oldschool2

I agree to a certain extent. Far more times than not though it's the other way around but there are cases when teams don't reach potential.

I'm not either because he is no doubt a heck of a good coach. I'm just saying that there are a lot of really good coaches in the state that have never had a chance to have those kinds of horses in the stable. Most of the best coaches in the state will never win it all. (see formula for success above)

I have never said having a decent stable of good athletes is the only ingredient required for winning. players + coaching + level of competition = championships I've said that numerous times. Not sure where you're getting the feeling that Newton is my "fave".. but ok. Let's talk about them. Yes, Johnston is definitely a great coach but I'm willing to bet that SEVERAL coaches in the state would've won the state championship with that group of kids in that classification.

Coaches can show kids the proper path to take, put them in the proper situation, even inspire them to push themselves. But if you think that coaches are the reason that a kid is or isn't D1 then you might want to tap the brakes. That simply isn't true.. because if it was a coach would just go to any old small school, make them a few D1 players, and then start racking in rings. See.. sounds dumb, doesn't it? Westerberg has undoubtedly forgotten more football than I know. However.. not he nor anyone else will win a state championship at Barber Hill in that classification with the caliber athletes that they have. Probably ever. Speaking of... what's the closest BH got to a football state title since they went up to 3A.. or 4A.. or 5A?

I didn’t say it was a weak district.. I said that based on that statement an argument could be made that it’s the case. Calm down lol..

I'd rather have Jimmy's and Joe's and get their discipline under control than have nothing but great kids but can't play a lick. And yes I know it's very possible to have both.. insert state championship caliber teams

Not to butt in... but that could also be a good argument that it's a fairly weak district year in and year out...other than an obviously consistently good baseball program. Don't get me wrong.. district championship is goal number one and you can't help who the UIL puts you with but a statement like "pretty rotten luck in the playoffs" is sounding kind of like an excuse to me. Teams that always win district but don't do anything in the playoffs seem to be just lucky to be in that district. JMO

It might take both... BUT if one had to be chosen over the other: Jims and Joes > Xs and Os. Every time.

All that will matter on his resume is that he "made" a non-playoff team into a playoff team. Even though the circumstances are completely different that doesn't matter. So pleasant to have someone on here with a similar mindset on the issue.

It's hilarious to me when anyone even mentions the word scholarship. I blame parents but they need to realize that they just aren't out there as abundant as people think. Just let the kids do what they enjoy doing. If they're really good and choose to then perhaps they'll make their way onto a college roster. If they're great then perhaps they'll get some added athletic money. They need to realize though that academics is the way to get money. It's high school sports guys...97% of them will never play again after graduation and of that 3 % that do most will still have to pay for it.

I know. Which is why I have this conversation as often as I do...people think that all you have to do is hire the right coach and that equates to wins and deep playoff runs. SMH...if that was the case the same coaches would win state titles every year. Talent plays a big part also. I always reference basketball because it's my wheelhouse and I know pro basketball is not the best example...but Phil Jackson won zero championships without Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant in their prime years. Not a coincidence.

I was making a point. While it may not literally mean that he wouldn't win any 2nd round games (which might be true)... if he left WOS and went to one of those schools that are open his state title contender days would be long over. That's not a shot at anyone's coaching ability...what's so hard to understand about a team needing HIGH-quality athletes/players to win it all? Will Tom Westerberg win a state title soon at Barbers Hill? Is Cornell Thompson a better coach than TW...because TW won 4 state titles in the highest classification in the state. By me saying that TW will never win a state title at BH..is that a shot at his coaching ability?

LOL!

Looks like Brazil’s missed all 3 PATs

Not always.

That's actually pretty funny. BUT...for those that don't know. Ronnie "Sunshine" Bass in real life went on to play 4 years at the University of South Carolina. So your argument (while funny) has no relevance here.

Yep...Pretty much.

That's exactly what I mean. It even took WOS and Newton dropping into a smaller classification to win it all. Just sayin..

talent + coaching + level of competition = success It takes all 3.

I watched every second of the Highland Park game. Are you inferring that HP had zero talent?..because they were riddled with college athletes as well. And are you going to pretend that Coach Thompson is the SOLE reason that WOS is what they are? Nothing to do with all of the D1 kids they graduate every year huh.. I'm not saying he isn't a great coach. I'm not even saying he isn't the best coach in the area but I'd bet every penny I've ever made, have, or ever will make that if Cornell Thompson took the Head Football job at Livingston, Bridge City, or High Island he would never win a second-round playoff game nor get another ring if he stayed 20 years. I'm sorry to say but if you think he would then you're wrong. Speaking of that...it should be about time for Barbers Hill to be winning a state championship, right? It's Westerberg's 3rd year. I figure they at least make it to round 3. Based on the above logic he should be on his way to at least getting some district championships or something.

I love seeing multiple-sport athletes. Specializing and going the "select" route is ruining sports. It is possible to focus on one sport while participating in others as well. I did it. I knew all along that basketball was my strong suit but that didn't stop me from helping my school in whatever athletic sport that I could. With the insurgency of specializing and the fact that kids bounce all over the place at the drop of a hat...we've lost the old fashioned just play for school pride if nothing else.

I'm not saying there aren't. But even crappy teams with great players pose somewhat of a threat in at least 1 aspect of the game. Grayland Arnold made Kountze a lot more competitive in games that they shouldn't have been in. There are a lot of bad coaches that have won championships with great players. There are zero great coaches that have won championships with bad players. Zero. coaching + talent + lack of other team's talent = success That equation can't be off even a little bit.

That's because losing programs usually are losing as a result of not having those type of athletes.

My opinion on having a pitch count has zero to do with injuries. I know they won't get injured from overpitching. My point is that IF they're going to have a possibility of a 3 game playoff series then softball teams should have to use more than one pitcher. It's easy to ride a stud pitcher deep into the playoffs but that doesn't make you a good team. I personally would either like to see them either do away with a 3 game series or force teams to use other pitchers.

Timberwolves are deadly ferocious.