This will be the last Corner before games start. I was sitting here trying to think of a topic to discuss in this months Corner. After thinking and researching ideas, I have come up with one that I think most of you will like. Politics. I know, you all are probably moaning and thinking about turning your computer off by now. But, stay with me, just for a bit. I was asked a question last Tuesday night at the boys basketball game by the radio announcer on KKBL. This is the radio station that covers our playoff games for baseball. The question kind of caught me off guard and I don't think I answered it to the best of my ability. So, I thought I would hit on it here.
The question was, (this will be paraphrased)"What do you think about the Private vs Public School debate regarding athletics." I answered that I have what I have, and will prepare my team to compete at the highest level possible. What I meant by that, is that a high school coach is not allowed to recruit, like in college, and your players are the ones that are enrolled in the school you are coaching at. So, you can't change that, you can only prepare them to work hard and get better everyday. My philosophy is to put my players in all possible situations in practice, so in a game, nothing will surprise them. I feel I do that well. I may not break a swing down, fielding or pitching as well as some coach's, but I prepare my players to be successful.
I wish I would have had more time to think about this question. Here is what my answer would have been if I had more time. "I think it is amazing the type of talent that can be on one team when kids from numerous school districts are put together on one private schools team. This leaves schools, like Purdy, behind when it comes to pure talent. The coach of a private school still needs to be a good coach, but even a bad coach can win 20 games with a great athletic team. The good coach's easily win State Titles. I may never win one, but does that mean that I won't keep working for it. No, it is an every day goal of my teams to win the big one. I will always be against recruiting at the high school level and it will never be an equal process until recruiting is stopped. But how do you do that? I am glad I don't have to make that decision." I know that most of us would do anything to give our child the best opportunity to be successful. But, in my opinion, having success at Purdy, or a public school like Purdy, is a greater accomplishment in this day and age. I would like to hear from you and what your feelings are on this subject.
I am so excited about the boys we have coming out this year. I think the future is bright and we will be real competitive this year. We will try to keep that district title here at Purdy and try to bring back the conference crown. If you get a chance, get out and support these young men in the upcoming baseball season.
Coach Hughes
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