Coach C wrote on Jun 24, 2008 4:23 PM:
" Coach Olson is one of the best coaches out there. He takes kids that would be lost and makes tehm into champions on the mat, and in life. LHS Administration should be ashamed of how they handled this situation. You dont treat legends that way, Good luck trying to find a coach after this, every coach in the state looks at Kent Olsen as top drawer. "
pmm wrote on Jun 24, 2008 4:55 PM:
" This is so wrong. Coach Olson turned my son into a good wrestler and hopes to continue this year as a junior. Unfortunately he was injured last year and could not wrestle, but Coach Olson kept him as part of the team and had him do what he could to keep in shape. I don't know if there is anyone out there that can take his place. The students, wrestlers and parents respect him and will miss him. Lemoore Tigers Wrestling will never be the same. "
Shocked wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:37 PM:
" It's wrong, absolutely wrong. Even with his time limited due to the position he took at WHC, he was by far the most respected coach at LHS. I coached at Lemoore for 6 years, and was a student for four more, Kent is too great a coach to be run out of there like this. I never wrestled in my fours years as a student there, but it was a blast being his Teaching Assistant while in school. Other coaches beware, if Kent can get treated like this, then there's no protection for you guys. "
Fangdog wrote on Jun 24, 2008 7:53 PM:
" This is typical with what is wrong with America. When there comes that rare opportunity for excellence, mediocrity is the preferred choice. "
John Navarro wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:18 PM:
" Coach has helped more individuals than any of us can realize. He spent countless hours during the summer driving us up and down the grapevine and elsewhere in this state to become better wrestlers and individuals. If you walk in that wrestling room, all you have to do is look around and realize how much he has dedicated of himeself to that program and the students that went through it. This is a shame for the program and the community in general. Wrestling in his program just didn't teach me how to wrestle. I also learned how to communicate, how to finish something that was started, and most importantly how to never give up. Maybe others need to learn those lessons. "
silverio esparza wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:31 PM:
" We should keep Olson as a coach because he has taught me and the other wrestlers how wrestle. He has made me very successful in this sport. One accomplishment that he has helped me with is placing 1st as the league champion as a freshman. Without Olsen we would never have been able to place 9th in the state and have 14 consecutive league championships. He is a great coach that should not go any were and stay here. "
Elena Esparza wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:56 PM:
" WHAT! They let Olsen go without speaking with the parents, I believe that the choice to have Olsen stay or leave should be the kids and parents not administration because they probably do not have any kids wrestling or have love for the sport that Olsen does he also has a wife that support him which is very important. If administration has a problem with Olsen they need to take that up with him and not punish the kids because without him the program will eventually go down or disappear.
Now I understand part of the problem is with Justin or Coach Mac on the way that Olsen handle him, yes things could of been handle better but Justin is not ready to be a coach but the bottom line if we have to choose we want Olsen he might be difficult at times but he is the best.
WE DO NOT WANT OLSEN TO GO TO ANOTHER SCHOOL AND HE HAS MY WHOLE FAMILY BEHIND HIM.
I hope Lemoore High School reads this and reconsiders there position. "
Jose Sanchez wrote on Jun 24, 2008 11:05 PM:
" My boys have been wrestling with Olsen for 5yrs and I have not seen a person more dedicated then he is I do not understand why he is let go or asked to stop coaching because as of last year after state Coach Mac stop showing up to practice and for freestyle he did not coach at all and Ken Olsen has done and continues to have my boys busy and out of trouble without getting paid now he wants to have a wrestling camp for the kids which Lemoore High School kid will benefit and the school wants to charge him 500.00 a day when he does so much for Lemoore High students be helping them get through school and the time he gives them is incredible and thanks to all that my oldest got a scholarship to college and without wrestling and Olsen that would of never been possible.
Please think over your decision carefully. "
Julian Perez wrote on Jun 24, 2008 11:16 PM:
" I have wrestled for Ken Olsen for 2yrs, I wish I would of wrestled longer for him, he is tough on us because he cares and wants us to be the best we can be and he tries to push us thanks to that I was able to place for the state of CA 5th for some people that might not seem very high but you need to understand CA has 800 schools that compete for 8 spots in each weight class. He has taught me how to fight for what I want and to believe in myself. I have to be thankful for because of wrestling and all coach Olsen does for us I was able to go to college.
THANKS COACH OLSEN "
Jonathan Luna USN wrote on Jun 24, 2008 11:18 PM:
" As a current West Hills College wrestler/student, I can tell you that the only reason I am attending WHCL is to wrestle for coach Olsen. Coaching is what coach Olsen does and is something he loves to do unselfishly. In my proffesion, a person who takes on more responsibilites to better the team is to be commended, not punished. There are far to few individuals on par with his talent and devotion. It would be a shame if LHS failed to realize this. "
A.J. Jaramillo wrote on Jun 25, 2008 12:23 AM:
" Coach Olson has done a great deal for the lemoore wrestling program. I have been in his program sense 7th grade. He has taught me alot. he wants nothing but good for us kids. I wouldn't have place in state this year, if Olson wuz not the coach. I am gonna be with him at the college level, but i still believe that lemoore high school needs to keep him around.I would like to see the high school i went to, to continue to do good.Why would you want to go in a different deriction. He is on the right path towards winning a state tittle pretty soon. Wrestling is the only sport that wins consestently at Lemoor High. No one can replace him. Not letting him stay in the program and help coach in some kind of way is not smart at all. "
Hello wrote on Jun 25, 2008 12:36 AM:
" Has anybody really read this article? Coach O said the AD wanted to go in another direction. The AD says the opposite. What gives?
To Ms. Esparza-while I do not agree with the decision, the school does not have to consult you on every personnel move. "
the tickler wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:38 AM:
" I don't know maybe he would be better off teaching at the college. He can make a better life for himself teaching adults. Wouldnt it be sweet If have had a better career just to show lemoore high he's better of without them. I would personaly leave myself, if they reconsider does he really want to stay in a place here he knows he's not wanted. LEMOORE MADE A TERRIBLE MISTAKE BUT OLSEN HAD A GOOD RUN! "
Read The Article wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:31 AM:
" I think everyone needs to read the article a litlle more closely. Once they do that they will realize that West Hills College will not allow him to coach wrestling at LHS.
If coaching wrestling at LHS was what he really wanted to do, then he shouldn't have took the job at West Hills College in the first place! When Vance Walberg left Clovis West (a basketball iccn), did he come back to coach at Clovis West whlile also coaching Fresno City College?
Bottom line is that Olson made a choice not to coach at Lemoore High. "
Action speak loader than word wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:12 AM:
" Since when was coaching an entitlement? Why does every coach seem to think they are owed something for doing something which they love to do. If it was truely about the kids, why did he leave?
It's time that people take responsiblities for theit actions and stop blaming someone else!
I'm not sure what the junior college regulations are for recruiting, but it they are anything like division 1 regulations...it seems like there would be a million recruiting violations occurring with him coaching at any high school. "
Louis wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:15 PM:
" I am becoming more and more ashame to be from Lemoore as not only do we have an inefficient City Council, we now have an inefficient LHS/West Hills Administration. What 's in store for us next? "
Jose Contreras wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:20 PM:
" I live in San Jose, with family in Lemoore, Hanford and Cocoran. I have only talked to Coach Olson on a couple of occasions but have found him to be a genuine person with integrity and character. I know that a person with these qualities is the person you want in your kids corner. I agree when it is said that Coach Olson deserves the benefit of choosing how he wants to go out. He should be allowed to continue to be affiliated with the Lemoore High program as long as he likes. I feel bad for the kids, they are losing a mentor and a person who cares. "
Can you read wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:47 PM:
" You guys should be asking coach Olsen why he left. He chose West Hills over Lemoore High. Why is this LHS's headache? If he wanted to coach at LHS then quit the West Hills job. Lemoore has to move on as Kent made his choice. He says in the article West Hills will not allow him to be part of the high school program anymore, and some how people want to blame the AD at LHS for moving on. Kent you can't have both and you have made your choice now explain to the kids and parents and stop acting like a victim. "
SAD wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:47 PM:
" I am confused the Athlectic Director states he wants to go in a different direction, would that direction be DOWNWARD as you have a outstanding program and coach. The only direction I see is down. People think about it, Olsen is a respectable coach so read between the lines what is the real deal. The Athletic Director wanted him out! What is next the AD will either pick a alumni to fill the position or a friend as the pattern has been with him with any coaching position at Lemoore High School. What happened to being a qualified coach and a good role model for the kids, not out there just to earn a paycheck. "
Steven Martinez wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:20 PM:
" This is truly an injustice to the Lemoore wrestlers. Coach olsen has continued a tradition of excellence without all the resources that other big time programs such as clovis has. He desnt care what your back story is he wll always accept you and work with the wrestlers. I hd no success at corcoran high where i wrestled the pevious three years but imov and my seior year i bcome top 16 in the state. That isn't by luck his method works. He knows how to peak athletes. He needs to continue to be part of Lemoore High Wrestling because the mn knows how to win and shape fine young men "
jluchau wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:39 PM:
" I believe coach Olson left Lemoore High for West Hills with the idea of still being part of the Lemoore High program and eventually handing it off to some one. He has told me that he doesn't have to be the head coach, he just wants to be part of the program and see it into good hands. I don't think that's too much to ask for.
Maybe West Hills and Lemoore High could come to agreement to allow coach to be part of the program for say two or three more years, see it into good hands and then not coach there any longer.
I'm just guessing, but I think if West Hills would have said from the start that you can't coach Lemoore anymore if you take the West Hills job, he might not have taken the job. That's just my thought, though, and I could be wrong.
If you know coach, you know he is all about HIGH SCHOOL wrestling. "
Dutch wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:24 PM:
" I can't believe that LHS wouldtreat Kent in such a way. Being a former AD I can see where the school might seem challenged, but maybe they should have taken a page out of Kents book and faced the challenge with a feasable solution and not run from it like a coward.
I have now been coaching for 15 years and during all but two of those years I have known Kent and his family (not just the legal family but his wrestling family also). There is no one in the state I have looked up to more. I have any times called him for advice with my team and my family. He was always there for me, even when my wife went through a life threatening illness. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Kent and can't believe that the LHS administration would even think they are doing the right for anyone. "
Adrian Hernandez wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:46 PM:
" 1st Liberty Jr. High (Lemoore) drops their wrestling program and now Kent is forced to leave? It is very rare to find dedicated coaches like Kent in any sport, especially wrestling . Lemoore Athletics seems not to care that one of the most successful athletic programs in school, city, and county history is being targeted. It is not Lemoore wrestling is costing the District a lot of money to exist as they fundraise through tournaments and booster club to fund themselves (and also help pay for that nice gym through some of the profits). Look what happened to Hanford High when they lost their coach or any other successful program! These programs are successful because the coaches go out of their way to give more to the sport than is required. Some coaches just work their mandatory season (3-4 MONTHS) but it is coaches like Olsen who dedicates the whole year to get his squad ready but are usually the ones to get picked on more often than not. Lemoore High AD has some big shoes to fill. Good luck. "
Respect wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:07 PM:
" to: CAN YOU READ, MIGHT you be the Athletic Director as you are very defensive and in no way does it sound like Coach Olsen is a victim the kids are the victims!
Read the comments and see how this man has made such a positive impact on not only the present wrestlers but the past wrestlers and parents. I would only wish that other coaches at Lemoore High and the AD would make such a positive impact on the kids. Maybe the Lemoore Athletics can learn for Coach Olsen and maybe that is what they are afraid of someone for the kids and a man with integrity and whom all respect. "
Can you read wrote on Jun 25, 2008 6:25 PM:
" I am in no way saying Kent isn't a great role model and coach. What I am saying is that in the article Kent says West Hills does not want him to coach at the high school anymore. Neither employer wants to share Kent so he had to make a decision. He made the decision to coach at West Hills so why is LHS to blame? I understand the kids want Kent and the parents want Kent but he chose West Hills. It seems and rightfully so that Kent can't let go of the program he built, but it has to happen if he wants to coach at the college. Its not the best situation but its not like he was run out of town. He left the program. Eventually the program has to move on without him. "
KEEP OLSEN wrote on Jun 25, 2008 6:27 PM:
" Lemoore wrestling whit out Olsen his hared to think of. If we didnt have him who would be running thing right now th AD has had 6 months to get a new coach but they haven't.Thom Sembritzki (Athletic director) or the LHS administrators have never been in the wrestling room so i dont know why they would try to change it.
so all i have to say is KEEP COACH OLSEN FOR US THE LEMOORE WRESTLING TEAM "
Oscar Gonzalez wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:44 PM:
" Coaching at both Schools is still possible. Both Bobby Soto (Fremont HS) and Shawn Henebry (Pioneer HS) coach at West Valley College and both have very competitive HS programs. Olson is a great coach. If West Hills and Lemoore HS can give Kent a two year adjustment and training of the in comming coach plan everyone would benefit. The kids will benefit. With the present plan Coach Olson will be ok but the kids are going to suffer, but then when has decision makers ever cared about the kids.
GOD BLESS!! "
janet macedo wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:52 PM:
" its not right for the school district to not allow the coach of 20 years to remain helping the high school. The district needs to be fair to it's loyal employees. "
nate lopez wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:14 PM:
" coach olson i beleive is one of the greatest coaches out there and should stay the wrestling coach for lemoore high.This wrestling program would not be the same without his help and I believe he should stay the head of the program. he truly does care for the kids in the program and is which also another reason why he is such a great coach. I am an athlete under his program and i can say i have learned a lot from him, and his practices have helped me out tremendously.lemoore wrestling just wouldnt be the same without him as our coach "
Hmmmmmm... wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:02 PM:
" All I can say is that "taking a different direction" has been done in the past with OUR A.D..
He decided to go "a different direction" two years ago and forbid NJB from having their league use the LHS basketball facilities and let the basketball coach run his own clinics. NOW..there is NO frosh or Varsity girls summer basketball and hardly any boys in there boys basketball summer program. There are 7th and 8th graders playing on the boys summer league and freshman on the JV TEAM! No NJB participants! Thats because they kicked them out! How sad. It just hurts the kids. Now these kids have a chance to go get in trouble. All because they got shut out of LHS.Thanks Tom. Thanks alot! "
To jluchau wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:30 PM:
" If you wrote the article, I think you had your time to get across your point. Before submitting the article you should consider the message which is being conveyed. While the content of the content of the article address the fact the WEST HILLS is not allowing Olson to coach LHS, it clearly is misleading making it sound like LHS is leaving Olson and not the other way around. How many jobs are you allowed to leave and pick your replacement?
Why try to clarify the message in the comments? You chose to lead with "LHS cuts ties with Olsen". If coaching the high school team was an integral part of going to West Hill College, why not get that clarified up front? Another thing that people need to consider is the relationship with administration...is it all about winning? Ask Hanford's head baseball coach. There seems to be more to it than just winning. "
tick wrote on Jun 26, 2008 5:53 AM:
" To - can you read- you make no sense. He left for this he left for that. Make up your mind. If anyone can see the big picture he probably left for the money. If he really loved the kids he would have stayed. But he didn't he put himself in this prediciment. So in esence he really did this to himself. The best way to know is to ask him yourself! "
wondering wrote on Jun 26, 2008 11:36 AM:
" People posting negative comments or responses: Please don't question the dedication and loyalty of a coach who has had an outstanding record with the players and school. As for the statement "he left for the money" PLEASE give me a break!!! Anyone in the field of education knows that no one is in it for the money. If one was concerned with money they would seek a different career. Have you seen the stipend paid to coaches? It is ridiculous, and for Coach Olson to have spent the last 20+ years dedicated to helping students and now being let go says a lot for our AD. This town and the school district need to wake up and start putting the students and athletes first. And for our AD: DO YOUR JOB!! Get out from behind that desk and find out what your coaches are doing. You have some of the most poorly run programs and you decide to take the most successful program and go in a different direction. Maybe the administration ought to start from the top (AD) and take that position in a different direction. "
Solution wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:28 PM:
" Why not just have town meeting?
Invite Lemoore High's people, West Hill's people, and Olson's people....
Talk it out "
Mad Mom wrote on Jun 26, 2008 1:18 PM:
" Well first I wanna say Good luck to LHS...you will be luck if you have a wrestling team next year. Also, LHS is known for their wrestling team..I think LHS has made a very bad decision...Good Luck trying to find someone to replace and fill Coach Olsens shoes..and someone that the kids will respect..Oh wait coach has taught them that too so Im sure they will respect him, but NO ONE can teach the kids what COACH OLSEN has. GOOD LUCK LHS... "
MEETING TONIGHT wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:10 PM:
" There is a board of trustee's meeting at Lemoore High tonight..Thursday..June 26 at 5:30. It is held at the district office on the northeast corner of Bush & Lemoore Ave. The board is the athletic directors boss and the athletic director is the coaches boss!! PUBLIC COMMENT IS ACCEPTED! Be an active part of this situation...GO TO THE MEETING TONIGHT! "
Can you read wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:11 PM:
" To TICK: Can you read? I don't know what you are talking about. It sounds like we agree on the situation. I never stated why Kent left because I don't know why. I said Kent chose West Hills and LHS should not be blamed for moving on with out him. I know the kids love him, the parents love him, and he loves himself, but he quit. Done. "
FYI wrote on Jun 26, 2008 5:05 PM:
" For those who might wish to attend the meeting, which hopefully you do, make sure you know when board "protocal" allows members from the audience to speak. If not on the agenda, the public is provide an opporntunity to speak, but it is only during a specific time frame..... you will be given 3 minutes. If you aren't present during this window, they will totally ignore your presence. Call the district office for the time-frame. "
Gina Luna wrote on Jun 26, 2008 5:45 PM:
" I believe that Coach Olsen should be able to work at West Hills College and Lemoore High School. Coach Olsen cares about what happens to the students on the wrestling teams at both schools and tries his hardest to help them succeed in what they love to do. To take a great coach like Olsen away from Lemoore High School would be hard on not only him but his students that respect and care so much for him. I hope WH and LHS realizes that this choice is the wrong one to make. "
moonlighter wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:13 PM:
" Many people work several jobs in this country. What someone does on their own time is none of the employers business. If he can handle both jobs - let him do it. Unless there is some clear CIF rule in violation here - what is the problem. If he is the most qualified candidate, how can they remove him from his post? "
County Coach wrote on Jun 27, 2008 1:00 AM:
" It is fact that Coach Olson has done an outstanding job for the community of Lemoore, but has he taught good sportamanship among his wrestler. He is cocky and he has no problem belittling other parents children. It is great to bring up the moral of your team, but a true person of character does put down young man of other teams in public. How about the time when Olson was accused of altering his wrestlers match count. He was calling other coaches for them to lie for him. Olson when you put other young men down for your own gains, that is not right. Your poor character rubs off on the kids that you teach. It is great the your are coaching at a Junior Coach, but if the School wants a full time coach. Cut your loses and try to develop a program at WestHills, like you did at Lemoore "
Elizabeth Simons-Smith wrote on Jun 27, 2008 4:20 AM:
" I can't believe this is happening to Coach Olson! I'm proud to be the older sister of James Simons, one of Coach's winning Heavyweight westlers & the mother of Brandon L. Smith, a budding wrestler in the Farm Boyz program. What an outrageous slap to the face of the wrestlers & their families. Coach & Melinda Olson do more before 5am for the wrestlers than the entire LHS Admin. can do in a LIFETIME! The Olson's passion for wrestling & their kindness extends out to all of us & for that, my family is eternally grateful. Farm Boyz motto: "You reap what you sow",! Coach has sown these wrestlers into fine young men. LHS Admin. will reap what they've sown with the loss of Coach Olson. I wonder what LHS Admin. were to do if all the current wrestlers' families were to get inter-district transfers & all go to Hanford? My son has a lot of wrestling to learn, but the joy in his eyes when he runs to Coach Olson to tell him that he won a match can never be measured in Gold, Silver or Bronze! Thanks Coach & Melinda! Wherever you go, my family will follow! "
Jeff August wrote on Jun 27, 2008 1:06 PM:
" I spent many a day in the wrestling room at LHS. I was a horrible wrestler, but it didn't stop me from showing up every day and working very hard. My main reason for being there was the constant life lessons that Coach would share with those of us who were listening. It is my fear that those lessons will now be lost for the students of LHS. "
who cares wrote on Jun 27, 2008 4:55 PM:
" hire marcio botelho now "
concerned wrote on Jun 27, 2008 5:08 PM:
" There is only one person to fill the shoes left behind by olson. This person would be Marcio Botelho. He is the best person for the job and would have the respect of the community in my opinion. I can't believe that no other person has thought of this "
Coach Cotta wrote on Jun 27, 2008 10:19 PM:
" There are over 40 commennts posted about coach Olson,and then Hmmmmmm tries to get his and hers 2 cents in about basketball,its a amazing this is still coming up.No girls summer basketball has nothing to do with boys program,the youth league was ran by both Varsity coaches,boys and girls.And NJB kids were welcome to sign up,and they did we had several kids from NJB.Are AAU teams 3rd thru 8th grades played for 2 months after the season.And if the 7th and 8th graders are good enough to play at the frosh and Jv level whats wrong with that.They were no kids kicked out of youth league.Coach Wilkins runs year round program to keep kids out of trouble.Hmmmmmm move on. BEST OF LUCK TO COACH OLSON. "
ashamed wrote on Jun 27, 2008 11:24 PM:
" being sn avid film fan movie lines generally come to mind when faced with an unbelievable situation. the line that comes to mind in this situation is "stupid is is stupid does". Donald Trump is allowed to own and operate 5 or more companies. President Bush is allowed to remain in comtrol of his oil company even though he is president of the US, Bill gates is allowed to run Microsoft while owning a major interest in his competator apple yet a teacher, is not allowed to develope strong healthy competators at consecutive levels. where is the logic in this. coaches are not born they are created through mentorship and instruction. in a time when 7 progams in the Yosemity and sequoia divisions are currently without coaches and administrators complain that there are few qualified aplicants why would we turn away anyone who would want to develope individuals to follow in his footsteps "
scarecrow wrote on Jun 28, 2008 3:33 AM:
" to - wondering- if he didn't leave for the money and he loved the kids why didn't he stay. Did he leave for self gradification? There must be a reason why. Like how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootise pop? The world will never know I guess. I take the point of view of just ask the man, then u will reveal the truth of the matter In stead of talking behind his back. "
JG wrote on Jun 28, 2008 9:47 AM:
" The wrestling program has been the only consistent program at Lemoore for the last 15 years atleast and now we move in another direction? Well i am a huge baseball fan and we seen how well our baseball team did this year. Time for the athletic directors to be judged on how well the athletics are going.To bad Olsen did not coach baseball no one gets more out of kids then coach Olsen. "
interested wrote on Jun 28, 2008 10:06 PM:
" "County Coach" - when typing allegations and innuendo - at least type your name. Man up. At least name the county you supposedly coach in. Hopefully you are at least coaching at the club level in this county. :) "
Elizabeth D. Simons-Smith wrote on Jun 29, 2008 1:27 AM:
" 2nd draft...kindler & gentler. The current A.D., Thom Senmbritzki, left Lemoore High a few years ago & ended up at, of all places, our rivals, Hanford. Then, for reasons we will never know the full truth behind, comes back to Lemoore like nothing happened & becomes A. D. Things that make you go "hmmm".
But the brass tacks of this situation is this: Lemoore High has only ONE team in its ENTIRE sports program that's consistantly repeated its' titles: WRESTLING!(14+years!)
Coach Olsen is being admonished for trying to carry that tradition to a higher level? Are you kidding me? He is being punished for trying to make something better, it's best? If that isn't classic Lemoore High political agenda, I don't know what is! I've always loved the saying, "Don't stop until your good is better & your better is your best!" Appearently that doesn't apply to the 2nd winningest Coach in the ENTIRE STATE OF CALIFORNIA! Something that can't be said of any of the other coaches or A.D. at LHS. Ultimately, the children are going to suffer because of this loss, not Coach's decision to help them into collegiate level sports. Pray for the kids & their families. "
Hmmmmm wrote on Jun 29, 2008 2:05 AM:
" To Coach Cota: The comment wasn't directed at Coach Wilkins program but directed at the AD Tom Sembritzki and how his job is to oversee that these programs are run as smooth as they should be and continued throughout the year. Basketball was just an example as to one of the many sports at LHS. If you see the comment by yours it is about baseball. It would be nice if all the sports could have year round programs. Thats the way it should be. It is just hard when sports are left high and dry without an immediate replacement coach because of a drastic decision.These athletes need to be able to continue with the conditioning. Thanks for being concerned.
And to the people who made comments as to Coach Olson quitting..I think he made it clear that he didn't "quit"..he was fired. I am sure that if you ask him he will tell you the truth. He is an honest man. "
Time to move on wrote on Jun 29, 2008 6:21 PM:
" There was a board meeting when public opinion could have been heard by people that count at our administration and the board, but only one parent showed up. Hmmm.
Coach Olson, you are a great wrestling coach, but you signed up to teach and coach at West Hills, they say don't coach at Lemoore, that's it, move on. We at Lemoore need to change directions and get a new coach, if you had beent here you would have learned it was voted on, is Marcio Botelho.
We now as a high school community need to stand behind our new coach, and move on, if we want to see this year be of worth, or we can have it be a year of back stabbing and bickering, like it was this last year. Our choice!
There are certain people who need to quit complaining about THEIR things when it does not even pertain to this, like NJB, who cares!
This is about a great wrestling coach that has had to accept a hard decision from HIS employer. The athletes he worked with admired him greatly, and so did most of the parents. "
william magnusson wrote on Jun 30, 2008 1:13 AM:
" "Wise decisions come from wise council. Who is counciling the LHS Administration? My suggestion would be #1 Lorenzo Neal-What would he council? #2 Chris Pendelton-What does he think? #3 Marcelo Botello- Where is he in all this? Then there are the real difference makers out ther like John Navarro and the countless numbers of LHS wrestling greats who know beyond a shadow of a doubt that "If it wasn't for Coach Olson..............!" God Bless You and I will be in prayer, Coach Magnusson "
To Coach Magnuson wrote on Jun 30, 2008 11:33 AM:
" They did approve Marcio Bothelo as the new wrestling coach last week at the bopard meeting. It was in the sentinel on Sunday. But, they do need to thank Coach Olson for all he''s done and get to the bottom of the unprofessionalism of the way certain situations are handled on the lower level (A.D.'s). "
Surprised wrote on Jun 30, 2008 12:18 PM:
" As you read most of these comments there happens to be one constant complaint and that happens to be Lemoore AD. Who regulates his behavior from comments made it seems that this man is on a power trip and is out of control. Why hasn't the Lemoore Administration looked into some of these issues or do they take a blind eye to the problem. "
To all wrote on Jun 30, 2008 4:09 PM:
" First off, congratulations to Marcio, on the job. At the same time, good luck replacing a legend, you'll need it.
Secondly, to all of those who say "read the article" or "look again", the fact of the matter is this. Coach Olson, was told by West Hills that he can no longer be the Head Coach at LHS, which they told him prior to LAST season. LHS told him PRIOR to him taking the job at WHCC, that he could remain with the program for as long as he wanted. It wasn't a new declaration by WHCC that Olson could no longer coach at LHS, it was an old declaration that he couldn't be the Head Coach anymore, which he was not. So to those who say "read the article". It clearly states in the second paragraph, "LAST season the WHCC administration no longer wanted him to coach LHS", also it says "WHCC will not allow it", but LHS made the decision to no longer allow Olson to be affiliated with the program at all, which they reneged on their orignial offer to allow him to stay on in an assistant role. LHS and WHCC are to blame. "
santa rosa wrote on Jun 30, 2008 4:22 PM:
" olsen is a good coach. i've wrestled for him my senior year and i can recall that he taught me how to be a better person on and off the mat. so all i want to say is my hats off to you coach olsen and keep up the hard work and countless hours and sacrafise you put us .
premaddonnas... "
Just Wondering wrote on Jul 1, 2008 6:29 AM:
" How many teams at LHS won a Valley Championship before Thom Sembritzki was named AD? Also, How many teams won one since he has been there? If you know the answers to these questions, then you know that the man knows how to do his job. "
fabreeze wrote on Jul 1, 2008 10:30 AM:
" "As you read most of these comments ....happens to be Lemoore AD. ....made it seems that this man is on a power trip and is out of control. "
Everyone is entitle to an opinion and we all know what they say about opinions.
I know both men being discussed and I can say for certain that both work hard and are dedicated to their jobs and are committed to excellence. But I'll go further and say that Sembritzki (AD) Is committed to integrity, respect, professionalism, or just plain doing the right thing, Not all decisions are cut and dry nor are they spur of the moment. It's my guess that this latest one was a train wreck waiting to happen. I like Coach Olsen and it's a shame he can't continue at LHS, but decisions have been made BY ALL 3 PARTIES and now it's time to move on.
Good Luck Marcio "
tigerfan wrote on Jul 1, 2008 1:22 PM:
" To "Just Wondering" don't forget that in the "Old Days" everyone played Division I when it came to playoffs. To win a Valley Championship was much more difficult before our currect AD than it is now. So please don't compare former AD's to our current AD based on Valley Championships. It's comparing apples to oranges.
I do agree with another post that he only hires his friends, LHS alumni, or even parents of current players. LHS really needs to go in a different direction with their AD, but until the problem is fixed at the top, it will only get worse down the line. "
fabreeze wrote on Jul 1, 2008 3:13 PM:
" "I do agree with another post that he only hires his friends, LHS alumni, or even parents of current players. LHS really needs to go in a different direction with their AD, but until the problem is fixed at the top, it will only get worse down the line. "
Of all the uninformed, misinformed, or biased posts on this comment page, this may be the most ridiculous statement. "
tigerfan wrote on Jul 1, 2008 7:52 PM:
" sorry "fabreeze" but i'm neither uninformed, misinformed, nor biased on the matter, the truth hurts and it's plain and simple. "
wondering wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:30 AM:
" You know I have to agree about the comment!!! Our Athletic Director really needs to look at who he is hiring and what they know versus WHO THEY KNOW!!! This town is becoming SO COMPLETLY about who you know instead of what you know that it is interferring with qualified coaches being hired and the right players being moved up. It is sad when you see what this school and town could actually be known for instead of what it is known for; which is POLITICS.... Come on elected board members..STEP UP AND DO THE HARD WORK YOU HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO DO!!!!!! "
Ridiculous wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:47 AM:
" Tigerfan - I agree with your comment TRUTH hurts!
For Fabreeze to make comments that you are uninformed is ridiculous as Fabreeze is uninformed! Fabreeze take every coaching position at Lemoore High and evaluate if they are a alumini or a friend and you might be surprised on your evaluation. "
Funny wrote on Jul 2, 2008 2:03 PM:
" Lemoore AD what qualification does Marcio have and is he a teacher as it states on the job search (edjoin) you wanted? His wife is a teacher so maybe that qualifies him HMMMMMM. Has he ever coached before you can be a great athlete but not be able to coach. Good Luck to all involved! "
fabreeze wrote on Jul 2, 2008 5:06 PM:
" I know exactly what I'm talking about and I said uninformed, misinformed or bias because one or more of those seems to apply. You people seem to be operating on the assumption that the AD hires all the coaches. This is flat out wrong. The head coaches for each sport have the most to say in that respect and in most instances the only people who want to be assistant coaches are former athletes or parents. And as for hiring head coaches, the vetting process goes through more then one person and the AD can do no more then make a recommendation. And finally, you people have subtly insulted every coach on campus who is an LHS alumni or parent. Yup, sounds to me like your opinions are uninformed with respect to how coaches are hired or biased against a couple of coaches or the AD. "
fabreeze wrote on Jul 2, 2008 5:07 PM:
" PS. Marcio in more then just a great athlete, LHS Alum, and spouse to an LHS employee, he is also a fine coach/person and an excellent member of our community. Would you rather roll the dice and hire someone from out of town with no ties to the school or town and possibly use Lemoore as a stepping stone? We’ve done that many times, and many times the coaches are gone in less then 5 years for numerous reasons…not the least of which is tired or putting up with certain parents who can never be satisfied. "
tigerfan wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:41 PM:
" To Fabreeze
OK either you are Thom trying to cover your rear end here or a real misinformed person. If you are Thom then you aren't telling the whole truth, yet again, trying to cover yourself. I know for a fact two "head" coaches, who are my friends, who when hired only interviewed with Thom. No one else, so tell me who is involved in the hiring? It is solely on his recommendation. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad their fathers were friends with Thom, which gave them the edge over other applicants. Wait there weren't "other" applicants because the job was never advertised for outsiders to even come apply, which also happens all too often at LHS. They were given verbal "you're hired" before the interview even happened. The interview was just a formality to say that it happened. Again, I'm glad my friends got the jobs, but ethically it isn't done properly. What would be wrong with outsiders coming into LHS? You speak as if it were bad? Maybe we could learn a thing or two from people who have coached at other schools. "
Just Wondering wrote on Jul 3, 2008 2:10 AM:
" To tigerfan. Winning a VC is difficult at any division. The fact of the matter is that they have won VC's and WYL titles in many diffirent sports since T.S. has been there. The proof is in the pudding! "
Surprised wrote on Jul 3, 2008 12:47 PM:
" To "Just Wondering"
Yes V.C. are hard to win but as Fabreeze(Tom) stated the AD doesn't hire they only recommend (Yeah RIGHT) . So don't give him credit and also how many of these winning coaches were alumni or friends of his. OR were they outside coaches that the AD rolled the dice and HIRED!! Proof in the pudding huh "
fabreeze wrote on Jul 3, 2008 1:04 PM:
" The bottom line is simple. The head coaches have most (if not all) to say when hiring assistants. The one thing that holds them and anyone else back with respect to hiring coaches is the rules, regulations, and certification for anyone that wants to coach. As to head coaches, if the principal, superintendent, or school board feels the position is important enough or controversial enough, they'll demand an interview committee. In most cases this isn't done and the responsibility is left in the AD's hands. What you and everyone else need to ask yourself is one question: Has the overall quality of coaching and athletics in general improved since Sembritzki became the AD. My answer (from first hand experience) is Yes.
And for the record, I'm not the AD but rather then focus on individuals, you should address the facts "
realtigerfan wrote on Jul 3, 2008 1:05 PM:
" to Tigerfan
So are you saying your two "head" coaching friends aren't qualified to coach there. If they are qualified, then wasn't the best person for the job hired. If they had not been hired then you would be on here complaining about how the AD was unjust and did not hire them. Bottom line stop complaining! "
realtigerfan wrote on Jul 3, 2008 1:20 PM:
" To Surprised,
What are the issues the board should look into? Please enlighten us uninformed. Also tell us what yuo think makes a coach qualified to coach at LHS, since it sounds like you disagree with every hire the AD has made. Sounds to me like just sour grapes. Support LHS athletics not tear them down! "
Think wrote on Jul 3, 2008 6:55 PM:
" A.
A coach only takes a job somewhere else if they are ready to move on. I am not saying that OSLEN has not been great for LHS and its history for the past 20 years, the past is the past and change is hard to deal with, although, change is inevitable. A new coach cannot develop a dynasty in 1 year. It took Coach Olsen, a few years to gain full control of his program including his winning stats. Have you ever thought of the current athletes? Athletes are not the same today as they were 20 years ago. A new coach needs time to develop his philosophies and needs not to be undermined by previous coaches. Considering Olsen was there, as a support staffs not the HEAD COACH. "
concerned alumni wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:39 PM:
" Rather than bickering back and forth about the AD why not help support our new wrestling coach and not run his name in the ground. Marcio Botelho has came along way and is probably one of the best person someone could ever meet. He found his niche on the mat and made his way through college earning a degree. He has a passion for the sport of wrestling and for those of you that might doubt his skills as a coach which is bull should never doubt his heart and love for the sport. Competitors don't lose. Marcio is a winner and will drive these kids and make winners of them. Leave his wife out of it and let the man do what he does best and coach these kids and make winners of them. "
Just Wondering wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:08 AM:
" To Surprised: All I know is that LHS football wasn't very good before T.S. arrived, he kept the fb coach, gave him the support he needed, and now look at that that program. That is the sign of a good AD! "
lol wrote on Jul 8, 2008 7:28 PM:
" You have got to be kidding! "
Think wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:28 PM:
" We are all examples/roll models for the future of our community and we should all lead by example. Are we as a community, parents, staff, athletes setting a good example? When something goes wrong every AD gets the finger pointed at them. lets think about the Future Athletes, what would be best for them? Did we really give the previous new coach a fair deal and or chance? Coaches are only able to coach those who want to be coached and for those Athletes saying that the only way they can climb to the top is by having Olson by their side is a farce, they are capable of what they are determined to do. I am sure that Olson and Mclleand have told their Athletes mind over body, and thats what is comes down to.
Lets not point fingers at anyone take in to account that Coach Olson left to further his career and that was done by choice, therefore leaving the legacy of Lemoore High Wrestling, to another coach that was not given a fair shot. Furthermore not giving the Marcio a Shot is truly unfair. "
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