Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here.

Welp, things did not go well with dc’s coach and my kids request to continue training at a club where he is getting excellent speed training versus his high school team where the focus is on long distance. Dc is a junior so it’s now or never for him to work on skills he needs for a chance to run in college.

Dc practiced what he would say at home, worked hard to communicate his thoughts respectfully, but unfortunately it went really poorly. Coach basically threatened to ruin him, or at least that’s what he hinted at. ‘You’ll never run again if you don’t do what I say’

Wwyd??

This is actually kind of what I expected. Sorry it didn't go well.

Does he have good relationships at the club? I'm sure they have seen this happen before. Track recruiting is pretty clear cut -- a kid's times speak for themselves. Make sure he is in regular communications with coaches at colleges that interest him. Send them updated times, updated grades, etc. I hope the club coaches can provide some guidance and can get him into some good races.

Thank you. I guess I thought a grown man could be an adult and see that he has a passionate kid who just wants some extra training (coach even admits he’s long distance focused, and Dc sprints). I guess not. The dude was so inappropriate, I’m sort of stunned.

He just started with this club so he’s going to reach out and try to discuss. He will see that coach on Sunday. You’re right, times are sort of what they are, but I do note that every college coach we’ve heard from has wanted dcs high school coach contact info. And well, the coach basically threatened to sabotage him.

I mean, really? This is how adults overseeing young lives get to behave?? I’m floored.

PP whose DC knows track athletes who train with outside coaches - so sorry your son had this experience. I do think he'd likely be fine for college running if he didn't compete for his high school. Like you said, it's just about the times. But he will miss out on the team aspect, which is such a big part of HS sports. Anyway, hope he got some good advice from his club coach.

Thank you so much for responding. It’s been so nice having people chime in here. Dc is still debating what to do. HS coach gave him until Wednesday to show at pre season practice or said ‘he’s done’ so dc is leaning heavily to just moving to club- HS coach did some other crappy things last year to dc like pushing him to run when he was injured - but you’re exactly right, it’s his teammates he will miss. Despite the school having a culture of ego driven bullying coaches, he loves his school and the kids.

Nothing to add, just wanted to say I'm really sorry that your kid is going through this situation. Such crappy behavior from the HS coach.

Thank you, appreciate that a lot. My dc did go back to his HS pre season practice yesterday. He spoke to the club coach who was gracious and understanding and admitted that HS track would provide more opportunities for dc, and that he should stick with it, but keep in touch. DC is resigned about it… but I’m still furious and can’t believe this HS coach is going to get away with this crap…

I spoke to another coach (not track) at the school who I am friendly with. He was upset, but not surprised, about the situation. He admitted there is a great deal of ego driven bullying by the coaches at the school. Sad bc the school could be great if the admin would just wake up. Not a public school fwiw. I have other dc at public and I strongly believe they’d be terminated if they ever pulled what this private school coach did.

Coaches bullying kids, threatening to ruin them, etc. should never be tolerated in any way. But the reality is if the private school team is performing well it is highly unlikely that the school administration will ever discipline or fire the coach unless something very bad happens. Your DC did great in having a very tough conversation. Make sure your DC tells someone at the school (counselor, advisor, teacher, administrator) what happened. If you don't have a record of it with others at the school then when it gets really bad you'll be starting from scratch.

Since private schools can recruit and the good sports program are often aspiration targets for good athletes, a lot of the time private school competitive success doesn't come from the HS programs ability to develop athletes. Instead it comes from those athletes being developed in other settings (like club) and the HS benefiting from that development. That often makes these HS coaches very defensive about outside coaching, because it slaps the coach in the face with the fact they aren't developing athletes in their program.

This is exactly it. Exactly. There is recruitment of athletes and it is a school where good athletes end up, and the coaches take credit for it. This is essentially what that one coach willing to speak to me privately said. And what my dc has thought too.

This one other coach knows, but I think I will gently suggest dc tell his guidance counselor as well.

It just sucks for dc. He loves the sport, loves the kids and this coach is spoiling it by being a petty hot head (and not particularly knowledgeable either).

Anonymous wrote:Yeah- the public school coaches are a disaster. They don’t get paid enough so some of them are the bottom of the barrel.

No, I meant the opposite. My dcs public school coaches would never ever behave this way. They couldn’t. It would not be tolerated

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here.

Welp, things did not go well with dc’s coach and my kids request to continue training at a club where he is getting excellent speed training versus his high school team where the focus is on long distance. Dc is a junior so it’s now or never for him to work on skills he needs for a chance to run in college.

Dc practiced what he would say at home, worked hard to communicate his thoughts respectfully, but unfortunately it went really poorly. Coach basically threatened to ruin him, or at least that’s what he hinted at. ‘You’ll never run again if you don’t do what I say’

Wwyd??

This is actually kind of what I expected. Sorry it didn't go well.

Does he have good relationships at the club? I'm sure they have seen this happen before. Track recruiting is pretty clear cut -- a kid's times speak for themselves. Make sure he is in regular communications with coaches at colleges that interest him. Send them updated times, updated grades, etc. I hope the club coaches can provide some guidance and can get him into some good races.

Thank you. I guess I thought a grown man could be an adult and see that he has a passionate kid who just wants some extra training (coach even admits he’s long distance focused, and Dc sprints). I guess not. The dude was so inappropriate, I’m sort of stunned.

He just started with this club so he’s going to reach out and try to discuss. He will see that coach on Sunday. You’re right, times are sort of what they are, but I do note that every college coach we’ve heard from has wanted dcs high school coach contact info. And well, the coach basically threatened to sabotage him.

I mean, really? This is how adults overseeing young lives get to behave?? I’m floored.

PP whose DC knows track athletes who train with outside coaches - so sorry your son had this experience. I do think he'd likely be fine for college running if he didn't compete for his high school. Like you said, it's just about the times. But he will miss out on the team aspect, which is such a big part of HS sports. Anyway, hope he got some good advice from his club coach.

Thank you so much for responding. It’s been so nice having people chime in here. Dc is still debating what to do. HS coach gave him until Wednesday to show at pre season practice or said ‘he’s done’ so dc is leaning heavily to just moving to club- HS coach did some other crappy things last year to dc like pushing him to run when he was injured - but you’re exactly right, it’s his teammates he will miss. Despite the school having a culture of ego driven bullying coaches, he loves his school and the kids.

Nothing to add, just wanted to say I'm really sorry that your kid is going through this situation. Such crappy behavior from the HS coach.

Thank you, appreciate that a lot. My dc did go back to his HS pre season practice yesterday. He spoke to the club coach who was gracious and understanding and admitted that HS track would provide more opportunities for dc, and that he should stick with it, but keep in touch. DC is resigned about it… but I’m still furious and can’t believe this HS coach is going to get away with this crap…

I spoke to another coach (not track) at the school who I am friendly with. He was upset, but not surprised, about the situation. He admitted there is a great deal of ego driven bullying by the coaches at the school. Sad bc the school could be great if the admin would just wake up. Not a public school fwiw. I have other dc at public and I strongly believe they’d be terminated if they ever pulled what this private school coach did.

Coaches bullying kids, threatening to ruin them, etc. should never be tolerated in any way. But the reality is if the private school team is performing well it is highly unlikely that the school administration will ever discipline or fire the coach unless something very bad happens. Your DC did great in having a very tough conversation. Make sure your DC tells someone at the school (counselor, advisor, teacher, administrator) what happened. If you don't have a record of it with others at the school then when it gets really bad you'll be starting from scratch.

Since private schools can recruit and the good sports program are often aspiration targets for good athletes, a lot of the time private school competitive success doesn't come from the HS programs ability to develop athletes. Instead it comes from those athletes being developed in other settings (like club) and the HS benefiting from that development. That often makes these HS coaches very defensive about outside coaching, because it slaps the coach in the face with the fact they aren't developing athletes in their program.

Yeah- the public school coaches are a disaster. They don’t get paid enough so some of them are the bottom of the barrel.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here.

Welp, things did not go well with dc’s coach and my kids request to continue training at a club where he is getting excellent speed training versus his high school team where the focus is on long distance. Dc is a junior so it’s now or never for him to work on skills he needs for a chance to run in college.

Dc practiced what he would say at home, worked hard to communicate his thoughts respectfully, but unfortunately it went really poorly. Coach basically threatened to ruin him, or at least that’s what he hinted at. ‘You’ll never run again if you don’t do what I say’

Wwyd??

This is actually kind of what I expected. Sorry it didn't go well.

Does he have good relationships at the club? I'm sure they have seen this happen before. Track recruiting is pretty clear cut -- a kid's times speak for themselves. Make sure he is in regular communications with coaches at colleges that interest him. Send them updated times, updated grades, etc. I hope the club coaches can provide some guidance and can get him into some good races.

Thank you. I guess I thought a grown man could be an adult and see that he has a passionate kid who just wants some extra training (coach even admits he’s long distance focused, and Dc sprints). I guess not. The dude was so inappropriate, I’m sort of stunned.

He just started with this club so he’s going to reach out and try to discuss. He will see that coach on Sunday. You’re right, times are sort of what they are, but I do note that every college coach we’ve heard from has wanted dcs high school coach contact info. And well, the coach basically threatened to sabotage him.

I mean, really? This is how adults overseeing young lives get to behave?? I’m floored.

PP whose DC knows track athletes who train with outside coaches - so sorry your son had this experience. I do think he'd likely be fine for college running if he didn't compete for his high school. Like you said, it's just about the times. But he will miss out on the team aspect, which is such a big part of HS sports. Anyway, hope he got some good advice from his club coach.

Thank you so much for responding. It’s been so nice having people chime in here. Dc is still debating what to do. HS coach gave him until Wednesday to show at pre season practice or said ‘he’s done’ so dc is leaning heavily to just moving to club- HS coach did some other crappy things last year to dc like pushing him to run when he was injured - but you’re exactly right, it’s his teammates he will miss. Despite the school having a culture of ego driven bullying coaches, he loves his school and the kids.

Nothing to add, just wanted to say I'm really sorry that your kid is going through this situation. Such crappy behavior from the HS coach.

Thank you, appreciate that a lot. My dc did go back to his HS pre season practice yesterday. He spoke to the club coach who was gracious and understanding and admitted that HS track would provide more opportunities for dc, and that he should stick with it, but keep in touch. DC is resigned about it… but I’m still furious and can’t believe this HS coach is going to get away with this crap…

I spoke to another coach (not track) at the school who I am friendly with. He was upset, but not surprised, about the situation. He admitted there is a great deal of ego driven bullying by the coaches at the school. Sad bc the school could be great if the admin would just wake up. Not a public school fwiw. I have other dc at public and I strongly believe they’d be terminated if they ever pulled what this private school coach did.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here.

Welp, things did not go well with dc’s coach and my kids request to continue training at a club where he is getting excellent speed training versus his high school team where the focus is on long distance. Dc is a junior so it’s now or never for him to work on skills he needs for a chance to run in college.

Dc practiced what he would say at home, worked hard to communicate his thoughts respectfully, but unfortunately it went really poorly. Coach basically threatened to ruin him, or at least that’s what he hinted at. ‘You’ll never run again if you don’t do what I say’

Wwyd??

This is actually kind of what I expected. Sorry it didn't go well.

Does he have good relationships at the club? I'm sure they have seen this happen before. Track recruiting is pretty clear cut -- a kid's times speak for themselves. Make sure he is in regular communications with coaches at colleges that interest him. Send them updated times, updated grades, etc. I hope the club coaches can provide some guidance and can get him into some good races.

Thank you. I guess I thought a grown man could be an adult and see that he has a passionate kid who just wants some extra training (coach even admits he’s long distance focused, and Dc sprints). I guess not. The dude was so inappropriate, I’m sort of stunned.

He just started with this club so he’s going to reach out and try to discuss. He will see that coach on Sunday. You’re right, times are sort of what they are, but I do note that every college coach we’ve heard from has wanted dcs high school coach contact info. And well, the coach basically threatened to sabotage him.

I mean, really? This is how adults overseeing young lives get to behave?? I’m floored.

PP whose DC knows track athletes who train with outside coaches - so sorry your son had this experience. I do think he'd likely be fine for college running if he didn't compete for his high school. Like you said, it's just about the times. But he will miss out on the team aspect, which is such a big part of HS sports. Anyway, hope he got some good advice from his club coach.

Thank you so much for responding. It’s been so nice having people chime in here. Dc is still debating what to do. HS coach gave him until Wednesday to show at pre season practice or said ‘he’s done’ so dc is leaning heavily to just moving to club- HS coach did some other crappy things last year to dc like pushing him to run when he was injured - but you’re exactly right, it’s his teammates he will miss. Despite the school having a culture of ego driven bullying coaches, he loves his school and the kids.

Nothing to add, just wanted to say I'm really sorry that your kid is going through this situation. Such crappy behavior from the HS coach.

Oh great he’s back.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:who is the dude constantly posting about stuff in the 70s?

everything in sports has changed since then.

Yes, and also ... this kid has sooooo many realistic options other than a "P4 school."

'70s guy, I agree with a lot of what you have to say, but this parent and kid sound like they have realistic expectations.

You actually follow what 70s dude is saying? I can’t get past the bad writing in 10 paragraphs with personal events and BS wisdom.

I couldn't get past "black miler."

I was coached by Igloi. You of course know he is. Since you are so knowledgeable, the first tranche of runners to really bring fantastic speed and acceleration to world class running were Igloi trained. It works, but of course you know better. When you broke four minutes for a mile, what training did you adopt?

Indeed the 70’s are a baseline to look to today, whether it be super shoes or double threshold training (which works). In the 80’s we observed performance enhancing drugs introduced to the sport (they may have arrived earlier) and merited or not it has cast doubt on the sport. The PED’s of the 80’s were crude in comparison to today but they did improve performances (at some risk to health). It has to make serious athletes uncomfortable today.

As to African American milers - you of course can relate to the significant discrimination they faced in the 70’s. They were often dissuaded from anything longer than 800m. Dennis Fikes (Penn), Reggie McAfee (UNC) and Byron Dice really laid the groundwork for guys like Steve Holman in the 90’s, a great runner and student from Georgetown. But of course you know all of this. I recall Tommie Smith and John Carlos being excoriated for their protest on the podium in 1968. I thought they were heroes and am disappointed that they are not generally thought of in that way.

One thing about your calling out of BS is the comfort of knowing you have an inferior education. Very few are able to reach the education levels I have. All with no debt. No better story to tell than letting athletics work for you as opposed to letting it exploit you. Cheers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here.

Welp, things did not go well with dc’s coach and my kids request to continue training at a club where he is getting excellent speed training versus his high school team where the focus is on long distance. Dc is a junior so it’s now or never for him to work on skills he needs for a chance to run in college.

Dc practiced what he would say at home, worked hard to communicate his thoughts respectfully, but unfortunately it went really poorly. Coach basically threatened to ruin him, or at least that’s what he hinted at. ‘You’ll never run again if you don’t do what I say’

Wwyd??

This is actually kind of what I expected. Sorry it didn't go well.

Does he have good relationships at the club? I'm sure they have seen this happen before. Track recruiting is pretty clear cut -- a kid's times speak for themselves. Make sure he is in regular communications with coaches at colleges that interest him. Send them updated times, updated grades, etc. I hope the club coaches can provide some guidance and can get him into some good races.

Thank you. I guess I thought a grown man could be an adult and see that he has a passionate kid who just wants some extra training (coach even admits he’s long distance focused, and Dc sprints). I guess not. The dude was so inappropriate, I’m sort of stunned.

He just started with this club so he’s going to reach out and try to discuss. He will see that coach on Sunday. You’re right, times are sort of what they are, but I do note that every college coach we’ve heard from has wanted dcs high school coach contact info. And well, the coach basically threatened to sabotage him.

I mean, really? This is how adults overseeing young lives get to behave?? I’m floored.

PP whose DC knows track athletes who train with outside coaches - so sorry your son had this experience. I do think he'd likely be fine for college running if he didn't compete for his high school. Like you said, it's just about the times. But he will miss out on the team aspect, which is such a big part of HS sports. Anyway, hope he got some good advice from his club coach.

Thank you so much for responding. It’s been so nice having people chime in here. Dc is still debating what to do. HS coach gave him until Wednesday to show at pre season practice or said ‘he’s done’ so dc is leaning heavily to just moving to club- HS coach did some other crappy things last year to dc like pushing him to run when he was injured - but you’re exactly right, it’s his teammates he will miss. Despite the school having a culture of ego driven bullying coaches, he loves his school and the kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here.

Welp, things did not go well with dc’s coach and my kids request to continue training at a club where he is getting excellent speed training versus his high school team where the focus is on long distance. Dc is a junior so it’s now or never for him to work on skills he needs for a chance to run in college.

Dc practiced what he would say at home, worked hard to communicate his thoughts respectfully, but unfortunately it went really poorly. Coach basically threatened to ruin him, or at least that’s what he hinted at. ‘You’ll never run again if you don’t do what I say’

Wwyd??

This is actually kind of what I expected. Sorry it didn't go well.

Does he have good relationships at the club? I'm sure they have seen this happen before. Track recruiting is pretty clear cut -- a kid's times speak for themselves. Make sure he is in regular communications with coaches at colleges that interest him. Send them updated times, updated grades, etc. I hope the club coaches can provide some guidance and can get him into some good races.

Thank you. I guess I thought a grown man could be an adult and see that he has a passionate kid who just wants some extra training (coach even admits he’s long distance focused, and Dc sprints). I guess not. The dude was so inappropriate, I’m sort of stunned.

He just started with this club so he’s going to reach out and try to discuss. He will see that coach on Sunday. You’re right, times are sort of what they are, but I do note that every college coach we’ve heard from has wanted dcs high school coach contact info. And well, the coach basically threatened to sabotage him.

I mean, really? This is how adults overseeing young lives get to behave?? I’m floored.

PP whose DC knows track athletes who train with outside coaches - so sorry your son had this experience. I do think he'd likely be fine for college running if he didn't compete for his high school. Like you said, it's just about the times. But he will miss out on the team aspect, which is such a big part of HS sports. Anyway, hope he got some good advice from his club coach.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here.

Welp, things did not go well with dc’s coach and my kids request to continue training at a club where he is getting excellent speed training versus his high school team where the focus is on long distance. Dc is a junior so it’s now or never for him to work on skills he needs for a chance to run in college.

Dc practiced what he would say at home, worked hard to communicate his thoughts respectfully, but unfortunately it went really poorly. Coach basically threatened to ruin him, or at least that’s what he hinted at. ‘You’ll never run again if you don’t do what I say’

Wwyd??

This is actually kind of what I expected. Sorry it didn't go well.

Does he have good relationships at the club? I'm sure they have seen this happen before. Track recruiting is pretty clear cut -- a kid's times speak for themselves. Make sure he is in regular communications with coaches at colleges that interest him. Send them updated times, updated grades, etc. I hope the club coaches can provide some guidance and can get him into some good races.

Thank you. I guess I thought a grown man could be an adult and see that he has a passionate kid who just wants some extra training (coach even admits he’s long distance focused, and Dc sprints). I guess not. The dude was so inappropriate, I’m sort of stunned.

He just started with this club so he’s going to reach out and try to discuss. He will see that coach on Sunday. You’re right, times are sort of what they are, but I do note that every college coach we’ve heard from has wanted dcs high school coach contact info. And well, the coach basically threatened to sabotage him.

I mean, really? This is how adults overseeing young lives get to behave?? I’m floored.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:who is the dude constantly posting about stuff in the 70s?

everything in sports has changed since then.

Yes, and also ... this kid has sooooo many realistic options other than a "P4 school."

'70s guy, I agree with a lot of what you have to say, but this parent and kid sound like they have realistic expectations.

You actually follow what 70s dude is saying? I can’t get past the bad writing in 10 paragraphs with personal events and BS wisdom.

I couldn't get past "black miler."

Anonymous wrote:Op here.

Welp, things did not go well with dc’s coach and my kids request to continue training at a club where he is getting excellent speed training versus his high school team where the focus is on long distance. Dc is a junior so it’s now or never for him to work on skills he needs for a chance to run in college.

Dc practiced what he would say at home, worked hard to communicate his thoughts respectfully, but unfortunately it went really poorly. Coach basically threatened to ruin him, or at least that’s what he hinted at. ‘You’ll never run again if you don’t do what I say’

Wwyd??

This is actually kind of what I expected. Sorry it didn't go well.

Does he have good relationships at the club? I'm sure they have seen this happen before. Track recruiting is pretty clear cut -- a kid's times speak for themselves. Make sure he is in regular communications with coaches at colleges that interest him. Send them updated times, updated grades, etc. I hope the club coaches can provide some guidance and can get him into some good races.