Tarkington Open

[oldschool2]

11 minutes ago, JaspD55 said:

Powers to be , need to get off their butts and hire an Elite Coach, and then they will be held in the same regards as Carthage, WOS, Gilmer and such. At least thats what Ive heard on here.

100% correct.  The quality/number of players has no bearing on success.  All you have to do is hire a coach that's won state titles before.  Do that.. and then watch the deep runs start rolling in.

[Guest mrtomcat]

2 hours ago, JaspD55 said:

Powers to be , need to get off their butts and hire an Elite Coach, and then they will be held in the same regards as Carthage, WOS, Gilmer and such. At least thats what Ive heard on here.

I'm not sure you can put elite and tarkington in the same category for anything to be quite honest.

[89Falcon]

4 hours ago, oldschool2 said:

100% correct.  The quality/number of players has no bearing on success.  All you have to do is hire a coach that's won state titles before.  Do that.. and then watch the deep runs start rolling in.

Bill Belichick could not go .500 at Tarkington. 

[Guest mrtomcat]

10 minutes ago, 89Falcon said:

Bill Belichick could not go .500 at Tarkington. 

Big facts

[Reagan]

1 hour ago, 89Falcon said:

Bill Belichick could not go .500 at Tarkington. 

What in his past would make you think he eventually couldn’t?

[Separation Scientist]

Belichick absolutely could go .500 at Tarkington. All they have to be is "less bad". As I said before, it would not take much to place in the middle of that 3A district. Its a low bar to hurdle. Now if you put them in District 11, with Lorena, Franklin, Cameron Yoe, they don't even score a point!    

[scat_trap]

What about Chip Keel getting a chance?  He's tied to the area and could actually bring some stability to the position.

[Kegger]

33 minutes ago, scat_trap said:

What about Chip Keel getting a chance?  He's tied to the area and could actually bring some stability to the position.

That would be a very good hire for Tarkington. Would he want it with it possibly being split? 

[scat_trap]

3 minutes ago, Kegger said:

That would be a very good hire for Tarkington. Would he want it with it possibly being split? 

That's a good question.  I'm hoping someone that makes decisions there actually reads this board and gives it some thought.

[Guest mrtomcat]

55 minutes ago, scat_trap said:

That's a good question.  I'm hoping someone that makes decisions there actually reads this board and gives it some thought.

 

19 hours ago, 89Falcon said:

Bill Belichick could not go .500 at Tarkington. 

What about Harry Laynes?  He's 70, coached football all over southeast texas and could easily get tarkington to a record best 5-5 type season.

[Separation Scientist]

Tark needs a coach like Vidor's Matthews. Someone who can win without a ton of athleticism, who can motivate the kids, and get larger numbers to get excited and come out. Its not as hopeless as it might seem. They were winning some a few years ago. Get the right coach + newly motivated kids and things will turn around. Get them off the deer lease and into helmets and pads! Kill Bambi later!  

[scat_trap]

8 minutes ago, Separation Scientist said:

Tark needs a coach like Vidor's Matthews. Someone who can win without a ton of athleticism, who can motivate the kids, and get larger numbers to get excited and come out. Its not as hopeless as it might seem. They were winning some a few years ago. Get the right coach + newly motivated kids and things will turn around. Get them off the deer lease and into helmets and pads! Kill Bambi later!  

You must be from Tarkington.  

Tarkington does not have the athletes in house that they did "a few years ago".  In fact, I don't think they've ever had that in their existence except for that stretch in the year they beat Mexia in the 1st round of the playoffs.  What you're talking about creating there isn't going to happen until the community quits making excuses and helps to push their kids to be better.  I've been around Tarkington off and on since the mid 90s and there hasn't been a swinging Richard in charge there that has gotten the kids off the deer lease consistent enough to win.  Look at what John Snelson has done since he left Tarkington.  I VIVDLY remember people from t-town calling him a really bad coach, say that he was way in over his head, and couldn't relate to the kids there.

The best thing I can see them doing is to bring in an older guy that's on the fringe of retirement and let him stick it out to allow the kids there to see some stability and once he retires move on from there.  I know it won't happen though because that would mean the people making decisions would have to look at what's best for ALL the kids; not just their little Johnnys and Sallys.

[oldschool2]

21 hours ago, 89Falcon said:

Bill Belichick could not go .500 at Tarkington. 

Depends on the schedule.

[Eagles12]

On 3/17/2022 at 2:31 PM, Kegger said:

I do believe Mark would be the favorite. If he’s interested is a different story. Did he ever go after the job in the previous years it was open? Gonna be a late start for whoever they bring in.

Not sure, know he has kept busy building a track juggernaut at New Caney Porter though. 

[Separation Scientist]

23 minutes ago, scat_trap said:

You must be from Tarkington.  

Tarkington does not have the athletes in house that they did "a few years ago".  In fact, I don't think they've ever had that in their existence except for that stretch in the year they beat Mexia in the 1st round of the playoffs.  What you're talking about creating there isn't going to happen until the community quits making excuses and helps to push their kids to be better.  I've been around Tarkington off and on since the mid 90s and there hasn't been a swinging Richard in charge there that has gotten the kids off the deer lease consistent enough to win.  Look at what John Snelson has done since he left Tarkington.  I VIVDLY remember people from t-town calling him a really bad coach, say that he was way in over his head, and couldn't relate to the kids there.

The best thing I can see them doing is to bring in an older guy that's on the fringe of retirement and let him stick it out to allow the kids there to see some stability and once he retires move on from there.  I know it won't happen though because that would mean the people making decisions would have to look at what's best for ALL the kids; not just their little Johnnys and Sallys.

I am not from Tarkington. I live in Mont Belvieu. As I said above, I have some friends there who has kids. He has a son that did not play. What I see is a lack of interest, thats why I say get em' off the deer lease and into pads. You are right, it will take their community to light a fire under their sons. A Rah-Rah coach that's committed to stay and MOTIVATES is the first step. Think the late Jeff Walker at Liberty Hill. He had those LH kids ready to run through a brick wall for him at a moments notice. I am not saying Tark will win state of course. I do think they could be better than 0.500 and win a playoff game or two sometimes. Again, that weak district they have should be easy to win in with any real improvement from Tark.      

[oldschool2]

58 minutes ago, Separation Scientist said:

I am not from Tarkington. I live in Mont Belvieu. As I said above, I have some friends there who has kids. He has a son that did not play. What I see is a lack of interest, thats why I say get em' off the deer lease and into pads. You are right, it will take their community to light a fire under their sons. A Rah-Rah coach that's committed to stay and MOTIVATES is the first step. Think the late Jeff Walker at Liberty Hill. He had those LH kids ready to run through a brick wall for him at a moments notice. I am not saying Tark will win state of course. I do think they could be better than 0.500 and win a playoff game or two sometimes. Again, that weak district they have should be easy to win in with any real improvement from Tark.      

300 unathletic kids can't beat 15 good athletes.  Not on the football field.

[scat_trap]

58 minutes ago, Separation Scientist said:

I am not from Tarkington. I live in Mont Belvieu. As I said above, I have some friends there who has kids. He has a son that did not play. What I see is a lack of interest, thats why I say get em' off the deer lease and into pads. You are right, it will take their community to light a fire under their sons. A Rah-Rah coach that's committed to stay and MOTIVATES is the first step. Think the late Jeff Walker at Liberty Hill. He had those LH kids ready to run through a brick wall for him at a moments notice. I am not saying Tark will win state of course. I do think they could be better than 0.500 and win a playoff game or two sometimes. Again, that weak district they have should be easy to win in with any real improvement from Tark.      

Did you really compare LH and Tarkington? I've seen both in person and they're 2 totally different animals. 

T-Town had a "Rah-Rah" guy recently and he's not there anymore. Typically those guys last for a couple of years. 

I'll leave it at this, but unless the admin and community chooses to ride and stick with a guy they're always going to be an endless, revolving door. 

[Separation Scientist]

9 minutes ago, oldschool2 said:

300 unathletic kids can't beat 15 good athletes.  Not on the football field.

What should they do then? Just give up and shut the program down? 

In that district not every team has 15 great athletes, BTW. Think about that. Tark could notch some wins if things come together.   

[Separation Scientist]

10 minutes ago, scat_trap said:

Did you really compare LH and Tarkington?

No, I was  referencing a type of coach. 

I'll leave it at that too. Just trying to make a suggestion, not looking to argue, that's all. Good luck Tark.  

 

[oldschool2]

1 hour ago, Separation Scientist said:

What should they do then? Just give up and shut the program down? 

In that district not every team has 15 great athletes, BTW. Think about that. Tark could notch some wins if things come together.   

Of course not.  What needs to happen is to hire the best fit for the program as the hiring committee sees fit.. but then have realistic expectations and not give the guy a reason to leave after a year or two.  Someone that will be excited about raising participation and having the players actually see benefit of bettering themselves.  A culture change in the program can definitely make the kids at least think about going to the weight room instead of the deer stand.  But even with a change in culture and attitude be realistic about what you're wanting.. especially compared to years past.  Invest money into the coaching staff, facilities, and kids as a show of faith.  Is it probable to do all of that and then beat schools with decades of that exact tradition that you'll strive to have?  Maybe not.. but a true change couples with some strategic scheduling can definitely lead to some 4/5/6 or more win seasons.  Maybe not every year but at least competitive in some of the losses.  Success breeds success so take little wins in terms of change.  It's going to take time.. 

And please, please, for God's sake.. stick with a coach for more than a season or two.  Even if it costs a little money.. make it a goal for your 7th graders to graduate under the same leadership.  Consistency is vital.  Even during a rebuilding year.. just freakin suck it up and go with your choice.  As long as he keeps the mentality he started with and stays excited with the process... then don't let a losing season be the reason to run them off.

Unfortunately.. Tarkington has always been a, "my first head job" type place and people move on to greener pastures.  But who knows.

[Reagan]

6 hours ago, scat_trap said:

Did you really compare LH and Tarkington? I've seen both in person and they're 2 totally different animals. 

T-Town had a "Rah-Rah" guy recently and he's not there anymore. Typically those guys last for a couple of years. 

I'll leave it at this, but unless the admin and community chooses to ride and stick with a guy they're always going to be an endless, revolving door. 

At one time, yes, Liberty Hill could have been compared to Tarkington:

1913                       1-1-0         xxx-xxx
1914                       1-2-1         xxx-xxx
1915                       0-2-0         xxx-xxx
                           DISCONTINUED ??
1921                       0-6-0         xxx-xxx
1922                    CANCELLED
1923                    CANCELLED
1924                       0-7-0         xxx-xxx         R.E.L. (Farmer) Jones
1925                       1-8-0          43-237
1926                       1-4-2         xxx-xxx
1927                
1928                       0-4-0         xxx-xxx
1929                       0-6-0         xxx-xxx         Leroy Barron
1930                       2-4-1         xxx-xxx         Francis H. Czarowitz
1931                       3-3-2         xxx-xxx         Gatewood Newberry
1932                       1-4-1         xxx-xxx         Lee C. Lemburg
1933                       2-5-1         xxx-xxx         Victor Foerster
1934                       1-4-0          18-  83         Neal Randolph
1935                       0-3-0         xxx-xxx
1936                       1-2-0         xxx-xxx
1937                       2-4-0         xxx-xxx
1938                       0-5-1         xxx-xxx
1939                       1-8-1          15-183
1940                       1-8-0          15-200
1941                       3-5-2          66-175         Norman Breed
1942                       0-2-1         xxx-xxx
1943                  CANCELLED – WW II
1944                       0-3-1          12-  99
1945                       0-6-0         xxx-xxx 
1946                       1-6-0         xxx-xxx
1947                       3-5-0         xxx-xxx         Fred Looke
1948                       0-7-1          26-221         Fred Looke
1949                       1-7-0          26-230         R.Z. Moore
1950                       2-7-0          44-151         R.Z. Moore
1951                       3-5-1          51-126         R.Z. Moore
1952                       3-7-0        129-195         R.Z. Moore
1953                       2-6-0          82-254         James Galbreath
1954                       3-7-0        153-150         James Galbreath
1955                       2-8-0          54-271         Charles Rumley
1956                       4-6-0        138-208         Leslie Smith
                          SIX-MAN LEAGUE
1960                       0-9-0          14-337         Douglas Miller
1961                       1-8-0          42-281         Douglas Miller
1962                       2-7-1          82-265         Douglas Miller
1963                      0-10-0         26-378         Bill Gilley
1964                       3-6-0          98-268         Bill Gilley
1965                       1-9-0          45-339         Jimmie Campbell
1966                       1-9-0          56-368         Arlen Leeder
1967                       2-7-1        102-184         Charles C. Larrison, Jr.
1968                       6-3-0        155-102         Charles C. Larrison, Jr.
                          DISCONTINUED
1976                       3-7-0          61-339         Daryl Moffitt
1977                       3-7-0          97-288         Daryl Moffitt
1978                       5-5-0        165-173         Charlie Braun
1979                       4-6-0        133-151         Charlie Braun
1980                       5-4-1        200-139         Charlie Braun
1981                       5-5-0        158-106         Charlie Braun
1982                       4-6-0        130-177         Charlie Braun
1983                       6-3-1        168-134         Charlie Braun
1984       R--          10-2-1        404-119         Charlie Braun
1985                       7-2-1        219-114         Charlie Braun
1986                       4-6-0        129-180         Charlie Braun
1987       C              6-4-1        188-152         Charlie Braun
1988                       6-4-0        218-152         Charlie Braun
1989       R              7-4-0        214-218         Charlie Braun
1990                       4-6-0        203-258         Wade Johnston
1991                       4-6-0        189-188         Wade Johnston
1992      CO             6-5-0        235-169         Wade Johnston
1993                       3-6-1        161-184         Mark Cox
1994                       6-4-0        219-132         Mark Cox
1995                       2-8-0        125-312         Mark Cox
1996                       4-6-0        165-201         Mark Cox
1997                       7-3-0        231-134         Mark Cox
1998                       1-9-0          72-321         Mark Cox
1999                       3-7-0        174-296         Hal Wasson
2000                       3-7-0        168-308         Hal Wasson

Then the "right" coach was hired.

2001                       5-5-0        149-226         Jerry Vance
2002       R--          10-2-0        359-195         Jerry Vance
2003       R--          11-2-0        468-219         Jerry Vance
2004      CO           12-3-0        697-309         Jerry Vance
2005       R            10-3-0        614-367         Jerry Vance
2006       C--          13-2-0        627-413         Jerry Vance
2007       C--          14-0-0        643-197         Jerry Vance

Is something like this guaranteed?  Absolutely not!  Because there aren't that many elite coaches out there.  Schools are just lucky when they can get one.  So, will it ever happen at Tarkington?  In our lifetime?  Probably not.  But does this mean they stop trying?!

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

Where's 2008 thru 2021 at? Would like to see the rest of the records. 

[Reagan]

9 minutes ago, Mr. Buddy Garrity said:

Where's 2008 thru 2021 at? Would like to see the rest of the records. 

Here ya go!

2008       C--          14-1-0        588-255         Jerry Vance
2009                       4-5-0        220-185         Jerry Vance
2010       C              8-3-0        284-202         Jerry Vance
2011       R              8-4-0        332-191         Jerry Vance
2012                       6-4-0        423-279         Jerry Vance
2013       C--          10-2-0        383-208         Jerry Vance
2014       C--          12-3-0        503-410         Jerry Vance
2015       C--          10-3-0        448-196         Jerry Vance
2016      TH             8-4-0        338-297         Jerry Vance
2017       R--          10-3-0        569-408         Jeff Walker
2018       C--          13-2-0        790-345         Jeff Walker
2019      TH             7-6-0        466-300         Jeff Walker
2020       C--          12-1-0        682-216         Jeff Walker/Kent Walker
2021       C--          13-3-0        700-240         Kent Walker

[The Icon]

As stated previously, someone local or with local ties is more likely to stick it out long term to create said consistency.

[navydawg31]

I haven’t drove/been in the area in a while but was told don’t be surprised if takington blows up fast like Cleveland did. Is this true?