WBB: GSAC

[scottiedoug]

OK so my wish for not another male coach, no matter how good,  for the women's team clouded up my brain.  Until women get hired to coach men, I think we should stop doing this.  No offense intended to the many great male coaches of women's teams, but I just think it is a strange practice.

[scottiedoug]

Well so much for the silly idea that women might coach women!  I just returned from Cooper Athletic Center where AD Schram introduced Todd Wright, head coach at Roane State and once head coach at Oliver Springs High, as Maryville's new women's basketball coach.  His teams have won a lot of games at both places.  Many of the team were there.

Nice young man, it seems.  I do not know why people think it is useful to publicly to "thank God" for "giving" them opportunities...reminds me of Coach Buzz Peterson, whose teams prayed a lot and went to Christian church (like nobody else plays basketball) but could not beat anybody.  I did not ask him if he would recruit agnostics but a reporter did ask if he understood the recruiting challenges where there are no "athletic" scholarships.  He said he did and that he has a strong recruiting base in this area and is ready to get started.

He prefers up and down the court basketball but claims he will learn what he has before deciding what style to offer next year.

Andy Landers used to coach women's basketball at Roane State, so there is hope!

[MCScotsFan]

Luv ya, Doug! But we see things so differently, LOL.

In fact, the young lady next to me said that his opening statement meant a lot to her. I have nothing against agnostics or athiests even, but for a Presbyterian College to find a good Christian person is A-OK with me. I know Schram doesn't hide her beliefs either.

As long as the man isn't praying for wins and miracles, it is all good with me. He went to Lee University and it seems Lee turns out some very strong and maturing Christian people.  I saw it as a plus and I am sure he is thankful for this opportunity and probably does believe God helped open doors to bring him to MC. Nothing worng with publicly giving thanks. Let's just hope he isn't all talk in that department. A high percentage of MC campus is Christian from what I have been told and college years are usually very influential ones. Maybe this coach will give these young women something to take onto the court and off the court.

I would have liked to seen his reaction and heard the silence in that room if you had asked that question. *thud* 
Stefen's question had nothing to do with that topic but had everything to do exactly what the question was. I do know he had a big recrit at RSCC that was impressive to many. I'm hoping he'll be as good as Dee Bell at recruiting.

I hopethey do play fast paced ball. I like that better than the ol' style they played when Hayley and Michelle were playing. much slower (IMHO) but they could knock down the 3's. The game changed as soon they left. I think dee loved coaching that fast paced play!

I think more people than you know have been praying that the right man or woman be brought in. I am hoping that Todd Wright is the Right man for this job.
The women seem excited so far. I do believe Nat and Robin will return. I'm keeping my fingers crossed about Mel. That would be one awesome, heck of a surprise.

I think he'll like the fan base that MC women have. Not nearly as good as the men's, but I am sure it will be better than RSCC. I also think he will really enjoy having women for 4 years instead of just 2. That'll be a different deal for sure!

Seemed like a nice family. I am excited for the Lady Scots! They deserve a good, dedicated coach. I hope he'll walk in and show them who is the boss. (I personally think they need a little of that).

I look forward to seeing the articles in the Times and in Blount Today. I thought the press conference went well.

[scottiedoug]

MC's press release:

http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/athletics/news-detail.asp?sportNameID=10&id=2473

I have absolutely nothing against MC's hiring a Christian coach.  MC strives to be a diverse institution that welcomes anyone who wants to be there and to live in a community based on Christian beliefs and ideas.  That often includes people who are not themselves Christians and I think they should be able to play varsity basketball (or study music) if they are good enough and not be made to either pretend or be excluded.  I just prefer Christians who are coaches (and athletes, for that matter) to act like it and not talk about it.  Chaplains and ministers and coaches and professors have different roles and are hired to do different things.  And I have no reason other than what he said to believe he will not be just fine on this score.

[GottaHaveHeart]

Todd is a graduate from Lee University, which is where my spouse is employed. The womens' coach, Marty, spoke highly of him and said he would do a good job. Said he would work the ladies hard and that he's a little hyper at times. I have no problem with him expressing his religious beliefs. I would much rather Alex be exposed to that, than all the mess that just left.

Scottiedoug / MCScotsFan:
Thanks for the well wishes for Alex. I will update as time goes on. 

[scottiedoug]

Nice article in the Daily Times:

http://thedailytimes.com/article/20080423/SPORTS/507564601/-1/sports

It is good to read that the returning players had a very positive reaction to Coach Wright.  Let's hope they all have a good spring and summer and that he can bring in a few players, including some shooters.  I think there are five returning seniors so he is going to need to reload quickly.

[MCScotsFan]

Todd is a graduate from Lee University, which is where my spouse is employed. The womens' coach, Marty, spoke highly of him and said he would do a good job. Said he would work the ladies hard and that he's a little hyper at times. I have no problem with him expressing his religious beliefs. I would much rather Alex be exposed to that, than all the mess that just left.

Scottiedoug / MCScotsFan:
Thanks for the well wishes for Alex. I will update as time goes on. 

I seem to remember Jeff "thanking God" also. I think Pardue started out very sincere but was not ready to be head coach of a women's team. Somewhere along the line he got screwed up and I hope he'll overcome his health problems and go on knowing that we all screw up in life.
Coach Wright seems to be very well grounded. He has been a head coach, seems grounded in marriage with 2 beautiful children. I truly think he can pull this team together.

Now my question is will Brian be an assistant? I'm hoping so. Although I felt like he wasn;t ready for this big job, I think he is a good coach who tried to pull this team together during a really hard time.

[IluvTNbball]

I am new to this board, but very invested in MC and just happened to read up on the latest info about Coach Wright on this board.  I wanted to try and give an extra opinion since I am familiar with him and his style.  I think everyone is going to be pleased with Coach Wright!  He is a wonderful coach, and is type of bball play is very much what he mentioned in the press conference.  I do believe that he(Todd) is very grateful to God for the opportunity he has been given to make the step to the next level in coaching b/c he does love to coach.  All in all, most everyone will enjoy watching the girls after he has gotten his hands on them.  (As long as they are on board for what he has in store.)  I am very excited to see how he is going to help MC women's bball!  I am not all that experienced with some of the past few coaches, but I do know that Coach Wright is a very honest person, and can say that I have never really heard anything out of his mouth that he didn't back up.  That being said, coaching sports on the D3 level can change a person, but I sincerely look forward to a good 2008-09 season, with Coach Wright pleasing most of the eyes that have bball knowledge!  The season should definitely be exciting.

[MCScotsFan]

Welcome, ILuvTNbball!

Thanks for that inside knowledge of Coach Wright. We're all wondering and I think even moreso because we feel like we got burned last time. If he is a good coach then I am all for the women to "get on board or get off".  I feel like this because the program has been hurt by the last 2 years. Now, if we have a person who can coach and has a plan, then let's do it. Leave your egos at home, ladies and play ball!!
I cannot stress to anyone what these ladies mean to me. It isn;t about b-ball for me. I luv them when they win and love them when they lose. I'm ready to win again, though! I just want to see them doing their best on the court and off the court. That is all I ask and I feel like the past 2 seasons they were not doing that.

Here's to a fresh start

[scottiedoug]

I assume. Iluv, that you  really do not mean "most everyone will enjoy watching the girls after he has gotten his hands on them."  I mean he is a family man and a good Christian....

And welcome to the board!  We really are a nice bunch.

[MCScotsFan]

Doug,   

Iluv probably means if people will show up at the beginning of the ladies game instead being early for the men's game and watching the ladies games from half-time on that they will, indeed, enjoy it!!

[IluvTNbball]

Umm, yes, I didn't mean "get his hands on them" in the literal since...he is a good Christian man.  (As far as I know anyway.) You all definitely got me started on the correct foot!  I will pay more attention to the way I write things! lol! 

You are very welcome for the insight on Coach Wright.  I do believe in him and his style of play...I do believe that things will turn around with the women's bball program, and I think that Coach Wright will make it fun for the girls again as well, he just has that charisma.  Don't get me wrong, he will work them hard on the court- as he well should- but from what I have seen, he does make bball fun to his players also.  I know that lots of people do not like watching women play, (not saying everyone, or that it is warranted to not like to watch women play bball) but maybe Coach Wright can bring a spark to the gym to get fans & students involved in the women's program again.  He has done it before, and if that gets people in the stands to acknowledge the talent that is on the floor, so be it...  Obviously I am a Coach Wright fan, and no, he is not a relative, I have just seen him at work.     Plus, I am very familiar with MC, so I feel like he will fit perfect in the MC family.  That being said, everything I say is based on his history, I don't think that he will make a liar of me...

Thanks for the welcome to the board, and the reply comments!

[MCScotsFan]

OK, I have picked myself up after reading your comment about 'some people not liking to watch women's b-ball". 

That concept is so foreign to me but as I told Doug a week or so ago, I have someone make a comment to me that women's b-ball was not "real" b-ball because their ball was smaller. I didn't dare tell him that the ball was a tab bit lighter also. I did, however, remind him that the goals were the same height.
In case no one has noticed, I'm super touchy about that stuff. 
Of course, there was the man that told me he'd be more interested in women's b-ball if they'd get skimpier uniforms. Uh, yeah... right, Mr.  (What no puking smilie here??)

Anyway, I really hope he has a plan to bring people in to the games (of course, first priority is the team and their playing ball). I loved watching what Bruce Pearl did at UT. That was an amazing change!
I'm up for supporting Coach Wright and this team (of course, I have been for several years). If change comes for the fanbase, I hope to be part of it!

So, will you be able to attend ballgames, Iluv?  Just asking... 

[scottiedoug]

Winning games helps a lot with attendance.  Let's hope that is how they begin!!

[IluvTNbball]

"Iluv" will be attending some games, hopefully lots of games...I am a bball lover, and a Scots fan.  And, the comment on women's bball wasn't meant to offend, just honest.  I definitely probably shouldn't get into this, ... but, some do not like to watch women play ball.  Not that it makes it correct, that is just the way some are.  I think lots of times women's bball is more fun to watch when you notice the sheer talent that it does take to play ball as a lady.  Men have to have talent, don't get me wrong, but "most" women have to rely more on skill and getting back to the basic fundamentals to make it look better.  "MOST" men on the other hand can do fancier stuff that doesn't require as much skill, but looks pretty good!    Hopefully the smiley face makes the conversation a little lighter!  Lol!  I love to play bball, and I really like to watch most all bball myself...just depends on what day it is.

Any news on the girls and Coach Wright?