Former Players Must Remain Mum?
A truly hot topic today is the brewing verbal sparring match between former Chicago Bears greats, Gale Sayers and Mike Ditka and present day stand-out Brian Urlacher. Sayers was speaking to a group in Nebraska earlier this month, and pointed out some question marks for the Bear’s 2010 season. Namely Jay Cutler’s sub-par year and Urlacher’s return from off-season surgery on his wrist. Urlacher took exception(click here).
Instead of answering the specific questions Sayers posed, Urlacher went on the offensive. “How many championships has he won?”, speaking of Sayer’s career, etc, etc. If you listen to the video or read the article linked, you will probably understand that Sayers was not taking cheap shots at his old team, but based on last year’s performance, speaking the truth. But does speaking the truth even matter in this situation?
Many of you realize that I got into some hot water last season by choosing my words carelessly in some blog posts. In my situation as well, I felt strongly that some of the negatives I pointed out were true, but many Georgia fans feel I as a former player should never, ever speak ill of the program. I don’t think that’s fair. As long as the statements are based in reality and are not some inflammatory position taken just to recieve page-views as some bloggers are wont to do, then it’s all good.
I have learned a lot in my year of blogging, but I will always try to be honest. I may lose some fans, but maybe I will gain a few in the process as well.
At the risk of opening old wounds, what say you Dawg fan?
The Needs Are Great
I’m playing today for the second year in the Leeman Bennett Charity Golf Tournament in Forsyth County…or is it Fore-syth today? This tournament benefits the cancer programs at Northside and Georgia Baptist Hospitals and the Eagle Ranch for Boys and Girls.
Jan Ros, Frank’s wife, works for Eagle Ranch and got me involved last year. Please support these worthy causes when you can. All of these organizations work where the needs are greatest.
Have great week Dawgs!
Bulldog Clubs and Down 25
The next couple of weeks should be a lot of fun. I just participated in my first FBU Camp and worked with some great young kickers and punters. I will do a separate blog post to discuss these young men. For now, I wanted to mention some upcoming events where I would love to see you.
This Thursday, May 6th, I will be visiting the Rockdale County Bulldog Club to discuss the 1980 National Championship among other things. Try and come by. On May 17th, I will be down in Jacksonville to play in the 18th Annual Vince Dooley Scholarship Golf Tournament sponsored by the Jacksonville Bulldog Club(click here). I can’t wait!
Chris Troxel of RACC and I will be there to show off his great new product(click here).
For those that care not named Tarpley, I have now lost 25 lbs. since March 22nd. That’s a little over 4 lbs. a week for six weeks.
I feel good…but then….I knew that I would.
Down 20 and Logan’s Run
Last week was a definite plateau week for me, but broke through this weekend. I have lost 20 lbs. in four weeks. I feel good about that but I’m not quite half way to my initial goal of losing 55 lbs.
I have seen a few of you and you have been gracious to comment on my efforts. I appreciate that. Now, on to more important issues, like Georgia football.
The most pressing issue of the day seems to be Logan Gray and the possibility of him transferring. Reader Tyler T. wants to know what’s up.
I don’t know any more than the regular fan, but I think I understand where he is. If Aaron Murray is indeed the guy, Logan could be relegated to a repeat of 2009. Now, I’m not sure if Logan could contribute at receiver as has been bandied about, but I do know this. There are no accolades being doled out for fair catch specialists. Almost every time he entered a game last year, every person in the zip code knew what was coming. It was not fair. He was never put in a position to succeed, which is part of a coach’s job.
If Logan is frustrated, last season had to be the genesis. Being passed on the depth chart by a red-shirt freshman surely adds fuel to that fire. The coaching staff had their opportunity to see Logan’s work. The implication was he is a great athlete. But even the best athlete can’t perform with handcuffs and shackles on.
Who could blame him for wanting to break free?
Doing The Right Thing
The last few days have reminded me of how important doing the right thing really is. I played in yesterday’s Boy’s and Girl’s Club fundraising golf tournament which is obviously fun but a more than worthwhile group to support. I was tempted at one point though, to do the wrong thing.
A group ahead of us, included an Auburn fan who left his ball marker on the green. As a Dawg, my first impulse was to skip it across a nearby lake. I did resist and as it turns out, one of my playing partners works with said “Tiger” and introduced us after the round. Based on some preliminary discussion, I may be able to do some business with them.
The right thing was rewarded.
My son recently wrote an interesting post about how video games can be a reflection of your innermost self. As they say, character is what you do when no one is watching. Click here.
Which brings me to Zach Mettenberger. I don’t know any more details than any other fan. My Blackberry was blowing up with questions, but all I can say is this. It must be pretty bad. Between being a leading candidate to be our quarterback to having a mom working at UGA, this could not be something borderline. Mark Richt does not do anything rashly. His decisions are always thoughtful and balanced. So my thoughts could be summed up this way.
Mark Richt chose to do the right thing because Zach Mettenberger refused to. Period.
Something You May Have Missed at G-Day
The RACC. Below you will see the coolest thing since the Ice Age. The RACC folks were set up in the Tate Center Parking lot so you may have missed them. If you have ever wrestled with your standard tent canopy to tailgate, you’ll understand the genesis of the idea. Chris Troxel said, “there has to be a better way” and now there is. Partner Paul Jankowski has designed a better mousetrap and you can be the benefactor. Go to www.raccstore.com. This week they will be at Auburn’s spring game, then The Steeplechase on the 24th and The Taste of Marietta with me on the 25th. Come see us!
One Tough Year
Today marks the one year anniversary of Total Team Sports being open for business. It has been a tough year, but we have survived and as of this date, I am as busy as I’ve been in years. That does not mean I don’t need your business. I most certainly do. Check out the apparel links to the left.
I wanted to thank the people who first gave me an opportunity to serve them this past year.
In alphabetical order:
Advanced Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Ansbach High School(Germany)
Campbell HS Soccer
Chattahoochee HS Football
Chattahoochee Jr. Cougars Football
Department of Forensic Cleaning, LLC
Etowah Baseball Boosters
Georgia Mustangs, Inc.
Haralson County Football
Hillgrove Gridiron Club
Hillgrove High School
Kennesaw Mountain Football
Lassiter HS Football
Marietta Fast Pitch
Marietta Heat(AAU)
Marietta HS Football
Phil Gingrey
Pope HS
R and D Automotive
Shorter College Football
South Cobb HS Track Boosters
Trinity Chapel Academy Soccer
Tucker HS Football
Union Grove HS Football Boosters
Walton HS Dugout Club
Woodland Football Boosters
Woodland HS Track Boosters and many, many individuals that I can’t really name here. Thanks to all of you.
It’s a great start, but we have a long way to go. I am actually considering taking on some sales people, so if you know someone who is looking for work and is well connected in athletic circles have them email me at rexrobinson5@gmail.com.
Phil, Tiger and Down 17
Why does Georgia’s G-Day Game coincide with The Masters? Does that make any sense? Bernie, see what you can do. I know that as good as attendance was at G-Day, it would be even better with no golf to compete with.
As last week wore on and Tiger was being described as some kind of victim, I grew more and more weary of the commentary. Tiger brought whatever scrutiny he was under on himself. No sympathy here.
What a juxtaposition between the Woods family and the Mickelson’s. Could they be any more different? One family’s future still very much in doubt. The other bonded by real adversity(cancer) and seemingly stronger now than ever.
The irony of it all is delicious. Isn’t karma a Buddist teaching anyway? Just asking.
For those of you not named Tarpley, I weighed in “down 17″ pounds this morning(4-13-2010). I had a rough weekend, especially Saturday, but I am back on the beam. Again thanks for all the support.
Gem City to Classic City and Back
The next few days in the Dawg Nation will be ones to remember. I can’t remember a stretch over a weekend with such promise. The Rotary Club of Marietta Park to Park Fun Run is the first of what I hope will be many race tee shirts for me. The starting line is at the First United Methodist Church in Marietta and begins at 8:00 AM.
After that, we’ll head to Athens to meet Chris Troxel of the Retractable Awning Canopy Company to see a great product that I hope to at least promote if not sell through Total Team Sports. Chris will be at the Tate Center Parking lot before the game and East Campus after.
Look for him!
We may have to stop by Glory Glory in Lawrenceville on the way to see the Lewis’. I can never drive that close to such a great selection of Dawg Stuff and not stop in. We may try and run by The Blind Pig Tavern to see the DawgVent folk. They kinda scare me so that is subject to change.
Oh yeah, then the G-Day Game!
After the game, I need to run by and see some old team mates at the Lettermen’s Bar-B-Que, but I want to go see the baseball game. Tomorrow, Chance Veazey is throwing out the first pitch. You should all come support the Diamond Dawgs and Chance. I know a lot of you are planning to anyway.
As Ole Lady Luck would have it, both of my sons will be in Athens tomorrow. Ryan lives in Athens and works for UGA, Sean will be coming up from Milledgeville(Georgia College and State University). I may get the see them as well.
How’s that for a Saturday.
Sunday, I will be out with some kickers in the afternoon. I start with a new kid from Wheeler HS. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.
Monday, I will be playing in The Boy’s and Girl’s Club Golf Tournament at The Marietta Country Club. You may want to avoid the vicinity. My old room/team mate, Frank Ros is playing this year.
Have a great weekend Dawgs! As the kids say, it could be epic!
Down 10….No, 12!
I am so busy I can’t even blog when I need to right now. I missed my Monday update on my journey to Sveltavia. After a weekend that included a Saturday and Sunday night of inadvertent splurging, I did rebound with some good workouts. Based on that fact, my Monday weigh-in was a 10 lb loss after two weeks and today I actually showed 12 down. I burned some good calories last night just prior and during the basketball final.
Pretty soon I will have a whole new wardrobe, wearing things I haven’t worn in years. Heck, I’m already wearing a smaller belt I bought in the last millenium!
I know all of you are starving for some Roughing the Kicker posts. Yeah right. I am as busy as I’ve been in a long time. Total Team Sports is growing like crazy. I have two new football customers and one corporate, plus I am doing my first race tee shirt for this weekend’s Rotary Park to Park Fun Run and Cookout in Marietta. Come out if you can!
Distant Replays
Do you know anyone who is living in the past? Someone who is so enamored with the people, places and things of yesteryear, that it impacts them negatively today? I do. It is both amazing and sad to see talented people dragged down because of some delusion that they owe a piece of themselves to “old friends”. You hear examples with famous athletes like Michael Vick, whose inability to disconnect from his childhood friends and the lifestyle they enjoyed, ultimately brought him down. It happens to us regular folk as well.
Whether it’s your buddies from high school or some girl from your past, at some point you have to let them go. It’s not an easy thing, but it is very simple. If the bad things that have happened in your life are connected to these people, then they have to go. Well, that’s if you want to go on to lead a productive life, that is. If you are okay with the cycle of addiction, whether to a substance or to a person or both, then by all means go ahead.
Just don’t call me to bail you out.
I have friends from just about every strata this life offers. I just don’t meet them on their level of existence. I choose to meet them on mine. That’s not arrogance, that’s called prudence. If you have a problem with that, then we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
Down 6
Hello people. I am one week in to the “GOYA” program and I am down six pounds. Now these are not BIGGEST LOSER numbers but I am pleased. I have done nothing so extreme that it can’t become a habit longterm. A little less intake of everything goes a long way.
I appreciate the well wishes and advice. As is true with a lot of people, I know these things, I just don’t always follow them like I should. Being on the road around Atlanta for the last six years selling sporting goods got me in the terrible habit of eating A LOT of fast food.
Now I am “Super-sized”.
So here’s the deal. No fastfood unless it’s absolutely necessary and when I do drive thru, make a smarter, smaller AND better choice. And drink more water.
Sit back and watch Coke stock plummet.
Time For A Change
This is a totally personal blog post. It’s time for me to make some changes. As of today, I will be implementing what I will call The GOYA Plan. Look for the book and infomercial to come. I am in about the worst shape of my life. You could say I have been doing the P90Rex plan for years, which means I have been busy doing a whole lotta nothing. Let’s call it a fatness regimen.
Starting a new business in 2009 has had me totally focused on that. Not that I was working out before that. It’s just that as things grow and I’m getting busier, I need as much energy as I can get.
I don’t think I’ll be doing any before pictures. I wouldn’t do that to my worst enemy. I want to lose 55 pounds. I will be updating you on my progress toward that goal. Basically, I want to try and develop just a couple of new habits. The name GOYA stands for Get Off Your Ass. That is paramount. I’m not training for a marathon, unless you call LIFE a marathon. I just want to get in the habit of walking.
The other thing is just a few tweaks to my eating. A little less of everything. A little less eating out. A little less portions. A little less eating a night and believe it or not, a little less computer time.
Yes, this laptop has become one of the enemies as well.
A Miss Georgia You Never Heard Of
For the sake of doing something different and positive for Georgia Bulldog fans, here is Miss Georgia 2004, Salome Chikviladze. We’ll call her Sally.
The fact that this is the country of Georgia matters not to me. See her profile here and by all means see her swimsuit pic below. I swear I’m not going to do a “Babe of the week” like my son does on his blog.
I just ran across this profile while doing a very innocent search for a University of Georgia background on Google. I love me some Google, don’t you?
Go Dawgs!
St.Patrick’s Day Greetings
I just wanted to wish you all a happy and safe St.Patrick’s Day today. If you celebrate it like only a true Dawg fan can, be careful out there! Especially you Bernie! The thing is the whole country celebrates this day, which just happens to be my birthday as well.
Yep, 51 years old today. Somebody slow this thing down, please. I just realized how much I look like St. Patrick. Holy crap.
MHS Football Finds New Direction
Georgia High School Football has it’s newest member to welcome to the fraternity. My old Alma mater, Marietta High School has hired Virginia coach Scott Burton as it’s newest head coach(click). Burton, replaces James “Friday” Richards who stepped down earlier this year(click). The Marietta School board voted 7-0 to hire the 37 year old coach. Burton is committed to both athletic and academic excellence and some interesting methodology to get there.
Welcome coach, I will be by to try and sell you something very soon.
College Football and Social Media
There are quite a few Georgia Bulldogs who jumped in the deep end of social media in 2009. From Facebook to Twitter, and probably some Myspace thrown in for good measure, being “social” with friends we don’t know has become all the rage. Although, I can see some positive aspects to this phenomenon, the negatives keep piling up in my mind’s eye.
Going back to last year when I jumped in the pool myself, it was interesting to connect with so many Dawg fans of all ages. As a former player, it was fun and a little bit of an ego boost to be perfectly honest. I can’t even imagine how crazy it could get for a present day player….wait, yes I can.
I have followed Jeff Owens and Mike Moore from the beginning of the 2009 season. I added Darryl Gamble, Tavarres King, Neland Ball, Bacarri Rambo, Drew Butler and AJ Green. Along the way I picked up on some players from other teams as well. I’m going to hold off on their names, you’ll understand shortly.
On the surface one would think it would be great to follow and understand the day to day routine of a college football player. At times it was true, but there were other times it was disappointing. When the season did not go according to plan, it gave over zealous fans the ammo they needed to criticize some players. It was ugly.
One in particular was Jeff Owens, who tweeted early and often about his daily grind, never missing an opportunity to let his followers know when he got his grub on. Jeff received some some serious heat after the Florida game, I believe it was. In addition, none other than David Pollack was relentless in in the fall, telling #95 to try a salad from time to time. Sometimes brutal, sometimes funny, but #47 was really just trying to help I think.
This has been a bad week for college players and social media. Elijay Fields of the Pitt Panthers was dismissed for pictures he posted on Twitter (click and also see picture below). If thats not enough, try Oregon’s Jamere Holland, upset because he thought,(mistakenly) that one of his boys had been kicked off the team for a DUI. He let loose on Facebook and now he’s the goner(click).
Like I mentioned earlier, I have been following some players from other schools besides Georgia and I have seen Tweets about partying, getting high and even one guy watching his room mate having sex in the room. It’s crazy. It’s like these kids think the only ones reading it are their friends and or team mates.
Another example is the fan pressure exerted on Facebook pages during recruiting season. Da’Rick Rogers was supposedly bombarded by Georgia and Tennessee fans. Now Rogers and Baccari Rambo have had a verbal sparring match online. It seems to have subsided for now, but I have a feeling it’s not over(click).
All in all, as a fan I think social media is cool. It gives you an unequaled access to players and their thoughts day to day. But the abuses are so numerous, if I were a coach, I would want my players to steer clear. I think any player willing to risk exposing himself to the fringe that exists out there, better be thicked skinned, because people will put you on blast in a hurry. And by all means watch the “Twitpics” and keep your mouth shut!
My own personal time on Twitter and Facebook has been dwindling because of having to devote more time to my business, but I feel sure when the season gets here, I will be among those barking…
Gooo #Dawgs!
Racing to the Finish
The show “Full Color Football” was on the NFL Network over the weekend. One episode points out the fact that as recently as 1963, the NFL was not exactly an open door when it came to African-American players. Right off the bat, I was taken aback by the statement that if an NFL team did have black players it was a small number like 2 or 4, never 3 or 5. That way, with an even number, the black players could room together on the road.
The AFL on the other hand, was slightly more flexible. Partly because of the need for players, but also because they wanted to get the best players possible. They might sign as many as 15 black players, but only at certain positions. Weak safeties, middle linebackers and of course, quartebacks had to be white because of the mental demands of the position. Wow.
At this point you may wonder why I am even discussing the issue, after all, this was nearly 50 years ago. Well, each example of racism listed above, is of a subtle variety. In a sense, even the supposedly progressive AFL was saying, we will give you an opportunity, but it will always be the opportunity we choose. By the way, can you name the player to the right? He was the first Black player ever drafted number one overall by either league.
Obviously things are much different in the NFL, but what about the real world, where you and I live.
I grew up in west Marietta, Georgia near where several black families lived. They were sometimes my only friends, because there were no other white kids my age in the neighborhood. That fact and playing baseball and football with numerous black players as a kid, I didn’t have a racist bone in my body. Fortunately, my family didn’t foster any such bigotry. Living with players at McWhorter Hall at UGA only deepened my affection for all people, well except this one guy we called THE FUNK. He was white, but from Alabama…nuff said.
Because of those relationships and spending time out in the world with my team mates, I have witnessed the subtle prejudices perpetrated against them. It doesn’t have to be as ominous or violent as days gone by to damage the psyche and the soul.
Something as innocuous as a double take and stare when an old team mate visited me in the Dunwoody Townhome Complex where I lived in 1995-96, can cut deeply. Since apparently no black families lived in the complex, my friends presence could only mean he was there with bad intentions. Holy crap.
Sure we have an African-American man in the white house, but that doesn’t change the realities on the street. Whether subtle or not, things have not changed as much as we think.
Do you agree?
Memories of Mel, and The Other 1980
When I hear the word Olympics, it takes me way back. Once again back to early1980 and a stolen opportunity for so many phenomenal athletes who had dedicated themselves to reach for the Rings. The boycott of these Summer Olympics in Moscow was a travesty (click). One of the athletes most affected was a Georgia Bulldog, Melvin Lattany (click). I had the unique pleasure to watch Mel, one of the top athletes in any sport to ever attend the University of Georgia.
I have attached links to some great stories, that tell the tale much better than I ever could, but suffice it to say, Mel was awesome. Between the present Olympics being underway and two plaques that are on my wall, Mel came to mind today.
About this time of year in 1980, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame held it’s award banquet, just as it does to this day. I was nominated for amatuer athlete of the year in 1980 and 1981, an award that was for any athlete of any sport at any college in Georgia. That’s right….me…a kicker.
Only one problem. In 1980 so was Mel and in 1981, so was Herschel. D, JD.
Here are the two guilty parties at a meet in Athens. Notice how Mel sort of left HW in the dust? Herschel weighed nearly sixty pounds more than Mel though. Herschel at 222, and Mel at 165. That fact was far more amazing to me than any football accomplishment of #34. Mel told me that at age 50 he weighs 195. He trains five days a week and can still run a 4.7 40. Wow.
Mel lives in London now. I reconnected with him about 2 months ago. In researching my first post on Herschel’s MMA debut, I read an article that Mel actually commented on. The “intrawebs” made it very easy to find him and trade emails within hours.
1980 has vastly different memories for Mel and I. Both historic, but on different ends of the emotional spectrum. I, along with my team mates found the ultimate in joy and triumph. Mel and his Olympic team mates saw only frustration and disappointment. Let’s hope no aspiring Olympian has their hopes dashed by politics ever again.
Hardee’s Just Doesn’t Care
From time to time, you will hear of a fast food company making an effort to put something seemingly healthy on the menu. McDonalds has created the Mac Snack Wrap, KFC has the new Grilled Chicken wrap and Wendy’s has a Chicken Wrap that at least try to seem more healthy or lower in calories, even though some are not. Just as in many other food related issues you have to read the fine print and/or the label. Click on each company’s name to see their menu/nutrition information.
Hardee’s on the other hand, gave up on that PR-BS a long time ago. They have been inventing newer and better ways to kill yourself for years. Between the Monster Thickburger, and the Monster Biscuit pictured below, picking your poison has never been easier.
I have certainly done my part to keep Hardee’s in business over the years, although not so much recently. I must say their honesty is refreshing. I am on the road alot of the time so fast food is one of my downfalls. Luckily, my tastes have evolved in to, let’s say, a more refined palate. You know, Burger King and Chick-fil-a.
What is your weakness?
Does this even look good to you? Really?
McCollum Comes Home
As I stated in an earlier post, my old friend and team mate Andy McCollum might be up for a position at the Trade School. He has indeed been asked to join the Georgia Tech Football Staff. He interviewed on Friday and the announcement that he had accepted the offer came this afternoon. McCollum will act as recruiting coordinator and could coach linebackers or defensive line, depending on who else is hired to flesh out the defensive staff.
I wish Andy well, but only to an extent. He can have all the success in the world in the ACC, but he should always remember.
WE RUN THIS STATE!
“Lost” is the Perfect Description
The first episode of the last season of “Lost” airs tonight and the GNP will not grow at all today. Apparently, I am the only one in America that didn’t get hooked by the series that ranks as one of the most popular in television history. I never got past the third episode because before Lost first aired, I thought it was going to be a cross between Lord of the Flies and Jurassic Park.
I could have gone for that. But it turned out to require too much thinking. I want the shows I watch to elicit emotions, whether good, bad or ugly ones, I can deal with that. Make me laugh, cry or get angry, but don’t make me think too, too much. I might pull something.
For those of you that are giddy with anticipation, I am happy for you. But if I need you to do some work today, don’t screw it up, please.
It’s Senior Bowl Week
It’s that time of year when all we have to look forward to is the Super bowl and College All-Star Games like the this past weekends East West Shrine Game and now the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. I was fortunate enough to play in the 1981 Senior Bowl but my how things have changed.
It was considered a golden opportunity to practice and play in front of NFL scouts and coaches and maybe get drafted. There are some that still look at it that way, but many, many players turn down offers to play because it may actually hurt their draft status. The Senior Bowl people have been scrambling to fill out the rosters because of this new attitude.
Georgia is represented by Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens this year. I am pulling for them to make some last minute statements to the assembly of pro football evaluators. In 1981, Scott Woerner, Nat Hudson and I made up the Dawg contingent.
It’s sad that not playing and relying on combines or carefully controlled pro days have replaced an opportunity to meet and play with guys from all over the country. We lost the game but I had a decent game with a 43 yard field goal. Some of you might actually remember that I punted, that’s right Dawg fans, I punted….terribly. It didn’t help that it was cold and windy and I had not punted in a game in 4+ years.
Even so, it was a great time. I hope this year’s Dawgs feel the same.
with Alabama’s E.J. Junior…I know…we cool.
Scott Woerner and our coach Denver’s Red Miller…suck up…
Maryland TE Eric Sievers…not his best moment.
with Alabama’s Byron Braggs…a BIGGEN!
A New “Day” at Marietta?
I got a call Friday night about James “Friday” Richards decision to retire as head coach of the Marietta Blue Devils. Some of you may not realize that Marietta is my Alma mater, so this coaching change is of some import to me. Coach Friday graduated from MHS in 1972 and came back from the University of Florida just in time for my senior season(1976).
I’ll never forget his encouragement in a triple overtime classic against Douglas County that fall. My extra point made the difference after the Tigers kicker missed his to make it 38-37. He started teaching and coaching officially the next year and the rest is history. As the head coach for 15 years, his record at Marietta was 107-58.
When I started selling sporting goods six years ago, everywhere I went around the state, coaches wanted to know when “Friday was going to retire”? A few years ago, he started talking to me about it some, but this fall his mentions of retirement accelerated. I was at Marietta Thursday and it came up again, but some details had yet to fall into place. That happened Friday and again, one of his assistants called me that night with the news.
Suffice it to say, Marietta will be inundated with applications for this job. When coaches think of Marietta, they think of the Dexter Wood years and the success they enjoyed in the early 90′s. It will be very interesting to see the direction the administration goes with the new hire.
Athletic Director Paul Hall is half-way through his first year on the job and now will be involved in hiring someone for a job that was ear-marked for him a couple of years ago. Friday mentioned that possibility on more than one occasion to me. Hall was a long-time assistant coach for Richards and would have been a great choice. The x-factor at this point is a school administration that may or may not be committed to excellence on the field. They have already made a let’s say, “interesting” choice in replacing another legend, basketball coach Charlie Hood, with a first time head coach. The team is 3-8 in Region 5-AAAAA and 5-13 over-all.
The kids of Marietta deserve the best opportunity to succeed,
academically and athletically.
I hope that is kept in mind.
Tell me what you really think!