by A - Football Fan » Thu Oct 26, 2006 7:21 am
I think coaches like Alex Starcevek (not sure on the spelling) are the ones who deserve credit in this category. He has turned the Larimore program around in short order. His program wasn't, I don't think, the greatest when he took over. Since he has taken over they have gone to state finals once and semi-finals once. The program is buliding and in a few years he could have a dynasty of his own.
I like coaches like the Sandy brothers who have made a name for themselves as great coaches by coaching great football schools. Both inherited programs from coaches who have built the programs and then fine tuned them to what they are. Brad inherited from Bill Cahill who went on to bigger and better things or at least seemingly. In his first year as head coach, Brad Sandy led his team to the state championship. Giving credit where credit is due Brad said that this was Cahill's team.
Larry Sandy took the reigns from Randy Gleave. Another great coach. In his 16 years in Velva he has done some pretty darn awesome work, but the foundation was there for him to begin laying the bricks.
My friends, success breeds success. These programs are good because kids on the playground today watch their high school heros play and emmulate them. Playground heros today are gridiron heros tomorrow. Success in Velva and Harvey will continue for years to come. Larimore is on that road right now. Other football towns are on that same path as well. All of the towns that are successful have been successful in the past and will continue to be in the future. Schools like Dickinson Trinity, Killdeer, Cavalier, Stanley.
Brad Sandy (sorry I'm picking now) coached in Bottineau before taking over Harvey. Anyone hear the accolades being cheered for their football program when he coached there? Didn't think so. Because Bottineau's success is on the court, not the field.
I think the coaches of good and great programs should be given credit but I think the lions share should go to the foundation makers not the bricklayers.