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Brookins steps down as Central football coachFriday, January 11, 2008Central football coach leaves his position after 2-8 season.
Central sent out a news release stating Brookins' intent not to return for the 2008 season and that the search for a new head coach would begin immediately. Brookins, who will stay on at Central as an art teacher and the track and field coach, did not return phone messages. Central athletic director Mark Ruark declined to comment about the reasons Brookins gave for resigning and whether the coach was forced out. "We'd like to thank Lawrence for nine years as a head coach," Ruark said. "He won five district titles. So his record speaks for itself. Anything beyond what was said in the resignation release, I don't think there would be anything else I would want to say. We certainly appreciate coach Brookins' service." Brookins was a football coach at Central for 11 years, nine as the head coach. He posted a 44-54 record from 1999 through 2007, winning five district championships and three sectional championships. Brookins kicked off this decade strong after starting his career at the school with a 1-9 record in 1999. He went on to coach the Tigers to back-to-back 7-5 seasons in 2000 and 2001. He continued to enjoy success the next two years with a 10-2 record in 2002 and an 8-3 record in 2003. But 2003 was his last winning season. Brookins posted an 11-30 record over his final four seasons, winning just one of his five district titles over that period. The district title he won in the later portion of his stint as coach was in 2006, when the team finished 4-7. Brookins coached the Tigers to a 2-8 record this past fall, with wins over St. Charles in Week 4 and Sikeston in Week 10. Ruark said for him the most exciting memory about Brookins' stint came in 2000. "We had gone 1-9 the year before and we kind of came out of nowhere to win the district and go to the playoffs," Ruark said. "That was the first time Cape Central had tasted playoff football in quite some time. That was a very exciting time. It was a lot of fun." Ruark, who has been at Central for the past 24 years, and served as athletic director for the last three, said the struggles in the second half of Brookins' reign as coach were caused by multiple factors. Falling participation numbers helped fuel the swoon. Central had 44 players on its roster at the beginning of this past season, but numbers dropped as the fall progressed. "I think the losses mounted as the numbers declined, I think, in terms of participation in football," Ruark said. "I think that's an important factor, that in football more than any sport, is dictated on numbers. Now you have to have kids who are committed to the program as well. "Specific numbers I can't remember without looking at them. But really if you look over the past four years, I know my first year as athletic director we finished in the low 30s. I think that's where we've been the last three or four years." Ruark said there are no candidates yet to fill the position. "We are wide open," Ruark said. "We are looking forward to the next chapter in Tigers football. We have a rich, rich history and tradition in football. ... We want to find a person to come in who fits the community and can get everybody excited about football. We don't have anybody in mind." Ruark did not give a timetable for when the school would like to have a new coach in place. "Obviously, we want to make it as soon as possible, but the approach we'll have is that we're looking for a good teacher as well as a good coach," he said. "And however long it takes is how long we will take. We're not going to rush to fill the position just to fill the position. We want to make sure we get the right person." Ruark said he is hopeful to get a new coach in place in a timely fashion so that person can begin meeting the players, planning out summer camps and planning summer workouts. But there is no deadline. Ruark said a letter went out Thursday to all of Brookins' assistant coaches letting them know about the head coach's decision to step down and that each was welcome to apply for the position, if interested. He said no one from Brookins' staff has expressed interest in the job yet. "We would want the new head coach, whether he would come from within or without, to have input on their staff for next year," Ruark said. "Unlike college, in high school your coaches also have to have a teaching position. But we want the new head coach to have as much input on their assistants as they can have." Ruark added that he hopes participation numbers and dedication will increase with a new coach. "You look at Jackson High School and they've got numbers and they've got kids who are committed to being in the weight room," Ruark said. "And that's really a community pride thing, and I'd like to see that back at Cape Central." 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i really enjoyed playing for Coach B and his staff! He is a good guy. I know his family is still coping with their loss and will continue to keep them in my prayers.
Was everyone like me, waiting for the AD to say why the coach resigned after he said he wouldn't comment why? And he pretty much did, after he said he wouldn't, this is freakin hilarious.
No question Mark needs some direction in how he regulates his mouth. As long as I live, I will never forget the playoff game with North Co.... O.K. now you people can go get Pete Carrol, Les Miles, Belicheck etc. Hurry up, I know it was killing you that the position wasn't open yet. (Calling him at his Mother's wake, SHAME!) Come on, better make it quick, you only have eight months before football season starts! Tick, tick tick.
Perhaps the falling participation numbers are from the confusing statements of an athletic director that makes public statements to the press that are contradictory and lacking in any social grace. The AD could have easily diffused the press inquiry by saying he would not have a statement regarding the matter since the coach was dealing with his mother's passing. Deferring all inquiries until the coach returned and was ready to address the issue. Could this type of insensitive behavior influence a kids choice to play?
I think it might be time to bring Dutch Meyr back again. He did an amazing turnaround for that one season in 1977 after a strong career previously at Central and at SEMO. He's a lot older but knows his stuff and can rebound a program very quickly.
Having played for coach B for three years (1999-2001), I have to admit that I am sad to see him go. He was a great coach and more importantly a great person. Coach B instilled discipline and pride into a struggling program. However, Its sad to see how the program suffered the past few years. I don't think that the past few seasons are completely coach B's fault. First off, he lost two great assistant coaches in Klund and Haggerty. Anyone close to the program while they were coaches knows how important they were to our success. Coaching football is just as much of a team effort as playing the game itself. Its takes a complete staff to be successful and although coach B will take the brunt of the criticism, fault should fall on the entire staff as well. I personally believe that one coaching change will not make a difference. Like I said before, it takes a complete staff.
Also, does anyone else think that the mentality of students at central has changed since the move to the new school? It seems that the whole culture of central changed with the move. Maybe it has to do with the fact that the new school feels like a prison......
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger...
Good luck, Lawrence, GOD will bless you, just like he did Lee and me.
Losing Coach Brookins as the football coach will not making the team any better becuz the classes are getting smaller and smaller each year and cant handle class 4-5 teams
Bring Back Lynch!
44 kids on roster, 100 kids on roster - does not matter. Same 12-13 kids play offense and defense the whole game.
Should be a MSHAA rule that at least 9 kids have to be fresh for at least one down when possession changes
If you think you can do better....apply for the job...............
I heard the reason the good assistant coaches left the program was because of Brookins and Williams.
No the assistants left to go make more money! Outside of Tatum Kitchen ,the others that used to be here dont teach OR coach anymore. So stop tryin to start crap. why even bring it up at this point?!
Coach Brookins was not the problem, my son didn't play football for him but he did run track and played other sports, coach B is a great coach, the problem is with the administration,you have a principle who in my opion is nothing but a lier and who could care less about sports and a AD who in my opion is a joke. Cape central is the laughing stock of the state when it comes to sports, all good coaches know that and until the administration changes, and we get honest people back at the top , nothing will change,and if it doesn't you'll see what few good coaches that they have leave. If you want to help the program get rid of Williams and keep Brookins.
I as well enjoyed playing for Coach B and the guys he had around. A great person, teacher, and I can't say enough about how wonderful his family is. People can say what they want about him but only a few really "knew" the man as well as I did and Im proud and blessed to be able to say that. He taught myself and the others I played with the game and how it was supposed to be played, and prepared the few of us who went on to college the right way. Everything he and staff taught and coached is within the same ways they do at the next level. I was very comfortable because I was familiar with the basics that I had learned from my time at Central, they were right on. Good luck and God bless Coach B and Mama B! Love you both.
It's so funny to see a former player here talk about the influence Brookins was on him when it's public knowledge of this young man's brushes with the law both while in high school and in college. Considering your drinking, brawling, and vandalism charges I don't think you saying Coach B influenced you is actually a compliment of the coach.
I have never read so many comments about a coaching issue from an A.D. I know they don't have a superintendant to comment, but this Ruark is wearing us out. I see he compares his situation to what Jackson does. Hire Carl Gross, he is a Central graduate. Honestly I can't name many A.D.s' at the local schools and didn't know who Jackson's was until he got in trouble. Scott City? Perryville? St Vincent? Delta? Scott Central? Sikeston? Charleston? Also former players are commenting well for Coach Brookins, that is who he was interested in molding. Not you whinning parents!
Coach Brookins was, is, and will always be an awesome person. I can't admit to having much athletic school spirit when I went to Central ( I maybe went to one football game and one basketball game the entire time I went there), but from what I'd heard from the players at the time, he was also a great coach. I'm sad to see him leave his coaching position, but I wish him the best as he continues on with his teaching at Central.
On a secondary note: Please don't slam Dr. Cowan. He has not killed athletics--look at the women's tennis team under Coach Slattery in the past few seasons, and our cross-country team; they've done awesome lately! Athletics at Central is still well and alive. So what if football has a bit of a slump, the other sports are just as important. It's all for fun, anyway.
Cowan's contributions to Central as principal are invaluable. For once, Central actually has a principal who gives a damn about academics. Okay, perhaps that was harsh, but Dr. Cowan is the reason I got into a good university. High school athletics is transient, sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not, but the measure of a high school should be in the quality of the students it graduates, not how many touchdowns or orange and black shirts you can fit into a measly stadium.
No one can can Brookins isnt a good coach becuz is track resume speaks for its self
Someone said we should hire Gross. That's been tried but according to what Gross told me himself Cape wouldn't match the financial package that he has over there. And they shouldn't. Jackson has put their money where their mouth is, and it's the football program. I'd rather have a mediocre team than to put football above academics as Jackson has.
Its not even the coaches.. its the players... the playeres don't have the passion for the sport anymore simple... they're not commited to the wieght room and conditioning... central just needs to go down a class until the program rebuilds
I agree with Hammonds, Central needs to drop down a class like they did in 2000, which led to them being the biggest class 4 school in Missouri, and being in a very week district. However I heard they are going up a class to 5 next year, because the school is growing.
Easy SEMOFan80, I wouldnt talk about kids drinking in high school, if you remember...I was at the age to hang around 2 of yours and I know a little bit more than you do about their "no ones looking" behavior. It is to my knowledge that you allowed such events (underage drinking) go on in your house while you were there throughout my high school career! Good thing the cops didnt get you like they did the Notre Dame family last year. What would you be saying then?? So...lets not act like we are all hidden by a handle here, (I've read your previous posts for up to 8-9 months, so lets say I can put 2 and 2 together). But Im glad I know where your true colors are, and now you dont have to hide behind a smile and friendly conversation next time you see me in town. I was on here simply speaking about Coach B and my experiences with him on a football level. But what you don't know.. when I got in trouble my senior year during basketball season who do you think called me over to his house to talk??? Wasn't McCord, him and I haven't spoke since. But thats right, Coach B! And the man didn't even need me anymore for football, so that's the kind of man/person/coach he was. So since Im on the coach subject, Coach Williams was another man who was a friend instead of a coach to me during that period. So, just because you had a bad experience with B back in 2000, or Williams back in a baseball season doesn't mean hatred for life does it?
As for my brawling?? My dad and older brother would never let me grow up with a soft core. If you are going to say something, stand up, say it and sign your name to it. If somebody is going to threaten you physically, you can run and talk about it or how what you were going to do...or stand there and be about it. So that sums it up about my brawling.
You are on here running your mouth about what you know on me, from the paper that you bash everyday on because of their false imformation...relax they are people as well, trying to do the best job they can, I didn't get all worked up about it, but really something has to give doesnt it SEMOfan80?? Maybe you would be happy to know that the vandalism charges on me were dropped because of proof in court from a parking lot surveillance tape that showed I never went into the men's apartment. Another bit of info for you and anyone interested, the car window that was broken was broken by the men who charged us with vandalism! Maybe you are the type that would just stand there and let a group of men do that to you, but, im just not (more insight into your brawling case). Thought I'd clear that up for you since the SEMissourian didn't last year.
But what is funny is reading your blogs and actually knowing who you are..HAHA! I didnt know you had kids all within the same age that went to Central AND Jackson??? That must have been ******* you!!!! And.. I didnt know you had family that went to school in Charleston 2 years ago?? You think I forgot about what you said about my little brother back in September, I KNEW it was you back then as well.. and I didnt think that you thought Monroe Hicks was a prima-donna by the way you acted towards him back in 2002...so what is really funny??? Hmmm... At least I can sleep at night and what people see is what they get from me. Not two-faced BS and @$$ kissing so that I can run away later and talk bad about them. Time to do a little bit of growing up SEMOFan80, so just chalk this little deal up as getting caught-up, hold your tongue or "fingers" unless there is something else you want to talk about?? As for now Im off to cheer on my fellow Southern Mississippi boy, Brett Favre!
Holy crap! If that really is Mitch, you, SEMOfan80, got called OUT! Can't wait to hear your response.
Hey Mitch maybe the reason McCord was not there to talk to you was because he was busy bailing out Chestnut. This is the problem with kids today. Keep your nose out of places it doesn't belong. I know kids will be kids but the parents need to keep better tabs on their kids.
Easy on the personal digs about Mitch Craft. Not relevant nor helpful. Alot of us did silly things in HS (and college) we would not be proud of today. That has absolutely no bearing on the discussion.
I agree with cgfan to an extent. The blame for Central's woes of late fall on the entire football staff, not Brookins alone. But basic Plumbing 101 will tell you it all runs downhill and there must be a leader that inspires and motivates, both players an his staff. All Brookins seemed to do was blame the players and that doesn't motivate them to give you all they have.
For everybody not interested in what I just said about SEMOFan80, I apologize for getting off topic. Shouldn't have let something as dumb as a blog comment of old news that has already happened as late as 4 years ago still bother me. But I couldn't let that one go. SaviorBreath, no matter what I did or who I called out, the other guy could win by saying whatever he wanted after what I said because I wont call him out on who he is.. he knows, I know, and the Lord knows, that is all I need. Crazysportsfan, although that might have been a good bet for the case it wasn't entirely true. haha. Scott never got arrested that night, they let him walk right there on the spot.. funny comment though. I also agree about parents needing to keep better tabs on their kids in some cases, my parents knew where I was and who I was with but not what we were doing. I as well as about 99% of the kids these days broke a trust barrier and mislead the truth a bit to get put in that spot. But Scott on the other hand had it worse than almost any human being I have ever been around, NOT defending him that night or his more recent troubles. Just stating that he was almost raising himself and as a 17 year old you couldn't imagine that task. But that whole story and situation in itself was more in depth and had more holes in it than what was reported in the news and in the paper. I believe a few people were fired over that debacle. Tigerfan87, thanks, much appreciated, you are right about your last statement, it had no bearing on the discussion. As for SEMOFan80's response, he can say whatever he wants next post, Im embarrassed that I brought myself down to the idiot level he was at by taking a few shots at him. Again, my apologies for letting my emotions get the better of me.
Mitch, very mature response. More so than many of the digs at you on this blog. Discussion is fine, but this digging up bones mentality is ridiculous. It kills credibility when you are reduced to that. Just my humble two cents.
Who will be Cape's next coach?
it dosen't matter who the coach is... it takes time for players to get use to a new coach and to earn his respect and central doesn't have that kind of time
Point well taken TigerFan87. As for Central's next coach I dont know who it will be, no telling. I wouldn't mind them keeping it in house and passing it to a guy like Derrick Smith if he was interested or possibly even the biggest Tiger of them all, Coach Terry Kitchen.
I'd love if Coach "Hey you meathead" Kitchen was hired.
I think they need to go get a young, out of town guy to replace Coach B. If the reason that kids aren't coming out for football is lack of motivation, then the central program requires new blood. We need someone that is new, with a new plan and ideas.
I love Terry Kitchen and played for him. He bleeds orange and black, but I agree that new blood needs to be injected into the veins of Central football. Totally new staff.
BTW, my previous response wasn't aimed at you Mitch, in case you thought it was. It was aimed at all those who are choosing to take cheaps shot at you. I truly thought your response was a mature one. Those who engage in the personal attacks lose credibility.
Kitchen would be great. But I like his current role as J-high coach. It is good to know that he is taking care of the future of the central football program. He has been pretty successful too.
Very good point.
Oh no problem Tigerfan, thanks again, but either way your response was right. Dont know if how I responded changed anything, but maybe best if I wouldnt have said anything at all and just kept on subject you know. But anyways, good point by cgfan, very good point. A shame that Klund and Haggerty dont coach anymore, those guys were great and all the players loved them no matter what your roll was. But either direction that the administration goes, I just hope Central football finds their balance again. I don't care about the numbers crap, in 2002 we only had 35 maybe even 40 kids on the team, so I dont see how numbers have anything to do with anything being a "new" problem. Most of the major problem lies with the kids that are at the young ages. I really hate to say this, really, but.. look at Jackson and look at Central. At a Jackson home game you will literally get ran over by those little kids at the game, all in Jackson shirts, uniforms, hoodies, etc. The Jackson kids grow up and WANT to be a part of Jackson football. Thats a difference I see right now. I don't see the same fire and/or the same "pipeline" if you could say so running through the young kids at Cape. As we all know though, time will tell.
no
Mitch,
The difference between Cape and Jackson is that Jackson still has the small town feel. Going to the home football game on a Friday night is the thing to do. This is not a knock on Jackson, I personally think it is awesome that there fans are so dedicated.
Also, playing on Thursday nights instead of Friday is a big difference too. Thursday night games stink. Period. You cant expect to pack a stadium when you play on Thursday.
Regardless, we can probably make a thousand excuses. I hope we can all agree that the program needs new, young blood.
Central could have the numbers they use to but kids in swimming and basketball, baseball are too scared they'll get hurt and not be able to play their other sports.
Whoever is named as coach, we as former players, boosters, and fans need to rally around him and get Cape excited about Central football again! I wish Mr. Brookins the very best. I never held any peronsal animosity toward him, I just felt he wasn't a good motivator and didn't do a good job putting his staff together and keeping good staff. Now we have a chance at a new beginning and the incoming coach deserves everyone's support and patience. Don't set lofty expectations right away. It may take a while to undo what has been done.
so you are willing to give the new coach patients but not coach b..when he was trying to rebuild cape's football program? you should've been giving support when was losing
tigerfan87,
I'm assuming that you didn't play for Brookins. Please remember that Brookins brought the program out of the dump and had pretty good run of winning football. I felt that he was a great motivator. Granted, thats my opinion. I did however play for him for three seasons. So I feel like I have a pretty good idea of the type of coach that he is.
Also, the reason why he was not able to keep a staff together was because central teachers and coaches are not paid enough. They are under appreciated. The program will never keep coaches when they don't pay them for what they are worth.
Why wouldn't we rally around the new coach?
cgfan, no I didn't play for Brookins, I was before his time and played for Gary Lynch. And you have better knowledge than I as to whether or not he motivated you, so I leave that for you to decide. And the point about teacher/coaches pay, well taken.
But the numbers coming out for football tell a different story about his motivation skills.
And while alot of people will defend his district titles and so forth, let's not kids ourselves that Central plays in an extremely weak district, so that really doesn't mean a whole lot. Winning a district with a 4-6 record is a testament to my point. Again, I am not attacking the man personally. Being a head coach makes you a big target for criticism from pundits like me who probably should admittedly remain quiet. I will grant that. But don't defend playing weak schedule and saying it was a result of good coaching and that he 'brought Central back'. He did no such thing. Without some exceptional talent in years of Craft, Hicks, Turner etc, Brookins would never have put a good team on the field. Coaching means being competitive even when you don't have the stars like Craft, Hicks, and Turner propping up your roster.
and hammonds_20, I support the Tigers win or lose. If you played for Brookins, you probably ate a few pre/postgame meals on my dime. So you are barking up the wrong tree with that comment. I was putting my money where my mouth was even when I thought the program was headed in the wrong direction.
tigerfan87,
Ahhh yes, the ole "weak district" explanation for why Brookins was not a good coach. I guess the STL cardinals world series championship of 2006 is not validated because they play in the "weak" NL central.
Lets get a few things straight:
1st. I admit, Brookins did have some rough years, but he also had some great years when the tigers not ONLY won districts but won sectionals. This means that theoretically the tigers were the best of their district and the district of the team they beat in sectionals.
2nd. When did Farmington, Poplar Bluff and Sikeston become weak? Ill give you that perryville is....but Farmington? They were state ranked both in 2000 and 2001 when the tigers played them in the district championship.
3rd. The talent of a few great players only takes you so far. It takes a complete team effort to win a football game. If you played football....you should know that.
4th. Tell me how Coach B didn't bring back Central football. If my memory is right, central had not won a district title since the 80's. He won 5 and made it to sectionals 3 times.
What dump? Cape's worst stretch has been the last four years. Had Cape been in the little division they got into in 2000 back in the early nineties, Lynch or Dement would still be coaching.
Regarding winning district championships. Wasn't the playoff format different before Brookins took over and there were some good central teams that didn't make the playoffs but would have under the current format? So a better indicator is your overall won-loss record with a certain coach rather than DC's. Just asking.
I think way back it use to be a points system, but I am not sure how long ago that stopped.
I was fortunate enough to coach with LB back in 97-2001. I had a first hand look at the man and what he was really like. He was one of the hardest working people I have ever met. He would go out of his way to help his students and athletes be successful. If kids didn't like him, it was because LB wouldn't tolerate laziness or when kids would committ to something and then not show up or quit. He was/is a man of character. He helped me become a better man, and I often find myself dwelling on conversations we had. That is a huge loss for Central, bigger than they realize.
Mitch, I hope you are doing well. I talked to your dad & asked about you at Micah's wedding a few years back. You know, I always respected your dad. He was the kind of man where you always knew where you stood. If he had something to say about you, he would say it to your face (unlike the majority of people/parents I dealt with in Cape). Give him my regards. Drop me a line and let me know what your up too sometime.
cgfan, your analogy of the World Series Cardinals and a weak NL Central doesn't work. St Louis actually went on to WIN the whole thing, which nullified that argument. Central never got past a sectional victory. None of Central's opponents ever went on to win the state championship, so their 'ranking' means very little.
And your 3rd point is exactly what I am saying. It takes a complete team effort to win consistently. Brookins' cannot seem to get that out of his players. But he was blessed with a couple of years of outstanding talent that hid his lack of a game plan or getting lesser talent to play as a unit. The results speak for themselves. Put Brookin's win-loss record against Gary Lynch's. That will tell the story. And the previous posters are exactly right about the point system. Some great teams were omitted from the playoffs under that system. Only when moving to that pathetic district did they return to the playoffs.
Look...Mitch Craft, OJ, Monroe and others were great players and I will not take anything away from them and do not mean any disrespect to them. But a superior coach would have taken them further than sectionals. Now we can all agree that our posts are merely opinions, but there are some facts to back it up, not just emotional attachment to a coach.
TF87,
This argument could go on forever and I am getting off point.
Coach B is a great coach. Those who where not a part of the program, have no idea. They will simply judge him by his win loss record and make assumptions, because that is all they know (which is completely understandable). However, those who stood in the trenches with Coach B, know a different story. Like Coach Earnhart said, "it is a huge loss for central, bigger than they know. " I couldnt agree more.
All i'm saying is football isn't for everyone... not everyone can go out onto that feild a take a hit or give one... i think that the kids that have been coming to central these past couple of years are just not football player.. maybe in a couple of years.. kids from jr. high will come over a bring central back to the top were they belong... when i was playing my senior year... we tried to leave central on a good note and we did by winning a district title... and there is still a point system in the playoffs
Big E whats up big daddy?? Great to hear from you, that was a surprise. Thanks for the comments on my dad, thats one thing I hated when I was longer but didn't see how much better of a person it was going to make me in the future, I couldn't agree with you more. As for me, I got alot going on right now, Im graduating in May from Southern Miss and im engaged as well. Shoot me an e-mail so we can talk, its mcraft_11@hotmail.com
cgfan, I personally liked playing on Thursday nights. It had that Monday Night Football feel, the only show around! We had a good crowd on the Thursdays from people all over the SE region and it also gave you a good chance to go scout on Friday nights when other teams were playing. Im kind of a superstitious person, and our team had a good home record on those Thursdays (11W-2L) so I liked it naturally. The great thing about football is, the day is the last thing a player cares about or has on his mind! I have had the fortune of playing on Monday (quarterfinals), Wednesday (sectionals), Thursday, Friday and Saturday in high school and every day of the week in college for t.v. purposes and 3 games getting rescheduled (Houston, Tulane, and Cal games because of hurricanes). Preperation was the same no matter what. I can say though that I agree it does take away a little bit of that traditional feel though. I saw where you said you played in 2001, that was a great year and I had fun. From one ex-teammate to another..good luck and I hope you are doing well out there!
Tigerfan87, again my thanks for your compliments. Being mentioned in the same sentence with the others you named is quite an honor. I would like to say that I do agree with the district weakening down in the past few years but our district and schedule was pretty stiff when I was playing for B(maybe a little biased but let me explain). Im not calling you out on this just throwing out the facts to some of the people who didnt know.. Im looking forward to your response and opinion on it, you are one of the few who make any sense on many of the Central blogs Ive read and I would like to hear your take. As a fan and ex-player watching, I'll take your comments over some of the people on this board who are new to the community. In 2001, we were 7-5 and our losses came to..
New Madrid (ranked #3 at time and finished 2nd in state)
@ Graves County KY (playoff contenders in KY)
Jackson (ranked #5 at time and lost in 5A semi's)
@ Pop. Bluff (ranked at time and lost to Jackson in Dist. Champ)
Washington (ranked #2 in state at time and finished 2nd in state) we got beat in QTRFinals 18-17 on a last second missed field goal on our half.
OUR KEY WINS..
Sikeston (ranked #10)
Farmington (ranked #8)
North County (ranked #3) 53-52 2OT
In 2002, we lost to..
North County (ranked #5 in state at time) in double OT **TIME SCANDAL! haha
Eureka (ranked #3 at time and finished 2nd in the state)
KEY WINS..
Blytheville (ranked #2 in ARK)
Sikeston (ranked #10)
In 2003, we lost to...
New Madrid (ranked #8 in 3A at time)
Jackson (still cant explain that one..)
North County (ranked #4 at time)
KEY WINS..
North County (ranked #6 at time)
@ Pop. Bluff (ranked #3 at time)
So if you throw all the details in into the mix it wasn't a bad run of soft run for B. Sorry for the length just trying to make back for good conservation and debate! Hope you all are staying warm up there!
No doubt, Mitch, that those were some big wins and a few tough losses. And I wouldn't want to take anything away from you or the guys you played with, as I have the upmost respect for all Tiger players, current and former. I'll just say that with the roster loaded with kids like you and those in your era, Brookins should have been able to take you the distance. But like I've said previously, it's easy for those of us on these blogs to bloviate on what should have been done. My hope now is that a new coach comes in and not only lights a fire in the program internally, but gets the community buzzing about Tiger football as well. In the end, while some disagree about the value Brookins' brought to Central football, we all agree that we want the very best for the young men that strap on the orange and black.
Congrats on your upcoming graduation and nuptials. Sounds like life is going your way and we are proud of you.
Thanks alot. Yeah its going well right now Im just wishing it stays that way, you know? Can't wait to see what happens, just gotta love the challenge and take it head on. I planned on coming back to Cape for a few years and even talked to Brookins about the possibility of coaching. Im still uncertain on what I'll do after school though. Anyway, with what you said I agree about wanting the best for the guys who strap it up as well. About the past, I think about it every so often and I get to talk about it alot when I come home with some of the guys and alot of things blinded me but the older you get, the more you can let things go and look at the facts. In 2001, we lost to Washington 18-17 and one kid got alot of the blaim put on him for missing that field goal. I know I was a little upset as well! Six years later this is what you start thinking about.. Washington had 7 turnovers, I was 1-12 passing in the first 3 quarters, Monroe dropped a pass on the 15yd. line with 3 seconds left. With all that info.. we deserved to lose that game is how I feel. In 2002, we lost to Eureka 21-17 in the Qtrs. on a last minute interception thrown by me. I was devastated and can admit it took me almost 3 years to watch that game film. After I watched it this is what happened.. Eureka was 4 for 4 on 4th down conversions, Monroe had a 70 punt return TD called back for clipping, on the first drive of the game we had a bad snap on 3rd and 2 that forced us out of field goal range and into a punting situation, nobody on Eureka's team or in their student section could stop Jeremiah Dukes when he had the ball that night yet he only touched the ball 4 or 5 times (only questionable coaching call I can admit to having in my days), I threw a pick in a situation that in my whole career I never did.. so looking back at that game we deserved to lose then too. With my experience and knowledge of the game now I feel that I can submit my opinion with alot of confidence, in closing with Brookins and staff and my experience with them, I felt they prepared us well, put us in good situations, and made sure we were comfortable with what he were asked to do. As a high school player, I couldn't see you wanting it any other way. But, I can not speak on the recent years so what I say has no reference to what some of these parents/fans are saying. Im just letting you know how I felt and the feeling the guys around me had as well. I did go to one game this past season and can say that I dont believe Bill Belichek would have made a difference. But Tigerfan87, alot of should have, would have, could have but the point is the most important fact of all is Cape Central doesn't have a state championship.. and maybe like you said we can start making those strides ASAP with the new guy, whoever he is.
Maybe you can speak to this, since I am so far removed from the off season program. 1987 makes me a fossil! But it appears, by physical appearance, that of late Central's players are not very strong and are getting blown off the ball. How hard did Brookins push you in the weight room? Is it just this latest crop of kids don't work hard enough or what do you see as the problem there? Or is there a problem? Like I said, I have no idea what he required of the players as far as working out, but what is being put on the field indicates they don't make it a priority. We were always coached that the season starts the day after the last game, not just in the summer. And teams that win state championships (Jefferson City, Rockhurst, Hazelwood East, etc) are a testament to hitting the weight room hard year round. What am I missing?
Brookins pushed us very hard in the weightroom. I missed one day and he came to MY HOUSE! haha. Klund and Haggerty would hunt you down as well if you missed. No telling what some of the parents would do these days?? But, the coaches can only do so much you know. They cant hold your hand and lead you to the water. Sometimes a few of the guys need to man up and start the fire. Our bunch ran 7 on 7 drills everyday after the lifting, not because the coaches asked, but because we knew its what we had to do. Another thing nobody knows about is this, I did summer school before my senior year. Coach B would get up an hour early to open up the weightroom for me so I could lift at 6am and go to class at 7 while the other guys came in at 7. If you wanted it bad enough, Coach Brookins would do anything for you. I loved that about him. We also had a bunch of guys that were very dedicated, half of our team played American Legion baseball in the summer time and still made it to weight-lifting everyday. I know others as well as myself lived minute to minute throughout the off-season. It just comes down to how much each individual wants it, we had guys that wanted it. A big issue it seems with the people of Cape are "vacationing" and alot of guys use that excuse. No time for that and working out in the summer! Look, I understand family time and all that, thats great and wonderful. But, I looked at that as a bunch of crap. I wanted my family vacation to be up to the STL dome so they could watch Cape Central play for the State title during Thanksgiving. Maybe we were of a different breed back then, I dont know. And about the size deal, we had guys that were not big by any means; Neels (195lb)and Schuessler (190) who played and did very well on the line, those guys never missed a day in the weightroom and both worked summer jobs. Other guys like Hudson (5'7 175)and Conrad (5'8 170) both who had more heart than any kid on the field. They played ball all summer and never missed in the weightroom. Monroe Hicks never missed a day in the weightroom in 3 years! A few others that had their plates full Im forgeting right now had their take in our success. All in all I think it comes down to pride and dedication as I mentioned earlier, in my era I was lucky to be surrounded around the group of guys that I was. Central needs guys like that back in the weightroom, that sort of thing is contagious! Get with it or get out is what we used to say.
I have to be honest. Since I graduated in 2005 and went off to mizzou I haven't had much of a chance to get back to catch a game, but I can't help but keep track of how the team is doing. The past few years were rough but as Mitch said already maybe the earlier kids were a different breed. I remember coming in as a sophomore in high school I turned a few heads, moved up the depth chart and was expected to be the next monroe hicks at safety. I'm not going to go out and say I was him on the field but I'd say that I filled in nicely when needed. I felt I was able to do that because of people like Mitch Craft, Mark Dunaway, Monroe Hicks ,Seth Hudson,Dukes and more. They were constant examples of what I strived to be in the weight room and on the field. So no I don't blame Coach B as nobody really should. If anything I blame myself. Sophmore year I got a good amount of clock and learned the game from those in front of me and Junior year was my year. Following in the footsteps of senior leaders I stepped up and followed their lead. That led to me being 1st team all conference,all-region, being a member of the SEMO allstar team, and being voted most inspirational player. I don't take credit for that...I give that credit to the seniors. My senior year nobody stepped up and that led to a bad year which led to disinterested kids upcoming into the program. We were a team that should have been lead by five strong seniors (myself,marcus rice,brandon twiggs,gabe edwards,and mikel abraham) we ended up not getting the job done. Gabe and Mikel never had a chance because one dropped out and the other was ineligible. There went two guys who were 5"10 220 with 4.5/4.6 40's right there. Then I'm supposed to step in and play QB, I break my hand and the team is left to a sophmore and a freshmen QB facing top talent from STL. I was in and out with injuries all year which lead to inexperience at the QB position and lead to more of a load being put on Twiggs in the backfield which lead to him being injured. Bad luck is bad luck and I'll never forget my senior year, but that isn't where the 2-8 season started. It started in the summer because unlike those before us who set the examples in the weight room everyone wasn't dedicated. Coach B put it on us seniors to get everyone there. Not everyone knows this but He gave everyone of us contact information for all the teammates and put the summer program in our hands. In this test we failed. I failed. We all failed. One thing I've learned from central football that has carried on to Mizzou is that the offseason is more important than anything because that's where championships are won. In closing to this I wish Coach B the best of luck. He helped me be the man I am today. And I also want to say to anybody out there that wants to put on Orange and Black that if you don't invest in the program you're recieve nothing in return. No patches on your jackets or rings on your fingers. Thats the difference with teams like Jackson, the invest and don't make excuses. Excuses are for the weak and thats not what a tiger is. Go Tigers!
Good post Mizzou36, I havent seen or heard from you in years! Hope everything is going well your way. Are you still playing ball? You know where you always stood with me big man, you were a good kid and a fine athlete (Ill never forget your performance in the sectional game my senior year). And I know you made my job alot easier. I wish you well and get in touch with me sometime, Id like to hear from you.
Like i said..the kids these days don't have the passion to play..they rather go on vacation than to win a championship or their job is getting in the way of the weight room... i didn't get my first job until my senior year because i was in the weight room.
Yea MC it has been a minute man. I heard the news about you getting engaged. I wish you all the best man for real. As for me yea I'm still at it up at Mizzou. It's going well or else I woulda given up by now.
Other than that man I'm just tryin to keep up with school and everything. Thx for the kind words. That sectional games was probably one of the best I ever played. At times that night I felt like the only person trying to help you out...LOL. Anyway I saw all these posts and figured I'd throw in my two cents because I was a part of it. Anyway good luck again and if u wanna get in touch my email is tarmq3@mizzou.edu Also if you wanna come up to Mizzou next year to see me play I'll get you some ticks
Thank's for the history lesson on Central football. But the reality is we still need a coach for the future. We need a coach that is going to have full control of his staff, his players, and the program. The school board and the admin. will need to keep their noses out of it. Let the new coach decide the punishments for players. When a player breaks a team rule then he should decide the punishement. Maybe we won't have a JuJuan Bell issue.
Whoever the school hire to be the new coach also needs to be able to deal with "all" the kids in the program. He needs to be a guy who can handle the weak , the strong, and the troubled kids. This guys will have his hands full for a few years trying to install pride back into the program but it can be done. As long as we do a deep search. Hopefully the new coach will look deep into the program and choose his asst. rather than just keeping some of the current ones.
I wasnt expecting Mitch Craft to write a book on here, but there were some good post. Everyone has there own opinion on this topic and on Coach B. I have no ties to Cape, but everytime that I spoke to Brookins he treated me with a lot of respect. I think that he is a good coach and an even better person. People dont understand what is at stake when you are a head coach. Their is a lot that you have to deal with.
The AD says that they want to find a great teacher as well. I agree with that, but not every teacher can be a good coach. A good coach in my eyes is someone who does it their way. They do it the way that they believe is the best way. You cant bring in someone who is going to do things the way the AD or school board wants.
It will be interesting to see who they hire. I wonder if their is anyone from Jackson that has applied. Time will tell. I also saw a poster that says he plays at Mizzou. I have know idea who that would be and I do not remember anyone that played at Cape in 2005 that would be good enough to play at MU. I am not trying to down grade anyone, I am just curious.
There is a sophomore wide receiver from Central listed on MU's 2007 roster.
Tyrone Reece... he's on the practice squad
You gotta respect that.
Thx Tigerfan87. Yea I am going to be a junior this year on the team. I didn't play at first due to a previous hand and ankle injury from my senior year and I wanted to concentrate on school. Last year I changed my mind however. I play numerous positions but will probably be switched to defensive back permanently this spring in order to have a better chance to work in on some special teams and what not since thats the position I was contacted numerous times in high school about by Mizzou. It's competitive but all in all thats how I want it to be. I was always a difference maker in games in high school even in that 2-8 season my senior year and hopefully that can keep translating up here. Going on with the topic of this blog the hard work I've been putting out up here is nothing because ppl like Coach B got me ready for it...you just had to want it.
exactly
I do not think at anyone should be pointing fingers at the Cape Central Administration. The school is totally reflected by the efforts of the students. The admin people-to teachers can all influence the students to an extent. It is the parents that reinforce their own beliefs and work ethics. My kids work ******* their schoolwork and always give 110% in their sports. Sure, I get aggrevated when they do not always win. but you have to take the good with the bad. If you want to make things better you need to help the ones that can make it better. And if it entails helping your kids with homesork or sports then it all pretty much takes what effort is put into it. I am pleased with the Cape academics and that is the bottom line that we all should be concernd about. My oldest who is a junior has a great chance to get a bright flight. Everyone just remember, you get out of life by what you put into it. God Bless All the Cape Admin and I hope Coach Brookins continues to help educate and turn our kids into adults that can go out and support themselves and be good citizens in the world. Thank you Cape. Go TIGERS!
I hope all you CC football fans are happy. You got what you wanted. I'm sure you will still find something to grip about next season.