FanSpeak 4/27/03

Defining a ball hog

I THOUGHT it was really funny that somebody complained about a ball hog. A person that plays post could be a ball hog. Again we see how much knowledge some of these people have of basketball.

A fan club at rest

I EXPRESS my sincere apology to the junior fan club members at Auto Tire and Parts Racepark in Benton. Since new management assumed track operations this year, there is no room in the program for the club we had last year. I hope the activities can be revived in the future because a good time was had by all.

It starts at the top

THE BLUES obviously don't have what it takes to perform well in the postseason, and I hate to point fingers, but that's the kind of thing that reflects on the management. If I have a staff that doesn't perform, it's my job to make them perform. If I can't do it, my company will fire me and find somebody who can. The Blues clearly don't have the right staff in place.

Pay attention to all

THIS IS to the coaches of summer ball: When you are coaching a team, you are supposed to pay attention to all the kids on the team. They are a team. Every kid deserves the same attention and praise that you give your own kid on the team. Half the time, the coach's kid is the worst one on the team. Another thing, coaches' kids get big heads just because their parent is the coach. Don't let your child tell the other kids what to do like they are the coach. It makes them mad. That's not what they are there for. They are there to play and learn the game and have fun. Stop making the kids lose interest because you can't pay attention to everyone the way you do your own child on the field. Our team's coach sits back and lets the assistant coach do all the work and just praises their own child. The assistant coach pays equal time and attention and praises everyone. The assistant coach should be the head coach because he is doing a wonderful and fair job.

Waiting for support

THINK OF the size of a crowd at the last high school basketball game you attended. How about the size of the crowd at the last football game? Now what about the last track meet? Track meet? Never been, have you? Attendance at track meets by fans, booster club members, students and school administration is pitiful at best. These students put out as much or more effort as the other sports teams but are appreciated not. At least in north Scott County.

Blues need a coach

YEAH, I'LL say that the Blues need some help. They need a coach. It's the coach's job to put the team in position to win games. It's the coach's job to be sure every player is mentally and physically prepared to win games. If they're not ready, then it reflects on the coach.

Ready for change

DO WE really have to wait until 2006 for Bud Selig to step down as baseball commissioner? Maybe he thought he was doing the noble thing, but Ishudder to think he'll continue to run baseball for another three years. The best thing he can do to make his stay memorable and bearable is to reinstate Pete Rose.

Tell us what you know

TO THAT caller who said the media in this town is basically trying to cover up what's going on among coaches and programs: I assume that you were referring to the Southeast programs. If that's the case, then I can honestly say that I've never heard anybody imply that coaches at Southeast violate any NCAA rules. If you have actual violations that you're aware of, I think you should bring that to the NCAA's attention rather than make blanket statements in the newspaper.

Wardrobe war is over

GEE, I hated to see the debate and banter end in regards to that big front-page photo of the girl wearing shorts and a sports bra. I was hoping to read more far-fetched testimony as to why athletes should wear more clothing in warm weather. That's too bad.