Schuckman-Racine comparisons
Nov. 13, 2007 @ 12:22 p.m. by Jeff LutzBishop Carroll has an impressive athletic history and is perennially near the top of the City League standings in most if not all sports.
The Golden Eagles have been especially strong in football and girls basketball, however, and that has a lot to do with their coaches. Don Racine, the girls hoops coach, has been at the school much longer than football head man Alan Schuckman, but their career paths have been remarkably similar.
Racine took over as Carroll girls coach in 1979 and the Eagles went 13-7 in his first season. A few good years and a few OK years followed, but by the time Racine was in his 10th season, he had turned Carroll into a consistent threat for a state title. His 10th season was 1988-89, when the Eagles finished 21-3 and second in Class 5A.
Schuckman took over as Carroll football coach in 1995 and the Eagles went 3-6. A few good years and a few OK years followed, but by the time Schuckman was in his 10th season, he had turned Carroll into a consistent threat for the state title. His 10th season was 2004, when the Eagles finished 9-1 and lost in the first round of the playoffs.
It should be noted that the Eagles actually went deeper into the postseason in 2003, but that team had three losses and no Carroll team since has had more than two.
Racine’s teams had finished in the top three at state six times before the Eagles finally broke through in 2003-04 for their first title under Racine, who is the all-time winningest coach in CL basketball history, boys and girls. This is Schuckman’s sixth appearance in the playoffs.
Racine lost in the semifinals twice in a row before winning a title, and Schuckman’s Eagles lost in the semifinals last season — does that mean Carroll will lose to Salina Central in this Friday’s semifinals and the Eagles will have to wait another year for a football championship?
I realize that Racine’s record has no bearing on what Carroll’s football team will do this season, but comparisons are fun. In this case, the comparison has validity because of the similar paths Schuckman’s and Racine’s careers have taken at Carroll. Even if history says that the Eagles will have to wait ’til next year, I think this is the season Schuckman finally brings it home.
November 14th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
There is no comparison. Shuckman is a class act and gets the most out of his players. He has their respect and they will do whatever he asks of them. Racine, on the other hand, has had the talent over the years that should have produced as many State Championships or more than Heights. He has had more talent quit because of his coaching than most schools ever have. One year, the seniors that refused to play for him could of won state by themselves at any other school. He has tenure and always has talent, but has only taken advantage on one of those — You figure out which one!
November 15th, 2007 at 8:33 am
Ditto, tailgater. Schuckman is class and gets the most of his playes and they develop under him. Racine is a bully, his players are no better than when they arrived as freshman and do not progress in there skills or talents. He is not willing to change or adapt his style to the talent he has, but forces them to do it his way which is the same stuff he has been doing the last 28 years. I can count at least 4 state championships he should have won with the talent he let waste away. The basketball teams win on sheer talent and not coaching or strategy.
November 16th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
I think everyone who has gone to BC knows Racine is a pain and can be a jerk, but he has given many years and alot of time to the kids at that school and he has had success, maybe you folks should cut him some slack.
November 21st, 2007 at 9:04 am
I guess the prognosis this year explains it all, again! As with previous posts, “Donnie” is a jerk and it is evident AGAIN with only 1 senior out for basketball. That is absolutely a disgrace to Bishop Carroll and the girls program. Go back over the years and the same theme repeats itself over and over again. As was said before, there is absolutely NO COMPARISON between Coach Shuckman and “Donnie Tenure” Racine.
November 21st, 2007 at 9:08 am
Freshman PE was by far the worst class I have ever had. It is sad that we were forced to bear the tyranny of Racine and his dismal attempt at teaching. With a class of well over 250 seniors and only one brave girl wanting to put up with him, it is a sad testament to and GREAT SCHOOL.