Statement from Barry Schaeffer on coaching change at MHS

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Barry Schaeffer commented on the decision by McCook High School to make a head coaching change for the girls basketball program.

Sports editor John J. Mesh interviewed Schaeffer by e-mail.

Would you like to make a statement about the decision and about your time as McCook girls basketball coach?

This was not my decision, I would have liked to remain as the girls basketball coach at McCook. I took pride in the position, and did the best I could with the girls that participated to put a competitive team on the floor.

The administration made a decision to move in a different direction.

They felt there is a potential for fewer numbers of girls participating; based on complaints of parents. They felt it would be best for the program to make this change. I am disappointed by this decision but have accepted it.

What is your new position with the school district?

I will remain as a business teacher here in the district. Unless a better opportunity presents itself.

Will you be maintaining duties as seventh grade football coach and assistant with the high school football team?

As far as I know, I would like to continue in those capacities.

Background information?

I have been involved in education for 20 years now, and 16 of those years I have been a head basketball coach and a coached in many other areas through different parts of those years.

I have coached in over 300 varsity level contests. I have had the privilege of coaching conference champions, and coaching a team in the state tournament, and I have gained the respect of many of my fellow coaches.

I understand that this is part of coaching; things happen beyond my control and I must face those situations as they come.

I will grow from this experience and if given the opportunity to be a head coach again I will take the lessons I have learned here and try to be a better coach and person because of it.

Thank you my family for the sacrifices they have had to go through for me to pursue something I enjoying doing, and thank you to my assistant coaches for their hard work and dedication to the kids and the program.

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So McCook is not immune from school officials caving in under pressure from influential parents.

When a girls basketball program has the advantage of an experienced, proven coach -- and not a very recently graduated female Physical Education major -- taxpayers should ask themselves if administrators making this type of decision should remain on the public payroll.

Schaeffer has taken teams to the state championships and produced conference championships.

The only added qualification his replacement will have is kowtowing to people who aren't on the court.

The student athletes deserve a coach who's priorities begin with the team and go no further than the welfare of all players.

Any other consideration is wrong.

-- Posted by bigsurmac on Wed, Mar 18, 2009, at 4:26 PM
An email interview? Professional!

-- Posted by KansasBisonFan on Fri, Mar 20, 2009, at 7:04 PM

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