I don't know about being "very" happy with the hire. He seemed like the best candidate of the ones that were being interviewed. It is yet to be seen how it will turn out. He will be welcomed and I know the kids are waiting to interact with him (starting this week!) and interested to see how he will be. The good news is there are kids that wouldn't play for Saunders that say they will play now which is good. Crist has lots of work to do to rebuild the rec leagues. The numbers there are dwindling and HC of the senior rec team is not knowledgeable so kids don't develop and get discouraged and don't play at the next level. The rec leaders have been made aware but choose to not make any changes. I think Saunders tried to be engaged in the rec programs but wasn't able to have much if any influence. The basketball culture does interfere with football. It's not intentional but it does. Some of that was due to negative perception of Saunders so Crist will have a chance to change that. All of the hires haven't been great, for example a change at AD could be a huge upgrade.
I’ve had some kids come up thru the rec system in Giles the past few years and the Radford Junior league (4th/5th grade) teams were always really good (think they won like 3 NRV Super Bowls in a 5 year stretch maybe 4) but once they get to the Seniors they don’t continue that trend. I’ve heard some stuff about a few rec coaches that way that blew my mind.
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Brody
in SWVA Football
Posted
Best of luck big guy!