I happened upon this article by happenstance and although much of the dialog is locally based there is a goodly amount of merit on both sides that seems to have been lost.

To those who feel everyone should play; yes they should and no they shouldn't. I'll try to explain. There are "developmental" teams and there are "Performance Based" teams. I don't think there would be much of an argument to classify Freshmen and JV teams as developemental. In those cases I would absolutely agree that everyone should get a shot at playing time. A Varsity coach who doesn't push that idea with his/her staff is hurting themself. The Freshmen and JV teams are the Varsity coaches (for lack of a better term) farm league. That is where their future talent is and should be developed. If for nothing else to make for a more competitive tryout next season. That said, when it comes to playing time on Varsity, now we are talking performance based. Performance based teams are just that. Those who perform get the nod, those who don't, sit. Yes, it's harsh but that is the nature of competition. It doesn't matter if it's football the debate team or drama. The best people available for their given role are going to be the ones put fourth, plain and simple.

So far as the crux of this article, it does speak to a trend that many are concerned with. Not just parents and administrators but Division I (and I'm sure II and III) coaches as well. There are plenty of DI coaches out there in many sports bemoaning the single sport athletes. At the same time, they are recruiting those kids for a reason so it's a double edge sword for them. They don't like the un-balanced athletes coming in (physically) but at the same time, those athletes are also the ones performing best and therefore worthy of being courted with scholarship money. I am of the opinion that each sport should really have it's own counter-balance program to off-set the more developed parts of the body due to repetition. A general workout is all well and good but the already more developed muscules are just getting bigger in tandem with the other muscles. Balance isn't really being acheived with a general workout but I don't want to digress too much.

This issue is certainly not specific to your community. I can think of communities all over the country (Yes, I get around and yes, I am a coach) that carry on this very debate. My only problem with this article is the statement by the trainer in which he states, "Students who overindulge in one sport might be tired all the time or not sleep well. Their grades might drop. Some suffer from headaches or depression." If one doesn't have statistics to cite, don't include it. That line is disingenuous and pure heresay of opinion by an individual. He says, "might" but given the context and his 'expertise' the perception is laid out and that isn't exactly truthful. Either cite a study or leave opinion out of it.

Fight nice, folks. :)

Everyone knows about spring football at Parker or as its referred to by Coach Dye "track". The problem with the club sports and "captains practices" is that a lot of these student athletes are also participating in a different school sport at the same time. But blame should also be placed on the parents who believe high school sports are the most important thing in their child's life. Having worked with some very good high school athletes in my career as an Athletic Trainer let me just say very few go on to play in college. Get some perspective people.

I wish Janesville schools thought the way South Beloit does about sports. Check out the article in the Beloit Daily news from Saturday December 6. The grades are important also.
Three seniors starters for the basketball team and all great students also.I am extremely proud of them.

HAHA just a Craig thing? I think not. I know first hand that this does indeed go on at Parker as well.

cardtrader you may be happy but the kids you put in the game would not be. Oh, that's right you haven't ever said you coach. I coach football at a local high school, and to think that every good coach doesn't agonize over playing time is simply wrong. Every week we as coaches try to find time for the hardworking kids who are doing everything we ask and playing hard for the TEAM.
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That is what you don't seem to understand it is not about one kid for us, it is about all of them and the TEAM. I think you would be surprised if you talked to the players. Most of them would rather play less and win than play more and lose. I had a great kid a few years ago who we got on every special team (football) and played some defensive back. A few months after the season in the weight room I told him that I wish I had been able to play him more. I'll never forget what he said, "Coach, you played me enough. If I played more we wouldn't have won as much and that's what matters." That is from a sophomore in high school.
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I can't speak to other sports but in the last week I've talked with kids in front of their parents twice and told them to play another sport first and lift second. We have the philosophy that kids will almost never make it to the pros so they should play as many sports as possible. In fact I stood in the hallway just a little while ago and told a player in front of his administrator parent that under no condition should he quit basketball to workout.
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Coaches do there best for all of the 100's of kids in their programs. Please remember that if you have a good coach it is not about the coach, its not about the parents, it is about the TEAM and teaching the kids to work hard and do there best for the team. That together we can do more than alone. Parents often only focus on there kid; coaches don't have that luxury. Pay attention to coachlav he's been the most reasonable here.

Yes you are right coachlav I would be happy, you tell me what kid would be happy to not play the (GAME) yes it is only a (GAME) but they should call high school sports (NFL) Not For Long if they keep thinking it is a professional enviorment. If all you are worried about is not pissing off parents of maybe two kids who might be offered a Scholarship then you sir are missing the boat. When you have 45 to 60 kids who go out for a High School Football team , lift weights go thru all the training and put up with all of the yelling and screaming that goes with playing this game to be rewarded by sitting on the bench then you sir are missing the boat. You see the way I see it most of these kids after High School will never play another snap or down of football again these are suppose to be the best years of there lives but you coaches are thinking of only one person yourself and how you look in front of your peers not any of these kids you can care less about what they think or feel

Jdowd,
I did not mean to imply that all parents whose kids are cut or don't see much playing time are of the opinion that their son/daughter was left behind for a "favorite' with less talent, but there certainly a number of them out there. Many of the parents I deal with (like you) completely understand and are very supportive. I will also concede that there might be a small amount of politics out there. But wouldn't you agree that coaches, as a rule are going to play the best players? Again I say, they are under pressure to win and they would have to have some very compelling reasons to reduce their chances of doing so.

Cardtrader,

Are you kidding me? Name one varsity level coach who is not evaluated by wins and losses? As a coach I would love to play everybody equal time. What a way to keep everyone happy.....Ooooops, wait a minute...That parent of the more talented kid wouldn't be happy because I would be cutting his chances of that scholarship and a chance to win in a game where they do keep score for a reason.....Oooops, I forgot... I'd be ticking off those alumni and townspeople who love to see their team win a championship. Hmmmmm... I'll be playing that kid with marginal talent when he knows that the team has a better chance to win with him playing less. Being a good teammate even he might not be happy because he wants to part of a successful team. Wow....I guess the only one that would be happy with spreading the playing time around equally and diminishing the teams chance to be successful would be.....you.

Coachlav:

I never had a son or daughter cut from an athletic team at the high school, middle school or elementary level. My son didn't get much playing time as a freshman basketball player, he enjoyed being part of the team and it was his choice to participate or not. You know what, my son was actually really slow. He loves the game of basketball and now he plays CYO and every game is fun, fast paced and enjoyable to watch. I have no axe to grind with any coach. Politics do play a role in high school sports. to deny that fact, means you are not paying attention.

An athlete is going to be good at what ever sport they participate in. There are several athletes that excel in more than one sport.

When Coach Dye recommends other sports, does he really recommend other sports, or does he really just recommend Track? Why does he recommend track? What is Coach Dye's stance on wrestling? I'm thinking that Coach Dye isn't to keen on Wrestling, which isn't the most strategic line of thinking, but to each his own!

Look, all of you people are fooling yourselves if you think that the coaches of the big 3 (Football, Basketball, Baseball) at BOTH schools, don't recommend year around focus! Some coaches take it to a higher level (cough, cough Klawitter / Dye) for some percieved reasons that just don't seem right, with ZERO repercussion. And even if they do recommend a different offseason sport, it definitely is one that serves their own desires/needs!

The rest of the coach's don't have the luxury that the big 3 hold....they just struggle and fight tooth and nail to get "bodies on the field". To me, this would be an easy thing to monitor. Cross analyze the participation of athlete's in offseason sports, for the programs in question. I'll bet you will find some interesting results or trends. Either A. they don't participate or B. they participate in an "Approved" alternative sport (Track for instance for football players).

This definitely is something that needs attention in our school district and many others. Certain coaches definitely are stretching the rules, and certain other people in power positions have been turning blind eyes!

Maybe this is just what was necessary to get Mr. Klawitter to stop having practices year around, and let his athlete's decide what other interests they have!!!!! Oops, did I say that! THANK YOU MR. CULLEN!

This is about people fed up with the way these coaches think they are god almighty, there have been so many good points made here, why is it you can go to your kids math teacher and ask to get your child some help with class projects but you go to a basketball or football coach ans as for more playing time for your kid and they feed you this crap that the best players play, are sports in high school not instructional anymore it is all about wins and losses, I thought that only happened in college where TV money is awarded by the number of wins you have, I know of no money going to high schools because of the number of wins they have, One reader wrote it is about coaches writing there on legacy that has alot of truth to it they want to look good at the cost of our kids the ones that dont play. And one reader write why do some of these people coach answer is simple just for the xtra Money. I know for me the most memorable sports are the days in the summer on the play ground where nobody is judged by talent and how much money mommy and daddy make but by the willingness to play

Another article states that teachers may be cut in the TAG program and people here are arguing whether or not their child should participate in more than one sport. Seems to me we should be more worried about educating the students in this district.

what do you mean by that?

This proposed policy change is all about one particular girls basketball program on the west side. It is as simple as that.

Just an observation from an outsider who has coached varsity athletics for many years: It is usually parents whose sons/daughters got cut or are not seeing much playing time that are the ones to claim certain kids are getting more playing time due to 1)having money, 2) son/daughter of a teacher, 3) or "favored" in any other way including being dedicated in the off-season. The "off-season" factor should play a role as a tie-breaker. If two athletes vying for one position are basically equal in terms of talent, then the job should go to the one who has shown more dedication in the off season. He/She has shown that this is a priority and that should count for something.

Quite frankly not only are coaches competitive and want to win, nowdays at the varsity level they are under prssure to win. Why in the world would a coach risk reducing his team's chances to win by playing an inferior player just because of his family's wealth and or relationship with the coach. That is just not realistic.

Amen to that.

My daughter plays basketball and she is pretty good at it. If it came down to having her win a state championship and losing the love of the game of basketball, it is an easy decision, she doesn't win the state championship. If my daughter had to endure constant belittling, screaming for the sake of screaming and received very little positive reenforcement besides winning; I rather look for a school who doesn't have a coach like that or have her play CYO and she keep her love for the game. Many coaches don't even look like they like the game of basketball in Janesville, I often wonder why they coach since a smile is the last thing you ever see on their faces. Until the priority of putting winning at all cost changes, nothing will change.

I am amazed at some of these comments. Of course coaches encourage one sport athletes and may not directly state the intentions of more bench time, it certainly happens at Parker and Craig. Summer sports is pretty much "mandatory" to make a team now days. There are also some decisions made based on a familiar name and whether your coach likes you or them or not. I am not criticizing all coaches but high school sports is not about the kids anymore, high school sports is about winning. Look at how many talented players who succeed in high school sports do not continue in college or even play for fun following graduation. Many kids hate the sport by the time they get out of high school.
I don't think we need to point fingers at specific coaches but maybe look at out whole outlook at sports. Is it really about winning or giving kids an opportunity to participate while in high school in some meaningful team activity? I go to games on occasion and it doesn't even look like coaches even enjoy the sport and have such nasty looks upon their faces and scream constantly at the kids - what a wonderful way to build self esteem. As for the proposal by Cullen, you can't enforce it and you would need to also identify the athletic directors at the schools who look the other way when winning is involved. Gym time and other perks are always afforded to the teams (coach)with winning records. If there was a way to monitor coaches and enforce it, what steps would be taken with the close knit parents who have the ear, cash, and confidence of that coach? Parents can encourage on behalf of the coach, just look at the summer programs and the people who are coaching and the influence they hold and kids on the teams.
There is no way to monitor or enforce this proposal. I am in the minority when it comes to the beleif that high school kids keep getting more and more thrown at them and are expected to become adults upon entering high school. I have the view that high school should provide some opportunities and enjoyment. If kids are not playing sports in college and have the ability because they no longer love the sport; then we need to have coaches who are able to pass on a love for the game and base it solely on win-loss records. Of course the real world thrives on competition, but do we really need to thrust that upon the kids in high school to the point they end up hating what they have accomplished that they give the sport up altogether?

Although many of the girls basketball team members at Parker play more that one sport, it is not because Tom Klawitter encourages it. I have seen his right hand man, Tim Muculloch, tell girls right to their faces that they are not dedicated enough to basketball when they leave a "voluntary" open gym early because they have a competition in another sport the next day or because they have homework or a test to study for. This goes on every spring and fall, if you don't believe me, just go to one of the basketball open gym sessions at Parker in the spring or fall. These girls are held to a set of demands that are not only unfair, but also unhealthy for them both physically and emotionally.

the one thing nobody has brought up is that basketball is alot different. one of the main reasons that guys team at parker hasn't been that good is because most of the team plays more then one sport and go to jabs all summer last year our team had 9 of our 13 players played more then one sport when most of the madison teams best players are 1 sport athletes. i played three sports through out high school and think that it makes you a better all around athlete but as in basketball's case it is a lot harder to become a better shooter

I can't say how things are now, but back in the mid 80's, when I graduated, my friend was not even allowed to try out for the baseball team, because he never played in little league, or any of the other leagues, as he was from a low income family, who neither had the extra money for him to do so, or the transportation to get him to those things. He was never given the chance to prove himself, which was just plain wrong. I clearly remember a time when it was who you knew, or how much money Mom and Dad had that determined if you played. I would hope those times have changed. My daughter now plays basketball, and even though she was told by several people if she didn't attend the summer basketball camps, she would not make the team, I am happy to say, she is on the team, and we didn't have to buy her a spot on it, she earned it. I'm sure there are some coaches out there who have less than honorable ways of running things, but there are several more who are very honorable. And it really doesn't make sense to bench someone, who has the ability, just because they didn't do whatever during the off season, and play someone with less ability, who did the off season stuff. Not saying it doesn't happen, but sounds like a stupid decision to me. 20 kids trying out for a sport, 10 spots available, you pick the 10 who have the best ability during the tryouts, reguardless of family income, or what the child does over summer vacation. I would be afraid if my child had to stick to 1 sport all year long, she would suffer burnout, and not even want to play anymore, so I am glad she can change it up every few months.

i went to school @ parker and graduated in '95. I had coach dye for football AND track and Kramer for wrestling. they always encouraged the kids to stay healthy and most importantly - keep up w/school work. I wasn't the best athlete or student for that matter but I got playing time - sometimes started and other times not - but never got put down for interest in other sports. I played left tackle and longsnapper for football and was primarily a thrower for track. I have alot of respect for Joe dye and I'll never forget his quote .. "we do things the right way here at parker high school." Ron Kramer is also a great coach and person. I just ran in to him a few months ago. Hasn't changed a bit! GO PARKER!!

thanks PHS
Schuler

Hard work and dedication does not always get rewarded so you need to open your eyes a little wider,you must be a booster

Well my son started at right guard and played almost every offensive snap for the last 7 games as a junior this past season so I am quite certain there was no Movie Night so we need to put that to rest.

Never said I knew everything but we are involved parents and do our part when we can. I firmly believe it is fair in how the coaches at Parker treat their kids in every sport. Our experiences so far the past 2 years have been positive and I have been impressed with the influence these coaches have had on my son.

Like I said if I had a dollar for every time I heard Coach Dye talk about multi sport athletes I'd have enough money to buy you those rose colored glasses.

High School sports is not about "every kid gets to play" like the YMCA and little league. It never has been and it shouldn't be. Hard work and dedication should be rewarded. That's all I am saying.

The School Board has more pressing things to worry about in my opinion.

It is sad but true Head coaches do tell there star athletes that they can play only 1 sport. I know for a fact this goes on at Milton High School

Huh? This story makes no sense. Who cares if they play one sport or three! I would think the school board and Tim Cullen would have better things to do then cry about some big tall guy only playing football and not basketball.

Of course, this "fossil" also led our efforts to change the minds of GM management and the closing of the plant here in Janesville. Thank you Tim for doing nothing as usual.

I totally agree with the comments regarding Coach Cramer. He has influenced thousands of kids in a positive way and I know he is one of the best coaches ever to coach wrestling in the state if you ask me. I just think his comments on this issue are a little off. Still a great coach and a very positive influence on kids. He is one of the good ones for sure.

NVgrf: He played as a varsity starter his 10th grade year. Read what I said about Cramer he is a great teacher and coach. My son was one of his cadets. To this day he always asks about my son.

At Evansville my nephew was told if he went to lineman camp, weightlifting on off season he would play as a starter......well it was empty promises he never played a down.......want to know why?..... a teachers kid went out for that spot and even though he was smaller than my nephew and was a underclassman he got the spot.

tip...Is it possible that your friend just wasn't good enough to play much football at Parker? Wouldn't be the first person to transfer because of similar reasons. Stop with the "he said, she said" game. Ron Cramer has had a positive impact on thousands of Parker student-athletes over the years, including my son. Although your "crypt" statement is mildly amusing. I am quite sure that Ron got a good chuckle over it too. Go Vikings!

bigmike: Mr Cramer is still teaching he has not retired. I belive that they have built a crypt in the new gym for him. My kids all have had him for a teacher and they all loved him.

A friend of mine when he was in HS at Parker, Coach Cramer went to Coach Dye and told him not to play him very much so he would be healthy for wrestling. He didn't play. He then tranfered to Craig and played both sports. Got injuried during football his Sr year and didn't get to wrestle, but it was his choice to go out football and it was the risk he took.

I agree with bigmike,the school board has to"focus" on the tax issues and the coming shortfall in their budget this next coming year.I also think the coaching issue is not worth a front page coverage. Maybe Cullen should let the dist. A.D. do his job if there is indeed a huge problem, if Cullen can't prove it! lets move on.

Bigmike: where did you get your rose colored glasses? I'd like a pair.

Bottom line is that if you are good enough, you'll play. No coach keeps a kid on the bench that is good enough to help the team win.

Doing the summer programs only helps kids get good enough to play and I don't see how that is a bad thing.

What about basketball? Are you saying kids that don't play some sort of organized basketball in summer won't start for their high school teams? Seems to me that kids that do play organzied summer sports are more ready and in shape to play when their high school season rolls around.

You can't win this argument. If a kid is good enough to play, he'll play regardless of what summer program he did and if the coach doesn't play him-it brings the rest of the team down knowing that their team mate is on the bench and could have helped the team. No coach wants that for his team. Kids that play summer sports or do the summer programs are more ready when their seasons come around and that makes them better and helps them to be better athletes.

Coach Cramer can say what he wants but when he was head football coach when I was in school, we lost every game all 3 years. This happened for several years. There was a jabs program but it wasn't required and there was no off season program required either. Do you think Coach Cramer doesn't ask his wrestlers to go to Jabs in the summer or attend wrestling camps?

People should be proud of what the Janesville kids have been able to accomplish with their hard work and off season training.

bigmike: Knock knock. There is more than just one school in Janesville. Things might not happen at Parker (per you) but they may happen at Craig. I'd put more weight on What Mr. Cramer has to say than what a parent has to say. He's been a coach, teacher, parent AND Athletic Director. They may not blatantly say "if you want to start, you have to be in a summer program or else..." but like Cramer said, it's often times more implied.
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One word: basketball.

And I totally agree about the athletic pass. It would be great to purchase a family pass so mom, dad and siblings could go to games. But where do you draw the line? Does a family pass include aunts, uncles, step parents, grandparents? It would be hard to regulate and there would be people who abuse it. It might be possible for an individual to purchase a season pass for all events. That would work and be a great idea. Any school board member reading this should take notice and let's focus on something more worthy than coaches encouraging athletes to be all they can be by working hard.

You can train in the off season for all 3 sports. It's called Jabs and is Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri every week. 7:30-9:00 9:00-10:30 10:30 -12 and 5:00-6:30 at both high schools. There are multiple sessions per day so you can make it. Second of all this kid didn't train his butt off if he didn't do the offseason program. All coaches for all sports encourage the kids to do jabs. It's not just a football thing.
Kids can play a sport in every season and be a starter. There are MANY multi sport athlets at Parker and Craig that start in every sport they play. IF what everyone else is saying were true, that wouldn't be possible.

Who knows what the athletic fee will be in the future? I suspect the middle class will be a one sport society. And then there's the entrance fee's for the family. While the high school sports atmosphere is a fun one it does come with a cost to the family of the participants. I would like to see a family athletic pass be sold. The same one teachers are able to buy. It would help everyones pocket books.

I know someone who didn't play/train in the summer in a certain sport. They played another sport instead. when the other sport came up the coach directly said, "I don't think you are dedicated enough. I'm not going to cut you, but you won't see much playing time." It was a direct slam because they didn't do this coaches summer program. The kid didn't quit and because of their SKILL was starting within a couple of games. But this coach tried to push this kid out because of their "lack of dedication". By the way this player never missed a practice and worked their butt off, but was almost tossed aside because of the whole "offseason training" thing.

it's not fair to say playing time suffers because of failure to do offseason training. you can't train in the offseason in all 3 sports!

THIS is the most urgent issue in the School District of Janesville? Sports are EXTRA-curricular; focus on things that matter, please.

Your playing time only suffers when you can't get the job done in practice or during games. Which is a direct result of not being good enough either because you failed to do the offseason training to make yourself better, or you are just not good enough. By encouraging kids to go out for other sports, jabs in the summer, football camps, and summer passing league is to keep the kids active and in some sort of shape to be ready for the season. By doing what is suggested, you are ready when the first practice starts. For once we should be teaching our kids that hard work pays off. By going to all the practices, lifting, playing other sports, camps, and everything else they learn that you can achieve whatever you want by working hard. No kid is ever punished because they went out for baseball instead of track. Coaches put the best players on the field so that the kids can have success. Every kid that plays football wants their team to be successful. It only comes one way. By working for it. Why would you not reward the kids who work out all off season and are ready for the following year?
This being punished because they didn't go out for a certain sport is laughable. They don't play because they didn't do the work and because they didn't do the work, they are not good enough. Giving kids a structured training plan is a good thing, not a punishment.

ihavealife, you are absolutely right. If you are in football, you should be going out for track. You are looked down on if you go out for baseball and your playing time suffers.

thank you tim. i'm not saying this happens with all coaches but it does happen quite often. coaches expect kids to play during the offseason and summer leagues, and if you are a 2 or 3 sport athlete it is impossible to do. so, the kid chooses their favorite sport to play all summer and the other coach says you are not dedicated enough to his sport, so you won't be playing as much. this happened to my child, and it needs to be stopped.

ihavealife-

None because Coach Dye ENCOURAGES his kids to go out for other sports. He wants them to not be one sport athletes. The kids good at baseball go out for baseball (Coach Martin (head baseball coach) is also a football coach-FYI) and kids good at track go out for track. There are NO kids who would rather play baseball instead of track who could actually try out and make the baseball team. And there is no such thing as Movie Night. My kid is a current player and that doesn't happen. Coach Dye follows the rules. I think Coach Cramer is retired except for coaching so how would he even know what goes on outside of tennis and wrestling? I'm telling you right now flat out that the football program at Parker does not operate in the one sport mentality. PERIOD.

Hey "Jimmy" if your coach has that kind of talk to you about being a 1-sport only athlete, WAKE UP!!!! The coach is NOT looking out for your interest, only building his/hers legacy instead.

Life is about choices. H.S. sports are still "ameteur" (that is debatable at times) and being pressured or forced to choose 1 sport only by the coaching staff is not a choice.

If your kids coach(es) make comments like this, check thier visa/passport to see if they may be from an Eastern Bloc European country or China where "participation" is mandatory once your "talent" is found.

As a parent of a son whom plays under coach Dye..I can tell you first hand that he encourages his football players to go out for other sports in a big way. In fact during every parent function it was said at least 5 times during his talks. Must just be a Craig thing. The school board needs to address other issues related to the budget, teacher contracts, and other issues. Leave this one alone.