton 9th grade and JV games. We capped off the week with the Laurens versus Clinton varsity game at Clinton and then the trek to Elon, NC for PC versus Elon.
Being at all those games Wednesday through Saturday gave me a chance to really see where some priorities are and where they maybe ought to be.
Everyone likes to win. I hate to lose, at anything! Whether it’s playing a game of bowling with my kids at home on Wii or coaching soccer. The list could go on and on.
At the same time, I also know there’s a time and place for anything. I congratulate the Raiders on a very impressive win Friday night. Truth be told, as some very loyal Red Devil fans mentioned at Church yesterday, Laurens could have easily scored 60 points in the game.
At the same time, look at the history of the Clinton program. I use them only as an example. I could easily insert Byrnes, Gaffney, and Summerville as examples.
The Clinton football PROGRAM has AVERAGED an incredible 9 wins per year for decades!
Three yards and a cloud of dust has been the tried and true method in many a state championship for the Red Devils over the years.
One of the reasons is consistency. From the time players get involved in the program at the middle school level they learn the terminology run at the high school. They learn the same blocking techniques, the plays.
From all the coaches I have talked too, this makes it exponentially easier once the kids are at the high school since the coaches don’t have to waste time in teaching terminology, numbering systems, and plays. The kids already have had it for two years.
At Byrnes High School, from the time the players are in recreation league football, through middle school and into high school all the various teams use same defense, offense, and even numbering system for plays.
Middle Schools that feed into Byrnes, Gaffney, Summerville, Ridge View, Blythewood, and Conway are also required to attempt extra points.
There is no rush allowed. The kicker has ten seconds from the time the ball is snapped to get the attempt off.
The logic the coaches tell me is it develops the kicker, but the holder as well as the long snapper.
How many times have you been to a game or watched a game where a field goal could have won the game only to see a team no even try one?
How many times have you seen a team go for 2 because they didn’t have a reliable kicker?
To me, it’s a no-brainer. If you truly want a successful program at the high school level, year in and year out it takes a collective effort. It starts at the rec league level goes to the middle schools and continues on into high school.
Along the way, the kids will get better, and consequently, coaches will win more games. At the same time, I ask you, which is more important, going undefeated in middle school football or winning a state championship in varsity high school action? The latter of course.
So, I think the time has come for Jason Pridgen with the City of Laurens league and the higher ups in Laurens District 55 to give the directive that their coaches coordinate with Coach Lawson on beginning the steps at making sure all he teams are on the same page.
If ALL the middle schools are trying extra points and actually punting on 4th down then to me, there won’t be a tremendous competitive advantage/disadvantage.
If they play a team from out of district and that school won’t agree to the same directive then fine, go for 2 and go for it on 4th down.
At the same time, when they play each other, they can start the process of developing the vital weapons needed to be successful at the varsity level.
As Coach Lawson has told me, he doesn’t care what plays coaches run as long as the terminology is the same, the defensive formation is the same, and the teaching is the same.
There will be some who think I am way off base and they are entitled to their opinion. I would also point out they, for the most part are more concerned with winning, NOW, regardless of level then they are at helping Laurens get back to the days of being a consistent winner as it was in the days of Buddy Jennings and Bobby Ivey.
So, in closing, last Friday was a great night, but in order to insure it’s not a once in a while occurrence the time has come to work together. The choice is yours. I challenge parents to hold their child’s coaches accountable, to make sure they are part of the solution, not the problem.
And, if any coaches have a differing view, always remember, I’ve got a live microphone ready and waiting. Just be sure you have your facts straight, because I never twist words. Rather, I let peoples words speak for themselves. Just ask certain Laurens County Council members!
That’s my rant, what’s yours????
Being at all those games Wednesday through Saturday gave me a chance to really see where some priorities are and where they maybe ought to be.
Everyone likes to win. I hate to lose, at anything! Whether it’s playing a game of bowling with my kids at home on Wii or coaching soccer. The list could go on and on.
At the same time, I also know there’s a time and place for anything. I congratulate the Raiders on a very impressive win Friday night. Truth be told, as some very loyal Red Devil fans mentioned at Church yesterday, Laurens could have easily scored 60 points in the game.
At the same time, look at the history of the Clinton program. I use them only as an example. I could easily insert Byrnes, Gaffney, and Summerville as examples.
The Clinton football PROGRAM has AVERAGED an incredible 9 wins per year for decades!
Three yards and a cloud of dust has been the tried and true method in many a state championship for the Red Devils over the years.
One of the reasons is consistency. From the time players get involved in the program at the middle school level they learn the terminology run at the high school. They learn the same blocking techniques, the plays.
From all the coaches I have talked too, this makes it exponentially easier once the kids are at the high school since the coaches don’t have to waste time in teaching terminology, numbering systems, and plays. The kids already have had it for two years.
At Byrnes High School, from the time the players are in recreation league football, through middle school and into high school all the various teams use same defense, offense, and even numbering system for plays.
Middle Schools that feed into Byrnes, Gaffney, Summerville, Ridge View, Blythewood, and Conway are also required to attempt extra points.
There is no rush allowed. The kicker has ten seconds from the time the ball is snapped to get the attempt off.
The logic the coaches tell me is it develops the kicker, but the holder as well as the long snapper.
How many times have you been to a game or watched a game where a field goal could have won the game only to see a team no even try one?
How many times have you seen a team go for 2 because they didn’t have a reliable kicker?
To me, it’s a no-brainer. If you truly want a successful program at the high school level, year in and year out it takes a collective effort. It starts at the rec league level goes to the middle schools and continues on into high school.
Along the way, the kids will get better, and consequently, coaches will win more games. At the same time, I ask you, which is more important, going undefeated in middle school football or winning a state championship in varsity high school action? The latter of course.
So, I think the time has come for Jason Pridgen with the City of Laurens league and the higher ups in Laurens District 55 to give the directive that their coaches coordinate with Coach Lawson on beginning the steps at making sure all he teams are on the same page.
If ALL the middle schools are trying extra points and actually punting on 4th down then to me, there won’t be a tremendous competitive advantage/disadvantage.
If they play a team from out of district and that school won’t agree to the same directive then fine, go for 2 and go for it on 4th down.
At the same time, when they play each other, they can start the process of developing the vital weapons needed to be successful at the varsity level.
As Coach Lawson has told me, he doesn’t care what plays coaches run as long as the terminology is the same, the defensive formation is the same, and the teaching is the same.
There will be some who think I am way off base and they are entitled to their opinion. I would also point out they, for the most part are more concerned with winning, NOW, regardless of level then they are at helping Laurens get back to the days of being a consistent winner as it was in the days of Buddy Jennings and Bobby Ivey.
So, in closing, last Friday was a great night, but in order to insure it’s not a once in a while occurrence the time has come to work together. The choice is yours. I challenge parents to hold their child’s coaches accountable, to make sure they are part of the solution, not the problem.
And, if any coaches have a differing view, always remember, I’ve got a live microphone ready and waiting. Just be sure you have your facts straight, because I never twist words. Rather, I let peoples words speak for themselves. Just ask certain Laurens County Council members!
That’s my rant, what’s yours????
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Progress, Narrow-Minded People, and setting the record straight!
When you live in Laurens County, who needs soap operas on TV! If you like petty drama, you live in the right place. All you have to do is listen to Emil’s morning news, or pick up The Chronicle to read the latest in a long line of narrow-minded people saying small-minded things without giving thought to the bigger picture.
Now, before you jump to conclusions I am not solely referring to the debacle over the PC Pharmacy school.
I heard Big Gene talking Monday about how the residents around the Mile Back had reared their ugly heads again over whether the racetrack should be allowed to operate.
Other people are still ranting about the land-fill headed to the Gray Court area. I could go on but you get the picture.
I am constantly amazed at how narrow minded people can be. Several years ago Laurens County residents had the opportunity to make their voices heard about the issue of zoning. From what I understand, certain concerned zit-zensss were very effective at scaring people into thinking that a land use plan would totally restrict what they could do on their own property.
Some of those same people who got scared into voting against zoning are the very people pushing County Council to foolishly pass an ordinance trying to block the land fill. That ordinance wouldn’t hold up in court, would get the county sued and more than likely make the county go in the red to the tune of several million dollars!
The list goes on and on. We’re in the 2008, not 1958, Laurens County, through progressive leadership can position the county to expand our growth. Attract new business, new opportunities for revenue, including non-traditional revenue, such as recreation complexes along with baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis tournaments. All of whom would produce residual income opportunities for hotels, restaurants and other business owners.
Supposed leaders who can’t see the forest through the trees and constantly embarrass the entire county by what they say and do need to either buy a clue and be a true leader or strongly consider stepping down and let someone else give it a try.
One of the things that we, as a station, and myself as an individual try to do is always do something to the best of our abilities.
Whether it’s a Laurens, PC or some other sporting event, we approach those with the thought process of making it sound the best it possibly can. We never settle for just getting by.
Some of the counties leaders would do well to remember they not only represent their individual districts of the county but ALL the citizens of the county. If they strive to make the ENTIRE county better, their individual districts would be better off in the process.
Some people get upset when Randy, Emil, Gene, or I call people out on air when we disagree with things. OR, take pot shots on message boards.
Let me assure you, I have always and will continue to call them like I see them. I always base my opinions on the facts as I see them. And, more often than not, that means I’m right. Not always but a vast majority of the time.
So, let this put folks on notice, if you think that Laurens County was fine in 1958 and that in 2008 we can get by with the same line of thinking, you’re wrong. And, I’ll be more than happy to continue pointing that out. And, unlike some folks when you misrepresent the facts and/or figures I’ll be glad to let folks know you’re off base too!
That’s my rant, what’s yours?
Now, before you jump to conclusions I am not solely referring to the debacle over the PC Pharmacy school.
I heard Big Gene talking Monday about how the residents around the Mile Back had reared their ugly heads again over whether the racetrack should be allowed to operate.
Other people are still ranting about the land-fill headed to the Gray Court area. I could go on but you get the picture.
I am constantly amazed at how narrow minded people can be. Several years ago Laurens County residents had the opportunity to make their voices heard about the issue of zoning. From what I understand, certain concerned zit-zensss were very effective at scaring people into thinking that a land use plan would totally restrict what they could do on their own property.
Some of those same people who got scared into voting against zoning are the very people pushing County Council to foolishly pass an ordinance trying to block the land fill. That ordinance wouldn’t hold up in court, would get the county sued and more than likely make the county go in the red to the tune of several million dollars!
The list goes on and on. We’re in the 2008, not 1958, Laurens County, through progressive leadership can position the county to expand our growth. Attract new business, new opportunities for revenue, including non-traditional revenue, such as recreation complexes along with baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis tournaments. All of whom would produce residual income opportunities for hotels, restaurants and other business owners.
Supposed leaders who can’t see the forest through the trees and constantly embarrass the entire county by what they say and do need to either buy a clue and be a true leader or strongly consider stepping down and let someone else give it a try.
One of the things that we, as a station, and myself as an individual try to do is always do something to the best of our abilities.
Whether it’s a Laurens, PC or some other sporting event, we approach those with the thought process of making it sound the best it possibly can. We never settle for just getting by.
Some of the counties leaders would do well to remember they not only represent their individual districts of the county but ALL the citizens of the county. If they strive to make the ENTIRE county better, their individual districts would be better off in the process.
Some people get upset when Randy, Emil, Gene, or I call people out on air when we disagree with things. OR, take pot shots on message boards.
Let me assure you, I have always and will continue to call them like I see them. I always base my opinions on the facts as I see them. And, more often than not, that means I’m right. Not always but a vast majority of the time.
So, let this put folks on notice, if you think that Laurens County was fine in 1958 and that in 2008 we can get by with the same line of thinking, you’re wrong. And, I’ll be more than happy to continue pointing that out. And, unlike some folks when you misrepresent the facts and/or figures I’ll be glad to let folks know you’re off base too!
That’s my rant, what’s yours?
Monday, September 1, 2008
Can't Resist It!
How bout them TIGGERS!!!!!!!
Anyone who has listened to my show for more than a few minutes over the years knows I am a tried and true Gamecock fan.
They also know my nickname for Clemson is Pickens County A&M. Needless to say, I never pass up an attempt to poke fun!
Last Saturday’s debacle inside the Georgia Dome was too good to pass up. I had quite a lot of fun playing the audio from the Alabama fans articulating, as only they can do, how badly their Crimson Tide had beaten Clemson.
I also got several emails from Gamecock fans having their own fun. This “news” story was the best of the bunch. It was submitted by Mike from Ware Shoals:
Breaking News From NCN (Not Clemson Network)
8-31-08
Georgia Highway Patrol reports a large caravan of veterinarian ambulances headed north on I-85 in the early hours of Sunday morning. NCN sent a reporter Charlie Gamecock to check on this reported sighting. Charlie reports that a quick look through the windows revealed that they seemed to be carrying wounded Bengal tigers. Photos made through the darkened windows indicated that most of the tigers appeared to be badly beaten. Most showed numerous scars on their body and a state of shear exhaustion. Close examination of the photos seemed to indicate that many had missing claws and / or teeth. The trainers who accompanied the animals also appeared to be very saddened and concerned. It is also reported that the head trainer was reportedly seen on TV that the attack on his pride of tigers came at the feet of a herd of elephants that were also seen leaving Atlanta headed toward the state of Alabama.
In a curious footnote, automobiles that were spotted headed toward Atlanta in the hours before the attack sporting the color orange and markings that appeared to be a tiger paw. The occupants of these vehicles appeared to be in a jovial mood as they approached the Atlanta area. After the alleged attack, these same vehicles were reported headed back toward the state of South Carolina in what appeared to many observers to be a funeral procession. NCN plans on doing a follow-up to this story to see if these supporters appear in public over the next few days wearing these curious colors and markings.
TOO FUNNY MIKE! Oh, and by the way, that loud burst of wind you felt Saturday night…was the wind coming out of the sails of those BCS title hopes some Clemson fans had going into this year!
Oh well, there’s always The Citadel Saturday! And, be careful, don’t underestimate those pound ups, just ask us Carolina fans. I still remember that game in the early 90’s! Ruined the fair for all USC fans!
That’s my rant. What’s yours?
Anyone who has listened to my show for more than a few minutes over the years knows I am a tried and true Gamecock fan.
They also know my nickname for Clemson is Pickens County A&M. Needless to say, I never pass up an attempt to poke fun!
Last Saturday’s debacle inside the Georgia Dome was too good to pass up. I had quite a lot of fun playing the audio from the Alabama fans articulating, as only they can do, how badly their Crimson Tide had beaten Clemson.
I also got several emails from Gamecock fans having their own fun. This “news” story was the best of the bunch. It was submitted by Mike from Ware Shoals:
Breaking News From NCN (Not Clemson Network)
8-31-08
Georgia Highway Patrol reports a large caravan of veterinarian ambulances headed north on I-85 in the early hours of Sunday morning. NCN sent a reporter Charlie Gamecock to check on this reported sighting. Charlie reports that a quick look through the windows revealed that they seemed to be carrying wounded Bengal tigers. Photos made through the darkened windows indicated that most of the tigers appeared to be badly beaten. Most showed numerous scars on their body and a state of shear exhaustion. Close examination of the photos seemed to indicate that many had missing claws and / or teeth. The trainers who accompanied the animals also appeared to be very saddened and concerned. It is also reported that the head trainer was reportedly seen on TV that the attack on his pride of tigers came at the feet of a herd of elephants that were also seen leaving Atlanta headed toward the state of Alabama.
In a curious footnote, automobiles that were spotted headed toward Atlanta in the hours before the attack sporting the color orange and markings that appeared to be a tiger paw. The occupants of these vehicles appeared to be in a jovial mood as they approached the Atlanta area. After the alleged attack, these same vehicles were reported headed back toward the state of South Carolina in what appeared to many observers to be a funeral procession. NCN plans on doing a follow-up to this story to see if these supporters appear in public over the next few days wearing these curious colors and markings.
TOO FUNNY MIKE! Oh, and by the way, that loud burst of wind you felt Saturday night…was the wind coming out of the sails of those BCS title hopes some Clemson fans had going into this year!
Oh well, there’s always The Citadel Saturday! And, be careful, don’t underestimate those pound ups, just ask us Carolina fans. I still remember that game in the early 90’s! Ruined the fair for all USC fans!
That’s my rant. What’s yours?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)