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I still remember the first time I met Dan Radz.
The former Marian Catholic coach had just taken a teaching position in the math department at Lincoln-Way, and he joined Brian Papa's staff. Radz was always joking, laid back and really a good guy to be around. I would run into him, his wife and two kids all the time early in my career. He always had some great stories.
But when Lincoln-Way split into two, four-year schools, Radz changed.
And I'm not the only one to say that.
I really thought I had a good relationship with Radz. But for some reason when he became head coach at Lincoln-Way Central, it was as if he became a completely different person.
Most of the time, he never returns phone calls - not just for me, but other members of the media I have spoken to and worked with. Preseason previews? I'm still waiting for the 2003 preview if you know what I mean. As for the Pepsi Showdown, do you know Radz is the only coach to never attend a single meeting? Can you believe that? He has attended one conference call. Most of the time, he's had an assistant fill in.
But what bothers me more than anything else is that Radz doesn't nominate players for the Sun-Times All-Area Team. Everyone knows the Knights are stacked with some of the best talent in the area - especially this year. Even without Radz returning a call or preseason email this year, I knew his team was going to be loaded. That was a big reason why I placed them atop the preseason rankings.
Every year, I send out emails to coaches asking for their all-area nominations. And even if he didn't get an email, Radz has been around the block a few times to know. Nominations were due last Monday. I'm sure Radz holds his students and players accountable - it's time for him to be held accountable.
I respect Radz and deep down inside I know I cut this coach more slack than any other coach in the area. I'm sure he'll be ticked I wrote this and will say he didn't get anything or that I didn't call.
Dan - I've call, I've emailed for years. I'm tired of it as many other people in the media are just to get some basic, basic information to help your players and program.
At the end of the day, you have let your players, parents, program and school down once again by not taking two minutes to nominate a player or two for one of the special 11 spots on the 2007 Sun-Times All-Area Team.
P.S. Congrats on your 200th win. I saw the school didn't forget to honor you by placing it on the sign in front of the school.
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