Athens Next Coach

[pfloyd]

... the 1-20 to 10-11 was done with mirrors and the change from SEOAL to the TVC ... had Athens stayed in the SEOAL this past year a 5-16 season maybe ... the key to what Athens is looking for in a coach is in the the first part of what was quoted someone who is willing to teach "sound/ fundamental basketball" - out with "havoc ball" ...

[AxGrinder]

Logangrad you are right you don't know what was going on. You are on the outside looking in. Come to Athens and ask people involved with the school and sports and find out what really happened. It had some to do with philosophy of coaching but the downfall of the past coach was much more than that. He wrapped his coaching job up in a pretty package and handed it back to the principal, for he was his own worse enemy. Let's just say, he needs a large dose of humble pie.

And once again, you can not compare this season's record to last. Athens changed leagues. It is like comparing apple to oranges. It isn't the same.

P.S. I'm tired of people outside automatically saying that Athens is stupid for letting this last coach go. Until you know the whole story, quit speculating. Besides I hear he is going to be helping you guys next year. Good Luck. Let's see how your thoughts about him change after next season.

[shakennotstirred]

please say it isnt so. we dont need any more egos in logan!

[soccerfanatic]

As AxGrinder said and I've said before, the issues were a combination of things. In respect to the coach, I think it's worth just leaving to that. I wish Paul McNeal luck in the future, wherever that may be in terms of basketball.

I agree with others that it's not great for any program (basketball, football) to have several coaches in a short amount of time. However, if the coach just isn't a good fit for the program (Corey Miller and football anyone?) then it's time to keep looking. In looking at the football program, I think Athens has found a great fit for the program with Coach Adams. They can do the same with basketball.

Logangrad mentioned the soccer program at Athens (certainly my area of interest) as having long term commitment. Well, soccer had four different coaches in the mid-90's before they've only had two different coaches in the past ten years.

If the coach isn't a good fit, then the school keeps looking... even if it takes time.

[pfloyd]

... well said soccerfanatic ... I wish Athens the best in finding "the fit" they are looking for (may be right in your own recent past on the hardwood) ...

[athens78]

Gibson didn't have to play Chilly, Ironton, Portsmouth, Zanesville back then either. The SEOAL is a lot different now then it was back then. I think most people new when McNeal came in that Athens wouldn't keep him more then two years. Doesn't Coach Skinner have a son that will be a Sophomore next year? What is the baseball teams record the last couple of years? Was there a coaching move there?

[AxGrinder]

I don't think anyone thought that the past coach would only get two years. I think the administration felt they had a quality hire. However, once the honeymoon was over, things changed. The true colors came out.

But enough about the past, We've moved on and so has he. Good Luck Logan! The family guy is on his way.

[Spartan]

Everybody is entitled to their opinion courtesy the first amendment. However, Logan Grad, as one old guy said while pumping gas "You don't know nothin"

[Spartan]

Than woo us with your wisdom.

[never.more]

Is Ron Rickets interested; he's in the system

[AxGrinder]

Gotta love Coach Ricketts! Great Guy! Believe he has been the 7th or 8th grade coach the last few years at Athens. Think he really enjoys working with the young kids, teaching fundamentals. Gotta love his 1-3-1.

[AxGrinder]

Any way, just heard Skinner was hired Thursday at the board meeting. It is official. Wish him and the bulldogs luck.

[pfloyd]

... will be good to see Coach Skinner back court side for Athens ... look forward to seeing the Bulldogs under the direction of Coach Skinner in the 2009-10 campaign ... welcome back coach ...

[Steely Dan]

Jeff is a good man and a good coach. I hope that his rehire is true, as he will bring the program respectability, given time. He's gone through one stint, so he knows what he's heading into with a second tour of duty. That should help him fend off the brass and the "play me because my last name is.........." .

I wish Jeff the very best in his quest to make Athens bb what it should be.

[athens78]

Coach skinner is the best man for the job. I just never figured they would hire him back when they let him go before. If they hired him back that's great and the program will only get better.