unc4life;1710016 wrote:Old Rider...you do realize its 2015 your football team has won 3 games in the past 2 years and your school just let the whole area know that their athletic program is no longer what it was. Mighty Orrville has been taking on the Giants of the OCC for over 12 years now and have done just fine. You might be right West Holmes and Wooster might play you in some sports heck maybe even football, but don't sit here and thump your chest like the good olde days are back and everyone wants to play Orrville. I still find it amusing that two bad years of football can make a school change conferences, because if you think it has anything to do other then football your crazy. Only in Orrville.

Bingo! Great Post!

unc4life;1710016 wrote:Old Rider...you do realize its 2015 your football team has won 3 games in the past 2 years and your school just let the whole area know that their athletic program is no longer what it was. Mighty Orrville has been taking on the Giants of the OCC for over 12 years now and have done just fine. You might be right West Holmes and Wooster might play you in some sports heck maybe even football, but don't sit here and thump your chest like the good olde days are back and everyone wants to play Orrville. I still find it amusing that two bad years of football can make a school change conferences, because if you think it has anything to do other then football your crazy. Only in Orrville.

That was quick.

Took less than 10 hours for the "Orrville is tucking tail & running" theory to come out.

We're not admitting failure, we're responding to the changing landscape of our school.

We had 2,000 kids in the district when we joined the OCC....less than 1,600 now. 20% less. That's a fact. Our "big classes" at the grade school level used to be our small classes 10 years ago.

Less athletes to spread across the same # of sports...more sports if you count swimming....numbers down across the majority of our sports (how many times have we NOT fielded a JV or freshman team in the past decade?).

We're down 100 kids in the top 3 grades...the grades that feed your varsity teams.

But we're cowards for making a change for the good of our kids. Riiiight.

Just a football move? Big part of it because it's the top revenue earner for the other sports.....but how many OCC titles have we won in boys basketball? What about tennis (Boys and Girls)? Soccer? Golf? Wrestling? Cross Country? Baseball? We can say conference titles don't matter, but competing does matter to the kids.

We've been trying to change conferences for 5 years. We saw the declining enrollment and talent drop off coming down the road. Our eighth graders and 7th graders should bring us back up some and our lower 3 elementary grades have had an increase in enrollment.

Old Rider;1710014 wrote:Three things Wooster only wished they had....glory days, swag, and tradition.

Your speech and debate team could probably say those things though!

Our Speech & Debate Team is 28-point favorites over your football team.

CCRolly;1710083 wrote:Our Speech & Debate Team is 28-point favorites over your football team.

If those speech and debate kids would have played football for the generals back in the 80's and 90's you might have been able to put together a winner! That was your era...I understand though...the good athletes played the sports that won titles....speech and debate.

rrfan....do you believe it now?? Welcome to the PAC

Keep living in the past Old Rider...it's all you got. I envision you listening to "Glory Days" ever time you post.

Back to basketball...thoughts on the boys game @ Dalton Friday? I think that if we can win the battle in the paint by attacking the offensive glass and get their big man rattled we will be just fine. The atmosphere is going to great...looking forward to this one.

Old Rider;1710176 wrote:rrfan....do you believe it now?? Welcome to the PAC

I believe it but it does not mean I have to like it!

Great job to all that got involved in the debate. Looks like a done deal at this point. It really is about the kids (at least that is my opinion), at my core I don't like the move but it is simply not about me or MY ego or MY feelings. I see the WHY in all the measurable that this move should help. And for the record I would like to say to all of us from the Ville, we should stop getting involved in the muddy water of feelings many poster have. LOTS of people STILL sore over the losses that were handed out 10-20 even 30 years ago. We should all identify with that and move on. Those of us who played REMEMBER how short an hour bus ride was after a win and how LONG it seemed after a loss. Unfortunately the Ville has had too many long bus rides that are simply getting too expensive.

This move may be great and it may prove to change nothing, the point is our community is trying to do something. And THAT is refreshing to me and proves our people still care. We are responsible as adults to put our kids in the best possible position for success and in the arena. LOTS of small reasons that lead to a feeling large enough for the people in power to make a change. We need to respect that. This entire situation reminds me of a statement a wise man once shared with me “I have been in business for over 45 years and the one thing I know is that I don’t know everything”. Put simply we won’t know if this was the right move any time soon as far as wins and losses, we do know it will help the pocket book a little day one. People still care and are trying to put our kids in the best possible positions.

NOW, I am looking forward to see how Sly can move this basketball team in the post season!!! Go RIDERS!!!

sanitizer;1710211 wrote:Great job to all that got involved in the debate. Looks like a done deal at this point. It really is about the kids (at least that is my opinion), at my core I don't like the move but it is simply not about me or MY ego or MY feelings. I see the WHY in all the measurable that this move should help. And for the record I would like to say to all of us from the Ville, we should stop getting involved in the muddy water of feelings many poster have. LOTS of people STILL sore over the losses that were handed out 10-20 even 30 years ago. We should all identify with that and move on. Those of us who played REMEMBER how short an hour bus ride was after a win and how LONG it seemed after a loss. Unfortunately the Ville has had too many long bus rides that are simply getting too expensive.

This move may be great and it may prove to change nothing, the point is our community is trying to do something. And THAT is refreshing to me and proves our people still care. We are responsible as adults to put our kids in the best possible position for success and in the arena. LOTS of small reasons that lead to a feeling large enough for the people in power to make a change. We need to respect that. This entire situation reminds me of a statement a wise man once shared with me “I have been in business for over 45 years and the one thing I know is that I don’t know everything”. Put simply we won’t know if this was the right move any time soon as far as wins and losses, we do know it will help the pocket book a little day one. People still care and are trying to put our kids in the best possible positions.

NOW, I am looking forward to see how Sly can move this basketball team in the post season!!! Go RIDERS!!!

Sanitizer- The girls basketball team had a good win last night also. They are playing a big game on Saturday.

The one thing all of us can agree on is that we want the kids to have success. We want Orrville to win...I don't care if it is a horse shoe competition I want to see our kids win! I did not think we would get voted in and I did not want us too. We are in and now I hope that we have some great years coming. I still think there are many things that need improved and still hold to it that switching conferences with out some new attitudes from these young kids will change nothing. We need some nasty back. I wish I knew how to do that I would gladly help. Still really want to see some lifting program implemented for the Jr. High kids I know some disagree with me but I truly feel this is a big missing piece in the programs right now. Does that make us undefeated NO, but it can make us more athletic. It can also cut down on injuries which I think all can also agree on that would be great for the program and more importantly the student athletes.

I also hope that the year we move to this conference the football team shows what Orrville was, is and always will be about! How many on that team right now know what "Rider Half" is? I would love to see numbers grow on the team. Some of that may happen by default with some decent size classes coming and from what I hear some athletes coming. The challenge is to get them out there and buying into each other. It is not a coaching thing in my opinion. It is about the kids holding themselves and friends accountable. Leaders need to lead. I want to see those HS boys giving time back to help the flag football program grow at the boys and girls club and absolutely want to see the Pee Wee system go away!

Riders have to step up and I can't wait to see how we rebound!

Old Rider;1710122 wrote:If those speech and debate kids would have played football for the generals back in the 80's and 90's you might have been able to put together a winner! That was your era...I understand though...the good athletes played the sports that won titles....speech and debate.

Hey "Old", a lot of those Speech & Debate cats are probably employers and supervisors of the "athletes" that won those high school titles, LOL!

rrfan;1709350 wrote:Series-if that it true it is really bad. That is something I think we can both agree on....

rrfan, another thing we can agree on is the fact that weightlifting, strength-training and conditioning and aerobics can and do make a difference. A stronger, well-conditioned body is less susceptible to injury and fatigue, it has more endurance and stamina. You will obviously lose that edge to some degree if your opponent is working out equally as well, but they'll know they've been in a "fight" when they can't just walk all over you because you're weak!

We may not agree with the fact that I believe the coaches still do have a job to "coach" and make it mandatory to not only be present at the gym/weight room but also to verify that the athlete is training and showing some measurable progress. In my opinion, this no different than if the athlete doesn't know the plays, why are they on the field/court?

Series62;1710453 wrote:rrfan, another thing we can agree on is the fact that weightlifting, strength-training and conditioning and aerobics can and do make a difference. A stronger, well-conditioned body is less susceptible to injury and fatigue, it has more endurance and stamina. You will obviously lose that edge to some degree if your opponent is working out equally as well, but they'll know they've been in a "fight" when they can't just walk all over you because you're weak!

We may not agree with the fact that I believe the coaches still do have a job to "coach" and make it mandatory to not only be present at the gym/weight room but also to verify that the athlete is training and showing some measurable progress. In my opinion, this no different than if the athlete doesn't know the plays, why are they on the field/court?

We have been agreeing more lately. Should I be scared? Also, many say if the coaches take the strong approach we would not even be able to have a team. I truly don't have enough info on that topic but from the looks of things that could be correct. Seems when things get tough the new answer is to quit. I believe that goes to parenting but the argument can be made it is coaching and I will listen. Just at this time that is not what I think.

rrfan;1710487 wrote: Seems when things get tough the new answer is to quit. I believe that goes to parenting but the argument can be made it is coaching and I will listen. Just at this time that is not what I think.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Heard one of our own coaches say that this generation really lacks the ability to "grind" through a tough stretch. A losing streak, having to work their way up from 2nd or 3rd string, putting in the work to get stronger.

Kids want "it" (playing time, respect, money) now and don't want to have to work for it.

And when parents are fighting EVERY SINGLE BATTLE for their kids against that "mean" teacher or that "unfair" coach or that "terrible" boss....kids pick up on this. Would rather play the victim than get better....on the field, in the classroom, or in a career....or just quit.

There are a number of qualified guys in the area that could really help with strength and conditioning at the high school. And I mean QUALIFIED guys that didn't get a degree in an hour on an online course. If you want strength and conditioning to be a major factor than you have to treat it like one. One mistake that gets made a lot is having existing coaches too involved in this process. Need someone different IMO, Someone to independently hold these kids accountable for their time and can measure effort and outcomes. JMO of course.

I know we had mandatory lifting programs when I was in the Ville? Now I don't know what happened or remember what happened to anyone who missed mandatory workouts because we were all there. If you were in another sport that kind of excused you from the mandatory part. No question stronger faster kids make better players, can't really argue that point.

sanitizer;1710554 wrote:There are a number of qualified guys in the area that could really help with strength and conditioning at the high school. And I mean QUALIFIED guys that didn't get a degree in an hour on an online course. If you want strength and conditioning to be a major factor than you have to treat it like one. One mistake that gets made a lot is having existing coaches too involved in this process. Need someone different IMO, Someone to independently hold these kids accountable for their time and can measure effort and outcomes. JMO of course.

I know we had mandatory lifting programs when I was in the Ville? Now I don't know what happened or remember what happened to anyone who missed mandatory workouts because we were all there. If you were in another sport that kind of excused you from the mandatory part. No question stronger faster kids make better players, can't really argue that point.

Sanitizer...I want it to be major factor in the rebuild of this program...not all buy in and not sure why....

rrfan;1710574 wrote:Sanitizer...I want it to be major factor in the rebuild of this program...not all buy in and not sure why....

Because like RR1 said...its hard and its work. Its easier for these kids to just be average than to work their butts off to be good!

rrfan...talk to some of these football coaches and ask them...they will tell you exactly what RR1 said. VERY FEW kids actually put the time in...but then bitch about not playing. Kids are soft!

Old Rider;1710593 wrote:Because like RR1 said...its hard and its work. Its easier for these kids to just be average than to work their butts off to be good!

rrfan...talk to some of these football coaches and ask them...they will tell you exactly what RR1 said. VERY FEW kids actually put the time in...but then bitch about not playing. Kids are soft!

I don't disagree with any of that and it is obvious on Fridays. The question is how to change it? I think it has to start in Jr. High. I am just throwing things out and would love to hear other ideas. We all know the problems and there are many...but some you can fix and some you can't but all would help.

rrfan;1710594 wrote:I don't disagree with any of that and it is obvious on Fridays. The question is how to change it? I think it has to start in Jr. High. I am just throwing things out and would love to hear other ideas. We all know the problems and there are many...but some you can fix and some you can't but all would help.

I think we should start by getting out of the OCC..........: thumbup: Just had to throw that one at you!

Old Rider;1710597 wrote:I think we should start by getting out of the OCC..........: thumbup: Just had to throw that one at you!

Yep that is great....

I think we should start by getting out of the OCC.......... Just had to throw that one at you!

Seriously LOL at this when I read it!

Sanitizer...I want it to be major factor in the rebuild of this program...not all buy in and not sure why....

Probably two reasons, the general fan and parent does not have and understanding of how important the mental toughness kids gain from pushing through plateaus in the gym really translates on a number of fronts. That may be because many of them never did and still don't today? But they should trust that the coaches HAVE! They have never seen or experienced how those moments translate into a basic confidence on Friday nights and more importantly in LIFE. Never mind the fact that strength; especially explosive strength, translate DIRECTLY to speed on the field of play. Swagger comes from confidence, some of that is earned on the field and some in the work you put in away from your sport. Overall strength and conditioning is one of a number of factors that probably need EVALUATED. It is easy to see the product on Friday night and just throw coaches under the tractor, it is much harder to look within.
And I know and understand that kids are different today BUT SO ARE WE!!!! In many cases kids live up to the expectations set around them, our “selfie” centered media, parents, teachers, coaches, all the above. When we were younger we were EXPECTED to conduct ourselves a certain way.... Today OUR expectations are different and that plays a role in the attitude of young people today PERIOD. I see the value on a LOT of points made on this site regularly even though I may not agree. I have deep empathy for the coaches, community... But most of all the kids. Any success I have in my professional life today I owe to the lessons I learned on the field, hardwood and track at Orrville High School. I am sad that many of these kids won’t see the rewards hard work can gain you even if you are not the smartest or strongest…. BUT we do have people trying to find a solution and that is promising.

RED RIDER TILL I DIE!!!

Bad second half for the Riders! Give Dalton credit they made good adjustments at half and hit big shots down the stretch. We went cold and couldn't get in a flow. Not a bad season and look forward to waht we have coming back next season!

Old Rider;1710649 wrote:Bad second half for the Riders! Give Dalton credit they made good adjustments at half and hit big shots down the stretch. We went cold and couldn't get in a flow. Not a bad season and look forward to waht we have coming back next season!

This.

Dalton called timeout down 47-35. The final was 63-60.

They outscored us 28-13 in the final 14 minutes.

Our shots would rim out & they'd come down & hit a 3.

Amazing that 6 years ago we were in D-2 & Dalton was in D-4. Now we're both in D-3.

Speaks to our continuing decline in enrollment.

Agree with your sentiments. Very entertaining game with opposite halves. In the first half, it was Dalton whose shots were rimming out and orrville hitting the threes. The second half was the opposite. Conner Clark was really forcing it it the first half. He let the game come to him in the second. Was quite impressed with Conway. All around good player