Printable View
Pssst I was defending them [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
I haven't heard anything bad about Crabtree as a person and the results are definitely showing. I'm sure he and his staff may have been caught off guard a time or two on things, but that can happen to the best and that is something that will get better.
Appreciated [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/getsmile.tmp007816300.gif[/img]
I think alot of people think because a coach is good to his/her players and is nice man, reflects on his coaching abilities. I am in no way saying a coach shouldnt be nice or befriend players, but i think with the way things have been ran over there in the past there should be a clear level authority and disciplin laid down. I just dont get that from him or the coaching staff in general. Just my opinion though. I think high school kids especially, who are used to being in a loosing program are more likely to take adavantage of situations when the coach is seen more as a buddy rather than discplinary figure, which a coach should be.
I think Richie Deel has done a great job over there though. The defense looked pretty good. He would be a great head coach for the program.
I think in a small environment, a coach has to be both. A friend and strict. You are too strict, and the players just say "blank you" and don't play. Why thats fine when you have unlimited resources, when you struggle to fill a team, you have to be fair, make them enjoy themselves, but also let them know there are rules. I mean I remember a few years ago nobody at Ervinton wanted to play, it didn't matter, they were going to lose anyhow. The ones who played, if more than 2-3 of them worked out, it was a miracle. Maybe Crabtree is too much of a buddy with them, but you have players on here who talked about how great Turner was to them, he could be a hard-arse but he was also good to them and most considered him a friend as well. The simple fact is, he's getting the kids out and the kids to work, so whatever he is doing, seems to be improving the situation.
I apologize if my comments offended you in any way. I never mentioned any coach by name and I never attacked anyones character. Fact is I worked at the same facility that Crabtree did before he got the job at Ervinton. Some of my co-workers said they joked with him when they found out he was going to be the coach at Ervinton about him having never even played in H.S. or never been a coach any where at all for that matter. They acted as if he laughed with them and didn't defend himself. That being said I was not there and did not hear the conversation so if he played then I'm sorry for repeating something that may not be fact. However, it is a well known fact that he became a head coach without ever being an assistant. That is a problem within itself. The times I have seen Ervinton play then seem to be an awfully un-organized group that needs some leadership. Now if Dotson is helping him this year thats a good thing and I'm sure things will improve. But some of the past stories I have heard about whats going on down there in regards to coaching would make an x's and o's guy cringe! One of the line coaches at Ervinton who went to school at Haysi never played varsity(i think he played in one game before quitting) and has never had a coaching job anywhere else, so how is he supposed to teach guys how to block? Bare in mind this guy is also a great guy and I mean that in the truest sense of the word but that doesn't help your tackle get his butt around or your guard execute a cut block on a LB. Good guys are great and great to have around for role models...you see those types involved with the football program in different ways(other than coaching) at alot of schools. Good coaches are a little harder to find though.
Chris graduated a year behind me and played football at JJK. You will never find a better person, and I am proud to call him a friend. As for the coaching aspect: 4 wins at Ervinton last year was a feat. This year I look for more wins and a shot at the CD title. If he wins the CD title at EHS, you'd think he'd be a cinch for COY.
This reply is for Charlie Hustle as well. Biggamejames, you did't offend me, you need to get your facts straight before mouthing off. Crabtree didn't apply for the head coach job, he was asked to take the job. I think it would have been great if he could have been an assistant somewhere before Ervinton. But I don't believe he had much of a choice. Crabtree is a nice guy and he is good to his players but he is tough on them. Again, ask the players how rough he is or if he is too buddy-buddy. I have been to the games and watched some of the practices. It is easy to talk on here about how the coach should be this or that. Is it sour grapes on your end? Were you or your spouse supposed to get the coaching job instead of Crabtree? As for Ritchie Deel, I am sure Coach Crabtree is grateful for all the help he is getting this year. It is one thing to disagree with a coach and another thing all together in trying to discredit someone. I usually don't reply on this sports forum or any other but after reading some of the garbage that is being thrown around here today, I had to respond.
Best I know, Crabtree wanted to get into coaching. I can't say this is gospel but he wanted to help at Clintwood, and I think that he was going to do some coaching (Little League, JV or such) but the Ervinton job opened, nobody wanted it, and he took it. Sure he's had some mistakes but he's learning and getting better in a situation that nobody else wanted.
I don't know the man, but your right some assistant experience and such would have been tremendously helpful. I just don't think he has a great football mind, or a way of projecting it to his troops I guess. When you have a player making your defensive calls, it shows that you don't have much control, or knowledge, or how to run a team IMO.