Like it or not, coaches have to keep sharp ear on music

High school coaches may not like the kind of music student-athletes listen to these days, but sometimes they have to listen, if only to make sure a stream of profane or offensive lyrics is not coming over the speakers.

All the coaches said they try to police any music played on a stereo that can be heard by the entire team or others in the building.

"Unfortunately," Central wrestling coach Josh Crowell said, "some things they play on the radio I can't believe they just played that. For the most part, the kids know they can't bring anything like that. We use the barometer of 'Is it something that will embarrass you if you're sitting next to your parents?'

"I got motivated listening to U2, and I don't think there's a kid on the team that would listen to that now."

Crowell said his entire team has never been on the same page with music, and practices have included everything from uptempo country to music to heavy metal.

"I really don't care for any of it," he said, "but if it gets them to do better, far be it for me to say don't do it."

Less than 10 years out of high school, Scott County coach David Heeb is intrigued by his players' musical tastes.

"I'm always interested to see the different things they listen to," Heeb said. "Some of the stuff I'll listen to, and sometimes you'll hear something [foul] come over and you have to say something."

"For an older guy like me," said Jackson wrestling coach Steve Wachter, "it's hard to know what they're saying. You have to pay attention. Some of the lyrics can sneak by you so you really have to watch it."

-- Toby Carrig