6-8? I may take the under on that lol, they were just wholly uncompetitive this year. It is possible tho esp if they adjust their scheduling tendencies, going from very good 2A and bigger competition to some good 1A and mid level 2A teams.
I think that’s a very reasonable prediction below. I think there’s some good talent in this year’s sophomore class, that will be seniors in 2 years of steady progress.
3 hours ago, SwvaOG said:
Hell, I'll throw a marker down. Let's go with a +4/5 win total than last year. The following year they'll be a 6-8 win team.
No clue on how many came from GMS. Richlands can only go in one direction from last year which is good for Coach Davis, anything will be an improvement. If the Big R becomes a tough competitor that only helps the other SWD teams especially Tazewell & Graham. When multiple teams in same district perform at a high level , everyone is better! It makes watching a game a lot more fun when it’s close than a blowout.
Amen to that. Well said. My rationale from the previous post is based upon speculation (I have no factual information, other than the head coach.), and the common pattern seen in recent years leading to success.
Right head coach leads to increase in talent, leading to more wins, leading to more talent (both homegrown and transfers), which sometimes bleeds into other sports. If I am not mistaken, much of the skill position type talent in both sports have Mount View, Bluefield, and Princeton roots.
Based upon most speculation in the posts, the prediction may not be too far fetched.
So are we looking at Richlands transitioning to the top team or near top team in SWD and/or Region next year with the addition of all these new coaches and transfers?
I think it’s just fun to speculate. It’s not saying much, but I believe marked improvement is a reasonable expectation. Just the fact that there seems to be excitement is already a positive sign. I, for one , expect good things, but I know it will be a process over more than one season. The right personnel is a big step in the right direction. I don’t know the timeline, but it took Tony Palmer a few years, Division 1 athletes, and additions to staff and players that created the monster they are now in a couple of sports. Not casting stones, but for comparison sake and the picture of Graham now, what percentage of players on football and basketball teams came from GMS? It seems like a blueprint that works although sometimes geography caps the potential.
I have been a member since 2007 on this board...almost 17 years. I've enjoyed it, been frustrated at times, but always keep returning to read, post and reply to others. We have a common bond, not always common teams, just our love of sports.
The most important year of having my name listed occurred in 1984...almost 40 years ago. That Sunday, I surrendered my life to Christ. It has been such a blessing in my life, knowing through battles, trials I always have that constant, I have a Savior who walks with me.
This morning I was reading a monthly newsletter I receive. The author said this and I would like to share. It may not be for all, but it may be just what some need.
"A question often arises in our trials, one that seems universal: "Why?"
The backdrop is the story of Martha and Mary's brother Lazarus death and Jesus delayed coming there 4 days.
"Many of us address God as Martha did, "Lord why did you let this happen? Why weren't you here for us."
The author said, "I believe we need to ask a different question, not "Why?", but "Who?' as in "Who is my redeemer? Who is always for me? Who walks with me through the valley of the shadow of death? Who is in control always? Whose promises have never failed me?"
He adds, "The difference in asking "Who?" rather than than "Why?" can shift our path. Asking "Why?" is an intellectual pursuit; even if we receive an answer, our spirit gains nothing. Asking "Who?' is personal. If we ask it, God will reveal himself to us, and we'll experience his faithfulness. We'll also be able to trust that our steps are in line with his glory."
This wish for a Merry Christmas to all, is a little long. I guess you could compare it to being at Christmas dinner, if all you enjoy is the aroma of the day, and not sit down and feast from what's been prepared, your day isn't complete.
One last note, this quote is from poet Robert Frost, and I think it is a good way to close my wishes.
"If there are no tears in the writer, there have been no tears in the reader."
Just measurables such as size and speed. I believe the accolades on offense was earned. Defense was a different story. The individual did indeed have a good college career compared to his peers, but the DPOY in my opinion should have gone to the more consistent teammate. I don’t have access to the statistics, so I couldn’t verify numbers for comparison, but certainly games played and snaps on defense.
I can’t give many concrete examples, but I do know that potential is more important than production when it comes to recruiting. I know, especially with linemen, the biggest kids get looks because you can’t teach size. I know several years I have witnessed the best lineman on the teams I have watched and/or played with we’re not the biggest nor got the attention. I also remember a particular year on the Blues when a particular player was awarded postseason accolades for defensive play based upon size and speed, even though he was only used sparingly, missing games, and was well behind one of his teammates in tackles. Just my two cents, not discounting the other examples.
Simply put, the answer is yes.
The only thing wrong in your post is your assumption that they are a yes man the school board members, did not say that. They are yes men the central office staff.
That is all the details needed. If you can’t understand that, then just brush up on the Virginia public schools district make up, from central office down. Who hires who, who answers to who.
It’s not hard to understand why an outsider is rarely hired. They can’t be controlled. I’m not saying this is right or agreeing with it in any way. It sucks and kids suffer. But it’s real world and has been going on for a long time.
I’m not disagreeing, not making that assumption. Power and influence can and often does come from a variety of areas, not just position. It usually, but not always corresponds with money.
I think the thing we all can agree on is hiring and retention decisions depends upon being on the right side, right or wrong. When decisions like that are made, there is never a way to really prove it.
It seems individual sports where positions are earned on the mat or court are one of the few places where it can be proven.
Right now, hope for improvement is all we have. My opinion doesn’t matter, since I don’t hire, but I believe that we see appreciable improvement. There’s no where to go, but up.
In all honesty, initially you have to be a yes man to accept any position or get an opportunity. It’s only when, you receive an inordinate level of success that you are somewhat insulated, although not invulnerable. Those hired, basically have to be on the side of decision makers in power. When power changes, all bets are off. Look around. In recent years, there are numerous examples of turnover allegedly due to being on the wrong side. Examples in my opinion include most Richlands sports, Tazewell basketball and baseball post-Lou Peery, and possibly Ridgeview according to other posters. I don’t know if anyone really has concrete examples without bringing up former players, but those decisions are essentially popularity contests. Mediocre or bad results are often the results in the absence of a tremendous amount of talent. I imagine coaches making decisions are not obviously favoring connections over talent, but rather the tie goes to the best connection.
It’s not how it should be, but I would argue that it is this way in almost every school system or organization.
Most transfers are relocations with one or both parents residing in the county. That's just the truth. There are exceptions. I've went into detail about this before as we looked at relocating for my eldest's senior year. We were "recruited' by 3-4 schools and all of them stated that one of the parents would need to relocate. Nothing else was said about that and all the coaches deferred to the school's principal. Money was never discussed, nor did I bring it up. Don't know what would have happened if I did to be honest. There is a lot of hyperbole around this subject.
I used to be a die-hard anti-transfer guy but I have changed my view considerably. There are numerous viable reasons to transfer and there are some reasons that aren't. A QB with considerable arm talent transferring for developmental improvement is a smart decision. There are tons of kids that missed scholarship money due to playing for inept staffs and didn't see it as their duty to prepare their talented kids for next level opportunities or due to archaic offenses (QB running a single wing).
As for those kids who transfer for bad reasons....that usually washes out. Sometimes both parties are the better for the parting.
All I know is that the Blues are gonna draw interest, especially if they run a "fun" offense that showcases skill. For those who say you can't win with a passing offense.......Radford says you can. Ridgeview was on that path until they self imploded with the coaching change. Honaker made it to the Final Four before losing to the eventual state champs....but it was their defense that let them down...not the high flying passing offense. If the past, those talented basketball kids didn't play football....too skinny. Those kids are now WRs and DBs and are flying up and down the field. Skill and speed kill.
Thanks for that insight. I’m sure most are legitimate. I think primarily about stories such as Rich Probst scandals where money, cars, apartments are exchanged, “sham separations/divorces” as extremes. I’m sure it happens away from here, or maybe just sensationalized.
So, when it comes to recruiting staff and players (hallways and outside), where do you draw the line, ethically speaking? Is it whatever it takes?
I’ll throw out my hypothetical, but admittedly in an NIL world it is complicated. I’m in favor of bringing in staff and whatever comes with it. I couldn’t/didn’t blame the Honaker transfers. It’s just an extra benefit with the hire.
My major discomfort probably comes from other promises exchanged, monetary gifts, or “fake” residency. If a parent or athlete wants to make a decision to relocate for greater opportunities, I’ve grown to accept it and understand. The Friday Night Lights Buddy Garrity mailbox, is too blatant of attempt to skirt the rules.
What say you all? (Opinions, no judgment).
(I also heard stories of Olin recruiting employees for recruiting purposes.)
Ok just from my experience, people that can differentiate between schemes and personal usually understand football and what is going on- wish those the best. Who is s going to help will be just as important
This is where Ronnie Davis has a leg up, in my opinion. I’m sure he has knowledge on his own, and it helps being a part of two of the strongest coaching staffs in the area throughout his career.
I know we like to poke fun of Union’s backpack crew, but what we sometimes overlook are the volunteers doing the other tasks (water, food, IT, trainers, equipment, etc.) so that the main staff can concentrate on coaching and teaching football.
How good is Radford as a program? It seems they have been consistently good the last several years. They have some advantages with the local economy and the student body close to the school since it’s a city school. Has it been simply a good run of athletes or do they continue to produce talent. They have had exceptional talent at QB and skill positions.
It’s really easy to exchange talent whether in middle school or high school as soon as you see the writing on the wall, whether coaching, talent, or both.
I have no clue recently. Throughout a longer time period, my perception was it was very common to move between the two.
17 minutes ago, Mountain Football said:
Graham's recent transfers have been Mt.View/Princeton right? Other than the kid who played on the o-line this year am I missing a transfer from Bluefield?
A whole lot of folks who were recently mad about people recruiting AWAY from Richlands are suddenly going to become ok with the head coach recruiting TO Richlands.
I don’t have any inside track, but my position is “it is, what it is”. I don’t particularly like how commonplace the practice is at this time, but realize that is how things are nowadays. I have stated that I don’t begrudge a parent trying to do what is in the best interest of their child whether I agree with it or not.
I think we all can agree, in the short term, it helps. I guess to sum it up, with any school, I have learned to accept it. It bothers me more when it leads to too large of a competition imbalance.
Do you mean us as in the Greater Surrounding Bluefield area? Or just homegrown Bluefield, VA talent? Just needing the clarification.
I know you’re responding to the other quote, but my issues are based upon an inability to differentiate between the two. The state line and family on each side makes transfers much easier to move to whoever has the hot hand. I only concentrate on Graham due to the competition. I’m rooting for the G-men over their West Virginia rivals. Admittedly, some jealousy of success is the primary motive. I still stand by the advantages stated earlier as the primary reasons for that success.
Still, good luck to Dennis Palmer and to the G-men when playing someone outside Tazewell County.
Congrats to new Richlands Head Coach Ronnie Davis. Best wishes in turning it around for the Blues. I'm sure Coach Davis is excited about the opportunity and ready to get busy. Also, a humble and grateful thank you to former coach Tarter for years and years of service to your community. America could use a whole lot more just like you. Good luck to all Blues fans, players, and alums in the transition and new beginning.
26 minutes ago, Tru Blue72 said:
Congrats to Ronnie Davis for being the new Head Coach of the Blue Tornado. Now build back better with your assistants and thank you coach Tarter for all your effort and stepping up when no one else would have.
Next question: Who will thw assistants be, and where will they come from?
Congratulations! Agreed. I’m excited to see this for myself.
I’ll stick to this area, since I will support anyone against those outside. It’s gotten complicated since I root for Dennis Palmer’s success, but otherwise it would be Graham. Some of the reasons, exclusive to football, are all of the advantages of local talent in the immediate area close to the school. ( The only disadvantage is enrollment. ) Much of that is enhanced by recruiting/exchanges with Bluefield/WV. They were the SWD team to beat during my high school years and shortly after. Thankfully, we got them my senior year. Most schools have not had multiple D-1/D2 caliber players consistently available. No disrespect directed toward the late, great Glynn Carlock or Tony Palmer, but it seems they usually start with a leg up in the available talent department.
Before someone references the pot calling the kettle black, I am not an advocate of actively recruiting if or when Richlands benefited from the practices and understand parents who intend to move their child to a better place. I’ll use the reference of 2004-2008 to prove success is possible without the practice.
I don't know Ronnie Davis at all but from what I gather on here, he has some strong Jack Turner vibes. Comes on strong, fades quickly, and disappears completely.
Just chiming in, but I am not aware Ronnie Davis ever being given the opportunity to be a head coach for there to be a comparison.
To my knowledge, he has been very successful as a head softball coach. Boy’s basketball has been very challenging in recent years, so I’m not qualified to have an accurate opinion.
Based upon my experience, he knows football and benefits greatly from his past experience at RHS and exchange of knowledge with his peers. I’m sure he’s also picked up some insights from his brief time at GHS.
I don’t know enough details that other posters mentioned; however, I would counter based upon the past as a combination of career advancement and negative circumstances beyond his control. Let’s face it, as mentioned earlier, sometimes the other part of the relationship has other plans. I’d venture (results pending) if given a head coaching position or not forced to change, he would likely still be a head coach at RHS in either football or softball.
Just my opinion, with little details available.
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New Head Coach at Richlands
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I think that’s a very reasonable prediction below. I think there’s some good talent in this year’s sophomore class, that will be seniors in 2 years of steady progress.