Last Saturday, I made my annual trip to Bedford High School to evaluate campers at the Chambers/Evans Football Camp. The day was one of the best spent camp days this summer. Over 200 campers with most coming from the city showed their skills and competed.
Have known both Chris Chambers and Lee Evans since their high school days at Bedford High School. Yes, both went on to successful careers at Wisconsin. Now both are enjoying successful careers on the pro level. Lee at Buffalo and Chris at Kansas City. Both are so "grounded," and so helpful to the campers, but that is what I expected to see from them.
Campers did all kinds of football related drills in the morning. Late morning they went to position drills. For me, this was a good time. Not only did I get to see kids compete in drills, but I also could evaluate skill levels. Prospects from 9-12 grades participated. At this time of year I concentrate on underclassmen.
In the afternoon schools competed in 7on7 contests. And compete they did. Only once did I see maybe a little too much energy. That was quickly defused. Really that was just a firecracker. Campers played hard and competed.
Through Chambers' 84 Foundation each camper was given a shirt/short combo. Impressive! Really believe that helped prospects pump out their chests and show uniformity. For the record, the cloth was of hgigh quality. The whole atmosphere was first class. From Chris and Lee, down to the ladies who helped with lunch. Chris would be the first to admit that without the competent directors. instructors, and camp help, Lee and he would not be able to pull it off.
In conjunction with Key Bank, the foundation awarded two scholarships, each valued at $1,500. These were awarded after the camp picture.
Shaker Heights, Central Catholic, John Adams, East Tech, and Westlake were in one division. Richmond Hts, Lincoln West, St Joe's, Coliinwood, and Shaw were in the other division.
I always appreciate the invitation to come to the camp. Of course, evaluating talent is what I do, but just being able to witness first hand the growth of the camp, makes it all worthwhile. Although both Lee and Chris are not in my income bracket(LOL), they have not let fame and fortune turn their back on their roots.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Power Ball, L-cone, Pro-shuttle
Football combines are gradually becoming accepted as a small part of the evaluation process for potential college football recruits. MSR held two this past spring and the positives far out-weighed the negatives. We put much time in the "how-to-do" part of the testing.
Power ball throw is beginning to replace the bench press. Since many high school programs put alot of emphasis on the bench press, the power ball is new. MSR used it, and I am happy to say OSU used it today in their testing. Personally I like it. Much safer. Much less time. Short arm and long armed bench presser are equal. An 8 pound ball costs just 25 dollars. Good investment.
L-cone drill was a test today. MSR used it, but it really takes an understanding on how to perform it. Emphasis on hip turns, burst, and balance. Get three cones and practice.
Pro-shuttle(20 yards) is a must in combine testing. Be sure to touch the lines. Emphasis is on much the same as L-cone.
The simple standing long jump measures explosion. Be sure to keep your heels on the floor once that you have stuck. Love this very basic test.
I feel good that MSR spent time on teaching these test at both of our camps. The biggest problem with combines is who runs them and how they are run. Too much marketing. Too many needless awards. Had a parent two days ago mention three times in the conversation - when I would have the rankings out for my camp. The fourth time, I said, "We do not rank kids." We just teach the same skills that O-Sate tests.
Combines done the right way and for the right reasons are good. And you know McCallister wants it done the right way.
Power ball throw is beginning to replace the bench press. Since many high school programs put alot of emphasis on the bench press, the power ball is new. MSR used it, and I am happy to say OSU used it today in their testing. Personally I like it. Much safer. Much less time. Short arm and long armed bench presser are equal. An 8 pound ball costs just 25 dollars. Good investment.
L-cone drill was a test today. MSR used it, but it really takes an understanding on how to perform it. Emphasis on hip turns, burst, and balance. Get three cones and practice.
Pro-shuttle(20 yards) is a must in combine testing. Be sure to touch the lines. Emphasis is on much the same as L-cone.
The simple standing long jump measures explosion. Be sure to keep your heels on the floor once that you have stuck. Love this very basic test.
I feel good that MSR spent time on teaching these test at both of our camps. The biggest problem with combines is who runs them and how they are run. Too much marketing. Too many needless awards. Had a parent two days ago mention three times in the conversation - when I would have the rankings out for my camp. The fourth time, I said, "We do not rank kids." We just teach the same skills that O-Sate tests.
Combines done the right way and for the right reasons are good. And you know McCallister wants it done the right way.
Senior Days
The college football camps have begun. The next two weeks are really filled with football camps. With recruiting getting earlier and earlier and evaluations beginning earlier and earlier, getting to a camp is almost a must.
Attended the Ball State camp last Friday. Roughly 612 campers showed their stuff. Coaches worked the kids hard during agility drills. Spent time with instruction. Did on on one drills. Even had time for seven on seven. Long hot day. Coach Stan Parrish uses this camp to bring in many of Ohio's best. Coach Ted Ginn makes his only bus tour this year to come to Ball State. I like this camp, because prospects play both defense and offense. Unless you know who you are looking for, there are almost too many campers. For me, I like to find prospects and this is sometimes difficult.
Just watched campers at O-State's first one day senior camp. Around 450 at this first session. O-State does much the same, but they put each camper through the same stations. For me, I can stand at one station and watch every prospect come through. I also take a second to speak with the guys in whom I am interested.
I do not discuss with coaches, or, obviously the media, any evaluations that I have made. If schools are good enough to let me visit, what happens at the camp stays at the camp. Toledo, Bowling Green, Akron, Cicninnati are all on the schedule. Plus making two more trips back to O-State.
If you have any camp questions, email me. Camping is almost a must. However, one day is enough. Colleges need to see you. And just as important, a prospect needs to see them.
Attended the Ball State camp last Friday. Roughly 612 campers showed their stuff. Coaches worked the kids hard during agility drills. Spent time with instruction. Did on on one drills. Even had time for seven on seven. Long hot day. Coach Stan Parrish uses this camp to bring in many of Ohio's best. Coach Ted Ginn makes his only bus tour this year to come to Ball State. I like this camp, because prospects play both defense and offense. Unless you know who you are looking for, there are almost too many campers. For me, I like to find prospects and this is sometimes difficult.
Just watched campers at O-State's first one day senior camp. Around 450 at this first session. O-State does much the same, but they put each camper through the same stations. For me, I can stand at one station and watch every prospect come through. I also take a second to speak with the guys in whom I am interested.
I do not discuss with coaches, or, obviously the media, any evaluations that I have made. If schools are good enough to let me visit, what happens at the camp stays at the camp. Toledo, Bowling Green, Akron, Cicninnati are all on the schedule. Plus making two more trips back to O-State.
If you have any camp questions, email me. Camping is almost a must. However, one day is enough. Colleges need to see you. And just as important, a prospect needs to see them.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Class of 2012 Camp/Combine/Compete
Last Sunday, as many know, MSR held the first underclassmen camp/combine for the classes of 2012 and 2013. Turnout was really good, but, of course, I would have liked to have every prospect in the Class of 2012 compete. For a number of reasons- graduation of brothers and sisters, college one days at BGSU, Toledo, and Ohio, OHSAA State Track Meet on Saturday- some football prospects could not attend. Also missing at times was the word compete. The longer I do this scouting, the more important the word COMPETE has become in my vocabulary.
"Compete" has always been a part of my life. Lost my father at age 7. Raised on a limited income. Only starting 10 year old on a 11/12 year old little league team. My 8th grade football coach told me that I had "excellent football skills," but very average desire. Made all conference my senior year, after missing my junior year. Named a head football coach at 24(probably because I taught English). Although the "old school" guy has mellowed some, he still loves to "compete."
One of the few positives about football combines is that it allows kids to compete. Compete against each other and against the stopwatch. For MSR combines: No "Elite" or "National " ranking. No "feel good" times. No national awards. No 37 yard - 40's. No Nike trade name. Simply a chance to learn and compete.
Sometimes I feel that we are losing our desire to compete. Of course, not every football prospect is losing it, but the list is getting longer. When you go to a combine or camp, you must compete against the best. Bust your butt. Be first in line. Sweat. Challenge. Run through the drill. Touch the lines. Make no excuses. When you do any drill at the college "one day," make the college coaches take notice. Trust me they will talk about you in their evaluation meetings. I sit in on those meetings. The ability to compete separates equal talent for sure.
End of sermon. What a football player does on friday nights is still the most important evaluation tool. But COMPETING at camps/combines is a very important part of the evaluation process.
"Compete" has always been a part of my life. Lost my father at age 7. Raised on a limited income. Only starting 10 year old on a 11/12 year old little league team. My 8th grade football coach told me that I had "excellent football skills," but very average desire. Made all conference my senior year, after missing my junior year. Named a head football coach at 24(probably because I taught English). Although the "old school" guy has mellowed some, he still loves to "compete."
One of the few positives about football combines is that it allows kids to compete. Compete against each other and against the stopwatch. For MSR combines: No "Elite" or "National " ranking. No "feel good" times. No national awards. No 37 yard - 40's. No Nike trade name. Simply a chance to learn and compete.
Sometimes I feel that we are losing our desire to compete. Of course, not every football prospect is losing it, but the list is getting longer. When you go to a combine or camp, you must compete against the best. Bust your butt. Be first in line. Sweat. Challenge. Run through the drill. Touch the lines. Make no excuses. When you do any drill at the college "one day," make the college coaches take notice. Trust me they will talk about you in their evaluation meetings. I sit in on those meetings. The ability to compete separates equal talent for sure.
End of sermon. What a football player does on friday nights is still the most important evaluation tool. But COMPETING at camps/combines is a very important part of the evaluation process.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Desire to Learn
A refreshing email this morning.
As many know I have a combination football camp/combine for the Class of 2012 tomorrow in Dublin. A number of the prospects whom I like in the Class of 2012 have been invited. This morning I received an email from a young man from the Dayton area. He wanted to know, even though he was injured, if he could still come to the camp.
This week he was doing some strength training and a 45 pound weight fell on his index finger and smashed it. 55 stitches (under his finger nail) later, the doctor said no exercise from 4-6 weeks. That is 55 stitches under his finger nail, and they had to sew it back on. This young prospect apologized for not being able to participate and wanted to know if he could still come and watch.
Sometimes we hear just the negative about kids. Sometimes we just want the negative. Here is a young football prospect with a smashed finger willing to ride 60 minutes to watch a football camp/combine. To me that speaks volumes for this young man.
Now the pressure is on me. I hope that he is not let down.
As many know I have a combination football camp/combine for the Class of 2012 tomorrow in Dublin. A number of the prospects whom I like in the Class of 2012 have been invited. This morning I received an email from a young man from the Dayton area. He wanted to know, even though he was injured, if he could still come to the camp.
This week he was doing some strength training and a 45 pound weight fell on his index finger and smashed it. 55 stitches (under his finger nail) later, the doctor said no exercise from 4-6 weeks. That is 55 stitches under his finger nail, and they had to sew it back on. This young prospect apologized for not being able to participate and wanted to know if he could still come and watch.
Sometimes we hear just the negative about kids. Sometimes we just want the negative. Here is a young football prospect with a smashed finger willing to ride 60 minutes to watch a football camp/combine. To me that speaks volumes for this young man.
Now the pressure is on me. I hope that he is not let down.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Centerville Linemen in the Circle
Doing a little evaluating in the Dayton area Wednesday, and enjoyed visitng retiring coach, Jim Place at Hamlton. Also stopped to see my friend Mo at Trotwood Madison. Both men are excellent coaches who do alot for the kids with whom they coach.
One of the highlights of the day was watching Centerville's Michael Bennett(211) and Benny McGowan(212) throw the discus. Michael is peaking at the right time. Last week, he threw 188 feet. Yesterday, he won the discus with a throw of 191 feet. Excellent balance and quickness. Tough competitor with the swagger. Benny stunk it up for awhile. Just looked tight and out of rythum. Of course, I left after his third bad toss, to watch the long jump. In finals he threw the discus 155 feet for fourth place and a trip to the state. Next year I will watch all of his throws. Benny missed all of last season, but is looking good now. At least 6'3 and very explosive. Like his confidence.
Justin Murray (OL-Sycamore- 211). The big schools are concerned about his weight(245). He is not there yet. But he has excellent feet and OL instints. Like his concentration and movement. Has thrown over 160 feet this past season. A scholarship guy with excellent feet who needs time to get bigger.
Josh Bass (DB-Springfield-211) popped a 23 foot long jump. Steadily improved over season. Because of his height, needs to get into camps and show his stuff. And he will. Very competitive and excellent recovery ability. Just has been over overshadowed by Trey DePriest. Get into camp.
Rodriguez Coleman (WR-LaSalle-211) is slipping through the cracks. Watched him last fall have a career night against Moeller. At that time, I was concerned about true speed. Wednesday, he had a 14.8-110HH time and finished 2nd in his heat. Tall and can jump. Just think his potential better is much better than recruiters give him credit. Grades may be of some concern.
Keep an eye on Cody Quinn (CB-Middletown-212). Has burst and recovery skills. Skinny hips. Not as tall as I would like a CB, but has everything else. Plus very competitive. Right around 11.0/ 100 meters. Looks good on video.
Two more 212 Class members who I really liked were Chris Mims (RB-Colerain-212) and and Antonio Nelson (RB-LaSalle-212). Fast, fast, and fast. Strong, tough competitors. Both were anchors on their realy teams. Looking forward to watching run the football this fall.
Wanted to mention Kaleb Ringer (LB-Northmont-212). Watched him last fall and he makes plays all over the field. Really runs a little tight in hips, but he anchored the 4X100. A lot of toughness. A little shorter than the experts say, but good heighth. H will be a top guy.
Finally, nice to talk with David Fulcher Jr(RB-Mason-211). Injured in the first game and missed the complete season last year. Has increased his speed and has increased strength. Coming back from season long injury is tough, but he should do fine. If his mental approach is excellent, he will do excellent.
Always dislike publicly ranking prospects, and writing articles like this. You can never mention enough prospects. But, I guess some prospects is better than none. Another regional track meet tonight.
One of the highlights of the day was watching Centerville's Michael Bennett(211) and Benny McGowan(212) throw the discus. Michael is peaking at the right time. Last week, he threw 188 feet. Yesterday, he won the discus with a throw of 191 feet. Excellent balance and quickness. Tough competitor with the swagger. Benny stunk it up for awhile. Just looked tight and out of rythum. Of course, I left after his third bad toss, to watch the long jump. In finals he threw the discus 155 feet for fourth place and a trip to the state. Next year I will watch all of his throws. Benny missed all of last season, but is looking good now. At least 6'3 and very explosive. Like his confidence.
Justin Murray (OL-Sycamore- 211). The big schools are concerned about his weight(245). He is not there yet. But he has excellent feet and OL instints. Like his concentration and movement. Has thrown over 160 feet this past season. A scholarship guy with excellent feet who needs time to get bigger.
Josh Bass (DB-Springfield-211) popped a 23 foot long jump. Steadily improved over season. Because of his height, needs to get into camps and show his stuff. And he will. Very competitive and excellent recovery ability. Just has been over overshadowed by Trey DePriest. Get into camp.
Rodriguez Coleman (WR-LaSalle-211) is slipping through the cracks. Watched him last fall have a career night against Moeller. At that time, I was concerned about true speed. Wednesday, he had a 14.8-110HH time and finished 2nd in his heat. Tall and can jump. Just think his potential better is much better than recruiters give him credit. Grades may be of some concern.
Keep an eye on Cody Quinn (CB-Middletown-212). Has burst and recovery skills. Skinny hips. Not as tall as I would like a CB, but has everything else. Plus very competitive. Right around 11.0/ 100 meters. Looks good on video.
Two more 212 Class members who I really liked were Chris Mims (RB-Colerain-212) and and Antonio Nelson (RB-LaSalle-212). Fast, fast, and fast. Strong, tough competitors. Both were anchors on their realy teams. Looking forward to watching run the football this fall.
Wanted to mention Kaleb Ringer (LB-Northmont-212). Watched him last fall and he makes plays all over the field. Really runs a little tight in hips, but he anchored the 4X100. A lot of toughness. A little shorter than the experts say, but good heighth. H will be a top guy.
Finally, nice to talk with David Fulcher Jr(RB-Mason-211). Injured in the first game and missed the complete season last year. Has increased his speed and has increased strength. Coming back from season long injury is tough, but he should do fine. If his mental approach is excellent, he will do excellent.
Always dislike publicly ranking prospects, and writing articles like this. You can never mention enough prospects. But, I guess some prospects is better than none. Another regional track meet tonight.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
My friend, John Reed
Last Friday I made the trip to Coldwater to pay my respects to the late John Reed. Talked with his wife, Jan, for a few minutes and to one of his assistant coaches. Arrived at 1:45. Calling hours were to begin at 2:00. Ten people were ahead of me, and as I was driving away at 2:15, there must have been 70 people standing in line. Basically, that tells it all about John Reed, former head football coach at Coldwater.
Both Jan and John are Upper Sandusky people. First met him when I was a freshman in high school. He was a senior, and, as most freshman were, we were "low-lifes" to the seniors. Over the years our friendship grew, and most importantly, our respect for each other grew. If you knew John's path to the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, you would understand the tremendous respect that I had and have for him. Now, we did not always agree with each other in our younger years, but as we aged, we became very good friends.
In the old days, Coach Hayes set the standard for young coaches. If you wanted to coach football, schools highly desired that you played the game. Profanity and physical toughness were sometimes necessary to get the respect of parents and players. Along comes John Reed. Never played a down of football in his life. Never played a high school sport. Very seldom used profanity. Never took the Lord's name in vain. By his own admission, not a " brawler." However, he was a role model for character. Studied the game inside and out. Spent numerous hours in preparation. Excellent teacher. Treated people right. Super organized. All he did was win and build character.
John was "driven" to be considered one of the best. That drive was almost a curse at times. In his last email, he told me his goal was to be in attendance at the OSU Spring Game. I could sense that "drive" coming back. When I heard that he could not make the trip, I knew the cancer was too much. Not making the trip was not from a lack of "drive." His body was just too weak.
I will miss my friend. I will miss the lunches at the OSU Clinic. I will miss seeing him on the sidelines. I will miss the emails. I miss the dry humor. I will even miss his intimidating smile. But most of all, I will miss the "spiritual high" I got after talking with him. After aany conversation(either short or long) with John Reed, I walked away a better person. For that I am thankful.
Both Jan and John are Upper Sandusky people. First met him when I was a freshman in high school. He was a senior, and, as most freshman were, we were "low-lifes" to the seniors. Over the years our friendship grew, and most importantly, our respect for each other grew. If you knew John's path to the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, you would understand the tremendous respect that I had and have for him. Now, we did not always agree with each other in our younger years, but as we aged, we became very good friends.
In the old days, Coach Hayes set the standard for young coaches. If you wanted to coach football, schools highly desired that you played the game. Profanity and physical toughness were sometimes necessary to get the respect of parents and players. Along comes John Reed. Never played a down of football in his life. Never played a high school sport. Very seldom used profanity. Never took the Lord's name in vain. By his own admission, not a " brawler." However, he was a role model for character. Studied the game inside and out. Spent numerous hours in preparation. Excellent teacher. Treated people right. Super organized. All he did was win and build character.
John was "driven" to be considered one of the best. That drive was almost a curse at times. In his last email, he told me his goal was to be in attendance at the OSU Spring Game. I could sense that "drive" coming back. When I heard that he could not make the trip, I knew the cancer was too much. Not making the trip was not from a lack of "drive." His body was just too weak.
I will miss my friend. I will miss the lunches at the OSU Clinic. I will miss seeing him on the sidelines. I will miss the emails. I miss the dry humor. I will even miss his intimidating smile. But most of all, I will miss the "spiritual high" I got after talking with him. After aany conversation(either short or long) with John Reed, I walked away a better person. For that I am thankful.
Monday, May 10, 2010
College Recruiting Nights
College recruiting nights, for me, were a chance to "kill two birds with one stone." When I began to do evaluations and really get into the college scouting business, college recruiting nights were big for me. You see, I got information from the high school coaches about their prospects. Along with this, I got to know both the college and high school coaches. We are talking from Cleveland to Central Ohio to Toledo to Dayton to Cincinnati to Summit and Stark Counties. Twice a year.
Now the NCAA has once again shown its wisdom. No longer can D-1 college coaches attend. Especially in the spring, this does not make sense. In the spring high coaches have a chance to really promote their younger classes. Plus the college coaches can loosen up some and enjoy talking to friends and foes among the college staffs. The D2 and D3 schools have a field day, which is good. No slight to the lower division schools intended, because many of them get my "stuff." For selfish reasons, I like to have D1 schools in attendance.
Regardless, I have three more to visit. Tomorrow is Summit County. Obviously, I am excited about going because you always get something out of it. Plus Dan and Gerry will be taking my money, and it is always good to see them.
Point for both parents and coaches. Update your contact information. Try to provide some video. Most importantly, coaches, if you cannot be there, have someone represent your school.
Finally, promoting our players the "right way" gets harder and harder every day. Now the NCAA has limited another way to help kids. My fear if that the OHSAA is trying to emulate the NCAA. Sadly, but is all about the money.
Now the NCAA has once again shown its wisdom. No longer can D-1 college coaches attend. Especially in the spring, this does not make sense. In the spring high coaches have a chance to really promote their younger classes. Plus the college coaches can loosen up some and enjoy talking to friends and foes among the college staffs. The D2 and D3 schools have a field day, which is good. No slight to the lower division schools intended, because many of them get my "stuff." For selfish reasons, I like to have D1 schools in attendance.
Regardless, I have three more to visit. Tomorrow is Summit County. Obviously, I am excited about going because you always get something out of it. Plus Dan and Gerry will be taking my money, and it is always good to see them.
Point for both parents and coaches. Update your contact information. Try to provide some video. Most importantly, coaches, if you cannot be there, have someone represent your school.
Finally, promoting our players the "right way" gets harder and harder every day. Now the NCAA has limited another way to help kids. My fear if that the OHSAA is trying to emulate the NCAA. Sadly, but is all about the money.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
People (more specifically athletes) Change (sometimes)
As I was reading the Plain Dealer at McD's this morning, read "Glenville Wins Meet." Of course, being the high school sports guy that I am, my thoughts turned to Latwan Anderson and his record setting day. You see, he broke Robert Smith's 20 year record in the 200 meters at the Mansfield Mehock Relays. Record - 21.3. He also ran 48.03 in the 400 and achored both the 4/2 and the 4/4. That is smokin!!!!
As you know, I made the statement once that I would not want really want to coach him, but in the times I have chatted with him, he was fun. Now, he "dances to his own drummer," no doubt, but the kid can play football. A top 3 player in Ohio. I thought that the "U" was pretty serious about him, when they called and asked for some full game video. He has committed to Miami to run track, but, of course, he is playing football next fall. (No football scholarships left). Now, the irony. Robert Smith's accomplishments at O-State are legendary. Represents the university well. But Robert, like many of us, had some issues,too. But these were in the classroom.
Finally, a day in the sports pages, when Ben Roethlisberger's name was not even mentioned. In fact, I double checked the sports pages. Ben was "Joe All-American " boy growing up. Lost his mother at a young age. Gifted with tremendous athletic ability. Watched him play QB as a sophomore. Made the switch t WR as a junior. Came back to QB as a senior. Contrary to all of the media hype, he did not start playing QB as a senior. All state basketball player. Really believe he went to Miami because he was going to try to play both b-ball and football. Whatever- Ben was and is a "natural " winner. Have not talked with him since his second year with the Steelers. I doubt that he would remember me, either for real or pretend. By the way, on paper, I had him rated the third best QB in Ohio his senior year.
THE WHOLE POINT of this entry is just this. No matter in what socio-economical envoirnment an athlete "grows-up," a lack of self-discipline can eventually destroy him. Whether in the inner-city of such cities as Cleveland or Cincinnati, or in the smaller cities as Findlay or Westerville, a lack of good judgment or self control can really hurt, or in some cases,destroy a potential career. ATHLETES: Do not blame your coaches, do not blame your parents, do not blame your friends, and do not blame the fans that support you. Take the brunt of the blame yourself. Integrity is almost a hidden quality anymore. "If you have to think whether something is right or wrong, ... it is wrong."
As I say over and over and over, I am a "kid's guy." I am not a "jock sniffer," trying to get the scoop. And, yes, I am "old school." Heck, I am 61 years young, I should be. But it really hurts(makes me sick), when you see "kids" who provide so much fun and pleasure to us sports fans, become poor examples to our EVEN YOUNGER sports fans. End of sermon. Time for church.
As you know, I made the statement once that I would not want really want to coach him, but in the times I have chatted with him, he was fun. Now, he "dances to his own drummer," no doubt, but the kid can play football. A top 3 player in Ohio. I thought that the "U" was pretty serious about him, when they called and asked for some full game video. He has committed to Miami to run track, but, of course, he is playing football next fall. (No football scholarships left). Now, the irony. Robert Smith's accomplishments at O-State are legendary. Represents the university well. But Robert, like many of us, had some issues,too. But these were in the classroom.
Finally, a day in the sports pages, when Ben Roethlisberger's name was not even mentioned. In fact, I double checked the sports pages. Ben was "Joe All-American " boy growing up. Lost his mother at a young age. Gifted with tremendous athletic ability. Watched him play QB as a sophomore. Made the switch t WR as a junior. Came back to QB as a senior. Contrary to all of the media hype, he did not start playing QB as a senior. All state basketball player. Really believe he went to Miami because he was going to try to play both b-ball and football. Whatever- Ben was and is a "natural " winner. Have not talked with him since his second year with the Steelers. I doubt that he would remember me, either for real or pretend. By the way, on paper, I had him rated the third best QB in Ohio his senior year.
THE WHOLE POINT of this entry is just this. No matter in what socio-economical envoirnment an athlete "grows-up," a lack of self-discipline can eventually destroy him. Whether in the inner-city of such cities as Cleveland or Cincinnati, or in the smaller cities as Findlay or Westerville, a lack of good judgment or self control can really hurt, or in some cases,destroy a potential career. ATHLETES: Do not blame your coaches, do not blame your parents, do not blame your friends, and do not blame the fans that support you. Take the brunt of the blame yourself. Integrity is almost a hidden quality anymore. "If you have to think whether something is right or wrong, ... it is wrong."
As I say over and over and over, I am a "kid's guy." I am not a "jock sniffer," trying to get the scoop. And, yes, I am "old school." Heck, I am 61 years young, I should be. But it really hurts(makes me sick), when you see "kids" who provide so much fun and pleasure to us sports fans, become poor examples to our EVEN YOUNGER sports fans. End of sermon. Time for church.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Ohio North South All Star Game
As I have often joked, if you ever want to find me, stop at Upper Sandusky's McD's any morning between 6:15AM and 7AM. As of today, I have yet to read anything promoting the Ohio North-South football game to be held next Friday, April 23, at Ohio Stadium. Yes, the date is correct.
So, I guess I will promote the game.
No secret that the game has lost money for a long time. For years and years. Way back in my head football coaching days, I attended the All-Star game in Canton. Then it moved to Massillon. A few years ago, a Columbus business group convinced the association to move the game to Columbus. The problem there was that Central Ohio fans(not high school coaches) could care less. Plus, everybody made money, except the OHSFCA. Trust me, I know.
This year the game has been moved to Ohio Stadium. Yes, the night before the annual O-State Spring game. Under the lights, the game will kickoff at 7:00. The cost is $5.00. No conflict with the Big 33 game this year. No major conflict with getting some of the top college prospects to play in the game.
Since there is no conflict with the Big 33, many of the top prospects in Ohio will be playing. I just have not looked at a roster to see who exactly is playing in the game. I am involved with the Big 33 selection, but help with the North-South selection,s when the need arises. Now how silly is this? I am not a great proponent of the Big 33 game for a number of reasons, but love the North-South game.
The Ohio-State band is going to perform. That alone is worth the $5 dollar ticket. Also, rumor has it that many of the O-State football players will be in attendance. Of course, those guys(justifiably so) are approachable. Hint-hint. Also, you will see some future Buckeyes in the game.
The OHSFCA Regional Directors have put much effort into this game. Ed Terwilliger(Olentangy) and Steve Channel(Edgewood) are co-directors and put in endless time in co-ordinating the game.
Hope to see you at the game. I have always believed that O-State fans should not have to travel to Hershey PA to watch future Buckeyes play. For most, Columbus is a short drive to watch many of Ohio's top college prospects play football. Enjoy the $5 show!!!
So, I guess I will promote the game.
No secret that the game has lost money for a long time. For years and years. Way back in my head football coaching days, I attended the All-Star game in Canton. Then it moved to Massillon. A few years ago, a Columbus business group convinced the association to move the game to Columbus. The problem there was that Central Ohio fans(not high school coaches) could care less. Plus, everybody made money, except the OHSFCA. Trust me, I know.
This year the game has been moved to Ohio Stadium. Yes, the night before the annual O-State Spring game. Under the lights, the game will kickoff at 7:00. The cost is $5.00. No conflict with the Big 33 game this year. No major conflict with getting some of the top college prospects to play in the game.
Since there is no conflict with the Big 33, many of the top prospects in Ohio will be playing. I just have not looked at a roster to see who exactly is playing in the game. I am involved with the Big 33 selection, but help with the North-South selection,s when the need arises. Now how silly is this? I am not a great proponent of the Big 33 game for a number of reasons, but love the North-South game.
The Ohio-State band is going to perform. That alone is worth the $5 dollar ticket. Also, rumor has it that many of the O-State football players will be in attendance. Of course, those guys(justifiably so) are approachable. Hint-hint. Also, you will see some future Buckeyes in the game.
The OHSFCA Regional Directors have put much effort into this game. Ed Terwilliger(Olentangy) and Steve Channel(Edgewood) are co-directors and put in endless time in co-ordinating the game.
Hope to see you at the game. I have always believed that O-State fans should not have to travel to Hershey PA to watch future Buckeyes play. For most, Columbus is a short drive to watch many of Ohio's top college prospects play football. Enjoy the $5 show!!!
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