tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post4662547178474045888..comments2024-03-27T17:43:26.504-07:00Comments on Cross Country Express: Carlmont Cross Country Situation continued...Albert Caruanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434646351717864405noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-13370498259257202622009-10-02T07:16:02.138-07:002009-10-02T07:16:02.138-07:00Folks,
I think it's time to shut this thread ...Folks,<br /><br />I think it's time to shut this thread down. Both sides have been given an opportunity to speak.<br /><br />It's now time to move on and make the best of this situation.<br /><br />I have been on both sides of the fence on this one so can relate and empathize with all those affected. <br /><br />My first coaching job was at San Mateo HS as a 21 year old kid, taking over for Don Dooley who has passed away very unfortunately following a heart attack. I was hired in August taking over a group of 60 devastated runners who had just lost their legendary coach. It was not easy but I was very fortunate to have a great group of seniors who helped me immensely. <br /><br />Two years later, on the same day that I was going to meet the kids to discuss summer running, I received a call in the am from the then SMHS vice principal. She told me I was no longer the coach as they were hiring an on campus coach. It was quite a shock. Tearfully I told the kids that day that I was no longer their coach.<br /><br />As tough as that was, I was able to move on and coach with Obbie for a year at Burlingame. He has always been a great mentor and friend. I then spent the next seven years with coach DiMaggio at Westmoor who has also been a big influence for me as a coach and person. <br /><br />I didn't really get to choose my path but looking back, I made the best of every situation and learned every step of the way.<br /><br />Feel free to email me at albertjcaruana@gmail.com if you need to get something off your chest.<br /><br />And now back to our regularly scheduled program...Albert Caruanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14434646351717864405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-52696184659327060602009-10-01T23:57:49.858-07:002009-10-01T23:57:49.858-07:00Will you please stop the lies about coach Randazzo...Will you please stop the lies about coach Randazzo. She adjusts practices according to the needs of the runners. You can say she doesn't have a plan all you want but that is not true. You can go and ask her yourself instead of continuing to bash her on this forum. She is the coach and shame on YOU for trying to undermine her authority! Is she young? Yes! Is she inexperienced as a head coach? Yes! Does she know anything about cross country, have experience as an assistant coach, have experience as a full time physical education teacher, come from a family of runners and a father who is a successful head coach, and experience as a runner who ran at a high level at a respected high school and college? YES! She knows what she is doing and I am sorry it is not what you are used to but you have to get over it. If you put your support behind her instead of trying to insult her and make up lies, which I have seen too many to recount on this forum, you will see success in your individual child and the Carlmont runners as a team. How is that you think you can bad mouth coach Randazzo as much as you want? Are you kidding me? Stop this destructive and pointless smear campaign. Show her some support. She knows how to be a successful runner, she has the experience and pedigree and her methods work, now just let her coach! And she has a plan for the runners, all of them! I have heard it with my own two ears. You want to know the plan for your child, then go up to her and ask, stop making YOUR problems public! I believe Keith was right when he said that this business is best handled internally.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-83281074522833249622009-10-01T23:38:03.307-07:002009-10-01T23:38:03.307-07:00Thanks to Gilkey for getting some facts out there ...Thanks to Gilkey for getting some facts out there for others to read.<br /><br />One thing still remains...the contract stands restricting any outside training not just training with Gilkey. Randazzo needs to approve a Sunday run!<br />Why would the runners who have previously worked with Gilkey have any faith in Randazzoo's coaching ability when she made the comment to 2 parents that she did not have a long term plan for the varsity runners. She adjusts practice week to week!<br /><br />Shame on the Carlmont administration for placing a young, inexperienced coach in such a hard situation.Carlmont Parent toohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08463268691071838261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-7980002377330819102009-10-01T23:07:29.954-07:002009-10-01T23:07:29.954-07:00Anonymous, because the kids have to live with this...Anonymous, because the kids have to live with this coaching situation or be barred from CCS competition, but how sure are we where the locker room is, when repeated violation of CIF coaching rules of conduct occur, in terms of whose business it is? Since the school does not correct when we request correction, as far as we are seeing, then ultimately it is up to the greater XC community. They in turn have no direct way to help anyone at our school, but it seems fair that the community at least be somewhat informed of how it is at Carlmont for the older kids now.<br /><br />Just one view, as I do not know the answer for these kids. I do know that without information such has been provided in this blog, and all the back up documentation we have to support what we say, the world may make comments such as coach Pup has done. Information is key to understanding.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-24550456827623990632009-10-01T21:49:35.786-07:002009-10-01T21:49:35.786-07:00As a person that feels insulted by the comments of...As a person that feels insulted by the comments of Coach Pup("WALLY IS ON THE BOARD"), I would appreciate an apology because you were completely condescending. I'm also sure that an elitist parent like Keith Reyen would also appreciate one.<br /><br />I don't expect you to do it but sometimes people can surprise me.<br /><br />-WallyGilkey's Friendnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-6497386426704449412009-10-01T21:01:01.974-07:002009-10-01T21:01:01.974-07:00I can read a tea leaf as good as the next fellow, ...I can read a tea leaf as good as the next fellow, so I get Coach Pup's drift when he references the "entitlement generation". It fits right in with the high school sports is a gift from the all knowing men behind the screen and not a right that kids that have...oh say 4.0 or better GPAs like the ones we are talking about here have. Pardon me if that is an elitist statement. I am guilty of confusing such things with the qualities of dedication, commitment and hard work.<br /><br />I am sorry if I have taken statements made on this board as ill informed personal attacks on me and my friends. Loyalty is another weakness I have. I have felt the sting of the comment "There is no room for this separatist, elitist posturing by parents..." on this board. I never met coach Pup in my life so I have no way to know how he could reach such a conclusion about me and my friends. I can tell you that the Carlmont distance running family was one of the closest, together groups I have had a pleasure to know. I don't know many groups of people I feel less separate from.<br /><br />I also am a big believer in transparency and accountability, which is why I went overboard communicating the private training issue to the Carlmont administrators in charge. For this my son was accused of being one who "trained subversively". Like Jeff I will provide transparency to anyone who asks for a copy of my e-mails on the subject. Would anybody else like to share their e-mails on the subjects raised in Jeff's entry?<br /><br />The truth is the outside commentators really do not have enough information to support 90% of what got printed. It is an old school maxim in sports that you don't tell stories out of school about what goes on in your own locker room. It really is nobody else's business.Keith Reyennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-42020389507978797082009-10-01T19:33:55.633-07:002009-10-01T19:33:55.633-07:00Lots of lucid thoughts shared...
Mrs. Surh brings...Lots of lucid thoughts shared...<br /><br />Mrs. Surh brings to light something very important--the "'entitlement' generation"--no kidding. The face of education and athletics have been forever altered.<br /><br />And Jeff--it is good to hear something from you, even if you took a shot at me. <br /><br />I don't see where I dodged a direct question in this thread. If you are asking me why they asked you back for track, I could only speculate. I can say that this sends a very inconsistent message from the administration, but I feel that that is a separate issue from the one that stirred up this whole mess.<br /><br />As for me being condescending...perhaps. I simply see this as a clear-cut situation where one person needs to move on so another can do her job. All of the drama surrounding it is nothing but an unfortunate tapestry in a room of half-truths, rumors, and impassioned please. I see it as tiresome and detracting from the need for progress, hence the curtness of my commentary. If you take that as an attack on your person, do know that this was not the intent.<br /><br />As a side note, it is pretty cool that you think I would make a good administrator. I am sitting in a master's class right now, pursuing a second post-grad degree in education! My parents were both high school administrators, and perhaps one day, I will be as well.<br /><br />But enough about me...Coach Pupnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-910131578437198042009-10-01T16:29:57.693-07:002009-10-01T16:29:57.693-07:00Final Installment:
Thank you to all the people wh...Final Installment:<br /><br />Thank you to all the people who have supported me. To all those who don’t support me you are right also. My mistake is the cause of all of this and something I deeply regret. It is also something that is over with and it is time to move forward.<br /><br />Finally to address some individuals:<br /><br />Pete Brewer – You are an awesome dude. I met Pete the first time on a Cross Country course in Hawaii and have valued knowing him since that time. Pete, you are one of the few people whose opinion I truly value and it is important to me what you think.<br /><br />Albert Caruana – Thank you for being very objective about a tough subject. I always wanted Cross Country in the press daily – just never like this.<br /><br />Evan Smith – I think you are a great coach and motivator of the athletes. I wish you all the success in taking a CCS team to the level they belong. I hope everyone is healthy. Best of luck in November, you deserve it.<br /><br />Syl Pascale – You have a great passion for running. I miss talking with you about the love for the sport. Thank You.<br /><br />Coach Puppione – Your views about why I should be gone are completely accurate. I agree that if we just can’t have an excuse, no matter how good someone thinks reason is, or the lines get blurred. I never taught my kids to cheat and I shouldn’t be given a reprieve. The thing is you are very condescending, both to me and to my friend Wally. You sound like you will make a great administrator – when asked the question why they let me back for track you just didn’t answer. You answer the questions you want and forget to ask what really happened. You will make a great principal someday.<br /><br />Coach Ibarra – After the homophobic, insensitive email you sent to me last fall regarding a political view, I don’t think you have any right to say anything. Don’t worry about the things I vote Yes or No on. The funny thing is you had to send out an apology email and it seems like people forgave you for ignorance. I sure hope your not preaching those religious views to kids at a public school. <br /><br />Over the last month I’ve been working 50+ hours per week. After the confrontation with the Carlmont coaches I’ve even stayed away from races. I’ve stayed away from the athletes and have even turned off my phone so I can completely ignore them like everyone suggests. I even stayed away from Stanford when there were some great races and athletes to watch. The most depressing part of having to miss Stanford was because I was looking forward to seeing Justine Fedronic for the first time since she left for running camp with Stanford. I also missed seeing Brad Surh, Nick Palladino, Caitlin Roake and other alumni at the meet. It is nice to see your former athletes – just ask Andy Chan!<br /><br />Finally, if anyone doubts anything ask the kids, ask the parents, just ask the questions. I beg you to find out from the sources what the truth is – not things anonymous people make up. <br /><br />So, does anyone have any more questions or comments? Does anyone want to keep spreading false information about me? I don’t mind being blackballed, but at least get the facts straight when trying so hard to do it.<br /><br />I look forward to seeing everyone at the races! <br /><br />Jeff GilkeyJeff Gilkeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-65183044059752137032009-10-01T16:29:14.023-07:002009-10-01T16:29:14.023-07:00Part 4:
At the Ed Sias Invitational in Martinez o...Part 4:<br /><br />At the Ed Sias Invitational in Martinez on 9/12/09 Coach Jennifer Randazzo and Coach Michael Randazzo came and confronted me when I was out on the course talking with Darrell Rhoades and Paul Scardina, father of Ethan Scardina. I was told “they were going to cancel the Carlmont season because of me.” After the confrontation I decided to leave the meet – it was the next Monday or Tuesday that the contract came into being.<br /><br />The first thing I did when I heard of the contract was tell the small group of kids I still communicated with that I could have nothing to do with them or they wouldn’t even have a season. I have stayed away since that time because the last thing I would want is any more problems for the kids.<br /><br />A few comments I’ve heard the new coaches made to the athletes about me after the confrontation. Again I heard these from kids and from their parents. The kids and parents call me upset because they hear these things said about me. I have emails that confirm all of this. <br /><br />“You know Gilkey called every school in the East Bay looking for a job” – Please send an email in if you are an East Bay school that got a call from me. I wonder if I called American High School in Fremont? After this experience at this moment I don’t want to coach at a high school again.<br /><br />“Gilkey isn’t here to cheer you on, he just wants to get revenge on Carlmont.” Why would I want anything bad for the kids? If I did want revenge wouldn’t I try to help out another school to beat Carlmont? <br /><br />One athlete was accused and told, “You were seen working out with Gilkey alone on a trail and it was reported to us by another PAL Coach.” The only problem with that is the weekend they claimed I was working out with an athlete on a trail I was at my Father-In-Laws FUNERAL in Laugna Hills. This athletes mother would be happy to confirm this story, I spoke with her today and she said it would be no problem. No one likes people making up stories and calling their kid a liar.Jeff Gilkeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-31290338327427901412009-10-01T16:27:53.346-07:002009-10-01T16:27:53.346-07:00Part 3
Now on to the present Cross Country situat...Part 3<br /><br />Now on to the present Cross Country situation…<br /><br />The only reason I started a club team this summer was because the kids did not have a coach and they did not have a plan for any summer running. When school ended there was no information given to them regarding what will be happening in Cross Country. I felt it was unfair for the kids to have absolutely no guidance during the summer. I know John Reid from the Daily News thinks all you have to do is just go out and run which is awesome – according to even sports reporters no coaches are even needed for this minor sport?!? <br /><br />When they finally hired a new XC coach at the beginning of August I was the one who told the kids they had to go to the first meeting with the new coach. I disbanded the club team and sent a letter to all club members and their parents stating that the kids must compete for Carlmont. I explained that there is absolutely no completion for runners outside of High School competition. In fact, when the boys (and girls) team were going to quit because of the contract, I sent an email to parents telling them to please not let their kids quit the team. If you want to check on this you can ask Keith Reyen who has posted above.<br /><br />I never asked any runners to work out with me on their own. I never tried to coach the Carlmont XC team. I never told them to miss one day of Carlmont XC practice with their new coaches. When Carlmont began official practice I was receiving calls daily from athletes who were literally crying and asking how I can help them. I was receiving phone calls from parents saying their kids were depressed and didn’t want to run anymore, could I help? I guess I should have been as tough as all you other ‘perfect’ coaches out there and just ignored the phone calls from kids, some I had worked with for 3+ years. After hearing about the drastic cut in workouts and much internal debate I decided to offer a few kids (6 total) the chance to meet 1 or 2 days a week to go on runs. We never had a real practice, how can you get in a real practice when you only have an hour? <br /><br />I want it made clear that I had no grudge with the Randazzo’s. I was not trying to undermine their program. I even emailed Coach Randazzo when I was contacted in August regarding the girls injury study at Stanford and gave her all the contact information. Alex Bunk, the father of one of the runners, told me he suggested Coach Randazzo meet with me and her reply to Mr. Bunk was “I’m not allowed to talk to him.” Again, check with Mr. Bunk if you don’t believe me.<br /><br />I did go to the first 2 Carlmont meets to watch. I drove all the way to Vacaville for the first meet. The second meet was at Half Moon Bay High School. I live in Half Moon Bay. I did not have any secret meeting with the kids at these races. I never approached the Carlmont athletes or the area where Carlmont was sitting. I cheered for the athletes and then left the meet after races were over – I didn’t even hang around to congratulate the athletes after the race because I didn’t want any problems. I never once hid from anyone or anything. If you go to www.carlmontrunning.com you can see pictures of me watching the races – in none of the pictures am I running away and hiding or talking to athletes. Alex Bunk who was mentioned above runs the Carlmont website so you can check with him and contact him on the website.Jeff Gilkeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-14817269228418891952009-10-01T16:27:04.236-07:002009-10-01T16:27:04.236-07:00Part 2:
The Thursday after the Arcadia Invitation...Part 2:<br /><br />The Thursday after the Arcadia Invitational, 4/16/09, the Carlmont XC job was posted. On Friday, 4/17/09 I asked Athletic Director Pat Smith when I could interview for the job. I went to the Serra Invitational on 4/18/09 and I did talk to a pole vaulter who I saw leaving immediately after completing his event with no cool down. I told the athlete that he would get injured if he didn’t cool down and stretch. The athlete told me, “your not my real coach, I don’t have to listen to you.” I told the athlete, “I’m not your event coach, but I can talk to your event coach and have you taken off the team.” I did not yell at the kid, in fact when the confrontation happened I was sitting with a group of parents. The next Monday, 4/19/09 I was called in the office with Mr. Crame and Athletic Director Pat Smith. They told me they had a complaint from a parent in which I had said I was going to remove the athlete from the team, cursed at the athlete. I was then told by Mr. Crame I was “no longer welcome at Carlmont.” When I asked what happened they replied, “we don’t comment on personnel matters.” I spoke with many people present at the meet who were there when the supposed incident happened and they all sent letters and email to the Carlmont Administration saying I wasn’t wrong. I provided a copy to Greg Frazier of the Daily News of a letter from a parent who was present saying I had not yelled or done anything inappropriate. If needed, I will forward a copy of that letter to Albert Caruana if anyone wants to ask Albert for verification. Does anyone else find the timing a little too convenient? <br /><br />TO CLARIFY – I was wrong in XC and broke the rules. The punishment of me losing my Head Cross Country and Track positions was justified by my actions. My problem is the Carlmont Administration and Athletic Director allowed me to be a coach in track – it’s pretty obvious now they needed someone to enter meets and do all the work. The problem I have is I was told I could apply for the XC job again, nothing had happened in track and when that time came for me to get my XC job back all of a sudden I supposedly did something to get banned from Carlmont forever.Jeff Gilkeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-70072184758354568512009-10-01T16:26:17.723-07:002009-10-01T16:26:17.723-07:00I'm going to do this in parts because it is lo...I'm going to do this in parts because it is long.<br /><br />Enough Already! <br /><br />I wasn’t going to comment on this until I saw that an amazing person like Marci Surh is even having to deal with this and being bothered by it. I’ll address this situation once and hopefully everyone will get over this. I’m going to use names so that there is no confusion and anyone can check with these people to see if what I said is accurate. Once you’ve read this mini-novel please move on to something else in life. It’s endless threads like this that is keeping the situation going and is messing with the kids even further.<br /><br />The first thing I want to say is that I completely screwed up in Cross Country and have never denied that fact. Even though I thought I was helping a kid, I immediately knew what I had done was wrong. I was the one that went in to the Principal and Vice Principal and reported what I had done the Monday after the race. I was prepared to be “fired” that very day, but the Principal told me I could still coach the team. The Monday after the State Meet I was told I was no longer the coach and turned in my keys, etc.<br /><br />I’ve seen people on this thread ask why the parents and kids just let me get away with cheating. You are completely wrong about this. The parents and athletes were extremely angry and hurt by what I had done. I met with the current parents, kids, and even alumni both in groups and individually to explain what I did wrong and apologize. It was there choice to forgive me. <br /><br />I was called in at the end of December and met with the Principal, Mrs. Jenoff and VP, Mr. Crame. At this meeting they told me I would be allowed to be a ‘volunteer assistant’ with the track team and I could reapply for the XC job when it came open. The person who posted that the administration had no clue I was out there is making things up to make the situation against me look worse that it was. Even though I was a volunteer assistant I made up all race schedules, did all meet entry, provided all information to parents and kids, made all travel plans and was even the Starter for the first 2 meets at Carlmont. The worst part was Carlmont Administration cared so little about track that they hired someone who had never competed or been to a track meet. Before the first meet of the season Coach Shelley said to me, “I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s track meet, I’ve never seen one before.” In fact, as stated in one of the posts above, I took athletes down to Arcadia. I turned in reimbursement requests and was paid by a check from CARLMONT. The only thing I didn’t have was the title Head Coach.Jeff Gilkeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-27477348647808557452009-10-01T11:40:18.248-07:002009-10-01T11:40:18.248-07:00Well put Marci.
I don't think that anybody ...Well put Marci. <br /><br />I don't think that anybody here has ever questioned Jeff's dedication and accomplishments during his time with the Carlmont Cross Country and Track and Field teams.<br /><br />"It is not the same to talk of the bulls as it is to be in the bull ring." Old Spanish ProverbAlbert Caruanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14434646351717864405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-28823858223495261812009-10-01T09:48:10.761-07:002009-10-01T09:48:10.761-07:00Well done Ms. Surh. Nice to hear from someone who...Well done Ms. Surh. Nice to hear from someone who has been there from the beginning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-31569412133509058282009-10-01T09:34:20.212-07:002009-10-01T09:34:20.212-07:00Those of us who were "in the arena" for ...Those of us who were "in the arena" for the entirety of Coach Gilkey's inaugural years at Carlmont and were fortunate to have had athletes mentored and trained by him, will be forever indebted. <br /><br />The loyalities of past and current Carlmont athletes and respect that Jeff has garnered from them speaks for itself. <br /><br />The team's successes were earned by a dedicated core of hardworking kids and an equally dedicated, "no nonsense" coach.<br /><br />Kudos to the current parents/athletes who chose not to sign this contract. If that is the best solution the current "powers that be" could come up with, I would have done the same. <br /> <br />In response to a comment under a prior blog article which was "conveniently" posted by a misinformed individual without the courage to leave his or her name. <br /><br />It stated that the initial infraction leading to Jeff's dismissal was that he "cheated at CCS finals" and the second was that he "verbally abused" an athlete. <br /><br />The fact is.. he did allow an academically ineligible runner to run at a early season meet, NOT CCS finals. We parents who know Coach Gilkey and were present, are aware of the reason Jeff did what he did, by allowing this student to run and post a time. As expected, the time was a non-factor in the scoring and overall results that day. A good intention turned bad decision, yes. Egregious, no.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Jeff's "intentions" were/are irrelevant, as I am sure he is now painfully aware. I'm reminded of the old adage which warns, "No good deed goes unpunished."<br /><br />Secondly, during the Track season, Jeff did in fact confront an athlete who disregarded his instructions and proper post-work out procedures. Not so unusual for a coach to do. This was the incident that led to the eventual dismissal of Jeff. <br /><br />Had Coach Gilkey trained athletes in my era, and as Syl alluded to in an earlier post, these would be non-issues. <br /><br />Fast forward thirty years to the "entitlement" generation where fear of lawsuits, coddling parents, fragile egos and "political correctness" in education and athletics is now the norm, albeit to our youth's disservice, in my opinion. <br /> <br />Yes, "it is very easy for others NEVER involved with a program to comment on what may or may not be going on from the safety of their armchair at home." It brings to mind this quote:<br /><br />"It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.".....Theodore Roosevelt<br /> <br />Thank you, Jeff, for your untiring service and dedication to the youth of this generation. Your place will most certainly never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.<br /><br />Marci SurhMarci Surhnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-65546527600034579002009-09-30T10:34:48.084-07:002009-09-30T10:34:48.084-07:00I think I am more than capable of "defending&...I think I am more than capable of "defending" myself, Anonymous #472 (or are you #473?). However, to defend oneself, you must know what or whom you are defending yourself against. Also, if I felt I was being attacked rather than moderately pestered, I would take a defensive standpoint.<br /><br />Instead, I will clarify (yet again) what I wrote for your edification.<br /><br />In my initial post, I was not "name-calling Jeff" (quite the illustrious turn of a phrase, I must say). I wrote that he should not engage in the "chicken hawk approach of coaching one's former teenage athletes." I was describing the approach--the action--not the person.<br /><br />In my follow-up post, I wrote the following:<br /><br />"The idea is this--sometimes, you just have to let things go and not be out hunting or 'hawking' for the next big thing." <br /><br />Again, my commentary relates to the action, not the person.<br /><br />And yet another snippet for your further comprehension:<br /><br />"To keep 'circling' about the athletes at this school (in any way, shape, or form) is to be 'hawking,' in my opinion.<br /><br />Find a new pen of hens is all I am saying."<br /><br />Again, I am discussing the action or behavior, not scorning the person involved by disparaging them directly.<br /><br />As for me "lowering myself" in some way, there is no chance of that. With my bad knees and history of shin splints, I am destined to carry the weight of a linebacker for the rest of my life.<br /><br />Stumble, big man, stumble...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-19761903848392891822009-09-30T09:48:36.591-07:002009-09-30T09:48:36.591-07:00Excuse me?
For this thread, anonymous posts wil...Excuse me? <br /><br />For this thread, anonymous posts will no longer by allowed. <br /><br />I also believe this thread has run it's course. Unless you have some update on the situation, please refrain from posting disparaging remarks about people who have posted on here.<br /><br />For the most part, this has been civilized. I don't want that to change.<br /><br />Thank you.Albert Caruanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14434646351717864405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-7970724436282017052009-09-30T09:12:37.123-07:002009-09-30T09:12:37.123-07:00Why was the post about Coach Pup lowering himself ...Why was the post about Coach Pup lowering himself deleted? There were no expletives or threats.<br /><br />Does Albert feel that Coach Pup can't defend himself. Coach Pup is the one name-calling Jeff. It's sad that both of you cannot be more mature.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-69571664235702783662009-09-30T01:50:09.826-07:002009-09-30T01:50:09.826-07:00Albert, thanks for your good comments and good blo...Albert, thanks for your good comments and good blogsmanship.<br /><br />That coach Pup and others have generalized support for the freedom of coaches, and for any new coach, is normal and I don't think we need to really dwell on those aspects. Words like chicken hawk, however, are inflammatory. One really does not know if the shoe fits unless one is wearing it.<br /><br />It appears to some that the school's intent in making this contract under these coaching conditions was that the runners and parents would not feel able sign it. This also jibes with the school's high hostility to the XC team for some years, having ramped up to epoch proportions last spring. <br /><br />These runners have stayed with the school competition. Where else could they have participated with top teams like the Bells and have been a part of the whole spirit of high school XC? I don't see that any of them have forgotten that.<br /> <br />When athletes commit to a team, they do not publish things that coaches say, even when they appear to clearly violate the CIF rules of conduct for coaches. These varsity runners are real troopers. <br /><br />Carlmont parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-78621599286347297182009-09-29T21:13:34.037-07:002009-09-29T21:13:34.037-07:00If any coaches didn't like Jeff, my guess is t...If any coaches didn't like Jeff, my guess is that it was because he was highly successful.Albert Caruanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14434646351717864405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-81664840094406156062009-09-29T20:58:12.374-07:002009-09-29T20:58:12.374-07:00This is to the one that said put recommendations f...This is to the one that said put recommendations for Jeff to coach.A lot of CCS Schools have already decided if there is an opening of a coaching job Jeff will not ever get it.That is very unfair because all they are looking at is what Jeff did!! It was a mistake for him just trying to help a kid?? How will Jeff get a chance if schools have already decided for him? Also,coaches in the area have never really liked Jeff since he came here from Los Angeles.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-27299168608807401912009-09-29T20:03:16.211-07:002009-09-29T20:03:16.211-07:00Reaching deep into the thread to keep this going, ...Reaching deep into the thread to keep this going, I see...I was hoping this was a dead thread--for everyone's benefit.<br /><br />Chickenhawk, or Chicken-Hawk, or Chicken Hawk...<br /><br />See the old Loony Tunes and the character Henery Hawk who is always on the prowl for the "next big chicken"--arriving at trying to bag Foghorn Leghorn.<br /><br />The idea is this--sometimes, you just have to let things go and not be out hunting or "hawking" for the next big thing.<br /><br />Jeff had a good thing going at Carlmont, but due to his own choices (admittedly, mind you), he jeopardized the entire Carlmont athletics program, and was subsequently dismissed. <br /><br />To keep "circling" about the athletes at this school (in any way, shape, or form) is to be "hawking," in my opinion.<br /><br />Find a new pen of hens is all I am saying.<br /><br />As for the political definition, it is only applicable in that it is very easy for another coach who IS not or SHOULD not be involved with a program to comment on what may or may not be going on from the safety of their armchair at home.<br /><br />That is all.Coach Pupnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-40864149317135142232009-09-29T17:46:11.331-07:002009-09-29T17:46:11.331-07:00Well said again Albert. You are very level headed...Well said again Albert. You are very level headed and do this sport a great justice with your site. It really is well run and moderated and great way to enhance this sport. Excellent work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-52529216258320491482009-09-29T17:42:31.019-07:002009-09-29T17:42:31.019-07:00Coach Pup has done nothing of the sort. He may di...Coach Pup has done nothing of the sort. He may disagree with the position of the parents but I haven't seen anywhere that he has attacked coach Gilkey other than agreeing that the there should have been consequences for his illegally entering a runner under a different name. It is obvious tyhat Jeff has a lot of passionate supporters. You need to deal with the fact that there are just as many people who do not share your views on him. It is not as one sided as it may seem. Besides, coaches and the public can comment on this as they choose, and I think most have been respectful and shown that the kids are the number one priority here, since the parents decided to bair their differences in the press. If you want to support Jeff, instead of attacking people who do not see eye to eye with your views, why don't you put your passion into reccomendations for him to be hires as the cross country coach at other schools in the areas. that way, his expertise can be put to good use and the negativity can stop.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31292861.post-31387899116054299602009-09-29T17:26:00.480-07:002009-09-29T17:26:00.480-07:00First of all, if you want to call someone out for ...First of all, if you want to call someone out for what they had to say, identify yourself first. <br /><br />Personally, I think Coach Pup has been pretty straight forward with how he feels about the whole situation. <br /><br />Just because he doesn't agree with some of the events that have taken place doesn't mean he is slamming the Carlmont community. <br /><br />We have all made errors in the past (including me) and learned some tough lessons. I think that everybody involved with this situation will learn something as well and as Mr. Reyen said, things are stabilizing and we can hopefully all move on and focus on our great sport.Albert Caruanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14434646351717864405noreply@blogger.com