hometown man

Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 1:52 p.m.

In Response to 19usmc87: This is a noteworthy response and I commend you for this social reminder. The problem I have with this message is in reference to the 'raving lunatics' title and the unacknowledged. The problem we create with this standard is that nearly anytime a parent raises a policy or conduct concern, it is immediately disregarded as an 'over the top parent' without consideration of it's credence. With regards to this current topic (Saline HS football), youll have to read between the lines to find the source of this resentment. This coach chose to bring in an out-of-towner (transfer) senior year only, and insert him into the most sought after position on the team probably without much consideration of the young man (the would-be quarterback) who had known his teammates since grade school and developed his skills and knowledge of the program since 7th grade or earlier. Im sure I dont have to remind you that transferring HS in Michigan cannot be done for reason of sport (MHSAA rules of sportsmanship). I would challenge the best of litigators to convince a non-bias committee the merits of this change of venue including his 2.9 GPA and the fact that he was a blue chip recruit before this transfer into the backyard of big time college football a long way from Goodrich, MI. As far as the coach was concerned, he was just awarded a top-notch free agent in the truest sense of the term FREE. There is always a price as we see in commercialism, and in this regard its the hometown kids you know, the ones whose parents were involved in fundraisers for the team for years the same kids that the local businesses offer resources to the team because their parents are local patrons. Personally my heart bleeds for the young men who were slighted in this campaign of power and ego and I want to be clear here Im not from Saline I dont believe I know a single player on this team or any parent but I can tell you this: If any of you (the educators of our sons and all of the children of our given community for that matter) ever consider football or any playful competition (games) for a split second in front the best welfare of the children then get the hell out because youre in the wrong business and its these parents responsibility to call you out on it regardless of people like yourself suggesting parents are over the top or raving lunatics.

19usmc87

Sun, Oct 18, 2009 : 12:27 p.m.

I would like to reference an article written by Mick McCabe that I feel fits some of these posts. Advice for adults: Dont overwhelm your kids by Mick McCabe, Detroit Free Press, Aug. 26, 2009 Before the high school sports season gets going in a big way this weekend, its time for me to have a sit-down with you parents. Why would I feel compelled to write something directed at parents? Because somebody needs to say something to parents before its too late. Nothing about high school athletics has changed as much in my 39 years at the Free Press as parents. Kids are no different. Parents are. People I consider sane, rational and knowledgeable about sports become raving lunatics when it comes to their kids playing high school athletics. People who say they can be objective about their kids and their athletic ability are lying. It isnt their fault. Its perfectly natural to be a little nutty when it comes to your kids. The problem arises when a parents actions affect other people. And the person most likely to be affected is your kid, and it might not be in a positive way. So lets begin with a bit of free advice for parents: Lighten up! Seriously, lighten up! There are two things every parent must know and accept or this could be a long year for everyone involved. First, your kid is not as good as you think. Second, your kids coach isnt as stupid as you think. I know both issues are tough to accept, and the first one may be a completely unacceptable premise for parents. You can pretty much forget it if you think that your kid is going to end up with a college athletic scholarship. I know a scholarship to college would make your life so much easier if you didnt have to write those big, fat tuition checks. But few high school athletes actually end up with college scholarships, and you will be in for a bitter letdown when no college coach comes with a letter of intent in hand for your kids autograph. Already I have had parents leave voice messages for me about their kids and their awe-inspiring talents and how I should adjust my schedule to be sure to see them. One parent said his son is a Ray Lewis-type linebacker. Hes like nothing youve ever seen. Trust me, Ive seen it. Ive seen Tyrone Wheatley. Ive seen Jake Long. Ive seen Gary Danielson. Ive seen Mill (The Thrill) Coleman. Ive seen Jerome Bettis. Ive seen Ronald Johnson. Ive seen Pepper Johnson. Ive seen just about everyone of consequence in this state over the past 39 years, so dont think your kid is so special that were going to start writing his autobiography in November. And dont worry. If your kid is good, we will find out about him or her from the coach. You dont need to be your kids press secretary. Trust me, it doesnt help in the least. Now about your kids coach. He or she really isnt an idiot, and, no, the coach doesnt hate your kid and that isnt why your kid isnt playing. I have never met a coach who didnt play a player he or she thought could help the team win unless there was a disciplinary issue involved. The bottom line is winning, and that is what the coach cares about most. Personal feelings really dont enter into it, so you are going to have to lose that as an excuse for why your kid isnt playing more. Over the past few years Ive seen more and more coaches leave the profession because they hate dealing with the parents. And when they say hate, they really mean it. Somewhere along the way, coaches went from people to be revered to the point now that they are thought of as low-paid employees of the parents. And the job of the coach, parents believe, is to make sure their kid plays virtually every minute of every game, is the leading scorer, makes all-league and all-state and receives a college scholarship. Anything less and the coach is a complete failure, and some parents will be willing to devote the rest of their lives to getting the coach fired. The crucial aspect parents dont get is that high school athletics is about your kid and not you. And really, none of your friends will think less of you if your kid doesnt make all-state. Now go out and try to enjoy the school year and try not to ruin it for your kid. Your kid only goes through high school once. You already had your shot. Dont ruin your kids. I echo Mick's comments and say let your kids have their shot you had yours!

factsorter

Sun, Oct 18, 2009 : 12:20 p.m.

If you are parents of players and are posting on here, why are you not posing your thoughts and concerns to the AD or Superintendent of Saline schools? Clearly Glennie has made some highly questionable leadership examples for these kids regarding responsibility, teamwork, and fairness. Anyone connected with this program can see that we have a JV coach who is phenomenal, takes pride in his job, and enjoys teaching these kids-unfortunately, we have accepted mediocrity and have failed to take a stand for greatness for our Varsity. I have gone to the games, have read some of the past articles related to this years season, and wonder what is going on that Glennie's coaching has not been questioned. He has blamed the kids for the losses, although if you have been to any one of the Saline games Coach Glennie's play calling and clock management is lousy. Why has this other QB hardly gone in when Glennie was quoted as saying he was the guy for next year? Every game I have watched, I have seen this kid bring a spark to the offense and he has played better than Boisture...if Boisture is ranked nationwide, makes you wonder if this kid could be better. Shouldn't a coach never give up and try everything possible to win until the last second ticks off the clock?

Wolverine

Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 11:46 p.m.

It's High School sports. The lessons learned aren't how may wins or losses or what play the coach called or didn't call. It the relationships built with kids they've known and coaches they've trusted. The year hasn't gone the way anyone thought it would, but don't make more of a mockery by writing scathing emails; instead support your sons by discussing the lessons to be taken out of disappointment and be glad that your sons can learn these valuable lessons while under your roof so they can then teach their own children someday. Disappointment is a part of life and all adults know it's how you handle disappointment in constructive ways that's most important.

needed perspective

Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 7:23 p.m.

I remember the days of Merv Ward...when he lost favor and was forced out! He was followed by Jack Crabtree. I have no opinion about Mr. Glennie as a coach---I am not directly involved with football, but I do believe ALL Saline kids are better off because of him and his program. AND, I am willing to review and critique his coaching style, personel, and game decisions; whether he sold his soul is open to question; and, like any artist, he is limited by the materials available. After all, it is always the players that win and the players that lose; what happens on the field is the ONLY REALTY! IT IS OK to lose if you are doing your best! Unfortunately, in Saline...parents of some athletes seem to think that their kids are superior to all and can do no wrong; and, there is always that vocal group parents that focus on the results on the field, blaming the coach, in total denial of the possibility that their kid is either not that great or as skilled as the other guy, (igoring what their kid does off the field, after the game, that may influence what happens on Fridays). Bottom line...either this year's team is not that talented OR they are not that committed. Either way... some parents have to swallow hard.

SalineDad

Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 11:23 a.m.

Actually, "sold his soul" is a kind comment to what coach Glennie has done to this team. He has ruined the morale of the players. He has mishandled this team from the beginning with poor personnel decisions, poor offensive and defensive schemes, and most critically...his lack of communication. He is an egotistical control freak that runs the team with no accountability for himself. He speaks a good game about building a program and supporting multi sport athletes, but he only caters to a select group of players while alienating the rest of the squad. High school coaches, more than anything, should be able to motivate young men to strive to achieve. In this regard, Glennie is abysmal. If he has any honor, he will resign before the team banquet on Nov. 12. I'm sorry for the senior class that had to endure this season and I fear for the future of this program if no coaching changes are made.

Pete Cunningham

Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 7:09 a.m.

Kind of a harsh assessment of the situation InsideTheHall. Actually, it's probably fair to say "sold his soul" is a statement always too harsh for a conversation about a high school sports team.

InsideTheHall

Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 5:31 a.m.

Makes you wonder if Glennie would have played his best QB all year if the Hornets would be playoff bound. He sold his soul to the devil and he will coach his last game next week.