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I know this isn't soccer related, but help me answer this question - why does the IHSA have different classes for individual sports? For example - bass finishing? Do you really need four classes for bass finishing? Seriously, does the student-fisherman have a better chance of winning a state championship in bass fishing because he goes to a large school like Joliet compared to a small school like DeLand-Weldon?
Are we here to compete or hand out participation awards? Participation awards are what school honor nights are for, honoring the participation of students in a sport. Don't you think - especially in bass fishing - that kids want to compete against everyone in high school throughout Illinois?
All right, back to soccer...
I was talking with Lincoln-Way East coach Brian Papa, vice president of the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association, on Wednesday night. I've received probably close to 100 emails this year from coaches throughout the state upset at the way the IHSA is handling the sport.
I asked Papa what he has been hearing, and he said it's up to people to voice their concerns on Friday when IHSA assistant exeuctive director Beth Sauser holds her annual roundtable with all coaches during the state finals at North Central College in Naperville. The meeting, which will be held following the second Class 2A semifinal around 3 p.m., will take place in a stadium classroom. Signs will be posted as to what classroom the meeting will take place.
"We'll see how many people show up," Papa said.
I agree. People can complain and moan all the time. Whether they are complaining about what I write or what the IHSA does, at least stand up and voice your thoughts.
Because honestly, I've run out of tissue to give the yearly complainers who seem to just complain to complain.
- Joe Trost
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Yeah, real gutsy of the IHSA to hold a meeting at 3 pm on a work day. Most coaches are also teachers who may not be able to take the day off unless their team is playing in the tournament. How about another forum for discussion instead of a one or done meeting that most people can't attend?
I have to agree with the person who posted earlier about having the meeting at a time when most of us coaches are teachers and we can't get off work. I would really would have liked to attend but I couldn't get off work. Since I am the coach of Joliet Township soccer team, I would have really liked to have attended the meeting and heard what Beth Sauser rationale was for not postponing my regional final game. Typical IHSA antics, schedule a meeting at a time when most coaches can't attend!!!
The same meeting was held during the single A tournament finals, on Friday night between games. So around 7:15 or so. 5 coaches showed up. That's it. Just 5. I've been to the last 9 of these, at both boys and girls finals. Never more than 4 or 5 coaches. Usually the same ones show up each year. As far as being able to discuss or make any progress on solving some of the problems/issues with high school soccer, well . . . not much to say there. We get what we always get. Reasons why it can't change. Or the patented "That's what the Board decided".
I'm all for "another forum for discussion"; but how many would show up for that? I'm not defending the time table for the current meetings, however, these coaches round tables have occurred every season at the same place and same time. If a coach really wanted to attend, plans can be made. The meeting is announced and comments taken at every seeding meeting. At least it is supposed to be. Of course when only about 60% of the coaches show up for this mandatory meeting, what do we expect for an optional meeting.