PLACfan

3 minutes ago, JQWL said:

Mitchell hired Zach See as head coach for the 2024 season.

https://www.wbiw.com/2024/04/10/mitchell-schools-bolstered-their-staff-during-school-board-meeting-last-night/?fbclid=IwAR2-O-MUWBGwx4MMVvr6ULGugW2mwOWaQiojm0u18kSXeiAybEp0mVxVA6Q

Congratulations to Coach See!  Very happy for him.  He is a young coach and a "Mitchell guy" that will work hard to see his Bluejackets have success.  Been involved with the baseball programs of late so he has seen some success up close.  Good luck Coach! 

1 hour ago, JQWL said:

I got to walk through the new gyms being built at Crawford County Friday. It's very impressive. I started thinking about which teams in the conference have the best athletic facilities. I'm going to rank them and hopefully I do a bad job and others join in because they feel slighted.

#7 Orleans: Easy pick. No football field. Their baseball field is kinda weird. Everyone is looking down on you and the fence is super short. Softball field is across town. Really like the HS gym and the auxiliary gym is ok. Elementary gym is old and cramped and no locker rooms. Their weight room is in a closet and the equipment is outdated (assuming they haven't gotten anything new since I've been in there.)

#6 Perry Central: I hate their HS gym. Just very uncomfortable to sit in. Small. I'm not sure about that dome gym but we always referred to it as the asbestos dome growing up. They do have a nice elementary gym with that huge mural in it that's pretty cool. Not a big fan of their baseball field. Everything is almost too big. Huge back stop. Huge fence. The football field is always in good shape. The track is always in good shape too. I've never been in their weight room so I can't comment on that.

#5 Springs Valley: The HS gym is great. Auxiliary gym is ok at best and elementary gym is awful. They have a nice weight room. They recently resurfaced the football field and it's in good shape. The track can't be used for home meets because the surface has to withstanding the flooding and that doesn't make it suitable for meets. I really like what they've done with the baseball and softball fields in recent years.

#4 Paoli: I like our gym a lot. My favorite is the sunken style of gym but Paoli's feels very open and I like big crowds. The lower gym that the girls play their volleyball and basketball games in i super nice for a 2nd gym and I think the elementary gym is good too for what it is. Baseball and softball fields are ok, not great. I help coach baseball too and I always feel like the kids prefer playing on the road. Football field and track is in good shape. The visiting locker room is kinda of embarrassing. Before I coached at Paoli, we never used the visiting locker room and now I know why we didn't. Weight room is big and has everything you'd want but equipment is kinda dated. It works though.

#3 Crawford County: This might be #2 when everything gets finished. Football field isn't great but the baseball field is good, their basketball facilities will be great when they're done. They are also building an additional multi-purpose gym. I haven't physically been in the weight room since they moved it but I've seen photos and it looks much betters. They also have a new indoor hitting facility for baseball and softball. Overall, things are much better at Crawford County than they were 5 years ago. Also, Crawford County has one of the best Cross Country courses in the state evidently. 

#2 West Washington: They have a really good set up for basketball. They have the nice sunken gym, auxiliary gym, a nice elementary gym and a nice (not sure why the gym floor is black) multi purpose gym. Field is always in good shape. Last time I saw the weight room it was nice. The baseball/softball areas could use some work. I would compare them with ours. Just nothing you can really say. The track is ok but their numbers are normally low in track so I get why they don't do much with it. I really wish we had a facility like the Bowsman complex. 

#1 Mitchell: Mitchell has done a great job with their renovations. Baseball, softball, and football field all turfed. Looks great. Someone on Facebook posts photos of their new basketball facility almost daily and it looks great as well. I almost applied for their football job just to get a tour. I haven't been in their weight room but I've never heard anything bad about it. Their track always seems to be in good shape too. Only thing I can think of that I don't care for is their HS gym. I don't know why. Maybe it's the layout but I don't like going there at all.

Hopefully the 2 other PLAC guys on this forum can tell me why I'm wrong!

 

I like the idea here.  Ill play along.

#1- Mitchell- mine is based solely off of what little I have seen with the outdoor facilities. Outdoor facilities look awesome and should for years to come.  Not a huge fan of the visiting football locker room setup but I've been in much worse!  I have never been a fan of their HS gym.  I do love what they did with the older gym behind the school there.  I cannot remember the name of it but it has that Hoosier Gym kind of feel.  From the few pics/videos I have seen weight room setup looks really nice.

#2- Probably going with WW from an overall standpoint.  When you figure in all of the gyms (I believe the black court is to add to the lighting effect in that gym for drama/production type events), the Bowsman Complex, recent baseball/softball upgrades and the football fieldhouse, there's alot to boast about there.  I think it probably rivals Mitchell other than mitchell is "new" and WW is about the only school with traditional backyard type grass on the football field.  But it's always painted up and looks awesome.  Weight room/locker room setup is great.

My 3-5 is a bit of a tossup.  I have not been to CC since the fall so I cannot comment on the additions.  I know those additions will certainly make it much "nicer" than some other schools

#3-Paoli- I do love the setup of Chambers Gymnasium.  I have always loved the upper deck portion and especially that above the goal.  Personally I like those more than the sunken gyms that get so much love.  Football field always in good shape, football locker room is a great setup. Not to mention the football practice field that is nicer than a few PLAC game fields!  Aux gym is nice and nothing wrong with the gym at Throop.  Baseball and softball are fine.  It's a shame that more schools don't have more facilities for spring sports like baseball/softball.  Havent been in Paoli's weight room in years. Honestly don't even know where it is housed now. I used to love the setup there below the football field with the locker room.  Neat setup and always loved the weight meet Paoli hosted in the late 90's.

#4- CC- Even without seeing renovations they have alot of the same things mentioned about Paoli.  Gyms are similar, baseball/softball fields similar and the hitting facility is a great addition.  I also love their little league fields being there.  Always fun in the summer.  Biggest knock from my #3 and #4 is the football field itself.  Honestly I wouldnt say CC's visiting locker room situation is any better than paoli's and the playing surface isnt as nice. Not to mention the home announcer is brutal! haha. 

#5- SV- Obviously the HS gym gets alot of attention and I think it made a huge difference when they extended the gym floor all the way to the bleachers and got rid of the gray concrete border.  Football field is taken care of and has been in great shape the past few years.  Football and basketball locker rooms have been upgraded and are the best they can be all things considered. Baseball/softball fields have had alot of attention recently.  Softball field and dugouts look great.  Aux gym is ok.  Elementary gym is what it is.  I would think that with some light construction that elem gym could be extended and made into something usable for basketball.  But like other schools, a baseball/softball type facility would be helpful.  Track sure does what they can with what they have to work with! 

#6- PC-  The only reason they are this low is the HS gym.  Just not a fan of that gym.  Auxiliary gym in progress and of course have the elementary dome gym!  It's a national treasure I think.  Built at the same time as Epcot? haha.  All fields are always very well maintained.  JQWL mentioned that the baseball backstop is awful but everything else is pretty nice.  One thing that stands out about all of PC's fields is the way all of their scoreboards match.  Very clean look and nice touch.  PC was really the first "field house" type setup with football too.  I have only seen pics of the weight room and been inside the locker room door. Like CC, once the renovations are finished I am sure PC will move up a list like this.

#7- Orleans- for all of the reasons already mentioned. Not much else to say. 

3 minutes ago, Bluejacket1 said:

A bad day for the Mitchell Football program yesterday. Coach Kling is stepping down to take an assistant principal job in his home town of Mt. Carmel, Illinois. His father's health is a concern, and he needed to get back home to assistant his family. 

Really appreciate everything Coach was trying to do here. He was very invovled in the youth program. He put in countless hours in the weight room with not just the HS kids, but with our JH kids as well. Top to bottom, he did things the right way. Losing his son Jackson really, really hurts. The kid is just special. 

Not sure what is next. Skill position pieces have a ton of potential, but we are very thin and weak on the line. Current Freshman class is strong. Not sure on the JH outlook. I know the youth seems to be interested in football.  

I agree.  Coach Kling was working hard and had some momentum it seemed.  Hopefully this move will allow him to spend some valuable time with family.  Jackson Kling appeared to be an extremely hard worker and fine athlete all the way around. Best of luck Coach Kling! 

I know North Posey has had a great year and is coming off of a huge win.  I just don't know that Paoli can be counted out.  Out of all of the offenses/schemes NP has seen, they will not have seen a full 4 qtrs of the flexbone that I know of. That's hard to replicate all week and prepare for.  Paoli's offensive and defensive lines have played well all year and only gotten better.  I dont think Paoli can be counted out of this discussion. Should be a great game. 

Posting for Coach Wagner at McClean Co.

Mclean County High School is in need of a scrimmage August 11th.  We are located 15 minutes South of Owensboro, Ky.  If interested please email Coach Wagner at: zachary.wagner@mclean.kyschools.us

Early last week Springs Valley Community Schools and the Springs Valley Football program got the news that our 5th grader and offensive/defensive lineman, Treven Ball, had passed away.  This was devastating as Treven was such a loving soul and a huge Springs Valley Blackhawk.  While last week was tough and emotional, it was also incredible as we saw the outpouring of support, encouragement, prayer and love from our own community, surrounding communities, and Im sure many more that we will never know about or come in contact with.   From the Springs Valley Football program, thank you to those of you that have helped in some way.  Today (Monday) is actually Treven's 11th birthday.  Im sure a prayer for his parents, siblings, and friends would be appreciated.  Thank you!

• Mathematics Teacher - grades 6-8 in 2022-23 school year with future opportunity to move into grades 9-12 if desired.
• Science Teacher - grades 6-8 and Chemistry 1 and 2 (preferably credentialed to teach dual college credit in Chem 2)
• Special Education Teacher - grades 6-12.  Placement can vary among all grade levels

Requirements for these positions include but are not limited to:

• An active teaching license in appropriate subject area with flexibility to acquire more licenses for future course offerings.
• Strong communication skills with administration, fellow teachers, parents and all students.
• Collaboration with our teachers inside and outside of the normal school day to meet the goals of the students, staff and school building.
• Determination to meet the individual needs of all students to maximize their opportunity to graduate with a diploma.
• Positive, motivating, energetic, well-mannered and dedicated to our Springs Valley school corporation.

Recommendations, but not requirements, for this position include:

• Possess, or desire to obtain, a Master’s degree in the subject area to fulfill the requirements for dual credit certification.
• Experience applying blended learning to meet the needs of all students.
• Experience or willingness to sponsor and/or coach extra-curricular activities

Any interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume and references to:
Dr. Kyle Neukam, Principal
kneukam@svalley.k12.in.us
Springs Valley Junior-Senior High School
326 S. Larry Bird Blvd.
French Lick, IN 47432
812-936-9984

Springs Valley Jr/Sr High has a math opening.  Football coaching positions are available.  Job description and contact information below:

Mathematics Teacher
Springs Valley Junior-Senior High School has an opening for a Mathematics teacher scheduled for grades 6-8 in the 2022-23 school year with future opportunity to move into grades 9-12 if desired.

Requirements for this position include but are not limited to:

• An active teaching license in Mathematics, grades 6-12.
• Strong communication skills with administration, fellow teachers, parents and all students.
• Collaboration with our teachers inside and outside of the normal school day to meet the goals of the students, staff and school building.
• Determination to meet the individual needs of all students to maximize their opportunity to graduate with a diploma.
• Motivating, energetic, well-mannered and dedicated to our Springs Valley school corporation.

Recommendations, but not requirements, for this position include:

• Possess, or desire to obtain, a Master’s in Mathematics to fulfill the requirements for dual credit certification.
• Experience applying blended learning to meet the needs of all students.
• Experience or willingness to sponsor and/or coach extra-curricular activities

Any interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume and references to:
Dr. Kyle Neukam, Principal
kneukam@svalley.k12.in.us

Springs Valley Junior-Senior High School
326 S. Larry Bird Blvd.
French Lick, IN 47432
812-936-9984

Or Contact Head Coach Jason Lowe at: jlowe@svalley.k12.in.us
 

I'll throw Joe Kutch from North Central (Farmersburg) out there for some recognition.  1st year coach whose team battled through injuries early on and then had multiple covid cases (including himself).  His team came together and came on very strong at the end of the year to win 3 tough games in the sectional to bring home the championship.  

2 minutes ago, Thor77 said:

Went back and watched, that was 15 Nick Miller, our TE/FB/DE. I didn’t realize til I looked for it here, but he leveled a kid on that play. He has been Mr. Do Everything for us for four years, and he played a hell of a game on Saturday. He normally doesn’t play with much emotion, he’s just a pretty reserved laid back kid, but you could see his heart on his sleeve and how bad he wanted to win that game. 

That kid was a man possessed out there!  He was really fun to watch and yes, he did a bit of everything in that game. 

CC was incredibly fun to watch in person and then again on TV this past weekend.  As many have said, hats off to the kids (and coaches) from SA.  Those kids played hard as well.  As much as it is fun to watch teams and their personal schemes/identities Im more impressed to watch teams like CC and SA (and many others that I havent got to watch yet) that just play incredibly hard on every play.  #17 for CC and #55 I believe for SA.  Kids just played as hard as they could and as fast as they could every down.  Great job to all involved. 

Well had to eat some crow here. The speed that CC put on the field was unreal. Really unreal. It wasnt just straight line speed and it wasnt just one player. That speed literally nullified WW strength in the trenches. CC was fun to watch. Loved seeing the kids enthusiasm and excitement. 

2 hours ago, Ballhawk said:

The OL/DL is where South Putnam was supposed to be superior to CC, but boy was I fooled.  CC made them look terrible with greater speed and quickness.  Those 6'5" 280# SP linemen were clearly overmatched by CC.

If the WW line is like SP, it will be a long night for the Senators.

Ill be shocked if WW line gets "made look terrible". Not to mention WW will have a kid that looks like a lineman carrying the ball through CC defense.  Again, may be surprised but what I've seen online, CC doesn't have the size (or strength) to compete with WW up front. 

Let me preface by saying I have only seen CC online, but I think they will have their hands full with WW.  I think WW should actually be the favorite in this game.  Granted WW has almost always benefited from a weak regular season schedule (add in the fact they didnt play salem this year) WW has a very good O/D line.  Good enough to give any team nightmares and dominate most teams.  Been that way for the past 3 years.  WW has their share of athletes and I'm sure CC has tremendous athletes as well but the line I saw from CC online won't be able to handle WW's line.  Look for the PLAC to be represented in Indy next weekend.