Division I regional track finals
Fenwick graduation 2012
Ponitz graduation 2012
Home > Blogs > High School Huddle > Archives > 2009 > June > 09 > Entry
For the record, it’s all about putting Trotwood’s best chance to win on the oval
That didn’t take long.
You can find a reader’s comment on this site that blasts Trotwood-Madison boys track and field coach Randy Waggoner. His sin? He switched out a member of 1,600-meter relay with rookie sophomore Michael Jordan for the state meet.
The Rams responded with an all-time, all-divisions record (3:13.32).
Waggoner has been coaching track in the Dayton area since the late ’60s. He learned long ago that the team comes before the individual. He said as much following the Rams’ latest historic run last Saturday.
“I knew for us to run the kind of time we were going to run, I needed to put (Jordan) on the relay. I knew what he was capable of doing, and it just proved me to be true.
“… You’ve got to always sit down and figure out, can I plug a kid in here or put a kid in there? A lot of people get upset with me when I make changes like that, but that’s what I’m paid to do: coach this track team.”
It’s a fine line to straddle, giving your team its best possible chance to win. What works one game — or race, or season — doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll work the next time.
• Is your hoop team better with an iron 5, or interchangable 9?
• Should a football coach two platoon, or tap his best half-dozen for double duty?
• Is a baseball team better off with an unhittable ace always going the distance, or grooming two capable relievers who you know will be needed down the postseason road?
As long as teams keep scores, standings and titles are at stake, coaches owe their programs, schools and communities the best teams that they can field.
One word if the goal is for everyone to play and avoid hurt feelings: intramurals.
Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment | Categories: State track & field
Comments
By Carl
June 10, 2009 6:35 AM | Link to this
Great storyBy Walt
June 10, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this
Coaches are never given the credit they truly deserve. Every coach works to win and have the best team. Some fans (parents)just never seem to get it.By beenthereto
June 10, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this
This is a high school sport, not little league. Parents, at this level, it is all about competition and being the best. What are you teaching them at this level? How to run and cry to your parents to get something that That’s what is wrong with these kids now.you want?By Troy
June 10, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this
I agree with Coach Waggoner. It is his job to put his team in the best possible position to win. lefteleft to the dBy Spoon
June 10, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
What is it with Trotwood parents .they complain about every situation when things dont go their way. Your team[notice Isaid team] won and set a record and you have a legendary coach in Waggoner—-get over it leave him and leave the kids alone!!!!!!!!By get real
June 10, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this
My advice to the kid with hurt feelings, go work hard and get better.By sec 312
June 11, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this
As long as teams keep scores, standings and titles are at stake, coaches owe their programs, schools and communities the best teams that they can field.By sec 312
June 11, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this
hate this new format..the comment box is messed up.it won’t let you scroll down.I wanted to say LOVE the above commentBy Brandon
June 11, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this
I see the story both ways. Winning is important. It is a sport. It is still high school though. The ultimate goal of high school sports is to make the athletes better people. Any coach that has a win at all costs mentality should probably be coaching on a different level. The kids should only be concerned about winning. The adults should know there are more important things to be gained when you are still in high school. Any parent that says “Who cares about the kid that gets hurt, I just want a high school (HIGH SCHOOL!) track team to win state” really needs to rethink their priorities.By supporter
June 11, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this
I agree with the coaches move, I am sure there is more to this story than meets the eye.. The kid could have been a real smartAzz…By realist
June 11, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this
Brandon, Yes it is a high school sport, but the real world awaits these people, and if they continue to be coddled or “oprahfied” with participation medals and way to go speeches, then the world will eat them up. competition is a good thing and teaches character. better to be prepared for a little adversity versus sitting back looking for a handout.