|
Post by pepperbrooks on Apr 24, 2014 16:28:30 GMT -5
Maybe we could do better if we got off our horse and recognized the whole herd of problems that are involved in the discussion. Rather than speculating on the motives of the coaches, turn up the reality on coaches in a money-making big business. Rather than lather up on the hardships posed to this particular group of "student athletes," recognize that there are long-standing inequities for students who pursue athletic scholarships, for whatever purpose. These are popping up all over the place, in every sport. Instead of railing against coaches who are under their own pressures, put some attention on the entire club volleyball operation with associated recruiting difficulties that are so often at odds with what the NCAA and universities are about. I have followed the Shepardsons for over a year, in their development of the programs at CSUB and their new positions at SJSU. My concerns about their methods are tempered by considerable comments from people who have had direct dealings with them over a long time. Like most coaches, they are interested in keeping their jobs, advancing their careers, and promoting growth in the athletes they encounter. They operate in athletic departments that have a multitude of problems and, very often, with priorities counter to coaching volleyball. They exhibited success in all four categories in Bakersfield. They met resistance when they walked on the campus, because change is difficult for everyone, and especially when so many of the parties involved were unhappy to begin with. By the time they left, a lot of happier people were in their corner. That included the athletic department, which, in my opinion, is populated with straight up leaders. Most of the transfers that they picked up have continued with the program. The hold-overs, few in number, mostly underclass, have tucked in their work ethics and persisted. They made it to the WAC finals in indoor and the sand VB program placed third in the PAC 12 tourney just completed, with due credit to the new coach. Jolene and Shep have established a reputation for standing behind their word, in a field where promises are more often smoke than substance. The parents of the team that finished second in Phoenix may have cringed at the fire from the sidelines during a match, but they spoke highly of the treatment of their Runners by the pair. Personally, I am amazed when fans and parents deny that their sons and daughters are treated as employees of a university, regulated by the NCAA. If you did not recognize that this was more of a job than an educational opportunity, you have missed something important from the club experience and the recruiting jungle. I pain with these young women who have been caught in a system that is badly in need of change. I feel for parents who are reading disappointment that was written large on the wall of every opportunity for a college scholarship that was the prize for their family. However, I would urge you to seek reform of the system as you seek redress of wrongs, perceived or otherwise. I know that hard decisions have to be made. But I also know there's more than one way to succeed in college volleyball, and this is a chicken way to do it.
|
|
|
Post by ja on Apr 24, 2014 16:31:36 GMT -5
It does smell! As for 12 scholarship players... 2 are incoming freshman, they can find 4-5 transfers from JUCO without any problems (specifically if they plan it). Few girls will most likely stay as walk on, so I do not see real trouble to find enough players. The trouble is timing and disrespect to girls and families, who committed to SJSU before they came. This is "clear the house" tactic show no mercy and no loyalty will hit them back pretty soon!
|
|
|
Post by sevb on Apr 24, 2014 16:40:31 GMT -5
Maybe we could do better if we got off our horse and recognized the whole herd of problems that are involved in the discussion. Rather than speculating on the motives of the coaches, turn up the reality on coaches in a money-making big business. Rather than lather up on the hardships posed to this particular group of "student athletes," recognize that there are long-standing inequities for students who pursue athletic scholarships, for whatever purpose. These are popping up all over the place, in every sport. Instead of railing against coaches who are under their own pressures, put some attention on the entire club volleyball operation with associated recruiting difficulties that are so often at odds with what the NCAA and universities are about. I have followed the Shepardsons for over a year, in their development of the programs at CSUB and their new positions at SJSU. My concerns about their methods are tempered by considerable comments from people who have had direct dealings with them over a long time. Like most coaches, they are interested in keeping their jobs, advancing their careers, and promoting growth in the athletes they encounter. They operate in athletic departments that have a multitude of problems and, very often, with priorities counter to coaching volleyball. They exhibited success in all four categories in Bakersfield. They met resistance when they walked on the campus, because change is difficult for everyone, and especially when so many of the parties involved were unhappy to begin with. By the time they left, a lot of happier people were in their corner. That included the athletic department, which, in my opinion, is populated with straight up leaders. Most of the transfers that they picked up have continued with the program. The hold-overs, few in number, mostly underclass, have tucked in their work ethics and persisted. They made it to the WAC finals in indoor and the sand VB program placed third in the PAC 12 tourney just completed, with due credit to the new coach. Jolene and Shep have established a reputation for standing behind their word, in a field where promises are more often smoke than substance. The parents of the team that finished second in Phoenix may have cringed at the fire from the sidelines during a match, but they spoke highly of the treatment of their Runners by the pair. Personally, I am amazed when fans and parents deny that their sons and daughters are treated as employees of a university, regulated by the NCAA. If you did not recognize that this was more of a job than an educational opportunity, you have missed something important from the club experience and the recruiting jungle. I pain with these young women who have been caught in a system that is badly in need of change. I feel for parents who are reading disappointment that was written large on the wall of every opportunity for a college scholarship that was the prize for their family. However, I would urge you to seek reform of the system as you seek redress of wrongs, perceived or otherwise. The staff told their athletes in MAY that they would not be retuning... The staff asked their athletes to sign papers saying it was voluntary... There is nothing positive about this... I have no problem w cleansing house.., but allow the athletes the opportunity to find new homes and don't ask that they sign a lie...
|
|
|
Post by Mocha on Apr 24, 2014 16:45:27 GMT -5
... and the sand VB program placed third in the PAC 12 tourney just completed ... Huh?!!! Finished third in a three-team tournament, swept by the two other schools, of which only one is from the Pac-12.
|
|
|
Post by c4ndlelight on Apr 24, 2014 16:46:04 GMT -5
Maybe we could do better if we got off our horse and recognized the whole herd of problems that are involved in the discussion. Rather than speculating on the motives of the coaches, turn up the reality on coaches in a money-making big business. Rather than lather up on the hardships posed to this particular group of "student athletes," recognize that there are long-standing inequities for students who pursue athletic scholarships, for whatever purpose. These are popping up all over the place, in every sport. Instead of railing against coaches who are under their own pressures, put some attention on the entire club volleyball operation with associated recruiting difficulties that are so often at odds with what the NCAA and universities are about. I have followed the Shepardsons for over a year, in their development of the programs at CSUB and their new positions at SJSU. My concerns about their methods are tempered by considerable comments from people who have had direct dealings with them over a long time. Like most coaches, they are interested in keeping their jobs, advancing their careers, and promoting growth in the athletes they encounter. They operate in athletic departments that have a multitude of problems and, very often, with priorities counter to coaching volleyball. They exhibited success in all four categories in Bakersfield. They met resistance when they walked on the campus, because change is difficult for everyone, and especially when so many of the parties involved were unhappy to begin with. By the time they left, a lot of happier people were in their corner. That included the athletic department, which, in my opinion, is populated with straight up leaders. Most of the transfers that they picked up have continued with the program. The hold-overs, few in number, mostly underclass, have tucked in their work ethics and persisted. They made it to the WAC finals in indoor and the sand VB program placed third in the PAC 12 tourney just completed, with due credit to the new coach. Jolene and Shep have established a reputation for standing behind their word, in a field where promises are more often smoke than substance. The parents of the team that finished second in Phoenix may have cringed at the fire from the sidelines during a match, but they spoke highly of the treatment of their Runners by the pair. Personally, I am amazed when fans and parents deny that their sons and daughters are treated as employees of a university, regulated by the NCAA. If you did not recognize that this was more of a job than an educational opportunity, you have missed something important from the club experience and the recruiting jungle. I pain with these young women who have been caught in a system that is badly in need of change. I feel for parents who are reading disappointment that was written large on the wall of every opportunity for a college scholarship that was the prize for their family. However, I would urge you to seek reform of the system as you seek redress of wrongs, perceived or otherwise. Coaching is hard and entails a lot of pressure. Cry me a river. You can handle the pressures to win with class, or you can do this.
|
|
|
Post by mikegarrison on Apr 24, 2014 16:46:44 GMT -5
It's a favorite tactic of some slash-and-burn business executives to fire everyone and then tell them that they can reapply for their old jobs.
|
|
|
Post by gotball on Apr 24, 2014 16:52:32 GMT -5
Welcome to the discussion Coach. Since this is your first post, are you willing to put your name on it? Steve Powers
|
|
|
Post by baywatcher on Apr 24, 2014 17:14:24 GMT -5
I always thought it would be fun, if I were coaching, to take a position with few or no returnees, get your own team all together (10-12 players)in one year, then keep the team together for four years, with a four year plan. Bet you could get pretty good. However, doing that by "firing" the eentire team is pretty classless, can't see that.
By the way, the long essay above refers to players as "employees". are we see a union effort if this happens again?
|
|
|
Post by goodtobeagator on Apr 24, 2014 17:26:28 GMT -5
Welcome to the discussion Coach. Since this is your first post, are you willing to put your name on it? Steve Powers Assuming Megan is your kid, she's still listed on the roster today. Is she staying? Just curious how that would play out w/ the parent going so public. Not knocking the method, I respect it. Just interesting as an outsider. I know no one involved personally.
|
|
|
Post by longintooth on Apr 24, 2014 18:20:05 GMT -5
If the situation is, as you infer,... "but typically if you practiced hard, played hard, didn't cause trouble, did well in class, and represented the school well, it was hard to loose a scholarship renewal" ... then IT IS ABSOLUTELY UNCONSCIONABLE for the coach to ask these women to uproot from their college homes, leave behind friends and the security of their entire academic situation, scramble for a transfer, and hope all goes well for the remainder of their collegiate experience. Did the coach present a list of (reasonable) expectations? Did these players flat out refuse to accept the new coach's training plans? Perhaps there are circumstances that the general public will not be privy to. But, if these athletes have truly been preforming at the level of the previous coach's expectations... then to toss them off is an unjustified and unconscionable act, AND THE A.D. SHOULD HEAR ABOUT IT!
|
|
|
Post by longintooth on Apr 24, 2014 18:23:08 GMT -5
Is anyone familiar with the NCAA rules that SJSU has to follow, regardless of what the coach says or wants?
|
|
|
Post by provball on Apr 24, 2014 18:37:53 GMT -5
Wow is right. How can student athletes be told to sign the Voluntary Reliquishment of Aid form if it's not voluntary? Updated 6/11/13 Student-Athlete Statement I, __________________________________________, have voluntarily relinquished my athletics aid award in the sport of _______________________________ at San Jose State University. I understand that the athletic scholarship I am currently receiving will continue in effect through ______________________ and will not be Month/Year renewed. I understand that NCAA rules provide that athletically related scholarships may be canceled when a student- athlete “voluntarily withdraws from a sport for personal reasons.” Per NCAA Bylaw 15.3.4.2, institutional financial aid based in any degree on athletics ability may be reduced or canceled during the period of the award if the recipient: a. Renders himself or herself ineligible for intercollegiate competition; or b. Fraudulently misrepresents any information on an application, letter of intent or financial aid agreement; or c. Engages in serious misconduct warranting substantial disciplinary penalty; or d. Voluntarily withdraws from a sport at any time for personal reasons. Furthermore, I understand that I have the opportunity for a hearing before the Financial Aid Committee of this University before the termination of my aid becomes final as provided in NCAA Bylaw 15.3.2.4; however, I hereby waive such a hearing. Student-Athlete Explanation for Voluntary Relinquishment: ___________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ NOTES for Head Coach: • If a student-athlete voluntarily relinquishes his/her athletics aid, an offer to re-award the aid may not be made without prior approval from the Director of Compliance. • Forward this Form with Change of Status Form when applicable. ____________________________________________ _________________________________________ Signature of Student-Athlete Date Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian Date (If student is under 18 years of age) ___________________________________________ Signature of Head Coach Date
|
|
|
Post by redbeard2008 on Apr 24, 2014 19:28:20 GMT -5
Another reason why I believe incoming scholarships should be guaranteed for two years. Scholarships should be canceled by a set date or automatically renewed.
|
|
|
Post by vbhops on Apr 24, 2014 19:57:14 GMT -5
This would be considered a hostile environment if it happened in the work place. At least you'd get check before getting the boot. I'd get legal counsel before signing the release or even better demand a meeting with the Compliance Officer and/or AD.
|
|
|
Post by goodtobeagator on Apr 24, 2014 20:09:55 GMT -5
Another reason why I believe incoming scholarships should be guaranteed for two years. Scholarships should be canceled by a set date or automatically renewed. I'm not in favor of 2 or 4 years guaranteed. Nothing in life is guaranteed. However, I think that if a coach is going to "encourage" transfers, that should be required before spring practices start. They should get more time to find new programs.
|
|