LETTER: We need decent coaching staff

agreed!!!

Amen!!!! When will Fremont wake up and hire competent coaches who can get Fremont competing again. This is maddening to me. Fremont is not at a disadvantage of players. We just aren't getting the full potential or even close to that of our players!! Give the kids a chance. They will only be in high school once. This is not fair to the fans or the kids. Mediocrity would be an improvement this display is well below that.

Maybe Fremont High would make a good match-up for UNL........ya think?

Give me a break--when is the last time Fremont did anything right. They were always 20 years behind any other city in Nebraska and they will probably replace this so called coaching staff in another 20 years. So don't hold your breath folks. We do have the players. Maybe they can hire Cosgrove. HE would even be better than what we have now

To pass the buck strictly on the coaches is a diservice to these players. Stating that this is exclusively the coaches responsibility is irresponsible and petulant. If you are as concerned with what the players take away from their highschool years as you say you are then you would be more concerned with the lessons they learn which they carry with them through life as opposed to the trophies they win which ulitmately end up in a box in the attic. Not teaching them to take repsonsibilty for their role in their team's record is setting them up for failure in life, as opposed to loosing a football game or two. The coaches can give these players all the tools in the world and teach them how to use them, but once they're on the field it's in the players' hands. So maybe you should stop trying to live vicariously through these teenagers and either go to the game and give your unconditional support, which is what they truely need, or stay home. Nobody likes a fair weather fan and your armchair quarterbacking isn't doing anybody any good. Either support them or don't. They don't need new coaches, they need more supportive and loyal fans. GO TIGERS!

It seems like there's some kind of aura floating over FHS. They have a long-standing tradition of losing in team sports. Only part of the problem is the coaching staff(s). Their fan base is sketchy at best. Get bitter or get better, people. I know several Fremont fans who ONLY support the CC teams or the track teams or maybe softball. Why can't all of you who have kids there or are FHS alumni, just start talking positively and be a group support system. You are you own worst enemies. Smart aleck comments against other schools, e.g. Huskers, Bergan Knights, just don't help anything. I am personally not a Fremont fan but my kids did not attend there. But maybe the Tigers can get some backing during the basketball and wrestling seasons, win or lose. Try flipping around that negative cloud hanging over the students. They're just kids.

Steve,
I couldn't have said it better. Thanks for having the guts to say what many of us have wanted to say for years. Basketball seems to have the same problem.
Fan,
That's part of the problem...coaches AREN'T giving them the tools in the world and teaching them how to use them.
I have sons that played at FHS...want to know what they learned?....that there is a big "name game" going on at FHS! Has been for years.

I attend area sporting events most especially Fremont Tiger Football. What strikes me first is the hateful ignorant yelling from the stands from parents that apparently think they know more about football than the rest of the World. I wondered all this season how much better our team would have been if plays were called for effect on the field rather than pleasing a handful of very vocal hecklers. Each game I witnessed several remarkable crowd pleasing plays, the Band was perfect and the Cheerleaders were youthfully exuberant; as they should be. Mix that with a well run concessions and beautiful faculty and I can’t help but enjoy myself.

Perhaps this is more about parents attempting to live their dreams through their children. I agree that young people have far more to live for than a handful of football games. Would it be great to win every game, sure. Is that more important than teaching our young men the value of being something more important than their own personal desires, I seriously doubt it. From what I see from the cheap seats I like our High School program. What is missing is a realistic crowd that is willing to cheer for our team without strings attached.

I'm not so sure all the coaches are even good role models at FHS. It saddens me when people who have a huge influence on kids, especially coaches, don't have good moral character. Yes, they are human, but if you choose to be a teacher, you need to set a good example for your students. Some of the coaches aren't doing that. And what would it hurt to get a new coaching staff? I was always taught that if something isn't working, try something new.

Obviously you've never been on a team... in order for the team to do well, it starts with the coaches offering motivation, the right drills and intense practices. The Fremont High coaches are obviously not doing these things because when a coach does these things, they are respected and the players follow. New coaches are needed, but I don't see Fremont changing that anytime soon... And it's too bad, because many of these players could easily play college ball but some college coaches don't give them a chance because of the h.s. record.

It appears we have found our new staff right here on the board. I am sure the present staff would love for you to sit in on the film sessions and practices. You criticize the practice plan (drills), which ones should they change. What new ones do you suggest? What type of offense do think they should run. When the coaches are at the school over the weekend and you are watching the film with them (some of you must because you seem to know everything), what suggestions do you make. Which players should be playing that are not. It is easy to slam this staff until you walk in their shoes. Could they do better? Maybe, but their effort should not be questioned. The players work hard and the coaches work hard. In high school I am not sure you can ask for much more.

Is this a new story or the same one I've been reading for 5+ years now? I thought coach Hansen (Han-o) shoulda been promoted to varsity coach back when I was a student. I will give Donahue credit. Always has a playoff caliber defense. My only gripe for defense and offense would be the lack of subbing results in no depth at key positions.

My son goes to the middle school and I see the problem starting there.

I graduated in 1973 from Fremont High. I can see that absolutely nothing has changed and probably never will. Same old whiny bantering about everything in general. And people wonder why things don't change. It's called attitude folks! You all need to get a better one! It's really not that hard to change if you try.

i have a little brother on the JV team and i just wanted to say that coach meyers forfitted one of there games because he was too busy with the varsity team what kind of a coach just gives up not the kind i want teaching our little ones that if you have too much on your plate its ok to just give up

I believe the coaches make or break a team. Yes the players are part of the process of winning or loosing. To reply to FAN about the kids need to own up to the teams win or loss record. It will teach them about life as to loosing a game or two. I think what Fremont football is saying then is it’s ok to be below average on the field because it won’t matter in your life. So with that thinking when you get older and have a job don’t try to improve just be happy where you are. Fremont has Jaycee football, YMCA flag football, parks and rec , nighthawks baseball. I see in the paper how the kids in certain groups win districts and state. Then they get to High School and have an average or losing season. Tell what has changed?? Do any of the head coaches go and teach the little league coaches the Fundamentals of the sport (not a clinic). Show up at practice and help out. It will make the coach’s job easier during the season. All the good teams do this.

Ditto what Jon said.

to Jon

with your thinking why did Nebraska get rid of Bill Callahan. Same thing just on the next level.

My family moved here from Southlake, TX. Any high school football fan knows about the Carroll Dragons football program. With that said...I was more than appalled, maybe extremely saddened for my son who had to go from TX football to Fremont football. Folks, there is no passion here, not from the fans (yes I sat in the stands, here & away), not from the coaches.
YES it is a ‘name game’ here. So sad but so true. I sat & listen to Myers give the same speech year after year, but he never lived up to his rhetoric. I do know a lot of these kids; I know they have the passion, just not the skills. SKILLS come from COACHING.
PLEASE FPS, hire new staff. The only thing enjoyable at the games is the popcorn!

Mike'l Severe is very important person, but he is the only one that knows that fact. ananomous postings carry equal value.

4 years ago this team of seniors was able to go undefeated as freshmen against the same kids they played this year? Why do other teams get better and our freshman team end up 1-8 seniors???

I have commented on this before, but sometimes a change can be good. There is no reason Fremont High cannot be more competitive then the past 5-7 seasons.

It does boil down to the players but the players need someone that gives them motivation and energy. Someone that they will play every down for. The offense and defense that they run does not matter, it's the execution. The coaches can communicate how to execute but the players have to have a leader that they buy into. Also, it does not matter how hard coaches work if they are not influential. You can work sun up to sun down all the time but if you do not have the ability to motivate kids then it will not matter.

I don't know some of the Fremont coaches very extensively but from the outside it seems that there is not much energy around the program.

I think if there is some energy then people will be proud of the results.

I'VE SAID IT BEFORE AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN. ALOT OF KIDS ARE NOT WILLING TO DO THE WORK IT TAKES TO PLAY ON A FOOTBALL TEAM. MY SON PLAYED A FEW YEARS AGO AND I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE COACHING STAFF. THEY WERE WONDERFUL ROLE MODELS AND HELPED MY SON BECOME THE GREAT MAN HE IS TODAY. WE ARE NOT PRO TEAMS SO QUIT COMPLAINING ABOUT SUCH NONSENSE. I DON'T THINK THAT MOST OF THE PEOPLE COMPLAINING EVEN HAD KIDS WILLING TO BE ON THE TEAMS.

I find it amazing how quickly some people are to criticise athletics - the players, the coaches, the records,etc.
At the same time, they do not discuss quality education, better SAT scores, foreign languages, excellence in science courses, technology empphasis for the students, BETTER teachers with monitoring for educational results.
NO, FREMONTERS HAVE LOST THEIR VISION. ALL THAT COUNTS IS SPORTS! AND ALMOST NONE OF THESE PLAYERS WILL MOVE ON TO PROFESSIONAL SPORTS. Instead they will compete for college scholarships, jobs and careers based on what they have learned.
Fremont needs to pursue QUALITY education and consider the sports program as teaching the fundamentals for our youth.
Why do people grow up and leave Fremont??? The answer is easy to see.

Adios Amigo

If one is seeking the truth go directly to the scource....and ask your questions.

What I am mean is...go sit down privately, and talk to both the coaches and athletes/students at Fremont High.

The responses I get are as follows:

(1) Coaches - There have been years that the coach's have had to try and recruit non-athletes at FHS to come out for sports? Why? Not enough students were going out for sports to create a talent pool to draw from. Because of the low number of students at FHS....
Fremont High is next to the smallest school in Class A.

(2)From the (male) students: Sports is not a big thing with many of the students like it was years ago. High school sports are so demanding today that kids tell me it isn't worth it. You must attend summer sessions in athletics at FHS, put in hours and hours during the year,etc., that the
majority of students (maLE) said it simply is not worth it...they'd rather do other things that are fun.

Finally, I remember back a hundred years ago when I attended FHS...boys went out for sports to attract the girls....daaaa-daaaa...not true today!!

Yes, I did ask many of the students I visited with "if" the head coach in sports had anything to do with their choice not to compete...sadly, all said yes.

Note: I reference male students above because I haven't asked females students the same questions.

Anyway...the above is my 2 cents worth!

I have a suggestion "if" FPS really wants to improve the WIN/LOSS record:
why not send out a questionaire to all students (male/female grade 9-12) asking what could be done to encourage them to participate in sports.And ask them 'why' as things now stand...why don't they participate in athletes...and assure them their response is confident and names not required to respond. Finally, it might help greatly if high school coaches sponsor athletic events at the elementary and middle school; thus sparking the students interest for sports, and creating a talent pool for future years.

Thanks for listening...have a great weekend, and GO HUSKERS!

Curtis was a gift to this coaching staff. With proper coaching I would bet he could be a highly sought after division I recruit. Had the size, speed, motor, and most importantly the head on his shoulders to be incredible. Did he end up leading the state in tackles?? I want to see a coaching staff that develops this kind of talent.

I graduated from FHS in 1996, and can attest to ALL of the sports programs in fremont being a "name game" I for one tried out more than once for several sports and because I did not have the money, nor the right name I was unable to play, same with my brothers and yes most of you are thinking that its becuase we do not have the skills, I will have you know that we do, my brothers more than I, but that didnt matter. I had several friends who did make the teams, they would testify to the lack of motivation and leadership in the coaching staff in several areas, I would say the biggest issue is that the kids are not being held responsible for doing there part on the team and working together, and that is something that the coach is responsible for instilling in a team. I also know for a fact that there are several parents out there who have kids on the FHS football team but would rather go watch a Bergan game. Those kids are held responsible for being a team player.

To come on

yes I had 2 boys that played football, basketball,track and baseball. They won state baseball in 1996 (legion) and went to state in football and track.

OPPS not in fremont in North Bend
if a small town can do it why can't fremont. Also we beat Fremont in baseball ouch!!

in response to COME ON! Yes I will agree with you that a lot of the problem is the kids not willing to the work, but those are the kids that were chosen to be on the team. There are plenty of kids out there that are willing to do the work but they dont have the right connections in this town to make the team.

IN RESPONSE TO JD. WE ARE NOT A FAMILY OF MONEY OR WITH A "NAME". MY SON WAS A HARD WORKER IN AND OFF THE FIELD AND IN THE WEIGHT ROOM. PEOPLE LIKE TO THROW THAT NAME GAME AROUND ALOT. IT HAS BECOME AN URBAN LEGEND! IT'S HIGH SCHOOL NOT COLLEGE OR THE BIG LEAGUES!

As a coach and parent of a current FHS player, I read these posts and laugh knowing most, if not all, have never been in the position of a head coach. Coaches coach because of their passion and love of the game.

Ninety percent of coaching is getting the players to buy into the coach's philosophy and getting them to believe they can win. I honestly believe Coach Meyer, and his staff, as good as guys as they are, have difficulty reaching kids and getting the kids to buy into their system. Granted there are probably 8-15 guys buying in. However this is where the problem is....the number of kids that are not energized and buying in is far greater than those who are, thus depth and team competition suffers. This explains the limited number of players we see on the field on Friday night. The coaches, like most of you know it alls would, play the kids that buy in and do the work all season long.

With that said, I do think a new coach and staff from the outside coming in with new energy can only help the program. It is not that Coach Meyer and his staff are incompetent. I have the utmost respect for the time they put in, but a new face, attitude and energy might inspire more players to play .

As far as comparing the staff at Nebraska to Fremont, I am going to assume you are trying to be funny. Fremont has good athletes, but good athletes don't necessarily make good football players or basketball players or wrestlers or golfers or tennis players. This is not a knock on the kids or the coaches. A few years back the starting 5 for bball were all football players. I guarentee these were the best 5 athletes on the court and still didn't win. Sometimes it doesn't matter who coaches, the pieces are just not there.

don't like your kids on a losing team, send them to Bergan, they seem to be winning

FHS needs some fresh faces into the athletics programs. The coaches have done a great job trying to get the programs going and try to get more students to go out for sports, but when the students hear the same speech every year they don't buy it. Someone new could come in and say the same thing and I bet more students would go out.

Greetings to whom ever made the statement that FHS needs a new coaching staff.
I have a question for you. Have you attended a football game?
I have a comment as well. Mikey Severe (I dont know and dont care how you spell his name) made a moronic statement and has absolutley no factual basis for his statement. IMO he shouldnt be on any radio or t.v. He lacks a general knowledge of atheltics and has zero history with this state.

FHS has always been a who you are or who you know to make the team school. It is not necessarily just about money, but also about your connections. I have had two children graduate from FHS. One was very into sports, and liked to play VB, BB, & track. She was an OK BB player, understandable that she did not make the team, but she was a very good VB player. There were several times that she was pulled out of the game to give so & so playing time. 99% of the time that girl did a poor job. But, she had prominent parents. So they sacrificed many a plays just so this girl could pretend to play.
The only time FHS does well in athletics is when it is an individual sport and/or the tennis team.
When you watch a football game, do ever wonder why there are so many players on the field not playing but yet others play both sides? There is a lot of potential out there, but students are cut off way to early in their developmental stages of learning to fully develop the talents that they have. Mostly because we have coaches, not just in HS, but even at the MS level that coach to please(outside individuals) not coach to teach and help develop these young talents. I am not saying I would be a great coach or even want to try, I will not even pretend to know what it takes or the knowledge that these coaches have,but there have been very obvious situations where this tactic has been proven again and again.

I truly appreciate the loyalty some of you have with the coaches here in Fremont. Unfortunately, what a most of these people are saying is true! As someone who has coached several of these seniors when they were younger, I can say they are very good athletes. They worked hard and were very successful. But, as mentioned how can they go undefeated as freshmen and only win 1 game against the same competition as seniors? To Joe S, according to the NSAA website, there are THREE teams smaller than Fremont: Norfolk (Playoff-bound 6 seed; 6-3), Elkhorn (Playoff-bound 4 seed; 7-2) and North Platte (not in playoffs but VERY good recent history). Size is not the problem. To those who say there is no "NAME GAME"? SERIOUSLY?? I am a good friend with someone who coached youth basketball with a Fremont coach and was told not to worry about playing certain players because they probably “won’t be on the team in high school anyway”... I am sure Michael Jordan would love to hear that. To 'Amazing': maybe you have never played a team sport, but athletics ARE very important to being successful later in life. I don't believe the letter knocked any academics, just coaches. Sports as a youth will help you build relationships, work ethic, determination and responsibility. No one said they were going to be professional athletes, but several could be college athletes with scholarships to HELP pay for their education. And finally to Todd Strong, I don't totally agree with everything Mike'l Severe (BTW, I do have enough respect for another human being to spell his name correctly...) says on his radio show, however I can tell you, he and Kevin Kugler know a lot about football and they pretty much hit the nail on the head. Fremont has not been good for a long, long time... The "if it ain't broke don't fix it" adage doesn't apply here. It is broke!!

Has anybody stopped to think that a good high school program does not start in high school. What kind opportunities do the kids have before high school? Once you present good opportunities to the pre-high schoolers, your high school programs will get stronger.

hey V

I have coached for 17 years went to state 7 times won in 1996 so I think I know what I see here in Fremont. I have compassion and love the game. When I stopped coaching others took over and now they don't have a winning team (Coaches do matter). I never got paid to coach if I did I gave back to the team. How many coaches in fremont would do it for free. That would show if they loved the game and wanted to teach kids how to play. Also I went to school here in Fremont. I knew I would not make the football team (my Name). We moved to another town I was all area and all state. Plus if you know who I am call we can talk. Fremont needs a change. Can you tell me how can Howell keep winning year after year.

To Warren: First of all congrats to Bergan they and their coaches should be commended for their success. They have excellent players and coaches. My comment is Bergan should be near the top all the time. Bergan draws from a town of 26,000 people plus surrounding area. The teams they compete against have a town population of anywhere from what 900 Scribner to maybe 2 thousand or so. How many of those towns have more than 1 school to divide their talent. Bergan should be proud of their accomplishments but to compare FHS and Bergan is a little off base.

To Brave1
Losing to Fremont in baseball was it during the High School season or American Legion. If it was High School Season then you need to complain to Bergan. The team is Fremont Bergan and the coaches have been Bergan teachers in the past. Honestly I don't know who coaches now, it could be a FHS teacher and if so, I apologize.

Seriously? Do you expect anyone in Fremont to make any sort of coaching change? Take a look on 10th and Platte. You have a Basketball Coach entering his
29th year as Head Coach and has 298-492 record. Folks that's an average of 10-17 per year. How many coaches would still be head coach with a record like that? He may be a good person. But obviously he can't coach or recruit C'mon MLC WAKE UP!!!!!!

Wow - I wish everybody's comments could make a difference to FHS Activities Director & staff. Its time to WAKE UP FHS... you are making Bergan very tempting for alot of people. I was disappointed when we lost good talent to Bergan but I now understand.
Yes I am old and I have coached and know alot of coaches.... coaching is tough if the coach does not have the respect from the players. However, a coach needs to EARN the respect which will come from the players IF the coach knows what they are talking about. FHS vball program and coaches seem to be struggling and everybody is scared to address it. Why? Why wouldn't the school and coaches want the best for the kids and program in all sports? It does not take a certified COACH to figure this out. Regardless of the sport, in order to compete in any sport and at any Class level.. the individual needs to be ATHLETIC .... thats half the battle,then they need to have the heart and desire to be competitive and then having RESPECT for your coach because the coach knows the SPORT (todays version) and drives the team to be the best they can be at the time regardless if you have some players that just want to play in HS or want to go further with it in college. WINNING is fun and its a good thing to do .... our coaches dont seem to aim for the win. Maybe its because THEY DO NOT KNOW THE SPORT or how to coach at this level. Class A (any class) sports brings alot of amazing athletes to the courts (and field) but why can't Fremont??? In the last many years, Fremont has had some OUTSTANDING athletes in all areas and some how and for some reason, our COACHING STAFF (you too Mr. A.D.) brings our outstanding athletes down to their coaching level instead of bringing the rest of the team UP to compete and be proud of themselves. FHS needs to make some changes - wake up, get with the rest of Class A sports.

The limited number of kids on our teams is in direct correlation to the obseity issue we have seen creep up on our kids over the past decade.
Kids say they dont want to go out because of who the coaches are, I say this: they shouldnt be on the team anyway then if they care more about who the coach is and not the sport.
Kids say they dont go out cuz it is just a name game: again stay off of our teams. I have one junior who plays aaaalll Friday night and a sophmore who would be better than my junior if he would apply himself. For a year now, the reckoning force of my two sons to play on the field together has been much anticipated for a few years now and the one chose to not learn plays so he didnt get to play (despite the fact the one is awesome naturally and just needs to hold his arms out to take two players down at the same time), he chose to not put in the little extra effort required to learn the plays so the coaches refused to use him over another player who chose to learn the plays!
To the idea we need a new coaching staff: I dont know this staff personally, neither do most of you...I didnt go to school to coach, so I wont judge them. Those of you here trying to tell them how to do their job, please comment back and tell me where you work I am SURE I can do your job better than you too! I am not happy with some decisions made this season or our record lately, I also am upset that there were some kids I thought should have been played more because they were seniors and have put their time in. What I DO know, is my kids look up to these guys and think the world of them and I would much rather have them be able to spend time with these coaches losing than with another coach who doesnt give a rip about them!
Dont believe any bull about name games for one second...we dont have money and we dont have a name in this town and my kids are looked at to play because of their talent and the one had the opportunity to play varsity last year as a sophmore before his injury because of his enthusiasm and heart! You have to actually get off your butt and GO GET something, not sit back and blame others! Also - we have kids in this town who dont go out for sports because of who the coach(es) is/are...back in my day we werent raised to question let along judge our authority figures so maybe it isnt JUST coaching that needs a second look ...on top of that, when I went out for sports I did it for the fun, the memories of bus trips and fun at practice and the bond between team mates I never looked at a sport and said oh I wont do that because they wont use me. We did sports to be social!

Unfortunately a lot of misinformation is being tossed out on these blogs. For example, Steve Pederson and anyone else that brings out an argument about the seniors being undefeated as freshmen against the same competition, that simply is not true. Those undefeated freshman and this year's seniors (first of all are great kids and fun to be around) did not play against Elkhorn, Papillion-Lavista, Grand Island, Norfolk, or North Platte so to even say that comment shows how ignorant many of the comments on this blog are. Also that was against those teams freshmen that played 3 years ago. In varsity sports you play against the best of the Senior and Junior class with some potential Sophs or Freshmen mixed in. So in reality you are not comparing apples to apples and the comments that you have regarding this are incorrect.

Another thing to clear up misinformation, which would take more time than I am willing to devote, is that if you don't know who the coaches are and what they coach/are responsible for don't even talk about them in your angry blogs. Some of you don't even have a clue as to who calls the plays or who is responsible for the substitutions in a game. Therefore keep your insults to yourself until you actually know the correct information.
One last thing, I guarantee players are not chosen for game-time based on their name, popularity, or financial status. That is simply a loser comment that is made only by people that like to make excuses and blame others for their own inadequacies. I would venture to say that those same people that in their regular jobs (I mean their other job than playing athletic director/head coach/journalist/parent living out their athletic dream vicariously through their kid) are blaming the boss for not giving them a promotion or pay raise because of their name and financial/social status.
Honestly if things are so bad and winning high school football games is that important to you, then apply for the jobs, volunteer at any level, or simply move to another school where they always win and you feel that that school is better for your kids. In the meantime, get your facts straight before you totally demean students/atletes, parents, and coaches.

I'm a graduate of FHS and am surprised to hear the degree to which the comments offered here refer to, and blame, the "name game" as a huge contributor of the athletic shortcomings at FHS.

There's always some element of perceived favoritism in team sports, thinking some particular athlete is being given a greater opportunity because of their name. That usually translates into a belief that someone gets time because their big brother or sister was a stud athlete.

Let's put it this way: if your older sibling was a great athlete and you still suck, it's unfathomable that you'd really even occupy a place on the bench much less steal substantial playing time from more talented members of a given team.

No one's going to be given a spot on one of the FHS track relays because one of their parents is well-to-do at the cost of a potential state title for that relay.

Are they? I mean, really, that's not going to happen is it? IF that's is an actual dynamic within FHS athletics, then, yes, changes must occur. I just have a hard time believing that coaches are willing to sacrifice wins or success to appease certain parents,(ie) play the "name game" in that way.

Again, if that is the current state of affairs within FHS athletics, change is critical. In that situation, any adage about the value of athletics can be tossed out the window. If kids see their hard work and sacrifice throttled to allow preferential treatment of some other kid, that really doesn't provide much in the way of team spirit.

Granted, kids can still learn from that ("Keep working, your day will come.") but I'd rather have them understand what it IS like to win and to be part of something great, a team.

With all that said, it's way too easy to talk the talk when you have no connection with what it takes to be in the shoes of the coaches, and to walk the walk. So, quit complaining and be part of the solution. Help your kids, the teams and the school.

Last observation: kids learn from those around them whether it's coaches, other kids who are more into meth than math, athletes who succeed based more on name and game, or parents/fans who spend their time and energy focused on problems instead of rolling up their sleeves to address solutions in a positive manner.

Attention Todd Strong, Yes I have attended many Fremont High games over
the years. Have YOU!!

To Fan: Apparently you have a weird way of thinking. When you send your child to school and he takes up sports you naturally want him to learn the best he can so he can compete in football on a college level. How would you feel if you had a real smart child and they failed all there classes because of a real poor teachers. They would get the feeling they are losers and probably couldn't even pass a college entrance exam.

To 'Get your facts straight'
By talking about the "same competition", I believe we were talking about class A schedules NOT the EXACT schedule. Plus, funny that you mentioned mostly the schools that are smaller than Fremont and are much better. Winning one game against the competition we faced this year is inexcusable. Norfolk should have been a win, probably at least 2 Lincoln teams if not 3 AND the North Platte game. I don't get why so many people are OK with this year in and year out. Regardless of who you play as a freshman, undefeated as a freshman is worth more than one win as a Senior. Period. By the way, thanks for singling me out since most of the others have said a lot worse...

Hey, Tiger Fans:
Face it: Mediocre town, mediocre team. That's who you are. Get used to it, if you haven't already. Fremont stinks at most everything.
I do agree with Joe Everybody: FHS has young, exuberant cheerleaders. And isn't that what really counts?

...and after all of this we have the boys basketball season to look forward to....

Good answer Bobo--If it wasn't for the cheerleaders I wouldn't even go to a game. lol

To Jon

If you pay attention to Fremont baseball high school or legion it is mostly the same group. Yes they combine with Bergan but most are Fremont High boys on the team.I won against the Fremont legion team with 3 Fremont boys that where cut from the legion team not good enough to play in Fremont. That was the year we won State at least 3 Fremont boys knows how it feels to win.Thank you for your apology.

Maybe everyone is playing sports....*drum-roll*...because its fun? Or, maybe its because there is a quality music program, arts program, and AP classes to prepare people for.....*drum roll*... the world out there far removed from high school sports? If you are still talking about HS football 5 10 15 20 years after you or someone you knew played...buy a plane ticket, see the world, and expand what you complain about. Because this? This conversation just makes Fremont...small.

After reading the comments on the coaching staff I can see how Fremont struggles in almost all sports.

I've never seen such silly passing the blame for our lack of natural ability.

We must have a bunch of soft kids to think any coach would play anybody but their best players to win games. Names mean nothing. Hard work and production mean everything.

What a bunch of wusses.

Yes, there is a "name game" problem at FHS. They no longer have athletes named Gerry Gdowski, Ritch Bahe, Chip Bahe and many others who just went out and competed and made Fremont a state contender almost every year. We haven't had that caliber of athletes lately.

We have no name game problem going on. I would say we have a "DNA game" problem at the root of our ineptitude.

Using the word inept is uncalled for. Does Mr. Bomar know what the difference between cover 3 and cover 2? Or the difference between outstide zone or inside zone?

Will the Tribune post this blog on Mr. Bomar?

Maybe the FHS Paper, the Rustler could do an article about their football program instead of stirring the pot between schools with their article about why kids leave Bergan to attend FPS.

Mr. Lombardi-

If Coach Meyer would have gained the respect from the beginning you wouldn't have to get kids to "buy in" to his style, they would be able to TRUST his coaching technique. However, since the past records haven't been what most would like them to be, I would say that the respect and trust between the players and coaches is not present.

Oh why not reply one more time. Yes, Steve (in the hallway i presume) I have attended many football games. I have officiated many games too. As for you Steve Pederson (if you are not one and the same as Steve in the hallway) I do respect other human beings as well. Get a little bit serious. Nobody dis-likes losing more than the kids/coaching staff. I can tell you from personal experience that the head coaches at the varsity level are the most competitive people you will find. I dont know of any "moral" issues with these men/women and I have found each to be hard working and considerate of the youth's they are in charge of. Certainly somethings need to change (schemes or whatever) but to attack these men/women, in particular the football coach is insane. Coach Meyer is a fine man.

If the only change that needs to be done is a scheme change, why hasn't it taken place. The defense is usually good, the offense stinks. Several schools do not even practice for Fremont because their base defense is more than adequate to stop our offense. Bergan saw their abilities change and made a scheme change to fit it. I am not questioning the coaches' commitment to being successful, I am merely asking why we are not successful with the athletes we have. Unfortunately, this is not a football issue alone. It seems to filter through to the basketball and volleyball programs as well. Coach McMahon seems to be the one coach who has the easy job. He has excellent athletes and is successful!

What team sport is Fremont High good at? If they are all terrible at all team sports, the common denominator isn't the coaches. You figure out what it is.

Our publication covers a wide-range of subjects, including the Fremont High football team (see issue one, page five). The Bergan article was journalistically sound, and the opinions expressed were ALL from the words of former Bergan students. None of the opinions were of the Rustler staff. Thank-you for giving our publication attention and providing us with more readers!

FYI...Coach Meyer did not forfeit a JV game because he wanted to spend more time on the varsity squad. They cancelled that game because the day after we played at Lincoln, 10+ kids were in the trainers office with various injuries. Our son played on the JV squad too. Please try to be more positive...

Come on Fremont Tribune! This article has been on your website since October 29! Are you going for a record of the most negative posts one rude and mis-guided letter can generate? It's pathetic. Remove this letter, please. There HAS to be something better for people to read on your website.

Frustrated has “hit the nail on the head” when it comes to Fremont High volleyball! FHS’s vball program IS struggling and its coaches are more than a few years behind the times when it comes to knowing and coaching today’s game. Unfortunately, you cannot coach the game if you don’t really know it, and it seems that FHS’s vball coaches (and the AD) are the last to recognize this or even know there is a problem, when it is obvious to almost everyone in the stands. If you want to win, you need to check around and see what winning teams are doing...attend numerous college coaching camps and observe what they are running, attend high-level club practices and observe what they are running...there are many avenues out there to help those with a sincere desire to get better.

FHS’s enrollment has as many good athletes as any Class A school in Nebraska. But in recent years, their vball program has lost some excellent athletes to 1) other schools, 2) other sports at the high school, or 3) they are just plain disillusioned and choose not to compete. There have been some very talented vball players at FHS, and this year’s team included talented players as well; but talent alone cannot win games. FHS vball begins every season by winning a couple of games, offering some hope; but by mid season, when other teams are improving and getting better, FHS seemingly goes backward instead of forward. This happens year after year. These kids have heart and want to win; they are some of the hardest-working, most-dedicated, motivated athletes at the high school. Yes, sports is more than about winning, but the kids are the ones who “suffer” the most when losing game after game, season after season.

At some point, you begin asking yourself some questions. When will Fremont get on board with what is happening today in high school athletics at the Class A level…in volleyball? Why are people “afraid” to address the issues? Where does the buck stop? With the AD? Someone needs to step up and take responsibility for making some positive changes. It is time!

I would like to recommend leaving Bergan out of this whether with good or bad intentions. It is a Fremont High problem, not Bergan's. Comparing the two schools is wrong. Second, for the person complaining about the Tribune leaving this letter up, tough luck chuck, an online newspaper is essentially an archive. It has been up for 5 days...I'm not sure about this site, but many papers have a 7-10 online archive, so you could be stuck having it up here until Thursday, if not Sunday! And third to the Rustler rep...don't give yourself too much credit with people screaming to their computer to read your high school newspaper from all around the globe.

Kids and coaches, thanks for a great season. We love bringing our kids out to your games every Friday.

Just so you know you are all AWESOME in our book. My kids even came out of school one day screaming becuase some of the players came to talk to them with their coach at Clarmar. YOu might as well be as important as Hannah Montana or the Jonas Brothers to them!

My kids are going to remember how much fun the Homecoming game was, they are going to remember being Cheer Chicks and how fast you all looked down there on that field. They arent going to remember how many games you won or lost. All of the games they watched you at, they cheered out your number or your name as they learned them while the season went by. They dont know what you drive, they dont know who your parents are. They know their PE teacher somehow helps out the football team therefore he is famous to them as well. My kids still talk about how fun it was to dress up in pink and how everyone ran out on the field after you all won.

A year from now, some of you will be running plays, some new some old. Some new kids will walk onto the team and new friendships will be molded to fit forever in your memories. You Seniors will go on and make something more out of your lives than anyone can imagine, some will continue to play ball and some will find a new niche.

But you will all have a special bond with our kids, as you will remember with them how much fun we all had on that field on Friday nights. Tigers, we love you win or lose! See you next year!

We can all sit here and blog our complaints about how bad the coaches are at FHS, so what are "we" gonna do about it. When a program has no intention of changing, complaining will do nothing. How can we help improve what we have to work with? What are we teaching our kids by sitting around and doing nothing but complaining???

Most of these issues do boil down to the COACHES. It doesnt matter if the team you are speaking about involves Fremont High or Bergan High and it certainly is not limited to just football. Its every sport. I have had children that have graduated from both schools. These issues even start in Middle School. If coaches would start coaching all children( especially at the Middle School level) and if coaches would start giving more children the opportunity to play and proof themselves and not alway concentrate on "the star" players then maybe Fremont could actually start producing some quality althletes.

I've watched this and the comments added throughout the past few days and can't help but wonder why nothing has been said about the parents' responsibilities in all of this. It all starts at home. To be a great athlete takes time, motiviation and dedication. It's not only up to the coach to instill that and bring it out; it takes parents that are dedicated as well. In the end, parents should do this not to creat great athletes, but to creat great human beings. Maybe the focus needs to change.

The problem with your article about students who leave Bergan was not the opinions that students expressed. It was that the "facts" the article included were inaccurate and no attempt was made to contact Bergan to verify them. The article included incorrect class sizes, incorrect tuition amounts and incorrect information about academic opportunities available at Bergan. A good student journalist would have contacted counselors, administrators or teachers at Bergan to verify facts. An excellent journalist would have examined the reasons that students transfer from FHS to Bergan as well.

As a former football player at FHS I would just like to show my support for the coaches. I appreciate the time and effort that you gave while I was a player and that you continue to give to the current athletes that you are coaching. It was because of your constant support and enthusiasm for the game that motivated me to give 110% everytime I stepped out on that field. I just hope that one day my son will have coaches that will give him the opportunities and experiences that you all gave me.

Parents checklist for the game:
1. Did my son/daughter play?
2. Did my son/daughter score?
3. Did the team play hard win or lose?

Sad but this is the order most parents evaluate the enjoyment of the game and team. Son/daughter first, then the team. As "Parents" posted, there is more for the parent than this simple checklist. Parents need to be supportive and encouraging in all aspects. Including off season conditioning and workouts. One can't play volleyball 8 weeks out of the year and expect to be as good as one who plays year round. The basketball team with "good" individuals can't be as good as a team that has worked all year to gain court sense with each other. Football players can't ignore offseason lifting and expect to beat the guy across the line who did work all year. Yep, sometimes the athlete might be involved in more than one activity at the same time....wanna be good? It takes more than a desire, it takes hard work.

Old lettuce does not make for a good salad and inexperience players generally do not succeed. Parents do not let your player sit around and complain they never got the chance. Attack the problem with the control you have and get the player involved in getting better.

Wanna be good? Make it happen by what you have control of.

The problem may be the elementary and middle school coaches, not the senior high coaches. I was always under the impression that at the lower levels the coaches should teach the game to the kids to develop players and not focus entirely on winning. When I watched my son play in nighthawks baseball,middle school basketball and football, it was all about winning. He was taught absolutely nothing about how to play the game. He eventually got tired of it a quit all sports completely. Most of his friends have quit also, the ones that are still playing are being forced to play by there parents. The focus on winning is so great that sports aren't fun anymore.

It's interesting to read all these comments. I do not know about the football program but I do know about the volleyball program. The coaches do the best they have with the players they have. The numbers have depleted in the vb program for a number of reasons. One detractor is softball - talented athletes have to make a choice.

Secondly, yes, Fremont is a Class A school but Fremont does not have the luxury or the money to have their girls involved in big name clubs like Omaha or Lincoln. I would be curious to know how many girls on their teams play for Nebraska Elite, River City Jrs. or NVA to name a few. Are you willing to spend at least $1000 plus conditioning/strength training and traveling? The local Heartland Volleyball Club does not cost as much (less than half that) but their goal is to keep the girls involved in volleyball, not making money and being a business. (Yes, the bigger clubs are a business, not non-profit organizations).

Thirdly, parents believe they know more than the coaches. This does make an impression on your child. If you think they do not hear you talking negatively about the program or the coaches you are wrong.

Are the coaches perfect people? No, but none of us are. My daughter played volleyball at FHS and was successful. She did learn a lot and it is not always about winning. Not everything was perfect then but it is a good program that they continue to work on. BUT they do need your support and encouragement. Speak positively about it - encourage your child to get out there and work hard during the season and during the off season.

It is apparent that you know very little about what is actually going on with the FHS volleyball program. True, we have great athletes playing softball, but keep in mind our wondrous coach lost two, make that two potential D-1 players to Bergan because she doesn't have the knowlege needed to compete. They are the smart ones... The rest of us sit around and wish we would have had the courage to do something. In fact we started a match this year without a setter on the court because she forgot to put her in the line up. She has been coaching for four years now. Would a football coach start a game without putting a QB in the line up?

What to solve the problem with FHS V-ball? Clean house and take names! Start with the AD.

Mark, As a former member of Nighthawks, I am curious as to how long ago your son played baseball with them? I will be the first to admit as recently as 5 or 6 years ago, Nighthawks was all about winning. This, however is not the case any longer. The fundamentals of the game are now trying to be taught to each and every kid. Clinics are offered for the players and coaches. There are rules against playing only the best players in the most important spots for the entire game and rules have been changed to allow for more growth for the kids (hitting off a tee on ball four instead of walking). I also am aware of several jaycee football coaches and their focus is also on fundamentals not "just winning". I am sorry if your son did not continue in sports as athletics can be very important in a person's life as far as growth and building friends. Hopefully he has taken up another hobby besides video games for his entertainment.

To A Parent.....Hate to break the news to you but you need to get a clue!

Yes, there are talented softball athletes, BUT softball has not taken all the talented players....FHS volleyball still has some very good players!

It is not an option or choice of "Fremont High School" to have their kids involved in big-name clubs....it is an individual option. Yes, there were kids on this year's team (and last year's team and the team the year before that) who have played for Elite, River City, and for NVA, but there are also kids on the team who do not play high level club that really have talent. Unfortunately, our coach does not know how to effectively use the talent she has. Players alone can't win
games....not against the type of competition we see today.

It is good that there are club options with several price points available;
but, as with anything, you typically "get what you pay for." Whether you or others like it or not, that is how this sport has evolved....those individuals and teams around the state who are successful in this sport participate in higher-level club competition. Today, college volleyball coaches typically recruit from club ball, not from high school. If you want to play volleyball in college, then play club ball. Most of the clubs (yes even the high level clubs you speak of in Omaha) offer scholarship assistance and flexible payment options to accommodate the kids who are really serious about the sport.

Just as there are post-season playing options for the kids to learn the
sport, get stronger and better, there are also many options for high school
coaches to learn more about the sport and get better, if they really want
to. But, it takes time, will, hard work, and desire just as it does for the kids. Winning is a "team" effort.

Yes, coaches are human and make mistakes...we all do. But it is important to "fess up" and learn from your mistakes...that is what we tell the kids, isn't it? It is when you keep making the same mistakes over and over that causes others to have concern.

Speak positively and encourage kids....yes, but these kids are smart; they know when things are not "working" right, and they know it is not all their fault--no one has to tell them.

In the case of losing 2 players, there is more to the story than you know - have you heard both sides? It still comes down to instill the values necessary to compete at a Class A school - work hard every day, do not whine and complain if you do not get to start on varsity your freshman year and do not get mommy or daddy to complain for you.

FHS is a great school with many opportunities - my child got more scholarship for academics than sports and that is the way it should be. Sports is not everything - your child is one injury away from ending their college sports career but will that take away from their knowledge and career plans? I don't think so.

Every parent wants what is best for their child but take time to look at the bigger picture.

I'd like to see you apply for the job and do better....

To a parent--regarding the loss of 2 players, it seems you have “inside” information. I would be interested in “hearing both sides.” Have you talked to both sides; or, are you basing your knowledge of the situation on gossip? My mother always told me there were three sides to every story....yours, mine, and the truth!