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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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Friday, April 20, 2007 12:23 AM CDT
Miller returns to basketball as girls' coach

BY BRIAN NIELSEN Sports Editor
bnielsen@jg-tc.com

CHARLESTON – If one school board member needed any more reason to hire Jeff Miller as girls’ basketball coach, it was to make things better at home.

Kelly Miller saw how her husband was since he gave up coaching Charleston’s boys’ basketball team five years ago.

“I’ve been coaching my boys’ traveling team the last two years,” Jeff Miller said. “That was my basketball fix. Without that I probably would have driven my wife nuts. The first three years - you can ask my wife - when basketball season came along I wasn’t very pleasant to be around.”

Miller’s mood should be better after being named Charleston’s head girls’ basketball coach at Wednesday’s school board meeting ending his time without high school basketball.

“I missed everything about it,” he said. “I missed the practices, the open gyms, the camaraderie with the other coaches.”

Not long ago, he was not expecting the chance to again coach basketball at Charleston, where he graduated in 1979, continued to teach drivers education and more recently has served as the Trojans’ freshman football coach.

“If you’d have told me a month or so ago I’d be the next girls’ basketball coach, I’d have told you you’re crazy,” Miller said.

But then Sam Root announced his resignation after three seasons of progress.

Miller quickly expressed his interest even though all of his previous coaching experience has been coaching boys’ basketball, including head varsity jobs at Charleston and Windsor.

“Coaches coach athletes,” Charleston Athletics Director Jerry Calandrilla said. “That’s what Jeff will tell you is he coaches athletes.”

Of course, Miller has been asked about coaching girls’ basketball for the first time.

“That’s been a popular question lately,” he said. “Here’s my philosophy. An athlete is an athlete. That’s the way I’m going to approach it. They’re athletes.”

More than whether he could coach girls, Miller’s questions about the job dealt with how many games he might miss for his twin sons entering seventh grade and the fact that since his last head coaching stint his wife had been voted to the school board.

“My family has supported me 100 percent so I went ahead and pursued the opportunity,” he said. “One of my concerns was if my boys are good enough to make the seventh-grade team, would they mind if I missed some of their games. My second one was I didn’t want to put my wife in a bad position but talking to the administrators they made me feel very comfortable in that position.”

After compiling a 40-93 record at Charleston but progressing from two four-win seasons to a two 13-16 seasons as Charleston’s boys’ coach in 1997-2002, Miller is taking over a program that was 3-22 four years ago before Root had seasons of 5-20, 8-18 and most recently 11-16 with no seniors on the team.

“I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen many of the girls’ games,” Miller said. “My job this summer with 25 contact days will be to evaluate. Every coach brings in a new system and I’m no different.”

But this might be the last coaching change for a while for the Lady Trojans.

“I’d like to think I’m in it for the long haul,” Miller said. “Charleston High School is a wonderful place to teach. We have a great staff. I’m a lucky guy.”

Contact Brian Nielsen at bnielsen@jg-tc.com or 238-6856.

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Stunned wrote on Apr 20, 2007 7:50 AM:

" Hey Nielsen, that Gomer Pyle performance by Miller is just that an act. If he could coach as well as he acts he'd still be the boys coach. Your ability to judge the character of this .....man...must solely be based on the free meals at the Millers dinner table......40 and 93....yea this is the very best to bring to the table and grow the program...what a joke "

Old Trojan fan wrote on Apr 20, 2007 9:03 AM:

" Politics, Politics. Jeff Miller could not coach when he tried to coach boys basketball. Why do we replace a winning coach and replace him with a loosing coach? It just shows there still is politics being played at Charleston High School-"If you do this for me, I will do this for you." "

Goldwings wrote on Apr 20, 2007 10:04 AM:

" Get on the ball now. Get into some of the great summer camps such as Salem, SIUE, Effingham and others and get these girls going like they should be. There is only one way to build a program anywhere and that is to get total commitment from your school, team, parents and fans. Charleston should be at the top of the heap, not wallowing at the bottom year after year. "

CHSgraduate wrote on Apr 20, 2007 10:51 AM:

" Here we go again. Loosing coach rehired. CHS has a history of re-hiring loosing coaches and replacing winning coaches. "

Spoiled wrote on Apr 20, 2007 12:14 PM:

" Ken Crawford....Bobby Knight.....Jeff Miller ??..you've got to be kidding Neilsen "

Where's the Bus wrote on Apr 20, 2007 1:36 PM:

" Hey folks.....Losing has one "o" not two. Maybe we'd better be more critical of the CHS English teachers and not throw the coach under the bus before he's given an opportunity to prove himself in his new role. Those who mention politics.....Politics are part of life in every walk of life...aren't you used to it by now?? I'll trade you even up...Mattoon's girls' coach for Coach Miller!! "

Spoiled wrote on Apr 20, 2007 2:36 PM:

" Yo "where's the bus"...FYI...It's the old role he earned his stripes...at Windsor and Charleston. His record speaks for it self, not to mention his complete meltdowns behind closed doors with each team. His lack of toughness,preparation,work ethic and trust will forever lead him into meltdowns as he searchs for scapegoats to soothe his fragile ego...however he will always have Neilsen to blame the athletes and parents for him. As to politics....the administration,and board have some explaining to do. That's all I want to know..how do you fire a young successful coach and replace with Gomer Pyle on steriods "

CharlestonFan wrote on Apr 20, 2007 5:51 PM:

" It will be interesting to see which is worse next year, Calandrilla's defense or Miller's. As for the "unrealistic expectations" as Brian Miller...I mean Brian Nielsen put it, most towns expect a little bit more than an average of ten games under .500 every year. "

Class Of 85 wrote on Apr 20, 2007 7:41 PM:

" Oh, my Kelly dear? Is this how one starts off after winning the top spot for the school board in the city elections? How about your friend Kev, who decided to separate himself from the pack, just to cinch himself of a return role? And to think you folks are in there for our children. Ha, that'll be the day! Remember your roots, people! "

greenwave5 wrote on Apr 20, 2007 11:36 PM:

" Yes!!! Great hire by Charleston in my opinion. Girls basketball roles have reversed in this county the past three seasons, and obviously it was not in Mattoon's favor after this seasons 30 pt. loss. I feel very confident that the Lady Greenwave can regain the upperhand with Miller's X's and O's knowledge at the helm. "

IUClassof86 wrote on Apr 21, 2007 1:19 AM:

" Hey, I coached my kid's Tee-Ball team to 2-14 record this year. When's that baseball job going to open? "

Second Chance wrote on Apr 21, 2007 2:45 AM:

" Miller is a good man, give him a chance to prove himself. "

Dude wrote on Apr 21, 2007 10:13 AM:

" Dear Second chance.....Good man?....when you say good what do you mean?....good as in keeps the yard mowed, cooks for the wife, lifts up the toilet set....I don't get what you mean "second chance".....for the record as stated before, this is his third chance to prove to family he is just as good as brother....why should this school and community be held hostage for all of these selfish reasons?...fool us once shame,shame,shame....fool us twice, shame,shame,shame.....wow...we really are the fools now.... "

charlie town wrote on Apr 21, 2007 10:53 PM:

" Whats done is done. Even Miller should be somewhat successful in the near future. Just hard to believe he was the best candidate. He couldn't motivate an eskimo to wear a coat! Deep down, he knows he can't get it done, he will ride the wave of talent that has been left and try to snake his way in to coach his boys in two or three years. Come on, "if they are good enough to make the 7th grade team", shouldn't be a problem with his expertise coaching on traveling the last two seasons, which I got a chance to witness on several occasions. "

DL wrote on Apr 23, 2007 2:48 AM:

" Derrick Landrus must have turned this job down because Calandrilla would have been crazy not to take this to the former Charleston and EIU star before Miller. "

Give him a chance!! wrote on Apr 23, 2007 12:50 PM:

" How sad to read the demeaning and hateful comments. Since when is someone not given a chance to step up and prove themself. Why not be excited for someone who is excited about coaching and ready to step in and work with these girls? Jeff Miller is a kind and dedicated family man who only wants the best for any person. He will work hard and give 100% at all times. Let's put our negative thoughts behind and put our positive ones towards Charleston being a great place to go to school, play sports, and raise our children. GOOD LUCK JEFF WE WISH YOU THE BEST!!!!!!! "

CHS/CMS fan wrote on Apr 23, 2007 4:28 PM:

" We all need to support Coach Sam Root in his new endeavors and now we need to support Coach Jeff Miller in his new role. The bottom line is we need to think of the athletes. Boy or Girl, the community needs to stand behind all of our coaches at Charleston Middle School and Charleston High School. Win or Lose. It is true we may not like the coach, or agree with his or her ways of coaching, but do any of them come to our places of employment and tell us how to do our job? We have got to support our youth, keep them involved, help build the teams. We as adults need to show enthusiasm, good sportsmanship, teamwork. As I tell my son, there is no I in team. Let us put everything behind us and let us wish only the best for Coach Sam Root and wish only the best for Coach Jeff Miller. Both are outstanding men that deserve better. "

beakman57@yahoo.com wrote on Apr 24, 2007 1:23 AM:

" I worked at the Windsor High School when Jeff Miller was the boy's head basketball coach. Personally, I seen him teaching the game to his players all the time. He was vocal when needed to be, but I think he had their respect and had a couple good seasons there. In case you don't know Windsor is not very big. I like Jeff Miller and hope he does good. "GO GET EM JEFF" "

grow up wrote on Apr 24, 2007 9:05 AM:

" I wish people would stop complaining and grow up. My guess would be the people who have nothing positive to say are also some of the group who worked very hard at getting Jeff removed from coaching the first time. So sorry he made your boys "accountable" for their actions. Second, I'm 100% positive the school district had very valid reasons for not rehiring Coach Root or they would have done so. Third, if you think you can do better then step up. I wonder how many of you volunteer your time to help with your child's ball teams. Or, are you just the parent who sits at every game complaining because their child isn't the star. Maybe you should teach sportsmanship and work ethic to your child and they will get to be in the position you want them to be. With all the terrible things going on in the world, this is so trivial! Good luck Lady Trojans and God bless us, everyone! "

Anti-Kool-aid wrote on Apr 24, 2007 11:29 AM:

" Wow...those last few comments seemed nice, yet so uninformed....keep drinking the liberal kool-aid you are drunk with. You always want to avoid the facts of this matter, the biggest being he is NOT a winner...period....Not a motivator, or a program builder....so...take another sip... "

Agree w/ Grow Up wrote on Apr 24, 2007 1:21 PM:

" Amen,Amen,Amen,Well said! Those who can, coach, and those who can't, hide in the shadows and complain. That works against everything sports is set up to do for our youngsters. If the parents that complained the 1st go around try it now, they are in for a rude awakening. The new administration at CHS from what I here has a backbone. So you critical, ungrateful parents should have your kids play nothing but video games. That way you have nothing to complain about and your kids could be good at something. "

My thoughts... wrote on Apr 24, 2007 2:04 PM:

" With the recent hiring of Jeff Miller and Beth Lancaster as coaches at CHS it looks like girl’s basketball and volleyball are in good hands. In fact both new coaches touched on one of the keys to success, building the programs from the ground up. So now that these areas are addressed, will we finally focus on the needs of our female softball players? Over the course of the last several years many volunteers have worked to rebuild competitive softball for girls here in Charleston. Two organizations, the Charleston Chill and the Charleston Jester’s have both built winning traditions and each group is developing a talented group of girls and strong support organizations. Stunningly, none of this occurred with any assistance from Charleston High School’s current (the only softball coach ever at CHS) head coach Karen Karch. Amazingly, this lack of assistance is actually beneficial to these young ladies. How can that be? The reason: Ms. Karch is such a poor coach, with limited softball knowledge (and no fast pitch playing experience), that she actually hurts the development of the Charleston athletes she “coaches”. Her record, terrible, in her 20+ years of coaching Charleston High School softball she has never led her team to an Apollo Conference championship. The Apollo record from 1986-2005, 1 second place, 7 thirds, 2 fourths, 6 fifths, and 3 last place finishes. Charleston is one of the largest schools in this conference, and in 20 years we have never won. "

to my thoughts wrote on Apr 24, 2007 11:13 PM:

" Take your softball issues up elsewhere. That had nothing to do with the girls basketball coaching position. Lets stay on the topic. Coach Root was and still is a very good coach in my book. I have no idea about Coach Miller's capability. Time will tell. I hope the girls program survives because there were some excellent athletes and talent on the team this year. "

and my thoughts....... wrote on Apr 25, 2007 12:23 AM:

" I agree that Coach Karch has not been a huge winner, but how can you cut her down and praise the hire of Miller. Her record by far surpasses his. Don't give me the old song of no talent, he had five years to do something positive and failed. Everyone talks a good game when hired, should be interesting to see how much actual time is spent at the lower levels. Can't like one losing coach and frown at another! "

to anti kool-aid wrote on Apr 25, 2007 8:43 AM:

" I know the facts. Fact 1, CUSD#1 did not rehire Coach Root because of his academic performance. Fact 2, when you can give more specific things you want to know rather than assuming that everyone who has an opinion different than yours is drunk, let me know. Fact 3, no one can know 100% whether this was the right or wrong decision until the season has begun - if you feel strongly enough, don't sit and whine about it, run for school board or go to college-get a degree- and ask for the job yourself. Maybe stepping into a coach's shoes will give you a new opinion. Unless your to jazzed up on your kool-aid. "

For to my thoughts... wrote on Apr 25, 2007 9:31 AM:

" Didn't Root have a losing record every year he coached? "

Mom wrote on Apr 25, 2007 11:04 AM:

" Well, Root may have been on track to have a winning season, but his relations with the team has had a lot of controversy. Let's find out the real reason behind his resigning and then you can say he is good or bad. As for Karch, come see a few games and then you can say whether or not she needs replaced. It will only take one inning to figure that one out. "

Coach Supporter wrote on Apr 25, 2007 4:01 PM:

" What is wrong with you negative people??? Support your coach, support your team and go on with your lives! Participating in sports teaches us so much, sometimes it teaches us how to win, sometimes how to lose. Whichever it is, just go out there and support the team. I hope your children don't hear you speaking poorly of their coaches & mentors! Think about what you are doing & saying! GOOD LCUK TO JEFF & HIS TEAM!!! You have my support, even 1600 miles away! "

Thoughts wrote on Apr 25, 2007 4:19 PM:

" Everybody deserves a chance. "

Long-time Trojan Fan wrote on Apr 26, 2007 2:07 PM:

" Where is Derrick Landrus when it comes time to hire basketball coaches at Charleston High School? He is a class guy who has great experience and has well proven himself as a college player, a head cross country coach and head baseball coach. As many know he took the Junior High Little Trojans basketball coach to state. He's taken the cross country team to state (for the first time in 37 years), and has won a baseball regional in his short time as varsity baseball coach. It's time to pursue him as a basketball coach!!!! Let's keep politics out of it and open our eyes!!! "

Time for a change wrote on Apr 26, 2007 2:23 PM:

" Starting now and for the next several years we will have some of the best softball talent ever in Charleston in high school. This is a very talnted group of pitchers and position players. These girls deserve a chance to win. They have worked too hard to have their dreams dashed by a substandard coach. To Jerry Calandrilla, Diane Hutchins, Kevin Oakley and the rest of the leaders of CUSD #1, it’s time for a change. Step up and make a difference, our children are depending on you. "

To Time and Others wrote on Apr 26, 2007 3:41 PM:

" First of all....Best of Luck to Coach Miller. Does anyone know if Derrick Landrus applied for the boys position last time it was open or if he applied for the girls position this time around? Is it possible that he wasn't interested in the job?? Don't know just asking. I've heard for years about the "poor coaching" in Mattoon's softball program as well...yet they nearly always seem to experience a great deal of success at the high school level. How much of that is attributable to the summer programs in Mattoon? How much is due to the talent that MHS seems to have on a fairly consistent basis and how much credit can be given to the HS coach? Tough questions.... Seems interesting to me that everyone always praises the fantastic summer programs in Chas, 'toon, etc... yet the minute the HS softball teams start to struggle it's all the HS coach's fault... Are we giving the summer programs too much credit and being unrealistic about our kids' abilities and conveniently have the ideal scapegoat in the HS coach? How do Chas' summer teams do compared to many of the other programs in the area (Effingham, Mattoon, etc...)? What are you using as a benchmark to talk about the current and upcoming talent? If you don't show any respect to / support for the HS coach it's certain the kids won't either....and that's almost a guarantee that the teams won't be successful. "

How long is a minute wrote on Apr 26, 2007 4:27 PM:

" To Time and Others wrote on April 26, 2007 3:41 PM: "yet the minute the HS softball teams start to struggle it's all the HS coach's fault..." Coach Karch has been the high school coach for 25+ years. In that time Charleston has never had a conference champion, that's one heck of a "minute" of struggle. "

Karch as head coach... wrote on Apr 26, 2007 4:28 PM:

" ...is a guarantee that CHS softball won't be successful. "

Coached by Miller 92 wrote on Apr 26, 2007 8:33 PM:

" I am stunned by comments being thrown around questioning Coach Miller's ability to lead the Charleston girls basketball program to success. I was coached by Jeff at Windsor and I was part of the SUCCESS he had coaching here. "Where's the bus" was not heard to many times during his tenure at Windsor. During Coach Miller's time at Windsor he had a winning season almost every year. Seasons of 19-9, 18-9 were common in one of the most difficult conferences in Illinois class A division, National Trail Conference. Is Coach Miller's approach to the game of basketball any different than any other coach? No. He is a hardnosed, "do it they way I taught you and you will succeed" type of coach. Not everyone likes that in a coach. I personally do. Coach Miller was not only a coach to me but someone I looked up to. I too wanted to someday become a high school coach and now I am. Thanks to Coach Miller for all that he taught me. I would not be where I am today without the knowledge I gained from him when he coached me. He WILL SUCCEED! "

Kool-Aid responds wrote on Apr 26, 2007 9:33 PM:

" Wow,the Miller family has been busy taking on different character names. Oh well, I do wish him well and with his abilities, his program and the talent in place,should guarantee 20 plus wins a year for the next 3 years at least. Time will tell if this was a good hire. And NO I never played the game before or finshed college..but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express before and have a very good feel for character, and this just doesn't feel right. But then again, I've never coached before so I have no right to my thoughts or opinion... hey I finally get it...Thanks to all for setting me on the right path "

To 92 wrote on Apr 26, 2007 9:36 PM:

" My "Where's the bus?" comment was centered around wondering where in the world the bus is that everyone is throwing Coach under before the first summer workout. I know Coach Miller and strongly believe that many of the people on this board will be eating crow in a matter of time. Best of luck Coach Miller. "

TO: Time for a change wrote on Apr 27, 2007 8:57 AM:

" You could not of said all this any better. There is such talent on the softball team and it will all be wasted. And the changes in the JV schedule that took place?? What are we teaching our kids? To me Karch is saying "We give up". PLEASE SOMEONE STEP UP AND MAKE A CHANGE TO THE CHS SOFTBALL PROGRAM BEFORE YOU LOSE THEM ALL. "

Parent of a player!!! wrote on Apr 27, 2007 9:42 AM:

" We tend to forget about the "Paraprofessional Coaches" who by the way choose not to teach in the school district, but are "Excellent" coaches as well!!! For example, John Zuniga, who was a head coach and who also moved here almost 7 years ago from So. California has a winning coaching style of putting the student athlete first and a phenomenal fundamental knowledge of the game of basketball as I have witnessed first hand, as he has coached my daughter since 4th grade & by the way is also a freshaman JV Girls player. He saw a dramatic need for the girls program to succeed and took it on his own to team up with American Youth Basketball Tour (AYBT) the 2nd largest youth basketball organization in the country 6 years ago & he assembled some of the best talent in Charleston of whom either were on this years JV & Varsity squads and took them to the National tournament & won the whole thing! No other coach here has done that! He is an in your face, X's & O's strategist who can deliver. it is a shame that the school district bypassed him because Root was threatend that Zuniga would show him up! After all, he is mature, knowledgeable & most of all, he cares about the well being of the kid(s) & you know what? The kids respect & like Mr. Zuniga or Coach Z as he is called because he has earned their respect as well as mine. He in his five years here in Charleston earned over 100 wins 21 losses, not too bad for not being from here! He should have been the girls head coach after the Jody Smith era and not some young brash kid that couldn't even get a high five from his own players! Sounds like politics to me... we should really consider the para professional coaches who can deliver the goods!!! If this upcoming Miller season ends up in a wash, the District needs to get a hold of Coach Z & give him a shot at it! What have we got to lose??? We've already done that!!! "

Anti-armchair wrote on Apr 27, 2007 9:52 AM:

" , I have been a head coach of 2 varsity sports, one being basketball, I have won conference championships and had losing seasons. One thing that I do know is this....being a head coach is a "thankless" job, everyone likes to coach your team, and your kids, with todays society the most important 5 minutes of any practice or game is the first 5 min the kids get home and listen to what the parents say, regardless of the countless hours of time a head coach spends behind the scenes for other peoples kids to be scrutinized by armchair coaches. Ever think that in high school sports sometimes that kids need to be accountable and sometimes regardless of what mommy and daddy think, or joe public there sometimes isn't much talent, and in certain sports, especially bball you need a little talent to win. From what i understand is Coach Miller won at Windsor, but not at Charleston, maybe the talent just wasnt there enough to win. Part of being a good head coach is building a program through youth programs, but you have to do that with support and time, if he only coached boys for 4 or so years, did he get to reap the benefits of his youth program?? Who stepped in after Miller and was he or is he successful? Would Miller have been successful if given another couple years? To anyone who likes to give their opinion on these ridiculous message boards if you havent ever been a head varsity coach at the high school level, don't criticize, you don't know anything about what you are talking about. Does anyone from the community come to your job for 2 hrs in a day and observe you, then tell you or your boss how bad of a job you are doing? Do they write blogs on your performance? Granted being a head coach means you do have to deal with all this crap, but its easy to judge unless you have walked in someone elses shoes. I wish all the programs at CHS well, as well as all the coaching staffs there. "

TO TIME AND OTHERS wrote on Apr 27, 2007 10:55 AM:

" In response to your questions about Charleston's summer program success vs. other town's,we have been very successful in the past. The only area team with a better record is the Pride's A team. They would be considered an elite team anywhere. 2years ago the Chill won the Class B state tourney in Mattoon in which many area teams participated. I think the other Charleston team did well last year as well. These opinions about Karch are not just from parents. She has NO RESPECT from umpires or other coaches that she competes against. It is unbelievable how poor her reputation is in the Central Illinois softball community. CHS softball is a joke. Just ask the former players - they all have nothing nice to say about her ! I know for a fact several talented athletes that have chosen soccer early on as their s[port just because Karch is the softball coach. It is time for a change. It also is not the fault of players if someone chooses to post their views on line ! Remember that ! "

Uncle Sam Jones wrote on Apr 27, 2007 1:22 PM:

" All coaches should be fired and all sports eliminated. Our children should quit school to work in factories and fight wars!LOL! I'm disappointed at how mean and hateful you people are. I'm sad that our society has come to this.....Just sit back all of you and re-read what you have written. This is pointless and ridiculous! If you are going to be wise and all knowing then at least have the courage to SIGN YOUR NAME! "

??? wrote on Apr 27, 2007 2:05 PM:

" Where has anyone said anything bad about the kids? I did see some comments that may question some parents' ability to truly evaluate the talent of their kids...but nothing specifically making negative comments about the kids.....And for all of the negativity about Coach Miller or Coach Karch....walk a mile in a HS coach's shoes before you get too critical.... "

William Todd wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:57 AM:

" I have been reading this blog for 2 weeks now, I laugh every time someone types a "not so informed" post. Being a coach is one of the toughest jobs to have, for example to "player of a parent" has coach Z coached anything at the varsity level? Has coach Z ever prepared for a conference game or a Regional game, has coach Z ever scouted, broken down game film, made weekly practice plans, organized fundraisers, dealt with administration and parents, made cuts, etc. etc. ? I could go on and on, while I respect all the time and efforts of coach Z, as he should be respected for his time and his efforts, but coaching traveling teams, AAU, etc etc whether or not you win your summer championship or lose every game, the only season that really counts is the one from November to March. To everyone on these boards who likes to bash coaches, my advice is to get your own team and coach it, see if you can do a better job, put in your own offense and break it down and teach it. Do any of you coach bashers even realize the amount of time and work goes into trying to have success? You see what you "bashers" don't get is that you are nothing but gutless, because you will never ever try to go coach anything due to the fact that you will then have to walk a mile in someone elses shoes and then maybe you wouldn't like yourselves very much for the way you have openly and publicly bashed others. I hope coach Miller wins 20 + games next year. We'll see what the message boards say then.......Oh wait.....I already know,,,how about something like this...."Lady Trojans win regional and are 25-4 going into the sectional" If that is the case I suppose the kids did it all by themselves.... In fact, hey parent of player, why don't you go ask coach Miller if you can be one of his assistant coaches, then you can have say in what offense he runs..I think that would be a great idea, then I would come and sit behind the bench and critique you and if I didn't like what I saw, you would be the topic of the next days blog, and your wife and kids could read about it. You see at least coach Miller has enough guts to give this a shot. YOU PEOPLE WONT EVEN SIGN YOUR NAMES BECAUSE YOU ARE COWARDS!!! "

So glad I'm out! wrote on Apr 28, 2007 10:02 AM:

" I am the parent of two former Charleston High School athletes. I had many conversations with coach Miller's former boys basketball players. None of them praised his coaching. All I know is what I heard from the athletes. They said he was very negative and demeaning. I have never coached a high school sport....but I wonder how you can develop a winning team when all you do is throw tantrums, criticize, and demoralize your players? I hope he has learned from past mistakes and will now praise his players and make them feel good about playing for him. "

William Todd wrote on Apr 28, 2007 10:05 AM:

" To time and others---I think you may have something, if you don't think Karen Karch is doing a good job, I respect your opinion, so I have a solution, take all of your information and opinions and go to the school board meeting and give them everything you want to share, that is one purpose of the school board, after all, I am sure you voted. Secondly, after the board meeting go to the district office andpick up an application to be hired as girls softball coach, since you obviously have all the answers. Don't forget to put down under experience... Have watched softball, coached pee wee league 9 year olds to undefeated season. Then get the job, and turn the program around. Good luck, I hope you don't find your name on the message boards, but wait you won't because you will bash Coach Karch, but your real name isn't online is it????? GUTLESS!! Tell her how you feel, or are you afraid "TO TIME AND OTHERS" "

Coach N wrote on Apr 28, 2007 3:29 PM:

" After reading all of these comments, I feel compelled to write. First, I think it's important to remember that most coaches are usually teachers. They are hired by the district to teach and secondly to coach. In the case of someone like Coach Karch, she is a math teacher. She works all day in the classroom preparing students for college or life after high school. It take an incredible amount of energy to deal with students all day long and then go to practice or a game after school. When you come home, you are tired, hungry, or maybe frustrated because of something that may have happened at school that day. How many of you want to add an additional 2-5 hours to your work day? That's what coaches do. After you get home, do you get to sit and relax. Not always. The mountain of papers you have to grade sits in your way. Or the lesson you have to prepare for the next day. Or the committee report that your administration wants you to have ready tomorrow. Teachers coach because they have a desire to help kids. Does it always equate to wins. No way! It's easy to sit and say so and so is a bad coach or he treats his/her athletes with disrespect. But do you really know how difficult it can be to motivate today's youth? Kids today don't like to be yelled at or sometimes told what to do. They get mad and go home and tell THEIR side of the story. But you don't hear the coach's side? In the case of Jeff Miller, he ran into a parent who did not want his son to have to follow the rules. He's paying a price for that. But we need teachers to coach our kids. They are in the schools and see how they really behave. They can monitor student progress and help intervene when students aren't performing well in the classroom. They are trained professionaly to deal with the needs of student athletes. Tearing people apart in a public forum without signing your name does not help anyone! This will only help drive people who want to coach out of the business because they don't want their names dragged through the mud. I love the students I teach and coach, but sometimes I make mistakes in judgement. Sometimes I do things I regret later. But, isn't that why were humans? Only one perfect person walked on this earth, and we know what happened to him, don't we? Please parents, support your coaches. They work hard. And they're sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, dads, moms, friends, neighbors-just like you. Would you want someone you're close to treated like this? I'll sign my name. Gene Nance "

Question wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:24 PM:

" I don't know how Charleston gets people to even want to coach. The criticism is out of control. "

To Gene Nance: wrote on Apr 29, 2007 8:47 AM:

" Beautifully written. Thank you very much. School district coaches everywhere deserve better than they're receiving from this thread. I wouldn't have the stomach to coach. "

Ha wrote on Apr 29, 2007 6:17 PM:

" I think it's hilarious that Mattoon and Charleston stink at everything. "

William Todd wrote on Apr 30, 2007 12:06 AM:

" A job well done coach Nance! Mattoon and Charleston don't stink at everything, Charlestons boys bball has had 5 winning seasons, Brian Halsey has done one hell of a job turning the football program around. The boys baseball team has been good for years and girls track has basically ruled the Apollo Conference. Mattoon just 2 years ago was in the football state semi finals, the boys wrestling program has been top notch for years as has Coach Jakleys baseball program. Why do people continue to write some of the things they do? GO coaches of CHS!! "

a parent that agrees wrote on Apr 30, 2007 12:13 AM:

" Thanks Gene Nance for your comments. You are exactly right. "

Beth (Butts) Welch wrote on Apr 30, 2007 10:15 AM:

" Is this how Charleston treats one of its own? You would think that the people of this town would support a local man who decided to stay and raise his family here and be a working part of the community. The small-minded, judgmental cruelness of these comments remind me of the "mean girls" in high school and why I couldn't wait to graduate and GET OUT! I can't believe that some of you have not matured past that! Grow up and give Jeff Miller a chance to prove himself! Dad's look in the mirror! Have you been coaching your sons up to this point? Building basketball skills starts early. Coach Miller needs some talent and support from the fans and parents to succeed. "

only thing worse wrote on Apr 30, 2007 10:56 AM:

" Just a quick comment - sounds like the only thing worse than being a HS coach - is being an official at one of these games [with all the rabid parents.] "

Ron Stoner wrote on May 1, 2007 12:10 PM:

" I'm a stand up guy and would like to state for the record that before the board voted to hire Jeff as the girls coach I made my appeal to them to reconsider this choice. I had my reasons to do so and felt very strongly, about them. I took the proper path in voicing my opinion and concerns and am greatful to the board for listening and allowing me my time to do so. With that said, I can sleep at night knowing I followed my heart and accept the boards decision. I think Jeff is a good guy and completely respect Kelly in all her efforts to put a positive spirit out there. My family was part of the first Miller campaign,and for the record ...NEVER interfered with how The team was run or played. We never made threats to Jeff or tried to pull any strings to inhance our son's time on the court....NEVER. My son's career was what it was. Many lessons in life were learned and we accepted it all good and bad the best we could. I suppose because of the trials and tribulations we endured that we became easy targets of blame. So be it...I can take it and my family is tighter and stronger because of it. There you have it folks...Ron Stoner opposed Jeff getting hired and spent over 3 hours at a board meeting to voice that concern. I don't know how other players or families may have felt or feel, so if you must,(Nielsen comes to mind)lay it on me, my family is still an easy target..but we can take it. In life we all learn from mistakes...The sad thing is when we don't. The proverbial mulligan of life has arrived and I wish Jeff and the girls much success. Second chances are always feel good,compassionate opportunities of life. Some are offered and thats great.. some ARE NOT. Go Trojans Sincerely Ron Stoner "

Billie wrote on May 1, 2007 4:39 PM:

" My family told Karch and the principle what we thought of her dubious volleyball and softball coaching skills or lack thereof many years ago when our daughter's played on her teams. Favoritism was her primary skill as far as I could tell. The only reason my daughter's were starter's was because they were both so good she HAD to play them. This didn't stop her from dressing them down in front of fans, and player's many times when they didn't have it coming. Her "pets" on the other hand could make the most blatant error's and get nothing more than a whining "Oh well, try harder". Example's: my younger daughter could use her left hand as well as her right but was not allowed to serve lefthanded(volleyball). She could spike right or left handed. She perfected a jump serve but was not allowed to use it. One of the pets did, and served it out EVERYTIME, but was still allowed to continue using it. Is this fair? She could bat lefthanded too, but no, she wasn't even given a chance.The last year she played she took over the catcher's job, because she had talked to the coach that too many balls were getting past the catcher and runs being scored. She was told to "get the gear on if you think you can do better", in a snotty tone. Although she had never caught before except at practice she donned the gear. She had played first base and shortstop. Guess what? from that time on during the last half of the season. They started winning! She and the shortstop as a combination picked off runner's right and left! No stats had ever been kept on this. What a shame! My older girl played volleyball and experienced some of the same, although not quite as bad. Several girls(good player's too) quit softball and volleyball during their senior years because of this kind of behavior. Do I think she's a good coach? No! I speak from personal experience. We were not the kind of parents who continually ran to the power's that be to discuss this unfairness. We did one time and one time only., The last time while playing shortstop she dressed my younger girl down for choosing to tag a runner going from second base to third (hard enough you could see her stumble) and threw to first base for a double play! The umpire missed the call on the tag( it happens). She screamed at her that that was NEVER an option. You ALWAYS throw to first base. In other words don't get the lead runner even IF you can! Duh! That was the last time she did this! I spoke in a voice at the fence loud enough for her to hear to my daughter, that was the last time she would EVER embarrass her like that when she didn't deserve it! If she had it coming, that would be a horse of a different color. It didn't happen again. Some of the other poster's who don't care for Karch's coaching skills have probably had similar experiences.... I would like to see Coach Miller given a chance and if it doesn't work out, so be it. "

To Ron wrote on May 1, 2007 8:26 PM:

" Ron, I was not speaking of you in any way. Your're my friend. Gene "

William Todd wrote on May 1, 2007 8:48 PM:

" I would like to say "nice job" Ron Stoner. That was a stand up blog. Lets give Miller a chance!! I find it interesting that parents don't like it when their little babies get yelled at, sorry isn't that part of a coaches job??? There are good supportive parents and then soft parents who raise soft kids, well the real world isn't soft and you aren't doing them any favors. Coaches at times need to be hard on athletes. Deal with it or don't have your kids play extra-curricular sports. "

Billie wrote on May 1, 2007 11:29 PM:

" I've never had a problem with a coach getting tough when needed. The problem is when it's not dealt out fairly all the way around, but used selectively and only on certain player's. A little praise for a job well done works wonder's also. When a kid gives everything they have and then some only to be treated like a loser,it doesn't set well. The only reason my kid kept playing softball and volleyball was because she LOVED to play and was darned good at it! No matter how hard she tried, no praise was ever sent her way. She was not and has never been a crybaby. She just made up her mind she was going to do her best no matter what and she did!...Coach Sharon Brinkmeyer coached many Apollo Conference winning track teams at CHS. She was tough, but fair. She worked the girls hard and it paid off!My older daughter ran on one of her teams. She was competing for the anchor spot on the 400 meter relay team. The other runner had a slightly faster time. My kid got the spot. Know why? Because she gave EVERYTHING she had EVERYTIME she ran, not just when she felt like it.... I will in all fairness to Karch bring up one incident when she showed a little heart. My older daughter was on her volleyball team. Her junior year she was in a serious car accident and was hositalized for 6 weeks and spent the rest of the year homebound for school. When tryouts for the team came about her senior year she made then team despite a hip injury. Karch gave her a spot on the team knowing her playing time and ability would be limited, possibly restricting her to serving. After two or three workouts my daughter knew she couldn't play up to par anymore. She decided not to play and removed herself from the team because she did not want to be a liability to the team. Like my younger girl she was first and foremost a team player. Despite the hard feelings I've had toward Karch, I'll always be grateful she at least gave her a chance. ...Tough coaches I don't have a problem with. Chew their butts out if they need it, but be fair about it . We didn't raise wimps that couldn't take a chewing out if they had it coming. A good coach instills confidence not only in the team, but the individuals on the team. "

Wiiliam Todd wrote on May 2, 2007 1:31 PM:

" I realize that your daughter may not be a baby, but the fact of the matter is you are!! If your daughter had no problems and loved to play and she has been graduated now for some time, why do you all of a sudden feel entitled to bash coaches publicly??? I am not saying that you are wrong for the way you feel towards an individual, what I am saying is wrong is all the people who feel they are entitled to bash coaches on these sites. What gives people the right to judge a coach when the person judging is only observing a small part of the big picture. MY opinion is this......Let coaches coach, you do your jobs and lets quit talking on this blog., "

Billie wrote on May 2, 2007 10:28 PM:

" I'm not a crybaby Mr Todd. I just like to see fairness. The small part of the picture as you call it didn't fit the scenario I depicted. We went to almost EVERY game except a few out of town games when we were unable to be there. Those times were few and far between. We saw what I described on a regular basis. The proof is in the "puddin" so they say. Yes my kids have been out of school for quite some time but CHS softball still hasn't made any progress. Our young women deserve better. I'm all for giving anyone the benefit of the doubt, but when it's proven over and over again that the problem still exsists and won't be addressed, it's time to face facts. I'm not the only one on this site who has a bone to pick about this.When other poster's made their feelings known I decided to let mine out there too. If you don't agree with me, that's your choice and you can say so, but I shouldn't have to stifle my opinion just because you think I should. "

to Billie wrote on May 3, 2007 7:16 AM:

" Your daughters are the best human beings on the face of the planet. Everybody knows it because you have told us. "

To WIlliam Todd wrote on May 3, 2007 9:05 AM:

" How is it bashing a coach to share her 25 year record of mediocre to bad results. The Karch comments started because of a factual post about her record, no conference championships ever, and her lack of involvement in building a program. Last time I checked, Karch is a puclic figure, who is paid with my tax dollars to do a job which she has demonstrably failed at for 25 years. Now, please tell me again why I have no right to voice my opinion? "

To Billie wrote on May 3, 2007 9:07 AM:

" I know you and your oldest daugher, neither one of you are crybabies. In fact Lori was very tough, a hard worker and an excellent athlete. Mr. Todd, however, appears to be a bully. "

William Todd wrote on May 3, 2007 9:07 AM:

" To Bilie, What makes a coach successful? Is it winning seasons? Championships? Positive role models? In your opinion what makes a coach successful, why in your opinion does there need to be change? Has Coach Karch won? Has she not won enough? Is she not a positive role model? John Wooden didn't make an NCAA tourney for 12 years. Then he won 10. Coach K at Duke was almost fired after 3 years. Bobby Knight demeans and degrades his players while using profanity etc. So what type of coach would you like to see at CHS? Again, I am not saying that you don't have a right to feel the way you do, but it is hard to be a coach. Did you ever go watch practices? Does Coach Karch cuss at the kids? Is she in her personal life setting a bad example? Is she having losing season after losing season? Do you realize how much time, effort, and work goes into coaching? I am not defending coach Karch's coaching skills, I cannot, for I havent watched a game, but I am defending coaches, all coaches! How much time did Coach Karch spend with your daughter(s) when she could have been with her kids? While you may not like her as a coach, even a fair one at that, you should at least recognize and respect the fact that she has put a lot of her time and efforts into what she does. As will coach Miller, Halsey, Doughty, Landrus, and everyone else who coaches at CHS who get scrutinzed by people on the internet, who in fact may not even be involved with anything anymore, just wanting to jump on a band wagon and throw others under the bus. "

To Gene Nance wrote on May 3, 2007 9:20 AM:

" I know you Coach Nance, and have a lot of respect for you as a person and a coach. Your integrity and record of accomplishment speak for themselves. I agree that it is usually preferable to have coaches who are teachers, but that is not the only criteria. Coaching is a paid position. As a professional, coaches should be held to a level of conduct and success. Coach Karch has a 25 year coaching record which she can and should be judged on. Based on her record as a coach, not as a person or a math teacher, I believe she should be replaced as CHS softball coach. She should be asked to resign and if she wont then she should be relieved of her coaching duties. Sorry, I wont be able to sign my name until my daugher is done playing for her or she is gone. "

Billie wrote on May 3, 2007 11:26 AM:

" In answer to your question about watching practices, yes we did. Everything I have written about here I have seen personally, and my kids were not the only ones singled out. If the situation had improved during all the years since my kids were playing, I would not have felt the need to comment. Over the years I've heard similar complaints from former player's and parents... My husband and I coached girls Rec Dept softball for several years. I know it isn't in the same league as coaching high school, but nonetheless we felt a responsibilty to the girls who worked so hard to treat everyone fairly. Let's face it. Some are more talented than other's and will receive more playing time. However, we saw to it that EVERY girl got to play in every game....My husband, in an effort not to show favoritism to our daughter, was being particularly critical of her, more so than the other girls. He didn't yell or scream at her, but it was clear he was expecting more of her. I know his motive's were good,but finally, I pointed this out to him and suggested he ease up and treat her like the other girls. It's tough when you coach your own kid. You bend over backwards to be fair to the other kids, that sometimes you can be unfair to your own... We had winning seasons every year. Some kids had physical disabilities, but they worked so hard and everytime they got a good hit, or did something that prevented a run being scored, the whole team cheered! Fairness is the key here. Yes, coaches play the best player's most of the time, but we need to remember that it's a TEAM and every member is important not just a select few. These young girls played their hearts out and it was as important to them as if they had been on a school team. I am in no way comparing our limited coaching experience to a middle school or high school coach. That would be ludicrous. However, treating player's with respect and fairness, praising them when they do well, and also constructive critisism doesn't require a "coaching degree". As I said before, I don't mind a good chewing out if it's neccessary. Sometimes it's needed to motivate a team or an individual. I do have a problem with it though when certain player's get it indiscriminatly while other's get a "free ride" no matter how often they mess up. "

William Todd wrote on May 3, 2007 11:58 AM:

" First of all, lets be 100% honest here. My name is on the blog, where and who are the rest of you.? Secondly, whomever wrote "to william todd May 3 at 9:07" I respond to you WITH this... Again, I am not defending coaches records,styles, approach etc. I am defending coaches. Next, I am not telliing anyone they cannot voice their opinions anywhere, it is America and these blogs are for opinions.! Now, lets get to it....You coach "bashers" and that is what you are, you like to tell everyone publicly how bad a coach is for whatever reason,NOR DO YOU COACH! on how you see fit, but you don't sign your name, your not the one who is being written about and your jobs aren't blown up by public opinion. Your famililes and friends aren't reading about you and your job skills or lack of,why should you people worry, you cant even tell who you are.... Lastly, use your tax dollars, if you feel compelled to do so, go to thepetition the board, then when the job is open go to the adm. office and apply for the softball job, get involved with the youth programs, and coach not only the hs kids,but implement your philosophy into the youth program, then WIN, its easy, just WIN, you act like it is simple. SO YOU APPLY AND GO DO IT, Get Karch out, then apply!! Lets see how you do. Now, whomever "to Gene Nance" is...I stand by the above, you have daughters involved and you will bash Karch on the internet, but you don't sign your name for fear of the unknown, well here is a lesson.. DO YOU NOT THINK IT WOULD BE HARD TO COACH YOU DAUGHTER AND WIN IF YOU WERE COACH KARCH??? REASON BEING.....YOUR DAUGHTER HEARS YOU BASH HER AND KNOW YOUR FEELINGS, SO HOW IS YOUR DAUGHTER OBJECTIVELY SUPPOSED TO PLAY FOR A COACH WITH 100% RESPECT IF MOMMY AND DADDY SAY BAD THINGS ABOUT HER.?? AGAIN TO YOU, I SAY, APPLY, COACH AND SEE HOW YOU DO! "

For the Coaches wrote on May 3, 2007 1:00 PM:

" Coaches coach, parents complain! This is nothing new! However, it is not the coaches who are or are not making plays between the lines. Coaches prepare the athletes they are given the best they possibly can. Coaches are not allowed to recruit. They must take what they have and try to make them better. Some accountability must be put on the athletes. Or, the coaches should blame the ungrateful, loud-mouthed parents for passing on poor genes. The loudest parents are usually the ones that were not athletes, or not very good ones, living through their children. The best thing that parents could do is quit critisizing and support. Sometimes that is all that is needed to get over the hump.One last thing, to compare summer intramural sports to school sponsored interscholastic sports is ridiculous. It is like comparing apples and roast beef. It is stupid and really shows what little parents know! I cant wait until coaches show up to our work places and begin critiqing us. "

Eco T wrote on May 3, 2007 6:19 PM:

" Mr. William Todd, your questions and statements have been answered about a hundred times already. You need to visit your local vision center as soon as possible. You are a windy fellow, aren't you? "William Todd" said: "I am not defending coach Karch's coaching skills, I cannot, for I havent watched a game, but I am defending coaches, all coaches!" - You are generalizing, these are continuing specific incidents. You are out of the loop. You said it yourself, "I havent watched a game". You can not understand these parents grief for Coach Karch if you have not been to one single game. Nor can you preach about "getting out there and getting more involved" if you are not doing it yourself. Hypocrisy anyone? Anyone? It also looks to me like you're doing to other posters for what you would like for them to stop doing to the coaches. Pot, Kettle, Black, anyone? Anyone? - Bueller?... Bueller?... Bueller? "

My thoughs after reading all... wrote on May 3, 2007 6:29 PM:

" I just think we all need to grow up and go see a game of softball or basketball and see what all goes on. See what other people are saying about Karch and Miller, see if they are right not just say stuff and not even see how they are on and off the field/court. Like some people have said alot of coaches are teachers, they do have a ruff day then go to practice or game and get upset at players but players get use to it, because i am a player and i am use to it. PEOPLE JUST COMPLAIN BUT DON'T GO OUT AND SIGN UP FOR THE COACHING JOBS. If you think your so good and could do better go coach that sport. "

William Todd wrote on May 3, 2007 10:56 PM:

" To "eco T" your not so ignorance is bliss...Thank you! Finally someone gets it. You see its easy to get on these blogs and criticize, yes, I am the pot calling the kettle black, me pot, me kettle. It isn't good to publicly criticize a job someone else does unless they actually try to do it or change it in a productive way. If what I say has upset or offended anyone, well the point is... imagine being Jeff Miller or Karen Karch and reading numerous negative blogs daily. I am windy, but not hipocritical, just standing up for people who put a lot of their time and efforts into a job that most people don't ever want to do, a lot in part to opinions of the public. Its a no win situation no matter how many wins, losses, championships etc. So this is my farewell blog from a guy who loves sports, a guy who respects everyyones opinon, a guy who from a small town (right outside Casey Westfield) will stand up for coaches out of respect for all their time, efforts, work and dedication to student athletes. Thank you eco T for getting it. Thank you all for your opinions, thank you for all you coaches. Lastly, I wish all the coaches, parents and fans of CHS athletics the best of luck. So long and good night! "

little eyes and ears wrote on May 4, 2007 2:49 PM:

" Are all of your aware that this particular blog is the talk of the students, athletes, and staff at CUSD#1. No wonder the problems exists here - parents complain about coaches in front of children, on blogs, in public(but of course only around certain people because, heaven forbid your name should come up.) It's said that parents lead by example and children are an example of their parents and peers. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to determine what's wrong in today's world! Try using this venue to teach respect and responsibility. "Treat others as you would be treated." "

What's Going On??? wrote on May 4, 2007 3:50 PM:

" I too am from the Casey-Westfield area. I have followed sports for many years. Through the years I followed Derrick Landrus in football (freshman year), basketball, golf, and baseball. I have had an opportunity to have many conversations with opposing coach's who faced him as an athlete. I understand he is a competitive, non-bragging individual. I have also found he has a true care about your students and athletes. He has the utmost respect of coach's who know him. As I follow sports in the Times Courier, Journal Gazette, I now see he is a coach who is quite successful. Charleston people, why are you missing the chance to hire him as a basketball coach??? HE DESERVES HIS TIME TO PROVE HE IS THE ONE FOR YOUR BASKETBALL PROGRAM(S)!!! Many of us "sports nuts" can only dream of having a coach like Coach Landrus to coach our daughters or sons!!! "

Glad to hear... wrote on May 4, 2007 5:34 PM:

" that people are paying attention. Now maybe finally the right thing will be done for the Softball team. The softball girls deserve new leadership. I know there are quality teachers in this area who would love the chance to coach softball at CHS. I know the athletes will be thrilled at the prospect of competent leadership. "

Joe Gisondi wrote on May 4, 2007 5:53 PM:

" I'd like to say I am shocked by the comments on this message board. However, more than 20 years of covering high school, college and professional sports have taught me coaches take a lot of abuse. High school coaches seem to take the most personal abuse, as shown on this message board. Yet, I am most impressed by these high school coaches who work countless hours for small stipends to teach young kids about games and life. I've faced a few jerks along the way, but these coaches have been the exceptions. Coaches are typically a dedicated group, people who are willing to spend their spare time helping other people's kids. Plus, as Coach Nance stated, these coaches do so much more than stand on the sidelines -- they also break down film, schedule games, organize practices and make sure kids have rides home. Most parents, coaches will attest, are pretty good to work with. But a few parents will always be angry over playing time, how their kids are treated, or whether the coach was 'too forceful' in getting a point across. Fair enough. Have your say in regards to these points. If the problem is severe, push for the removal of this coach. But stick to the salient points. Attacking someone personally is not only off-topic, but embarrassing. Nobody deserves to get filleted in public. These personal attacks teach our kids far worse lessons than any taught on a court by a 'perceived' poor coach. For disclosure's sake, I'll admit I know (and respect) Jeff Miller. In five years, I've learned he is a man of integrity and compassion, a man who has dedicated his life to family and teaching kids. So he lost more games than he won several years ago. That happens. Coaches and managers are recycled time and again in the professional ranks. (Bill Belichick was a 'bum' until he landed in New England and Joe Torre was considered mediocre before he won in New York). So why can't a coach get a second or third chance at the prep level as well? I've covered dozens of successful coaches in the same situation, people who learned from past failures. (How many of us have learned from mistakes in our own jobs?). You can argue that high school coaches are public figures, but they are really more private public servants trying to do the best they can. Perhaps, Jeff will be the next great coach. Perhaps, he will, instead, have some more challenges. If he does struggle, I hope all will keep the debate civil and comment on strategy and performance, not attack him personally (and anonymously) on some message board. "

John Zuniga wrote on May 5, 2007 9:58 AM:

" I just want to say, thank you for the kind words that one of my former players parents wrote about me and how it made me feel when I read it...I don't normally read these blogs as you call them until my wife told me about it. I can't say that i'm not disappointed for not getting the head coaching job, but I feel Jeff Miller will do a fine job with these girls if given a chance to do so, many of whom I have coached since their elementary & middle school grades. I too, had several rough years in coaching and sometimes it can be as thankless a job as refereeing is! But Jeff is a fine man & coach, and I feel he deserves our respect and backing to help him succeed with our girls program! I have been a head basketball coach & for over 22 years, coaching boys & girls, mostly girls Varsity & JV. Yes, I feel I would have been extremely capable & confident of taking our girl's program & turning it around into a winning program because i've done it before while living in California! Although i'm not a teacher in the district, I know I could have taken these girls to another level of competition! Even though we live in a small town, that doesn't mean we have to play like it, we have to play at a higher level like the big city teams do... we have to have that killer instinct night in & night out with every game and we have to be able to finish our opponent when the time demands! That is why when we moved here I decided to start a girls player development program to be able to get these girls fundamentally sound and proficient enough to compete. And you know what, I didn't have the entire backing of the basketball program, but so what. I was determined to get these young ladies somewhat knowledgeable and re-focused on the fundamentals. After all I have a vested interest with my own daughter coming into her own as a player too at the JV & Varsity level. And to answer Mr. Todd's questions if I have coached at the higher levels, my answer is yes to all. I've coached at the Varsity, JV, AAU level, won several regional championships, all star championship & a national championship in 2005 with one of the largest girls travel programs in the country. I know 95% of the girls & their parents personally that play here in the Charleston program especially having a daughter who was a starter on this years JV squad & my son who also was the boy's starting point guard playing for Coach Doughty. I'm not all about bashing & demeaning others, that just causes descension & animosity among the community. I just want what is in the best interest of our student athletes, and that is to teach, train & develop leaders not only in sports, but in life so that they can feel good about themselves and have a sense of confidence, integrity & character! "

Sierra Reed wrote on May 5, 2007 9:48 PM:

" I understand that there are some people that don't like Coach Karch. I just want to share something with all of you. I am a 13 year old CMS student. I had never played softball, ever, in my life till I played for Karch's Charleston Middle School's team last summer when I was 12. I really had very little understanding of the game and very little skill. In just one summer of playing for Coach Karch, I learned so much from her. She is tough, but I know what she did for me, and she has a lot of very talented ladies come from under her wing. I love Coach Karch and everything that I have learned, she is the one that taught me. I now play for one of Charleston's traveling teams and can't wait for CMS tryouts this summer. I love softball and if I agreed with you negative people, I wouldn't be so excited to play for Coach Karch again. I have read what others have said about Coach Karch and I hope that she doesn't quit coaching because of all of this! "

To John Zuniga wrote on May 7, 2007 8:27 AM:

" YOU ARE AWESOME! Thanks for telling us so! Please don't waste your time trying to coach here in Charleston, I'm sure you could get a major college job or jump right into the WNBA! "

facts wrote on May 7, 2007 9:04 AM:

" Landrus didn't apply for the job so I guess he didn't want it. Not too many people did from what I understand. A school district will hire from within before hiring without 99% of the time - consistancy with players and all. Give everyone the opportunity to prove themselves before you continue to bash them. "

To Charleston Fan wrote on May 8, 2007 3:59 PM:

" I would love to see you replace 10 seniors on defense in football, so don't bash Calandrilla's defense they will be better. Jeff Miller would have won if he stayed one more year coaching the boys; he turned the program around to give it to a coach that does not get all the talent out of his players. Maybe we should talk about a boys program that should be winning more basketball games. "

to Trojan Fan wrote on May 8, 2007 7:08 PM:

" Let's not bash Calandrilla or football. Halsey and his staff are good with kids and have done a heckuva job re-building a program that was rock bottom. Keep in mind the football situation was very similar to the girls basketball situation. Not too many people were beating down the door to coach at CHS. Our administrators gave a rookie head coach a shot and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. My son loves and respects his football coaches. GIVE MILLER A CHANCE! Also, let's not talk about the annual boys basketball short comings because I can't stomach reading anymore about Landrus taking over and being the savior. Bottom line, Landrus does not want to coach basketball or he would have applied! "

Former Player wrote on May 15, 2007 11:38 AM:

" In regards to the comments about Coach Karch I have played for her so I know her all to well. The only thing I want to stress is softbal or any sport for that matter is OPTIONAL. The kids need to have fun and enjoy playing the game at the same time learning. If they are yelled at all the time they start to dread to go to practices and then it trickles down from there. I hate to see kids give up a sport they love becase they can't stand their coach, and I have seen it many times. I am not meaning this towards Coach Karch but to all coaches rather you are a rec coach, high school coach, or a travel ball coach. You have to give respect in order to get it in return. If the kids do not respect their coach it will show in the end!!!!! "