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I know how the late Larry Hawkins would have reacted to Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman's announcement that there will be no more funding for non-varsity sports in the wake of the "fiscal crisis" that city schools are facing.
Hawkins, who coached Cazzie Russell and produced a state championship basketball team at Carver in 1963, was so much more than a coach. He was a teacher and educator and administrator, the director of the University of Chicago's Office of Special Programs and founder of the Institute for Athletics and Education.
He mentored dozens of Public League coaches and teachers and helped to send hundreds of athletes and just-plain-students to college.
Early on, Hawkins came to the realization that kids could use sports to achieve a better life. He was the first educator I ever heard who argued that sports was a very important part of the educational process. Later, others picked up his lead.
"I saw clearly what happened around sports, how it energized the school and kids and parents and the whole community," he once said. "You had to get the attention of hard-to-reach kids so you could counsel them. You have to start with the kids where they are so you can understand where you want to take them."
Larry is gone now. And his voice is missed. On March 29, Huberman is expected to reveal a CPS budget for 2010-11 that will call for $700 million in cuts, including 3,200 teachers and all non-varsity sports.
According to Huberman, it will be a "collective sacrifice" caused by decreased tax dollars, reduction in state funding and ballooning pension payments, all a result of the sharp downturn in the economy. School districts across Illinois and across the country are feeling the pinch, some more than others.
But no other school district has announced that its interscholastic sports programs will be devastated to the point where freshmen and sophomores won't have anything to do. Only funding for varsity teams means no frosh-soph programs, no feeder systems, no developmental programs.
It also means, as Hawkins once said, that many kids won't have a reason to go to school, to get an education. They will simply drop out. Admit it or not, Hawkins used to say, some kids only go to school so they can participate in sports. And sports teaches them discipline and dedication and leadership and other valuable traits.
"What's the purpose of having athletics if you don't have any feeder programs?" one CPS athletic director said in reaction to Huberman's bleak edict.
"We might as well eliminate athletics altogether," another CPS administrator said.
With only funding available for varsity sports, school officials would have to decide what to do with freshman and sophomore levels. Will they continue to be fielded and, if so, how? Can freshmen compete on the varsity level, especially in football?
Hopefully, in Hawkins' absence, some voices of reason and influence will step up to make Huberman and other CPS officials realize the importance of sports to the overall educational process.
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Finnally a poignant Taylor Bell article, that addresses a real issue, gets a point across and makes sense.
No fresh/soph sports is a horrible idea. Especially in a city like Chicago. How would Huberman expect the Varsity kids to gain attention for college scholarships? IT starts at the lower levels. As far as development. But I guess he assumes every kid is a Jabari Parker or a Thomas Hamilton and will be varisty their freshman year?!
THERE WILL BE LOWER LEVEL SPORTS IN THE CPS NEXT SEASON, THIS IS A PLOY TO GET MONEY, HOW CAN YOU HAVE SUCCESSFUL VARSITY TEAMS, IF NO ONE PLAYS FROSH OR SOPHS EVER, IT DOESN'T HOLD WATER, IF IT IS ABOUT PAYING COACHES, THE PAY IS SO LOW, THEY CAN GET AROUND THAT, DON'T PAY THEM, PAY THEM LATER, WHEN YOU HAVE MONEY, BUT FOR THE PLAYER'S SAKE KEEP THE SPORTS GOING, HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR UNPIRE'S FEES, OR REFEREE FEES, YOU CAN TAKE THAT OUT OF THE POP MACHINE AND PAY THESE PEOPLE!
WHERE ARE ALL THE FAT CATS, JUWAN HOWARD, TIM HARDAWAY, TONY ALLEN, WILL BYNUM, EDDIE CURRY, BOBBY SIMMONS, QUENTIN RICHARDSON, IT IS TIME TO STEP UP, MAYBE ANTOINE WALKER CAN CONTRIBUTE SOME MONEY OUT OF HIS WHOPPING CONTRACT FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, WHERE IS MAGIC JOHNSON, PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOU USE TO PLAY BALL!
HAS ANYONE CALLED THE PRESIDENT AND TOLD HIM OF THESE TRAVESTY, HAS ANYONE CALLED ARNIE DUNCAN?
IF THERE ARE NO LOWER LEVEL SPORTS IN THE CPS, SHAME ON THEM, AND CALVIN DAVIS SHOULD LOSE HIS JOB!
RON HUBERMAN SHOULD LOSE HIS JOB AS WELL!
The current solutions proposed by CPS CEO Ron Huberman don't seem too thoughtful, nor; very considerate to, not only; the possible destructive affects these cuts will have on the athletic programs identified as being cut- student interest in that sport. And, what happens to the kids now? How will these cuts affect them academically, emotionally, and their social behavior on and off campus.
Its truly sad,
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
RON HUBERMAN IS A TROUBLE-SHOOTER FOR THE DALEY ADMINISTRATION, HE HAS DONE THIS FOR THE CHICAGO POLICE, THE CTA, AND NOW THE CPS, HE DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE, AND NEITHER DID VALLAS, EDUCATION RESPONSIBILITIES NEED SOMEONE WITH AN EDUCATION BACKGROUND, WHY PUT THE TEACHER THROUGH HOOPS TO BE AN EDUCATOR, AND THEN THEY GIVE THE JOB TO SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT EVEN TAUGHT IN THE CLASSROOM!
WE WANT THE CHILDREN TO GET A'S AND B'S, BUT WHAT DID HUBERMAN GET IN SCHOOL?
IT IS A DOUBLE-STANDARD AT THE HIGHEST DEGREE!
15 PEOPLE SHOT LAST NIGHT IN A 6 HOUR PERIOD, AND YOU GUYS WANT MORE YOUNGSTERS ON THE STREETS, GIVE ME A BREAK!
The real problem with the CPS is administrative overload. If some of the administrative burden were removed, the budget crisis would be closer to being resolved. It is estimated that over 50% of the cost of the CPS is at the administrative level. Trim the fat Hueber.
SIGHT SEEN AT THE STATE TOURNAMENT- ONE TEAM WEARING SHIRTS THAT SAY, SAVE OUR SPORTS!
WE NEED MARVIN GAYE TO SING, WHAT'S GOING ON!
AS a coach in the public league, I am appauled by the lack of respect for coaching and athletics as a whole. Ron Huberman has no clue. He wasn't an athlete in school, thats why it is so easy for him to say screw athletics lets just let them play Varsity sports. I bet he didn't cut his salary or his staff. This is downright disgraceful. Your feeder programs are the lifeblood of your varsity team. Without them what do you have? A house with no foundation thats what. Hey but thats what we all get for allowing Daley Cart Blanche over the city.
The comments here are just what we need. the public outcry must be louder. Our homeboys in Washington need to help. Arne and Barack love to play ball. They need to help their city. Phil, I love your passion, but don't think Calvin Davis has control of this. He is a born and bred Public Leaguer who knows the value of lower levels and sports in general. He would not cut his own throat or those of his citywide staff. Remember, he benefited as a student-athlete who became a teacher and school administrator because of sports. If you think it's him, think again. He is the loudest voice and the biggest advocate for sports behind the scenes in his own way.
I AM NOT MAD AT CALVIN, BUT HE CAN'T BE EXEMPT FROM THIS BUSINESS EITHER, THEY EITHER HAVE TO START FUNDRAISING OR GET OUT OF THE WAY AND LET SOMEONE ELSE HAVE A SHOT AT THE JOB!
LOS ANGELES HASN'T WIPED OUT LOWER LEVEL SPORTS!
NEW YORK HASN'T WIPED OUT LOWER LEVEL SPORTS!
CAN YOU NAME ME A CITY THAT HAS RESORTED TO THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR?
WE NEED PROBLEM-SOLVERS NOT MOUTHPIECES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, EITHER BECOME APART OF THE SOLUTION OR YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BE APART OF THE PROBLEM!
HAS ANYONE CALLED MICHAEL JORDAN, YOU SEE HOW HE HAS WHITNEY YOUNG OR DECKED OUT AT THE STATE TOURNAMENT, NEW SHOES, NEW UNIFORMS, WE NEED SOMEONE TO MAKE A CALL TO BE LIKE MIKE!
HAS ANYONE CALLED JUWAN HOWARD, TONY ALLEN, WILL BYNUM, EDDY CURRY, JAMAL CRAWFORD, HAS ANYONE CALLED THE BULLS?
BACK IN THE DAY LEON DURHAM, THE FORMER CUB, WHENEVER HE HIT A HOMERUN, HE WOULD DONATE BASEBALL EQUIPMENT TO A PARTICULAR CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL, HAS ANYONE CALLED THE WHITE SOX, THE CUBS, THE BLACKHAWKS, HAS ANYONE CALLED MIKE DITKA, THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, CALL ABC FUNDRAISING COMPANY AND START A MAJOR CAMPAIGN, LOWER LEVEL ATHLETICS ARE NEEDED IN EVERY CITY, ESPECIALLY IN CHICAGO, THIS IS LIKE CLOSING ALL GIRLS AND BOYS CLUBS IN EVERY COMMUNITY, VERY SAD!
COACH ROBERT SMITH FROM SIMEON SHOULD GET AN INTERVIEW FOR THE DEPAUL COACHING JOB, JUST MY HUMBLE OPINION, WHAT HE DID THIS WEEKEND WAS LIKE SIGFRIED AND ROY, DAVID COPPERFIELD, HARRY HOUDINI, YOU GUYS GET IT, GIVE THE MAN THE OPPORTUNITY TO COACH AT DEPAUL UNIVERSITY!
REMEMBER MIKE JARVIS, HE WAS PATRICK EWING'S HIGH SCHOOL COACH, AND HE GOT THE JOB AT ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY, GIVE ROBERT SMITH AN INTERVIEW, PLEASE!
I think all of you have made some valid points, as to some ways CPS can resolve their budget cutting problems, however; sip on this for a sec.
Calvin Davis works under CPS CEO Ron Huberman, and Huberman works under Mayor Daley- ever heard the "Machine"- its at play here. Oh yeah, Davis will follow the company line.
As to Jordan being more helpful, well... good luck with that. If its not good for the brand, its not good for him. Besides, in his eyes; if he starts helping this year, each year to follow; the demands will become greater.The problem is... CPS does not understand the power of their basketball product. And; if marketed more openly to all- instead a choice few of good ol' boys from the clubhouse: Nike and METV- CPS would fair much better.
But, that's the funny thing about politics and the power, influence and greed that follows- it sometimes clouds your judgment in a way that impedes on your ability make the best choices for all- instead a "chosen" few.
Hint: This is one instance the "trickle down affect could actually work"
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
I love all of your comments about funding solutions to this problem in CPS Sports, but as an ex athlete and parent of young ones with potential I'm worried because it's all over the country. I don't think it's really the school system's fault they're losing education funding and will need to turn to fees or fund raising,within which there are no long term guarantees. I also worry if my kids will have an opportunity to play in public school sports. Just to illustrate we are living in a time the USA is facing a nationwide funding issue, which can impact high school sports around the country. Look below and see what is happening in Los around high schools sports:
LA Times reporters blog about high school
sports across the Southland
« Previous Post | Varsity Times Insider Home | Next Post »
City Section facing $1.4 million in sports cuts
It's time to start figuring out a plan for the City Section sports program, which is facing a $1.4 million cutback for the next school year.
City Section Commissioner Barbara Fiege said Monday she has begun discussions on how to proceed.
"What I hope and do believe is possible is that we can make the cuts needed or raise funds needed so that the opportunity for kids who are playing right now won't be taken away to any large degree," she said.
Individual leagues could end up deciding whether to cut lower-level teams or coaching stipends. Money needs to be saved in transportation costs. Whatever is decided, 2010-11 is looking like a tough year for high school sports programs throughout the state.
"The reality is because of the economy and budget restraints of the district, we can't avoid it," Fiege said. "But can we be smart about it? Yes. Can we be efficient? Yes."
-- Eric Sondheimer
REMEMBER ALL THE CONTROVERSY ABOUT JORDAN'S SON NOT WEARING ADIDAS SHOES AT CENTRAL FLORIDA, WELL GUESS WHAT NIKE JUST SIGNED A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT WITH CENTRAL FLORIDA UNIVERSITY!
HEY MIKE THE CPS NEEDS SOME MONEY FOR LOWER-LEVEL SPORTS!
I agree, CPS's Davis seems to have nothing to say when the powers to be speak, but, quick to look like some slick talking politician on Me TV when the CPS championship games are on. Then, Some of the most unethical and controversial figures ever associated with CPS basketball seem to always have prime seating at or near the team benches- in camera focus. Like Mac Irvin- sorta of like the Tony Soprano or Don King of AAU basketball in this city; and former King coach Landon "Sonny" Cox. The Chicago Public League, always came off a little seedy to me... you know, always playing the "Robin Hood" routine, when really getting side kick money and gear from Nike, for example; is all that matter.
Davis did not leave coaching for his current post because he felt he could do more for the kids, He left, for the power, money and extra benefits. Believe, Nike is not a lead sponsor for nothing. Sounds like robbing the 'hood.
Jason, Alton, IL.
NIKE HELPS SCHOOLS, THEY DON'T HURT, BUT THEY AREN'T GOING TO GIVE ANY PROGRAM THOSE SHOES AND BAGS, IF YOU HAVE A TOP TWENTY PROGRAM, A SHOE COMPANY WORTH ITS SALT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU, THIS GOES ON IN EVERY CITY OF AMERICA, NOT JUST CHICAGO, THIS INCREASES OTHERS TO BUY THEIR SHOES THAT DON'T PLAY BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL, OR BASEBALL!
WHAT IS NEEDED IS FOR A VENDOR TO STEP UP AND HELP DEFRAY THE COST OF CITY ATHLETICS, ME-TV, COMCAST, FORMER SPORTS HEROES, PROFESSIONAL TEAMS IN THE CITY, FUNDRAISING, THIS ISN'T BRAIN SURGERY, CALL MAGIC JOHNSON, HE JUST LEFT TOWN TRYING TO BUY EBONY AND JET MAGAZINE!
NOW THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS HAVE A GOOD RECRUITING SELLING POINT, AT LEAST WE HAVE LOWER LEVEL ATHLETICS!
All of these professional athletes have no responsibility to fund the public schools, that is the responsibility of the state of Illinois, county of Cook, city of Chicago, and local taxpayers. For whatever reason, we are very quick to require more of others than of ourselves. The responsibility for educational funding ultimately always lies with the taxpayers of a state. If we want this to happen, our political representatives must be directed to cut costs in other areas, and/or raise taxes to pay for these things. For anyone who has been reading the newspapers recently, the state of Illinois is deliquent in paying money to school districts all over the state of Illinois, even to the Illinois public colleges and universities. I believe that the state of Illinois owes the Chicago Public Schools $700 million dollars, and Governor Quinn has chosen to gut school funding to get the proposed cuts he wants. Why is no one protesting this? As for Ron Huberman, I don't know the man, and am not a fan of his, but he has been the head of the Chicago Public Schools for about a year, and these problems predated him.
Tom Jones gives a very intelligent and realistic view of the problem, and Phil K Jr. knows it's all about the money. Dollar bills yall. I can appreciate those views.
Jason from Alton speaks about issues that have nothing to do with the funding shortage. He's hating on Sonny Cox and Mac Irvin who both have a right to have a seat at a basketball game as much as Jason does. By the way, davis is smart enough not to speak above his boss, Huberman during this educational funding crisis. Are you that smart? For over 20 years davis taught, coached, was a high school administrator, and citywide sport coordinator prior to coming over to sports as director. He payed many dues and earned his spot and also holds a masters degree in administration. What would he need nike gear for? Talk what you know, and stop hating. What do you know about the hood if you live in Alton? More than likely you know nothing about it.
DON'T ACT LIKE ALTON DOESN'T HAVE A HOOD!
THINGS WILL GET BETTER, RIGHT NOW EVERYONE HAS THAT FOX NEWS ATTITUDE, PANICKING, AND SUCH, IT WILL ALL WORK OUT, CHICAGO WILL NOT HAVE A FOUR DAY SCHOOL AGENDA, SO FORGET THAT, THAT WAS TALKED ABOUT FOR RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS ANYWAY!
THE WEEKENDS ARE ROUGH ENOUGH, AND SOME OF YOU WANT TO ADD ANOTHER DAY, WON'T HAPPEN, IF IT DOES, CHICAGO WILL LOSE SOME TEACHERS, A LONGER SCHOOL DAY, NEVER!
THAT COMMENT ABOUT NIKE GEAR IS A JOKE, IF YOU ARE WATCHING THE NCAA TOURNEY, EVERY TEAM IS WEARING SOMEONE'S SHOE, AND AS FAR AS COACH COX, HE WAS A WINNER, AND NIKE LOVES TO ASSOCIATE THEMSELVES WITH WINNERS, AND MAC IRVIN, HIS PROGRAM RINGS OUT ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES, SO YOU CAN KEEP USING WORDS LIKE SEEDY IF YOU WANT TO, NIKE IS A BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY, THEY KNOW WHAT WINNERS LOOK LIKE!
THE QUESTION IS, DO YOU?
Maybe the Mac Irvin Watered Down, I mean Fire; is seen as a great AAU traveling circus across the country. However, of all the talent this program has had, why can't they win any national tournaments of substance?
Maybe, the "sweat of truth" in the lack of teaching and coaching ability that leads this “program” (right) club "puts out the fire" or inference of why it was set up- to help kids... Seems to me, the Mac Family is benefiting more than the players.
"Skippy", South Side
Panicking? Mr. Smith, currently spring teams and players throughout the system are not being allowed to practice and/or play games! The kids are locked out. At what point, would you suggest they should keep their calm until? March 15th was the first date that softball, baseball, soccer, etc. could play a inter-scholastic game. March 1st for practice. How much longer should they wait?
Buses for sports- Not the issue. That money comes from Principal discretionary funds or player fees. Central Offices does not pay these bills. In fact, the only things that the Central Office pays for are conference referees and coaching stipends. Uniforms, buses, non-conference, tournaments, permits for practice or game fields, and any other cost you can think of is raised by players, parents, and individual schools (discretionary funds).
Coaching Stipends- A sophomore coach after taxes gets paid around $3000 for the season; a freshmen coach nets just under $1000; a varsity coach gets around $4000. Chew on that. These stipends are regardless of experience. A first year coach gets paid the same amount as a 30 year coach. These coaches are not paid their hourly or weekly wages based on experience like coaches in the suburbs, private schools, or any of the other districts cited by the bloggers. They work very cheap. Always have. They do this for the kids. Money is or never has been the issue. It's about the kids, pride, competitive spirit. Afterall, these coaches are community members looking out for the youth in their community. Criticize them all you want but I don't see anyone else busting down the door to take their "jobs."
The simple truth is that the powers-that-be are using the kids as pawns. Shame, shame, shame.
Corporations, professional players and teams absolutely need to step up. Social responsibility is necessary. We support you, you support us. The two go hand-in-hand. To keep sophomore sports going they need roughly 1.5 million dollars for each school year. Who will step up? If not, we should all step down. If those with money do not support, we should all go in an opposite direction on behalf of the kids. I will not buy a Cubs, Sox, Bulls, Sky, Fire ticket if they sit by and do nothing. I will not buy another pair of Jordans or vote for anyone who remains sitting on their hands or dragging their feet at this time.
People, the money is out there. Ask CEOs if they made less or more last year. More. Some are not feeling the effects of the economic crisis. Time to change, time to be selfless, time to think outside the status quo...or else we have something potentially very sad on the horizon.
I HAVE CHEWED ON IT, AND TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, I WAS TALKING ABOUT NEXT YEAR, I FORGOT ALL ABOUT THE SPRING SPORTS SO I HUMBLY APOLOGIZE!
WHEN YOU PUT TOGETHER A HIGH-PROFILE AAU PROGRAM, YOU GET THE BEST, NOW IF THEY DON'T WIN THE HIGH PROFILE TOURNAMENTS THAT IS THE LUCK OF THE DRAW, SINCE YOU ARE PLAYING NATIONALLY RANKED AAU PROGRAMS, THAT PRODUCE BIG TIME COLLEGE BASKETBALL PLAYERS!
I SAW SOMETHING TONIGHT THAT BLEW MY MIND, THAT DAYTON TEAM THAT DEFEATED THE ILLINI, WHAT AN ATHLETIC GROUP THAT IS, MAN AND GUESS WHAT, JOSH PARKER FROM THORNTON WHO TRANSFERRED FROM DRAKE WILL BE ELIGIBLE NEXT YEAR, AND BRANDON SPEARMAN OF THE STATE CHAMPIONS, THE SIMEON WOLVERINES WILL BE THERE AS WELL!
NOW YOU KNOW WHY ILLINOIS OFFERS A PLAYER ANYTIME THEY SEE HE HAS BIG TIME ATHLETIC ABILITY, WHAT THAT YOUNG MAN FROM ORR HAVE BEEN OFFERED ABOUT 7 YEARS AGO?
NOW GETTING BACK TO THE PUBLIC LEAGUE, THEY NEED TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISER FOR ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES, THAT WAY THEY CAN TAKE THAT AMOUNT OUT OF THE BUDGET AND PUT IN DISCRETIONARY FUNDS FOR ATHLETICS!
DON'T FORGET ROBERT SMITH FROM SIMEON, VOTE FOR HIM TO GET AN INTERVIEW FOR THE DEPAUL JOB!
There is a lot more to being a coach at a major college basketball program- than just recruiting and coaching.
If that's the case, what explanations can anyone serve up to explain why two former nationally recognized high school coaches- with easily more definitively acknowledged careers in comparison to Simeon's Smith- like Perry Watson (Detroit Southwestern) and Bob Wade (Baltimore Dunbar) did not fair well as major college coaches.
Being a major or mid-major college basketball coach encompasses much more than winning three high school state championships. It requires- in many instances- the knowledge and experience of a seasoned business executive who is at home with dealing with the media and investors (fans, boosters, administration, the print and electronic media, and athletic directors).
Are we to say, because; Coach Smith won a few high school state championships that this instantly qualifies him to be the gate keeper of a major college program?
Are we saying, that Smith is automatically deserving of at least an interview because he has been successful on the high school level?
Are we saying, that he would instantaneously changed the recruiting success at a DePaul, simply because; he has credentials in the city- Public League?
Are we saying, that Smith's experience of recruiting grammar schoolers would easily translate into success on the national major college level- against the likes of Big East foes Syracuse, Louisville, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Villanova, or West Virginia?
Are we saying, that Smith is more qualified than UIC Associate Head Coach Tracy Dildy to lead the DePaul program?
I think, Smith would better be served continuing with the great job he is doing at Simeon, take a look at some 2nd or 3rd tier assistant coaching opportunities- if and when they come- or, maybe a school like Chicago State, or a Loyola may take a look- in the future- at giving him a shot at the helm.
I believe, Coach Smith is very good at what he does... however; as one top national assistant/ recruiter said to me just last week "...when it comes to your first college basketball head coaching opportunity- be careful, be very careful".
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
I'll possibly vote for Robert Smith to get an interview at an institute of higher learning when he earns a degree from one.