FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Raiderfreak]

Sorry for the non-football talk, but now that the MLB trade deadline has passed, can someone PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THE HELL THE INDIANS ARE DOING?

So, basically, this team is left with Grady Sizemore and a bunch of triple-A players?

Was I dreaming or was this team on the brink of the World Series just two seasons ago?

While I agree, Choo and Cabrera are also pretty good!

[seventiesraider]

The good news is I don't have to leave Akron to see minor league ball. Saves me the drive to Cleveland to view the Major League's farm club.

Who's on first, What's on second..........

[Small but Slow]

Let the old track coach jump in breifly. Most of the 40's I've witnessed timed were done on the athletes first motion and done by a football coach using his thumb to start and stop the watch. Even the modern electronic traps I've worked with still go on the athleties first motion. What I'm getting at is that there is a sizeable difference between responing to a starters gun and starting when you feel like it. And I'm sorry but most football coaches don't claim to be experts running a stop watches, and there is a right and wrong way.

A 40 yard dash is a very short sprint designed to measure football speed.  I've known many kids over the past few years who ran blistering 40 times who track coaches thought would translate into becoming sprinters.  Problem was they were at top speed at the 40-50 yard distance and lacked the top end speed to become competitve sprinters.  At the same time, the best athlete I've ever coached only runs a 4.5 40.  He was a state finalist in the 200 and had some incredible 90 yard plus runs the past football season where he seemed to find another gear in the last 20 yards of those runs.  As a RB he also makes nice crisp cuts and is able to make great moves at the line of scrimmage to get himself in the open field.  At the same time, I've seen slower runners catch him behind the line on sweeps before he's able to hit high gear.  Football speed is a mysterious gift that has numerous variables that can't be measured by a stopwatch or any other electronic timing device.

[frank uible]

The past success by many players with weak 40 times (or the past lack of success by many players with strong 40 times) should not be used as a lazy excuse to fail in the future to collect, refer to and weigh in the process 40 times taken under understood conditions by credible persons.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

At the same time, the best athlete I've ever coached only runs a 4.5 40.

Ricky only runs a 4.5?  Doesn't look like it on the field. 

I heard Christian broke the growth plate in his foot. 

[seventiesraider]

Nice article about Troy Chaffin, former Mount LB and now student assistant coach.

Chaffin goes from player to coach at Mount Union

I can definately appreciate the back pain and injury he suffered

[reality check]

If you haven't read about them or seen it, this is a great story on the front page of ESPN.com today regarding two Cleveland-area HS wrestlers who have overcome some unique obstacles in life.

Great story.

[seventiesraider]

There is picture of the leg-less wrestler in our locker room captioned "What's your excuse?"

[runyr]

If you haven't read about them or seen it, this is a great story on the front page of ESPN.com today regarding two Cleveland-area HS wrestlers who have overcome some unique obstacles in life.

Great story.

Thanks, rc.  Great story and one I won't soon forget.

[purpled]

Finding a replacement for Marvin Harrison — There are several candidates in the mix to replace the franchise's all-time leading receiver.

Based on work accomplished during the Colts' spring mini-camps and organized team activities, second-year wide receiver Pierre Garcon would appear to be the leading candidate for the job.

While nothing will be decided until the end of training camp, the second-year receiver from Mount Union College showed great improvement from the fall. His confidence in knowing the team's complicated offensive scheme was better, as was his consistency in making the tough catch. But he's not the only one who has a chance to work themselves into a starting role

And with regards to the story concerning those two wrestlers, my son teaches at Lincoln West and is the assistant wrestling coach. Justin made it known to all his students that you can accomplish anything if you're willing to work hard. A couple of great kids!

[Small but Slow]

At the same time, the best athlete I've ever coached only runs a 4.5 40.

Ricky only runs a 4.5?  Doesn't look like it on the field. 

I heard Christian broke the growth plate in his foot. 

It's also been a while since he was actually truly timed in the 40.  Most of his sprinting training is now for the 100 and 200.  If he gets with a speed coach who trains him to run the 40 he'll be a 4.3 guy.

Yep, broke the ankle at the growth plate in the last five minutes of camp and is out for all football season and most likely basketball.  He's dealing with it really well, but changes the complexion of the team.  Rob has a stable of good backs, but Christian adds a whole different dimension. 

[reality check]

Tomorrow (Monday) marks my first day as a teacher.  I've been working hard all summer and anticipating this day for a long time.  I've worked many "jobs" in my time but at 28, I'm glad I've finally started a "career". 

Coincidentally we have equipment check-out and our first official practice Monday as well.  I'm anxious to see how many new faces will be there after all these kids talked to each other about how amazing their camp experience was.

[Small but Slow]

RC - Best wishes on your new career.  I hope you find it as rewarding as I have.  Seems as though you have the right approach.  Kids want to have fun and will work hard if you continue to make it somewhat enjoyable for them.

[seventiesraider]

RC-Sounds like you have the aptitude for teaching/coaching. Just don't let the administrators get you down and remember who you are really doing it for. I'm sure you do great. 

[raiderguy]

Tomorrow (Monday) marks my first day as a teacher.  I've been working hard all summer and anticipating this day for a long time.  I've worked many "jobs" in my time but at 28, I'm glad I've finally started a "career". 

Coincidentally we have equipment check-out and our first official practice Monday as well.  I'm anxious to see how many new faces will be there after all these kids talked to each other about how amazing their camp experience was.

Congratulations on the new? career. I would say if you can remember what you disliked about your school experience and not duplicate them with your approach you'll do just fine. You can't always be their "friend" but you can be their mentor and help them develop their own path through life.