Independent softball’s dominant season
April 22, 2008 @ 1:14 p.m. by Joannaby joanna
I wrote a short note on Independent softball in today’s softball notes and was blown away by the numbers this team is putting up. Through 10 games, the Panthers had outscored teams 142-17, with 11 of those runs coming in two games.
Monday night the Panthers added to that by beating Douglass 17-7 and 13-0. Which brings their grand total through 12 games to 172-24. That’s impressive.
Now I don’t know how good the Central Plains League is this season, but it’s still amazing what this team is doing.
Any other teams out there impressing you?
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I guess someone who doesn’t know the entire story behind Independent might be impressed. Do you know of any other coach who has the opportunity to coach a number of his players year round? Do you know any other coach that recruits players from his summer team and has them transfer to his school? They draw players from Wichita and the surrounding area to compete against schools that use the players that come from within their communities and many of them have not had the opportunity to play competitive softball. Don’t they compete at like 3A?
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April 22nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
How good would Kapaun be if they played East, North, West, Southeast, and South four times each.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 8:33 am
Not to mention a team that has the use of an indoor facility to practice in while other teams have to struggle with the weather.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 8:58 am
That is one thing about just looking at the numbers, they usually only tell half of the story. Independent is probably one of the best teams in 3A, that being said they are probably not nearly as dominate as the numbers would lead you to believe. The teams on their schedule, a schedule that they can not really do anything about, are just not playing quality softball. In fact, it is surprising that they gave up 7 runs in one game to Douglas. Douglas will more than likely be the 8th seed in a very tough 4A regional and will be lucky to score a run in their opening game.
There are a number of really good teams in the Wichita area that have been putting up some impressive numbers against a lot tougher competition.
Bishop Carroll
Goddard
Andale
Northwest
I am sure I am forgetting someone.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 am
I have seen Andale and Bishop Carroll and they dont think they would have any problem with them eather.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 9:35 am
Don’t they have the use of an indoor facility to practice in while everyone else out there struggles with the weather conditions?
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April 23rd, 2008 at 11:08 am
Let me begin by saying it is very sad to read some of these comments. A coach does a good job coaching, and the kids do a good job playing and people just can’t stand it. Why not post facts on this subject instead of general statements. Someone said “do you know any other high school coach that gets to coach several of his kids all year long” Well the answer to that is yes and no. The Augusta coach has done it for many years; also the Clearwater coach does it now. I am sure some of the KC teams do it also. That is the yes portion. The no portion is this; these coaches coach these kids only in the summer, with maybe the exception of the Clearwater coach. Coach Lyon is the football coach at Independent. I have witnessed my self that he does no coaching from the end of summer, until the first of March. Yes he does coach “some” of his kids during the summer, but I see nothing wrong with any of these coaches doing that. Maybe if your high school coach spent as much time with their kids, as these coaches do, we would be talking about your program! Also to be fair to coach Lyon, only 3 kids on his high school team played for him last summer. Last time I checked, there are 10 kids on the roster at his school.
As for the “recruits kids from his summer team” comment, well there is where you show your true sense of jealousy and ignorance! One kid transferred there this year, Cheyenne Stewart. Coach Corey has done wonders for Cheyenne as a kid and as a student. Coach Corey is not just a coach; he is also an administrator (Dean of Students I think) at the school. He has a greater responsibility than coaching a softball team that might play 20 games a year. Back to the “recruiting” I personally know that each child has to pass an entrance exam to enter school, not everyone is accepted. I also know that it cost $10,000.00 (ten thousand) a year to go to school there. I also know that the high school kids have at least 2 hours of homework every night. Yes, sounds just like the place that would be easy to convince a kid to attend, just to play 20 games of softball! But let’s talk about the other 2 players that he coaches during the summer. Erin Tuttle, this is a kid that I believe has gone thru lower, middle and high school all at independent. Don’t think coach Corey was there when she started school there many years ago. Haley McGregor, this is a child whose parents moved here the summer before her freshman year. They moved from California. Yes the softball capital of the United States! I am sure they moved out here just to play 20 games at Independent for Coach Corey. Some of you posters really should get your facts straight before you get on here and slander a coach or a program. Why can’t some of you just be happy that kids are succeeding? Is your lives that miserable that you have to try and tarnish others accomplishments? Go take a long hard look at yourselves in the mirror; if you like what you see, then you should be happy for others. I would expect you wouldn’t like who you are, or what you have become, why else would you be this miserable about someone else’s success!
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April 23rd, 2008 at 11:39 am
The CPL is down and that man recruits like no one I have seen in a long time. in fact e will openly talk about it in the summre, which girls he is going after, etc. if they had to play anyarea teams they would get rung up. Good thing they are 3A. Tthdk is the one that needs to get over it.
Somebody should investigate that guy.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 11:43 am
Tthdk,
Very good post. I have no issue with High School coaches coaching in the summer nor do I have a problem with his or her High School players playing for him. The KSHSAA has rules good or bad that govern that. In the big picture, we always need to think about the kids. Are they happy and are athletics making them better stronger people?
My post was addressing their team numbers to date and why they might be what they are. You have to admit, again no fault of Independent, their schedule is extremely weak. I doubt that these games are helping to prepare them for facing some tougher competition at State.
Good luck to Independent on the road to State and to all of the other quality teams in the area.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Well, I would say that he must not be that good of a recruiter if all he does is recruit and only has one girl to show for it. The criticism of the schedule may be fair, but they can only play who is on their schedule. I have not seen them play, so I can’t say one way or another how good they are. I would ask ET if he has seen them in action? Give us the break down of their team.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
ET,
Please inform all of us here exactly who he has recruited? If you are able to make acusations about a person, andhide behind a key board, then at least give us some examples of what kids he has “recruited” Remember, you said “the man recruits like no other” so please tell us about the fuits of his labor.
I do agree that they play a very easy schedule, again not the kids fault or the coaches fault, they play who they are told to play.
I didn’t hear anyone complaining a couple years ago when the schol couldn’t win a game. But now that they are winning, you assume must be something wrong going on there. Your logic amazes me!
As for them getting to use a practice facility that is indoors, and not have to fight the weather. Yes they do get the use of it, should that be an issue? Do they have a field to practice on? No. Jealousy is a very sad thing, I do feel for you.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
This might not be all about softball and recruiting but Independent does cheat. I’ve talked to some high school baseball coaches around the area and they said that Independent’s high school baseball coach, coaches a summer team with many of his high school players on it. I have heard it from multiple people not just 1 person. Also I remember a couple years ago I was watching a baseball game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium…when TIS was playing Belle Plaine. After the first inning and a half TIS was down 6-3 and wanted to call a rain delay because it was suppose to “storm.” So they rolled the tarps out to cover the field and TIS went down into their dugout. (under the bleachers) While the BP players and everybody else were sitting in the stands waiting for the game to be restarted. After about 30 minutes nothing had happen, not a drop of rain. So the BP coach went down into the dugout of Independent to find the team taking batting practice in an indoor batting cage. Never been a big TIS fan, just can’t trust them…in any sport.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Aw, come on. I find it very hard to believe that coaches for Independent’s rival schools would fail to report it if they had actual knowledge of some activity by Independent coaches that violates KHSAA rules. What possible motivation would they have for keeping that quiet? If there was any credible evidence of improper recruiting or summer activities that involved more than the five players from the same team that the rules allow, I’m sure the KHSAA would enforce its policies by punishing Independent. I don’t have any connection with Independent, but how about giving those kids their due? Sounds like they are pounding their opponents.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I will be impressed when they win state. Noone can really judge a team until the end of the season. There is plenty of time for mistake, injury, etc.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
KSHSAA would just slap them on the wrist…to much work for nothing, I wouldn’t report it as a coach.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Good Luck, Lawerance Dumont does not have an indoor batting cage, unless youre refering to the cages in left field. Thought you’d like to know.
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:16 am
okay- I have been there and done that with TIS. They are a very good team. And coaching in the summer is perfectly legal in softball with no restrictions on the number of players. Does he have an advantage over other schools in the Central Plains League of course he does. Private schools have much more to offer a kid than public schools and can recruit students without having to deal with the transfer issues that Public schools deal with. Not to mention he is in an area which has hundreds of quality athletes to draw from, unlike the counterparts in the Central Plains League who must play with who they have. I don’t know anyone who would turn their nose to the facility if offered. As far as this years’ team he has three new recruits not one. That I know, as it came straight from Coach’s father’s mouth. Just happened to replace the three player’s he lost from last years team. But again, I do not think there is anything that would break KSHSAA rules about that as he is in a private school and kids can choose to go from Public School to private school without penalty. I personally think it is time that Private Schools be handled like Home Schools and not be allowed to be a part of KSHSAA but have to pick up their own games independently and not be allowed to participate in post season action with public schools who are not privi to the same advantages. But Coach Lyon and TIS do not make the rules and I can’t say that I blame them for making the most of the opportunities given to them.
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:25 am
To: Baseball Junkie-
Yes sir that would be the 1.
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:34 am
I think that Private schools should be bumped up a class from what they are now. For example, Independent, Collegaite, and Trinity are 3a now, I think they should be considered 4a. Otherwise I agree with ‘been there done that’ handle private schools as you would handle home schools.
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April 24th, 2008 at 8:32 am
4 years ago Independent softball was almost on it’s way out the door. They hadn’t won a softball game. At practices if they hit it outside the batting cage net they went to Dairy Queen or QT for ice cream. At that time I don’t think any of the girls even played summer ball except for one. I think they finished about .500, asking girls to come out to complete a roster. Second year get a transfer from Moundridge and ask a tennis player to come out and play short. Finish better than .500. Third year get a freshman from California and Melissa Manda who actually went to KU to play volleyball and not only went to state with the softball team but went to state for track as well, finish 4th in state. Now 3A isn’t very competitive, but Wichita City League is about the same. You have basically 3 teams that can split a doubleheader the other games are blowouts. Independent is hitting the ball really well right now throughout the whole lineup. 1/2 of the team doesn’t even step foot on a softball field in the summer and they have one senior. Call it what you want remember it’s 3A and yes it’s a private school in Wichita. It’s no different than Collegiate, Word of Life or Sunrise Christian Academy. Believe me these kids aren’t going to these schools to get rich from Athletic scholarships, they are going to these schools mainly for academics. From four seniors that graduated last year, 1 at KU, 1 at K-state and 2 at USC, from two years ago another girl at San Diego State. Do you think of any of these girls are playing softball on scholarships? Doesn’t look like it. These are smart kids who work their butts off and take care of eachother. They do community service hours on top of homework. These highschool kids work hard on and off the field, give them credit where credit is due.
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April 24th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Enough already! Nobody says they are going to win state, the blog said they are off to a great start. Is their goal state, I would hope so, they did finish 3rd I think last year. I dont know about 3 transfers either. I do know of 2 of them….yesterday I didnt mention her because I thought we were addressing his “recruiting” of his summer team kids. The girl I forgot was Matie Milligan. She transfered from Andover high school, I am positive coach Corey had no idea who she was. As for the other transfer, I am not sure whom that could be. Looking at their roster, same line-up this year as last year, with the exeption of Stewart and Milligan. Why doesn’t anyone mention the JV player from last year, who also won a state title in tennis, and doesnt play summer softball? She pitches the second game of every Dbl header and has not lost either. She threw a no hitter the other night! Guess what? She isnt a transfer, she was developed into a better pitcher by her coaching staff! or how about the rest of the team. How many of them play summer ball at a competative level? I would say less then 50% of them do. How about talking about Independents JV team. A team that has approx. 8 wins versus 2 losses. That team is mostly made up of kids that have never played or havent played since they were very little. Do you think they are “recruiting” kids also. Man it is so sad that the jealousy of the sucess of a program, coach, or child has such a profound affect on some of you. Like I said yesterday, if you were happy your own situation, you would have nothing to complain about.
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April 24th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I THINK GODDARD SOFTBALL IS DOING BETTER. THEY HAVE OUTSCORED THEIR OPPONENTS BY A DAUNTING RATIO OF 165-4.
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April 24th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I am sure KMC would like to play those schools (east, se, west, north) four times but next year Independent gets to add three non conference double headers. I sure hope one of them is against Kapaun. My guess is that TIS would beat KMC just like they are beating everyone else they play this year and probably next year. And just for the record, KMC would not be all that great in our league. Belle Plaine and Med. Lodge would beat KMC, I have witnessed a couple of KMC games and the defense is very average and makes lots of mistakes. Let’s hope the AD’s from both schools get this double header on the sked, but something tells me that a certain school will not want any part of it and it is not the school on East Douglas.
As for all of the other comments about the school cheating, Corey Lyon took over a program that was almost eliminated from the school because the lack of interest and he has done nothing but make it better, one step at a time. The private schools are always going to get barked at for recruiting, nothing new there. If you are rich enough to send your kid to a school that cost 10 grand a year for a 20 game season, then yes the school will probably take you. Is that recruiting? I would think that most parents would not make that kind of decision for only 20 softball games.
Here are some better numbers for you all, Pitchers-Tuttle and Eklund, third base-Eaton, secpnd base-Stanley, catcher-Demaris, left field-Eaton, right field Spiker, ALL at Independent since grade school. That leaves first baseman, Mattie Mae Milligan, a transfer from Andover where she was a pitcher, she does not pitch for Indep. and is not a Mustang. Cheyenne Stewart, a transfer from Rose Hill where she struggled in the her academics, she is now doing very well in school, in a tougher academic school, and yes, she does play for the Mustangs. Haley McGregor, transfered from California and yes, she too plays for the Mustangs, but she did not move to Wichita to play softball at Independent. Erin Tuttle, the pitcher, is the only other Mustang on the roster, as stated above she has gone to Independent since kindergarten. She is a three year starter and has only played for the Mustangs for two seasons.
Yes, the team practices at the Mustang facility, but Mark Griggs has a daughter on the Independent team, he has another daughter at the school too. Independent has no home field, not even a practice field. They were practicing at the YMCA before Mark Griggs offered his facility. So while other girls trot out the back door of their school to the practice field, Independent has to bus each day to the YMCA or the Mustang facility. What would you do? YMCA or the Mustang facility?
Most of this is nothing but pure jealousy and that is sad.
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April 24th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Jurgis-
Isn’t Goddard racist school???
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April 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Whats funny is I played baseball with a kid that was asked to PLAY BASEBALL for TIS. And from somebody that has played against TIS they have no sportsmanship. Not on the field or in the stands.
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April 24th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Brush them haters off…don’t let them hold you down! Get that dirt off your shoulder and remember…let’s not get ghetto. Go Panthers!
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April 24th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
They don’t travel on a school bus to the Mustang Ranch they travel on the small Mustang bus (must be rough).TIS is no different than any other private school if they want a athlete I’m sure they get around the 10,000 fee.I know both M. Milligan and S. Eklund.Sam is one of the nicest well mannered girls I’ve ever been around.She will go on and do great things with her life that won’t involve softball.Mattie on the other hand is a great young lady to, but I guarantee you she’s not going to TIS for the education just ask MOM.
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April 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
One thing the independent school has that nobody else has in the money man Markey Griggs.
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April 25th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Who is Markey Griggs? And who cares if they have him??? Most every students parent is loaded.
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April 25th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Now that has to be one of the dumbest responses ever!!! No matter how much money the parents at Independent have, how in the heck would that help them win games? If money is all it takes to win games……then why doesn’t the Catholic schools win everything. The Church is the wealthiest entity in the world……not to mention having the big guy in your corner can’t hurt….lol
The last part of this response was not meant to offend the Catholic religion. Please understand it is just a humourous response to an idiotic post about money, if it offends anyone, my apologies!
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April 25th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Jags softball-
You are correct that they take the small bus to the facility, but please remember that Independent does not own one single bus. How many buses do the Andover school system have? How many softball fields?
The school gets around the tuition for athletes? My daughter is a three year starter, all league, all state, and good grades and we have not seen one penny of this money. We pay full price for one of the best educations in the country and yes, they now have a decent softball program and that is great, but I can assure you that she is at that school for the education and not softball.
Mattie Mae spent two seasons playing for a bad team and the girl had to grow up pretty fast due to her mother’s injury in the war. She was and has had to deal with things that most kids don’t ever have to deal with, but Mattie did. She had to make adult decisions for her family at a young age. I do not care where or for what reason Juanita chose to send Mattie to Independent, what I do care is that she (mattie) is having an outstanding season and is having fun playing ball for the first time several years. She is having a great high school experience and does not have to worry about those things when she is on the field. I do not even care who is paying for it, but I can assure you she is not getting a price break for being a softball player.
If parents choose to send their kids to a private school nobody cares, but if they are an athlete and a transfer student then folks think something is wrong or the school is cheating? I hear lots of accusations, but no facts, none.
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April 25th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Love to play KMC!-
You are 1 parent that is blind to the facts, ask high school coaches around the area with high caliber players. Ask around, you will find that kids have been asked to play sports for private schools. As Gage pointed out he played with a kid that was asked to play for the TIS baseball program. Maybe it doesn’t happen for softball at TIS but it does happen.
Tthdk-
You know there are kids from other towns that are Catholic, or of other religion right? So the “big guy” would be in more then just the Catholic schools corner. You need to put some reading glass on so you can see that I never said anything about the parent’s money equaling wins. I just said the students parents are loaded, which in turn make them fall under the rich kid stereotype. Have you ever wondered why Trinity High hasn’t come up on this board much? I give Trinity more respect because when I have seen Trinity play they don’t act like a bunch of rich snobby kids like TIS.
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April 25th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Chuck,
Before this subject gets to out of hand…..the comment made about the “big guy” in their corner…was def. made “tongue in cheek” I apologize if I offended anyone.
I agree, you didn’t say that money equals wins. I was refering to the post above yours. That poster insinuated that Independent has an advantage on the field because of money. My apologies again to you, if you thought I was refering to your post.
As for the last part of your comment, “act like a bunch of rich snobby kids” I can only say, I have seen kids at almost every school in this city, and I can’t tell you that any of them act better or worse than the other, Private, Catholic, or Public schools all included.
This topic again was about the kids softball success on the field at Independent, wasn’t it? Why are people trying to tarnish what these kids and this coach has done? Does it make them feel better about themselves? I just don’t get it!
I know almost every girl who plays on the Independent softball team. I would like to sit here and p[ost what each of their parents do for a living, but honestly, it’s nobodys business. I can assure you though, most of the parents that send their kids to private schools that cost lots of money, do so, with great financial sacrifice. Drive through the parking lot someday at Independent, look at the vehicles for the students, yes you will see your ocassional “nice” car, but for the most part not anything special, and most kids still have their parents drive them to school. Take time and look, and compare them to Kaupan, Carrolls, Collegiate, Trinity, or even Maize parking lot, I am sure you will be surprised.
But enough about the money, or anything else that doesnt have anything to do with softball. Let try and focus on 10 girls and a their coaches enjoying some success on the field. Is that so bad?
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April 25th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Blind to the facts? I think that you are the blind one, trust me, my husband and I know what is going on at our school. Why are you not attacking the public schools. How does Augusta get two Wichita kids on their roster? Another player actually lives in the Towanda school district and she too is a starter. How many City League kids go to other schools just because the team or coach is better at the other school. It has been going on for years. Steve Eck was the master at that game. Again, TIS has three players that did not go to elementary school there, one moved here from out of state, the other two transfered in for whatever reason they wanted. All legal tranfers, maybe not popular, but legal. As far as the kids being snobby, that is your opinion, and I am not sure where your kids go to school but I am sure the kids are perfect. Right?
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April 25th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Okay- enough already. I have seen these girls in action and played against them. I have not witnessed anything snotty or otherwise. They appear to be great players with excellent sportsmanship. TIS is not the only school reaping the benefit of being located in a metropolitan area and able to draw quality student athletes to their school. I am sure that academics is a huge factor in decisions that are made in attending any private school, but I do know that sports and program recruiting is also a factor. From my vantage point the state should step into regulate a fair way to rank these schools. Just going by enrollment is not fair for the obvious reasons of private schools being allowed to pick and choose students and keep enrollment at a class they chose to remain. Any school district in a metropolitan area who has access to hundreds of student athletes to draw from should not be classed with rural area schools whom have absolutely no way to compete. But this does not mean TIS is the only school to be looked at. They just happen to be the HOT ticket today! Look across Kansas and you will find many other schools doing the same thing. I said it once before. The state needs to either deny them post season play or better yet a suggestion I heard the other day. Give private schools their own classification. They could be considered college prep!!!!!! Just even the playing field! But stop tearing apart one program that is only doing what any of us would do given the same opportunity! It is KSHSAA that you all should be harassing, not TIS!
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April 25th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Love to play KMC! -
Don’t have kids, played against TIS… and I don’t remember any of the players from my school sliding in and purposely trying to hurt the other team. And again, I’m not necessarily talking about TIS SOFTBALL; I’m talking about private schools in general. I’ve heard stuff about how Collegiate recruited some basketball player’s a couple years ago. I’ve heard of a kids transferring from public school to public school for sports.
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April 25th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
You are all attacking a symptom of the problem. If you want something changed then quit attacking programs like TIS who are just doing what is allowed. We have played them, and I can say that I have never witnessed any snotty or otherwise unacceptable behavior from their athletes. THey are talented and in my experience good sports. THe problem is that metropolitan areas have a major advantage over schools in more rural areas. They can draw from hundreds of quality athletes and offer benefits that are tough to turn down. I am assuming some of the above blogs come from people in the area who are competing for some of these high quality athletes. Others who are just tired of not being able to even get in the game do to location or lack of funding to draw the elite. I would wager that many of the students do choose schools like TIS, Collegiate, Carroll and such based on many things and not just sports. The bottom line is that the school administrators and the KSHSAA need to address these issues of inequality and recruiting in a fair manner. My suggestion in an earlier blog was too not allow them to play post season or be a “member of KSHSAA. I heard a better solution this week, make private schools a class of their own. And have them compete against each other on the field just as they do through the recruiting process. Just stop harassing programs such as TIS and write to KSHSAA, your school representatives and ask for change. Believe me, those of us whom live in areas where the likelyhood of a transfer student coming in on a regular basis and giving us an advantage is slim to none! We play with what we have and do the best with them that we can. But I can tell you that there is a sense of pride in knowing that you have accomplished something with the barest of resources. It isn’t always about the money and the facilities–sometimes it is all in the attitude!
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April 26th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Hey sorry about the two similar postings. THis first one did not show it had gone thru so I did the second one. Not sure why the first one took so long to show up! Good luck all with the rest of your seasons! That includes you TIS!
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April 28th, 2008 at 8:45 am
First off, yes Independent stacks their team. They are
“encouraged” to transfer to Independent. Second, they dont pay their way their, somebody else does or they are given “scholarships”. I know this for a fact and I dont think the program would want that investigated. I also know, that the girls from the summer team that dont want to transfer, are watched like cattle and if the boss doesnt like what he sees, he calls the HS coaches and threatens to remove the player. Ask Augusta’s coach about that? I think its pathetic to stack a 3A school, its not fair to the other small schools that have worked hard to get where they are. Independent is stacked at key positions from their summer team. So anytime someone calls them on this, they are called “jealous”, of course they are, I would love to have my daughters HS team stacked with her summer teams players, they play at such a higher level than a HS team because, they
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April 28th, 2008 at 8:51 am
they have to play with what they have. HS usually have 4 or 5 top players then fill in with what they have to take. But they play it straight and still win, with respect. Thats the key that the boss of this organization cant buy, is respect, no one does and no one will. The girls for the most part are great. Cheyenne Stewart is a doll. Itst the organization thats so ruthless with the win at ALL costs attitude and thats why they lose girls too. You have to follow all his strict and sometimes absurd rules if you want your girl to play, but his promise is big time scholarships, go to their website, his girls go to the same colleges as anyone elses teams. Colleges could care less who they played summer ball for, all they care about is the player themselves. So yes everyone deserves to voice their opinion without being labled jealous or liars. It exemplifies the saying “truth hurts”. So, take who finishes second in 3A and give them a pat on the back and tell them they are the true champions and give a hug to the girls who were at Independent honestly and tell them its not an attack on them because it was obviously not their doing. Okay im done ranting, go ahead and let the bashing from the summer teams parents begin, just to justify my “opinion”
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April 28th, 2008 at 10:00 am
You are soooooooo misinformed!!!!! Get your facts straight before you start poppin off about things you are so ignorant about!!!
I speak from first hand experience here. Independent is having a great season because the girls work hard and Coach Corey is awesome with them. He makes them all believe in themselves and the girls all want to get better. Simple as that. The “boss” you speak about is Mark Griggs. He is also awesome and highly misunderstood. If you had half a brain you would see that his organization is developing players to play at the highest levels. No one is forced to be a Mustang. It is for pure love of the game and the desire to continue to improve their skills so they can be competitive against other travel clubs across the country. They are a very disciplined group with high moral standards. Exactly what they will experience when they get to college ball. Sounds like a win/win to me. So, until you get your facts straight, may I suggest you keep your idiotic comments to yourself.
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April 28th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Where are your facts that tuition is paid outside of the school? Again, there are only three Mustangs on Corey’s high school team. One has been at the school since kindergarten, one moved in from out of state and the other was a transfer last season. Augusta has two transfers and I know for a fact that one came over just for softball and the other for bowling and softball, not for the education at AHS. By the way, 3A is loaded with private schools, TMP, Sacred Heart and TIS are ALL good softball schools, but I suppose they cheat too. Where does your daughter go to school? Stacked team? All but three girls on the team have been their since grade school. How is that stacked?
The Mustangs are not for everyone, and obviously including your daughter. My daughter has played in New Jersey, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Florida, all through the midwest in front of the hundreds of college coaches and she has faced the best of the best in the competition. She has a key to a five million dollar practice facility that she can use whenever she wants. When she travels with the Mustangs she is fed and sheltered better than I could do for her. There are many GOOD coaches that she can get help from at any time without a cost to my husband and I. The Mustangs even helped with the studies for the girls in their SAT. We have no outside parental problems that most travel teams have, it is about the girls on the Mustangs, not the parents. So I really have no idea why I would want my daughter to play for Mark Griggs? Does he check on HIS girls during the high school season? Yes. They play for him all year except for three months, so they are HIS players. High School softball is great, but when was the last time you saw a college coach at a high school game recruiting players? Mark also checks on the girls about how they are doing in school with their grades. If a player is not doing well in school she does not play for him in fall and winter ball. I just can not see why I would want my daughter to play for someone like that. Someone that cares, offers his time and money for the girls and wants and expects them to not only play at the next level, but to be good honest young ladies. You people make me laugh and you are right, it is not jealousy, it is stupidity. I am guessing you are the same person that wrote on Hovpen (kansascoach1)??? If you are that person, everyone knows who you are. How is the weather in Mulvane?
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April 28th, 2008 at 10:19 am
HIS players? That says a lot.
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April 28th, 2008 at 11:50 am
They are HIS players. He trains them, pays more than his share of each player’s team fees, works on scholarships for each player by networking the college coaches, etc. They are HIS players.
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April 28th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Just wow.
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April 28th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
We are thrilled to have our daughter play for “HIM”. He treats her like gold and we would not have her play anywhere else. Thanks Coach Mark…for everything!!!!!
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April 29th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Told you how they would attack, its typical and sorry that you think your kids are his property. He doesnt get any player any better scholarships than any other coach does, plain and simple, and you sell your souls to him for what you could get anywhere else. Watch how the Renegades grow and how many of HIS girls left to play for them will continue too, because they dont dictate every move YOUR kid makes. Do you enjoy not riding to tournaments with your kids or staying in the same rooms on the road? You must, but thats typical. You obviously have a win at all cost mentality and fit right in with them. You get defensive because you know the truth is glaring and you attack anyone who shines a light on it, much like a cult follower would. So keep attacking which justifies everything I say.
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April 29th, 2008 at 10:28 am
They have to defend it, they have no choice.
Sad.
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April 29th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Sad, very sad! This was a topic about the success of Independent softball, not about the Mustangs.
But I want to address “hearditfromhislips” I am not here to defend what the Mustangs do. I am here to ask you, why do hate them so much? Why does it bother you that some people choose to play for them? What is it that is eating at you? Did your child ever play there? Do you have first hand knowledge of what the program is like? Please anser yes to all of those questions, it would make me feel so much better. That way we know your not just speaking of hearsay, and speaking of actual facts. You are obviously associated with the Renagades, and I dont see anyone talking bad about the Renagades, not even the Mustang players or parents. Why is it so bad that there is an organization (now 2 of them) that helps promote girls softball? I just don’t understand yor reasoning, for such hate for one organization.
I do have daughters that play for the Mustangs, and yes I/they are happy, is that such a bad thing? Like I said before, I am not here to defend, I am only asking questions that I think need to be answered.
Now to address the “HIS” players portion of this thread. Most every coach that coaches, calls the players “his” or “her” players. Umpires even say, “coach are your players ready” it doesnt imply that the coach owns the child….does it? Are the minds of some of the “adults” on this topic, that out of wack? See this is how vicious rumours get started. The next thing you know, you will be at the ball park and someone will say…”that coach over there thinks he owns the girls playing for him and the parents let him do whatever he wants to them” come on laugh now…you know that is exactly what will be said!
The last thing to address is the “promise of the big scholorship” Why do you say that? do you have knowledge of him promising big scholorships? I have been in there from the beginning, and I can assure you, I have never heard that kind of talk. I have heard that the Mustangs will put you in front of the colleges to be seen, I have heard them say, its your job to perform once you get on the field. I don’t ever remember them saying, come play with us, we get the big scholorships. You say, go to their website and see where the girls go. They go to the same schools as every other team. not sure what that means, but I know you will explain. I also know that everyone on the wall or on the website, didn’t get the scholorship thru the Mustangs. I also know they never claim to say they did. The only thing that they do claim is….that these are some of the players that played for the Mustangs, and where they went to college. Maybe that rage of yours, is making you read to much into it.
OK, Like I said, not defending….just asking the questions, that should be asked.
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April 29th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Hearditfromhislips…..
I am not here to defend Mustangs. But may I ask you some questions? I am sure with all of your knowledge; you can answer a few questions.
Can you tell me where anyone referred to their kids as his property? I read were they say they are “his” kids, but isn’t that the same thing every coach refers to them with? Example, when an umpire has a coach win the toss, does the coach say his kids will be home, or does he say…my parents kids will be home?
You said something about the scholarships, can you elaborate? I have seen the wall, and their website, and no where on it does it say that they are better than anyone else. It doesn’t even say anything about scholarships. It only mentions that they were past Mustangs. Can you please tell me what other teams have that many kids going to so many different colleges, so we can give them credit also.
You mention how much the Renegades have grown, I think that is wonderful. But tell me why that is relevant? I don’t think I have read here or anywhere, that the Mustangs bash on the Renegades….have you? I think it is great that there are 2 teams that offer girls at highly competitive ball. You said there are many girls that have left the Mustangs and now play for the Renegades, can you please elaborate on why, and who they are? Maybe it will open our eyes to something we don’t see within the organization.
The question about riding the bus and staying in the same hotel room, I am not sure what you mean? My child loves to ride the bus it is the highlight of her weekend. I know she is young, but I couldn’t convince her not to ride it if I tried. As for the hotel rooms, well again I don’t understand, see my kids stay with my wife and I when we travel. But if you are talking about the older kids, 16 and 18 I really don’t see anything wrong with that. They are after all getting ready for college, and should be able to handle it, right?
This is my last question. Why do you think it’s a win at all cost mentality? I have been there for a long time now, and I never hear anything about winning or losing. Maybe the older teams have that mentality, but shouldn’t they? Honestly, by the time these kids are over 16 years old, they should be learning to win, and how to compete for a job, don’t you agree?
I look forward to your answers, and I hope you don’t take this post as a defensive post. I am just trying to gather knowledge.
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April 30th, 2008 at 7:29 am
If the highlight of her weekend is riding the bus, you must not have very much fun at all the places you go. Which could be where the win at all cost mentality comes in. If she has more fun on the bus then the softball field, I think she might be playing softball just because her parents want her to. Or is she just on the team for the bus rides?
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April 30th, 2008 at 9:58 am
just a thought….anyone want to look up independent’s overall sports record? compare what they are doing now to what they have always done?(regarding the legal recruiting and winning)… so they start winning and everyone comes out of the woods to yell at the squirrel? you can always find a squirrel in a tree…you just have to look for it
stomp and shake it playas
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May 1st, 2008 at 9:12 am
Good response. The issue with the older ones is not the facts of the bus or the hotels its the fact that they have NO choice. Your are correct with the younger girls, there is not that pressure. That is because he doesnt care much for the younger ones, he personally told me, that he doesnt concern himself with the younger teams at all, they are just pools to pick his older teams from down the road. Also, softball shouldnt be a job, it should be something that is enjoyed. If it becomes a job, they will burn out when they get to college and thats a fact. I have been privy to a lot of parents interactions and know of kids being dumped for the littlest thing. My daughter also attended his tryouts and was very interested until he came and spoke to them and told them if they had any complaints or if your parents have any complaints my door is always open, just make sure you bring your uniform with you! Add that with the fact that I have seen them up on somebody 22-1 and still trying to score and not doing the right thing. Add those up and thats where I get the win at all costs attitude. Your kids arent cattle for this mans ego and unfortunately they can be cast off at anytime if he feels he can recruit a better player from here or from out of state. Your child can spend 6 years in his organization to be dumped if he can stack at her position. I appreciate your tone and the way you had a rational response, most Mustang parents go for the throat if anyone questions their boss because they have too or they risk being dumped too.
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May 1st, 2008 at 10:12 am
Hearditfromhislips - This is “travel ball” competing at the highest levels of the game. It is about competitive softball and getting the girls ready for college ball. In college, parents have zero input, the girls are on their own competing for starting positions. The Mustangs prepare them very well for that and there aren’t any surprises once the girls get to their respective colleges. I too have been around the game for many years and have seen many girls come home after a year away because they couldn’t take the pressure. Isn’t it best to prepare them ahead of time so they aren’t in for a total shock once they get there? I appreciate the fact that the Mustangs are completely up front with their expectations. It enables parents and players to decide ahead of time if they are willing to make the committment. It isn’t for everyone, and those that choose to play there are very happy. Key word being “choose”. Yes, I am aware that if a better player comes along, then my daughter better work harder to secure her playing time. That’s how it’s done in college. I for one, appreciate this competitive atmosphere. It will only make the players that want to be there, better!!! Isn’t that what it’s all about??
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May 1st, 2008 at 10:39 am
I have spoken with quite a few parents who aren’t necesarily “very happy” as you put it. They just put up with it because they are all trying to get their daughter’s college scholarships. Some of them are even embarassed by the actions of the powers that be. But, you are right, it’s their choice to be there. So, more power to them.
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May 1st, 2008 at 11:04 am
There isn’t a program in existence where every parent/player is happy. It isn’t possible. We all have our own expectations and standards. However, if the majority of them are pleased with the program, then that is success in itself. They are free to make a change to try and find a better “fit” for themselves. Like I said, the Mustangs aren’t for everyone. There are plenty of recreational teams out there to suit the needs of many who want to play softball. There is a perfect place for all our kids if we just look hard enough and stop listening to the rantings of disgruntled parents who have their own agenda.
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May 1st, 2008 at 11:58 am
I don’t get why any kid would want to play for somebody that coaches or teachers like that. I played at Westurban for 1 year and hated it because all the parents and coaches had the win at all cost attitude for 7th graders. I remember we got our butts chewed because we almost didn’t go to the state tournament that summer. I had more fun playing ball with my friends anyways. I had opportunities to go on and play at the next level and I got those by myself. Their are other ways of getting scholarships, its not like man can hand out a scholarship by himself.
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May 1st, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Heardfromhislips…
Thank you for answering some of my questions. However, I do have to disagree with some of your responses. Let’s start with the most obvious one I disagree with. That he doesn’t care much for the younger ones. I am not sure how I could ever believe that, considering he is in there every night helping coach teams that he doesn’t coach. He also helps coach my daughters U10 team, and I know he coaches the U14 team. I just can’t believe he would tell you he doesn’t care for those younger teams very much. I see him in the building every night, helping any kid that asks for help. Sorry, but I have to very much disagree with you on this one.
As for the hotel thing, I don’t know yet, as my daughters are younger players, and I was told the hotel thing only applies to the 16 and 18 year old teams. But I have talked to some of the parents about tournaments, and I was complaining about my driving and getting a room, etc…. and to my surprise, most of the older kids parents are happy that the kids don’t have to stay with them. They said if they choose to go, then they go and enjoy themselves, without having to worry about getting their child to the game on time or anything else. If they choose not to go, it doesn’t affect the kid at all, they still go and are very well taken care of. But like I said, my kids are not old enough yet, so I can’t give you my personal opinion on it, only what I have heard from other parents.
As for the burn out, I agree. It can happen in any sport. I do know that we only practice twice a week and sometimes once if we played a tournament the weekend before. I also know that he limits each coach to how much time the kids can be at practice. My daughter’s 10 year old team only practices 1 hour and 20 minutes. He stated before we started practices, that the kids have homework and other things to do besides the game of softball; they don’t need to be practicing any longer or more than that. I like it that way, and it seems to keep my daughter wanting to go back to practice.
I went thru the same tryout, and I heard him say the same thing. The way you took it and the way I took it, must have been completely different. I took it that, if you want to complain about your daughters playing time or her position, then he would listen and then ask you to turn in her uniform. I see that as someone who doesn’t want the same thing happen there as it does on most of the teams we have all played on. Parents that complain about every little thing, and kids play because mommy or daddy complains. I personally know my daughter played soccer last year for a very nice man. He seemed to be playing what I thought was a very fair line-up. But one mom was always complaining about her daughter’s position, so she went and talked to the coach. The next thing I know, her daughter is playing up front, and the kid that deserved to be playing up front, wasn’t. (No it wasn’t my daughter, she is a keeper). The mom was heard saying, “the squeaky wheel gets the oil” how sad is that? So I took it as he wasn’t going to stand for any of that. How did you take it? Please tell me your not one of those parents that like to complain to the coach and try to run the team from the stands. Was it your daughter who had the problem, or was it you? It is just a question, not an accusation.
I can’t believe he was the coach doing that. I have seen him tell his 14 year old team to walk off bases early in games, just so the other team can get out of an inning, that doesn’t sound like a guy that would be trying to score when he is up 22-1. Like I said, I just don’t see the win at all cost mentality like you have said, but again, I do have younger kids, not older ones.
I don’t feel like my kids are cattle and I have never felt like he sees my child as cattle. The second I felt that way, I would have my daughter out of there. I believe that of most every parent in there. You can’t honestly believe that parents would let a man treat their child wrongly, for what reason would they want to let him do that?
As for my daughter playing 6 years for the group, and can be dumped at anytime. I have heard him say many times and too many of parents; that there is no guarantee that you daughters will play here after 12 and under. He said it during the tryouts if you remember. He said they don’t cut anyone from 12 and under. He said that starting at 14 and up those teams will be considered tryout teams, and there will be cuts from those teams. Didn’t you hear him say that? I see nothing wrong with that, as long as I know up front, do you?
Thank you for answering SOME of my questions I had asked you. Can you finish answering the ones you might have missed in my last post? You only answered the last 2 questions. I was hoping you could answer all of them for me.
Thanks, and look forward to your answers.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 9:06 am
The bottom line is that there are people that have been treated badly by this organization. There are people that have actually witnessed behavior that has been appalling and have chosen to take their child out of that situation as that is not the atmosphere that they want their child to be a part of or the people that they want their child to be modeled after. To think that everyone that has come through there have been treated fairly or have agreed with everything that went on is very naive.
Fortunately, it sounds like your children are being treated well. But, beware, that may not always be the case. I don’t think you would be hearing all of these strong opinions if there was nothing to them. It would be wise to keep your eyes open and not to bury your head in the sand. Be smart, it’s your children’s well being that is at stake here.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Whats the point…
Thank you for your reply, and yes we feel fortunate that our kids are being treated well. But I do agree, will keep my eyes and ears open and not bury my head in the sand.
Question for you. You say there are people that have been treated bad by this organization. Can you elaborate and give some specifics. My husband says that when people dont get what they want, they tend to make it someone elses fault. maybe if you gave me some specific examples, we could do some research.
Hope you understand that I just have a hard time with all of this, because I just dont see or hear about anyone there being unhappy. I will be the first to say, I do not know everyone there, but with so many families there, wouldn’t you think people would talk about it? My husband keeps saying, nobody has any hard facts, always just general statements. He says if someone had facts, they would post their names and their story, so that it can be validated. Who knows?
But again, thank you for your advice, look forward to more of your comments, and will keep my eyes and ears open.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
1. Why don’t you just have your husband post on here…
2. Nobody is going to give you names because nobody wants to call people out on the internet.
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May 4th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I have seen independent play and they have a really nice team. You can tell they are a well coached team because they are able to generate runs from nothing, they really put pressre on the defense to stop them from running around the bases. More High school softball teams should use this style because it can be very effective. But, I don’t think Independent is as good as several teams in class 3A this year. Rock Creek, TMP, Silver Lake and SE Saline are just a few that I don’t see independent being able to beat. All of these teams have pitchers that won’t allow many base runners so the independent pressure will not be a factor. The class 3A state tournment in Manhattan should be very interesting this year.
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May 4th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I agree, generating runs is very effective. I wish I would have thought of that…
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May 4th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Lots of people are really hard on the Independent softball program, why? They are just ding what all the other private schools in the state are doing. It really doesn’t seem fair but KSHSAA has not adressed the problem in athletics concerning private schools and they don’t plan to anytime soon.
As for the Mustangs, I think this is just a bad deal for Wichita. To have all of the good players on one team hurts the economy and future player development in the city. If the best team has to leave the city to find competition to play then only a few girls are getting the needed experience at a high level to be successful. What does this do to your high school teams? What does this do to your summer leagues and softball complexes? Here in the KC area we have several good club teams that get college exposure for it’s players and they don’t fight to get all of the talent. We are developing the skills of many more players and giving more the opportunity to play in college. Maybe I should thank the Mustangs because I don’t have to worry about any Wichita area team beating one of my KC area teams in a state championship anytime soon. As for as the summer goes you may beat one or two of our teams but we always have some that beat you as well. So I look foward to seeing the mustangs this summer when they come down to get some real competition.
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May 5th, 2008 at 12:06 am
The Independent softball program is not doing anything that all the other private schools around the state don’t do. Private schools and athletics have been a big concern for KSHSAA for years but no one has come up with a solution yet.
As for the Mustangs, I think this is a bad deal for the city of Wichita all the way around. Putting all of the better players on one team only gives a few players an opportunity to grow and develop their skills in softball. What does this do to high school softball in the city? What does it do to the summer leagues and softball complexes in the city? If all the good players are on one team then they would have to leave the city to find competition. Does this hurt the economy in the city? Here in KC we have several club teams that do what the Mustangs are trying to do so more players have an opportunity to experience the benefits. More girls on high school teams play at a high level during the summer. Maybe I should thank the Mustangs because now I don’t have to worry about a Wichita area team beating a KC area team in a state championship any time in the near future.
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May 5th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
It is not hard to tell who is posting on here. Some posts remind me of the interviews with the women from the Texas polygamist colony. Their answers were very programed, controlled and repeatative.
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May 6th, 2008 at 7:10 am
To KC Softball - You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. You compare the economy to softball?? Wow! I can’t wait to play your KC teams this summer! BRING IT ON!!!!!!
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May 6th, 2008 at 7:41 am
“To have all of the good players on one team hurts the economy and future player development in the city.”
HAHA…seriously??? …I mean, I totally agree with you. If we split all the good players up from Wichita then maybe the gas prices would go down or they would end the war in Iraq…
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May 6th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Lets see.. Who was the only coach to get tossed this weekend in Manhattan? Ding, Ding, Ding Mark Griggs! Correct.
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May 6th, 2008 at 8:41 am
What a great role model!
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May 6th, 2008 at 9:50 am
“Jeff” - Coaches across the country get tossed in every sport!! Just part of the game. Get your head out of the sand!!
To “Not surprised” - I’m sure you are the PERFECT role model!! People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones!!
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May 6th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Sara - You are the one on here trying to convince everyone that he is perfect. Yes, coaches get tossed every once in a while, but only few get tossed in practically every tournament they participate in. It’s really hard to defend that, but I have to give you credit, you are trying your best.
I think you are the one with your head in the sand, blinders on, etc……
But, hey, they get to ride a bus!
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May 6th, 2008 at 11:57 am
No lie there. He did get thrown out! But, why focus on that? The 1st year U10 Mustangs finished 2nd, against teams that had mostly second year players, boy those girls were big, and they were good. The other first year U10 Mustangs finished 4th, and they were the only team to beat our 10’s in pool play. The u12 team finished 1st for the tournament, and had the MVP of the tournament on the team. I am sure Mark doesnt coach any of those teams, why not focus on the positives of the weekend?
What about talking about Augusta this weekend, Mustangs U8 finished 1st and 2nd in that tournament (ok there was only 3 teams…lol) But I do know Mark wasnt there. I do know that the Augusta team didnt even play in the tournament because they didnt want to play against the Mustangs. Now how sad is that, this is U8 after all.
I did hear that Mark got thrown out of a game for arguing a ruling about base running. I also heard he didn’t throw a fit or anything, just walked off. Can’t say for sure.
I do know his team played both Wichita teams while they were there, and beat them both. I would like to hear how those coaches felt he coached against them, I happened to witness both of those games. Saw a lot of yelling at him from the stands of one of the Wichita teams, not sure why, considering his team was just playing and winning. Also watched them against the Renagades, was probably one of the best games all weekend. Didn’t see any problems between the 2 teams or coaches. The catcher for the Renagades mad e a great play, and Coach Mark actually walked up to her to tell her how great of a play she made. Doesn’t sound like there is bad blood between those teams.
So why is everyone focused on the negatives? Maybe the fued between the Renagades and Mustangs doesnt even exsist, maybe its outsiders that just like to stir the pot up. Why cant everyone just realize that some parents are happy with the organization, and some leave and are unhappy. Doesnt that happen in every organization? Can you tell me that all your kids are playing with the same kids they started with many years ago. I seriously doubt it! Shouldnt we be happy that the Renagades came along and gave kids another option for playing softball? I am! Maybe its people that dont see it for what it is….all it is, is this. A CHOICE nobody is forced to play with anyone, and kids and parents choose what they choose for their own reasons. why sit here and be judgmental of the way others coach, play, or decide whats best for their child. Those that do this, do you feel that the house you live in is so clean, that it gives you the right? Maybe, its easy to thrown stones, make accusations, bad mouth someone, because you can sit in annomitity, and that makes you feel secure. Either way, i just dont understand.
These are kids playing a game. Mustangs, Renagades, Independent, or whoever, why not leave it at that, why so much negativity?
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May 6th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
wow! I see things are still going south here! Thank goodness this post is about to run out of time. I believe the original point to be made was the determination of whether a private school who has the resources and things to offer players in order to draw them to their school should be classed with small public schools who do not have the same advantages. A private school located in a city of 300,000 thousand + should, in my opinion, not be considered a 3A school just because they choose to control their enrollment numbers. And honestly with the ability to recruit and offer scholarships to help with some (not all) of the financial strain a private school generates I am not sure that they are necessarily on an even starting point with the public schools within the city. Just because they do not have to deal with all the “other” baggage that public schools must endure. That is the original point of this article, at least for me. Not to condemn individuals or even the school. KSHSAA needs to fix this problem and hopefully they can find a fair solution. As far as the Mustangs, Renegades or the Butterflies… that is pureley parental and player choice and let them play for whomever they choose! If it is not your thing then don’t do it!!!!!
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May 6th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
GiveMeABreak - I will continue to stand up for the truth. Period. People see what they want to see based on their own envious notions. Makes them feel better about themselves. So sad. I do not have my head in the sand. No reason to. I see all the positives that Mustangs have to offer these girls. They are all awesome young athletes with very promising futures ahead of them. Kudos to them all. I wish them all a successful summer season! I know it will be a blast!!
About the bus… it really is awesome. Lucky girls!!
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May 6th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
The Independent softball coach is no longer affiliated with the Mustangs and neither is his pitcher, Erin Tuttle. She left in support of her coach who was not re-hired by Mark Griggs for whatever reason.
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May 6th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
That’s part of the “win at all costs” mentality we are talking about. This person is supposed to be a positive role model for these girls. He should be teaching them to win/lose graciously. That sometimes, the calls don’t always go your way. One call will not lose the game. It sounds like the parents are happy with whatever he does as long as they win or do well in their games and get to reap all of the “material” benefits that come with it. You are backing up everything that is being said here.
Interesting news about the coaching situation.
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May 6th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
That is a loss, he is a good coach and she is a good pitcher.
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May 6th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Are you sure? I just saw the Independent team going into the Mustang building to practice. Fastpitch, please tell us were you received your information.
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May 6th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
The Independent team is still practicing at the facility, but Lyon is not coaching the 16’s.
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May 6th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
His name is even off of the roster on the Mustang site. What a shame, but as I said before, he is a good coach and his pitcher will make some summer team very happy.
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May 6th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
The info came straight from the pitcher and the coach. It is a done deal. She gave up a rotation spot on a good 16 year-old team in support of how bad her coach was treated in his release from the team. Good for her.
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May 6th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
In that case, good luck to Coach Lyon and his team at TIS.
Take State!
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May 6th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
OH FOR CRYIN OUT LOUD PEOPLE!! Give it a rest!! Whatever happened between the coaches, is THEIR business!! Stop trying to make it a bigger deal than it really is. Corey Lyon is an awesome coach and also an incredible person. Mark Griggs is also an awesome coach and also an incredible person. Yes, they have parted ways. So what?!?! No one was treated badly. Stop stirring the pot.
Oh, and Erin Tuttle will be just fine. She is a wonderful and talented girl who will play wherever and for whomever she wants. I wish her nothing but the best.
Please people, stop the unfair comments and starting rumors. If you really need something to do…figure out a way to keep Hillary out of office!!! Now that would be productive.
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May 6th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Sara-
If you know the details then you understand how petty it was on his firing. Nobody is stirring the trouble pit and nobody said that Mark Griggs was not a good coach. Things are not rumors when they are the truth.
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May 6th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Fastpitch, please tell us the details. Tell us how petty it was, tell us exactly what happened. Please so we can all understand
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May 6th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Why don’t you ask your fearless leader what happened since he is such an “incredible person”?
Doesn’t sound like it’s a “rumor” to me.
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May 6th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
fastpitch - I do know the details. And I stand by my earlier post when I say that everyone needs to stay out of it. It is between the two coaches. Leave it at that. Find something positive to talk about. Like, how well the girls are all playing in high school this year. And I mean ALL the girls, at every high school. Let’s leave all the rumors, and gossip out of it. It is time to start setting a better example for our girls….
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May 6th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Someone said Mark made a comment about how Lyon had screwed up a certain player’s swing, Lyon asked Griggs about it, Griggs wanted to know who told him that and Lyon refused to tell him, he was fired. Tuttle was not happy how Lyon was treated and left the team. She was upset because Griggs would not respect Lyon enough to know he could not tell Mark who made the comment. The sad thing is, Mark loses a coach and a player and he still has a “rat” in his camp. Why kill the messenger?
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May 6th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Now, that sounds like the truth!
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May 6th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
it is
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May 6th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I believe you. This is not surprising to me. It sounds like Coach Lyon has high morals, it’s a wonder he’s been there as long as he has.
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May 7th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I want to react to the win at all costs attitude. You have to remember these are girls(young girls), be it little league or highschool. Developing strong, independent women is a big part of being involved in a winning program. Learning to win and lose graciously. The whole idea win at all costs is a bunch of crap whether it be a private school in the city of Wichita or a Club team in Wichita. If you look at every division, there are 1-3 top teams and than the rest fall in the middle to the bottom, that’s just how it is. If you have a rec-league in your small town that’s just about having fun, you may have a hard time producing big time athletes. I think that’s where parents and coaches need to get more involved. For Example in Goddard league 11-12 years olds throw from 35 feet with an 11″ ball how does that help them for highschool, not that Goddard is having a hard time finding athletes, but could become a problem later especially with the economy the way it is and the cost to play on a competitive team. In Park City at 9-10 they can’t throw windmill. In some East side leagues they pitch sling shot to their own team at 9-10. This is where the problems lie. So you can say what you want or make it what you want. The Independent school has more than 1/2 a team that never picks up a softball in the summer, and yet they are successful. I know it takes 10 on the field and 1 or 2 players aren’t going to make a team. But you look at golf or tennis, individual sports these kids are taking names and wow going to Yale on a golf scholarship and scoring a 31 on her test. Crazy, huh. So give Independent a break, and give all the girls a break who play for competitive teams in the summer and have fun. Take a look at their school website some time and see what kind of scholarship money their senior class has achieved. Take a look at how many are athletic scholarships, I think enough said about private schools and athletics.
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