I am a proud McCaskey graduate from the Class of 90 and it has been sad to watch the decline of the athletic program over the years. I must agree with this article that the burden does lie on the coaching staff, and their ability to motivate and teach the kids on the teams. It is hard to go to games and watch the kids show little or no respect toward their coaches. It appears most have favorites and those are the only ones they even remotely help, even when they have better talent sitting on the bench. It is also sad to see coaches put into positions which have zero experience with the sport they have been given control of. Playing a sport – does not make you a coach of just any sport. You have got to know the game, you have got to know your team, and you have to nuture all of the players you have and make it fun – win or lose!
I am proud to say I played for coach Ernst! He was a great motivator, both on the court and in the classroom. He got what kids wanted, to be recognized – pushed – challenged – and to be successful. I didn’t always like all of my coaches – but every year I played my talent improved because they were committed to making us better – as athletes, as students and as people!
