Wednesday, April 30, 2008
MIDDLETOWN — Jason Krause, approved this week as Middletown High School's football coach, probably thought his toughest opponent this season would be Cincinnati Elder.
The Panthers will be pussycats compared to the racial tension Krause faces in Middletown. Race is the 800-pound gorilla that resides in this town that periodically shows its ugly head, but rarely is discussed.
Extras
Columnist Rick McCrabbLatest headlines
Get latest headlines via RSS feedsWe treat race like a dirty little secret in town.
When Krause, an 11-year coaching veteran, was named the Middies' coach last week, the team's volunteer chaplain, Bishop Rudolph Pringle, resigned. In protest, Pringle took his Bible and walked away.
Pringle resigned not because he thought Krause wasn't qualified to make the leap from Monroe, a Division III football program, to Middletown, a Division I program.
Not because he thought Krause would be out-coached in the Greater Miami Conference, considered by some to be the toughest conference in the state.
He resigned because Krause is white. How ironic.
Late last week, Pringle walked into The Journal offices and delivered a copy of his resignation letter to the Middletown Board of Education.
In part it read: "(The) decision that you have made not to pick an African-American football coach sends a red flag that this system has no desire to triumph over the racial bigotry and the fears."
Unfortunately, this script has been written before in this city. When Bob Ronai, who is white, was hired as the high school boys basketball coach and when Dennis Newell, who is white, was named the high school principal, Pringle, and others in the community, including the Rev. Greg Tyus, both of whom are black, demanded accountability from the district.
They figured an urban district like Middletown, which is 17 percent black, should have more black administrators and coaches.
Some believe black students listen better — thus study and perform better — when a black voice is talking.
At Monday's school board meeting, Tyus, the board president, and Katie McNeil, the board vice president, both voted "no" on the athletic recommendation that included supplemental contracts for Krause to become football coach and weight training coordinator.
When asked to elaborate — give reasons for their dissenting votes — Tyus and McNeil refused. Capable leaders should not hide behind their name plates.
Krause hasn't coached his first game in Middletown and already 40 percent of the five-member board doesn't want him.
Now that's confidence.
The school's athletic department and administration should share in the blame for the mishandling of the hiring. There originally were 49 applicants for the football job, then, in the final days, someone mentioned Krause, who led the Hornets to three straight playoff appearances, winning regional championships in 2005 and 2007.
Krause applied and was listed when the field was narrowed to five. Several black candidates applied, including David Pool, one of the five finalists.
Some have hinted that Pool lacks the necessary education and teaching certification to become the next coach. That gave the district an out. The administration could tell the protesters they considered a black coach, and they hoped that would silence those who have questioned the district's minority hiring practices.
Can you imagine the outrage if all of the five candidates were white? You think there's racial tension in this town now?
Anyway, where do we go from here and how do we repair the damage?
Superintendent Steve Price has stressed the importance of improving diversity in the district. And in the past few years, he's taken steps — albeit small ones — to increase the number of black administrators and teachers in the district.
But the next time there's an opening in the district — especially for a high-profile position — the district should do a better job of recruiting highly qualified black candidates, much the same way they went out and lured Krause away from Monroe.
They should take that candidate through the interview process, and if he or she is best qualified — regardless of race — hire that person.
Let's hope the district uses that criteria when it seeks its next chaplain.
Contact this columnist at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.
Comments
By charles
May 14, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
This saddens me that someone can put race as the deciding factor in someone being hired by a school official. I have grown up in middletown my entire life. I am currently finishing my last year at Miami and would like nothing more to become a high school teacher here. But, according to pringle and others in the community the black kids will not listen to me because I am white? That is crazy put me in a classroom full of low achieving low income children. Its the teacher and the methods not color
By RT
May 5, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
Welcome Coach Krause. Mr. Pringle you don’t deserve the Rev title and you need to do some serious sole searching. Go back to the dime store where you received your certification and see what they say about your actions. Doesn’t sound very christian to me.They need to hire the best person regardless of color. If we don’t get behind our city pretty soon it will not matter if he is purple
By antinomus34
May 5, 2008 2:15 AM | Link to this
It’s a problem because some people cannot stop whining. You’d think they were disappointed not to be oppressed, so they could cry about how horrible they’ve had it. Well, they don’t even have that. Instead, they race bait because they know can get away with it. Whites cannot say anything without getting silenced. God forbid if we took offense at a black racist saying they are going home if anyone not of their race is hired. Just more hatred from the eternally dissatisfied.
By Ashamed
May 4, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
I’m ashamed of the whole situation. Is race a problem in Middletown? Most definitely. Why? Because some people won’t let it go. I’m talking about blacks and whites. Both! Bishop Pringle? I thought he was suppose to be a chaplain to the players and coaches. Instead he’s looking at the skin color of the coach. What would Jesus do? Look at the skin color? Resign? I hope the next chaplain looks at the souls of the players and coaches and not the color of their skin.
By Middie Parent
May 4, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
I cant believe the things I am hearig but I can say this, I am behind every other person who is saying bye to Mr. Pringle let him take his racial behind on somewhere else we dont need him and sure as the hell wont miss him!!! It would actually make me sick sit up in the standa at the football and basketball games and watch him parade around in is “Sunday best”, he just looked like a glorified pimp to me. Who asked him to be a part of Middie Pride anyway his kids went to Monroe let them have him.
By Alfred Milton
May 4, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
My comments cont’d…encourage your children to be better in everything..work, studies, friendship…this all will be projected in a bigger arena when they leave high school..concentrate on your education…while you are playing sports strive to be the best…but for your homework assignment…figure out how many high school athelets there are and then figure out what percentage of those make it to the Pro’s…Parents educate your children..Good luck Coach Krause. FIGHT 4 BETTER ACADEMICS
By Alfred Milton
May 4, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Middletown graduate 1984… I love being a Middie always have…Coach Krause has been hired..he has a good record…Im for anyone that will bring back that “Ole Middie Magic”.. Good luck Coach Krause…I’m sure with a diversified staff all of your kids needs will be met…Parents of Middletown students (white, black or other) educate your children and encourage them to understand that any leader can only be as good as their troops. Four years of high school is an air bubble in life…
By preacher franklin ohio
May 4, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
it would been better to hire african-american coach geter done for jesus god bless middletown love in chirst.
By Samantha
May 4, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
And people wonder why businesses and people alike are moving away from Middletown. Prime example of this is the bigotry that still flows. Does it matter whether or not someone is black or white, as long as they are doing the job they have been hired for? All that people like Pringle are doing is showing the youth of today how to judge people of other races, and make a big deal out of nothing. He says he is a man of God, but Gods word in the Bible is that all men are created equal. Get a grip!
By sam
May 4, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Until people with half a brain stop listening to the likes of Pringle, Jackson, and Sharpton, this is the garbage we put up with. It’s always about them. What if we had a Miss White America or White College Fund, can you imagine the uproar? Stop kowtowing to the likes of Pringle, Jackson and Sharpton. Go Middies and go Krause!
By stiritup
May 4, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
How else would people like sharpton,jackson,pringle,wright make a living it they didn’t keep the racial crap going.Pringle is racist as they come I am willing to bet that his two sons marrying white women makes his blood boil.
Now go away Pringle You won’t be missed.
By Michael
May 1, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Why is it that men of faith would be so racial? All men are created equal in the eyes of God. Did Rev Pringle forget that? Just like Mr. Sharpton, who I refuse to call a Reverend. Neither of these men should be allowed to call themselves a Rev. Pringle calls it racial equality/justice, but I beg to differ. They will have to answer to the big man someday that is for sure! Good Luck Krause!
By jason
May 1, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
why is ok for pringle to make the comments he made oh i know why its ok because he is black but if it a white person made the comments he he did about a black coach he would be a racest pig and scum of the earth i’ll tell who the racest pig and scum is its rev.pringle the civil war this is not the 1800’s or the 1900’s any more so rev. pringle and the rest of the trash just like him need to grow up and live for tomorrow and now yesterday
By Concerned
May 1, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
88 grad, i’m not sure what you mean. i don’t see the “active” racism from the board, which by the way has been represented by african americans in recent years with Dr. Kabithe, Rev. Tyus, A.C. Mitchell, etc. btw, pringle’s youngest son went to Middletown and graduated in 1994, in case you wanted to know. i’d like you to point out the “active” racism that exists so that i can document it and know for the future. no matter how hard people work at overcoming, there will never be enough.
By Pohio
May 1, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Come on guys, do your research. Krause was Middletown’s SECOND choice. Their first choice turned down the offer. Krause was between a rock and a hard place, and may have been coaching Pee Wee if you guys had not hired him. Classless exit from Monroe, expect the same in a few years to your program.
By Debbie
May 1, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Congrats Krause! I feel the students, players, and community members of Middletown are lucky to have you. I know you will do a great job! I hate that Pringle chose to do what he did, but as you are trying to get a program up and running again…you need to surround yourself and your players with people that believe in what your doing and have the same goals. If that means Pringle had to leave…then so be it! Best of luck to Coach Krause and the Middies!
By BS
May 1, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
Middletown’s entitlement mentality from the minorities is an embarrassment. Good luck Mr. Krause, seems like there are a few doing their best to see that you don’t succeed.
By 1988 Middie Alumnus
April 30, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Well, this is my 3rd and final posting regarding this sad little city. The bottom line is this…. If the caucasian community does not think there has been and continues to be active racism in every area of the city council and board of education, YOU DEFINITELY ARE WEARING HORSE BLINDERS!!!!! It exists and is very much alive in “Littletown Slohio”…. oh, I mean Middletown Ohio. As for Bishop Pringle….. he had no business as the “chaplain” anyways since both of his sons went to…..MONROE.
By SillyMe
April 30, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
I thought Krause was a smart man, he has just been set up to fail. 40% of the school board against him from the start and he has not hired his first assistant coach yet. Wait till Bishop Pringle finds out he’s bringing his own staff because there is not a coach on staff worth keeping. That should throw some gas on the fire. Middletown wants longevity in a coach. Did they notice Krause has spent more time packing than coaching in his career?
By former Middie
April 30, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Jason Karuse is a fine choice.A person should be hired on merit not color.He has a proven record.I grew up in Middletown and played for Jack Gordon, we appreciated our chance to play. My father played for Elmo Lingrel at Lincoln Field and I was told that players should consider it an honor to sit on a Middie bench than be a starter some where else. How does Choppy Sanders feel about this? Remember Tiger Ellison?
By ANTONIO
April 30, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
THE BEST MAN OR WOMAN SHOULD BE HIRED FOR THE JOB REGARDLESS IF YOU ARE WHITE YELLOW BLACK GREEN OR WHATEVER THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON SHOULD GET THE JOB SCREW PERCENTAGES
By ANTONIO
April 30, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
THE BEST MAN OR WOMAN SHOULD BE HIRED FOR THE JOB REGARDLESS IF YOU ARE WHITE YELLOW BLACK GREEN OR WHATEVER THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON SHOULD GET THE JOB SCREW PERCENTAGES
By ANTONIO
April 30, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
THE BEST MAN OR WOMAN SHOULD BE HIRED FOR THE JOB REGARDLESS IF YOU ARE WHITE YELLOW BLACK GREEN OR WHATEVER THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON SHOULD GET THE JOB SCREW PERCENTAGES
By pringleisracist
April 30, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Of course pringle has to play the race card its what empowers people like him,sharpton and jesse.
By Neil
April 30, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
GREAT COLUMN. Judge a man by his character, not his color. This 800 lb gorilla needed to be said and i’m glad somebody had the guts to bring it up in a column. the only people concerned in this day and age with race are the racist. GROW UP PRINGLE!!!!!!!!!!!
By Neil Hicks
April 30, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
I am proud of your column Mr. McCrab. It is refreshing to hear someone speak truth about this 800 lb. gorilla. Until racism is squashed on all sides it will continue to be black and white. race isn’t an issue unless you are a racist.
By exmiddie
April 30, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Mr. McCrabb, how would you have liked to have been overlooked for your job because you were white? What happened to hiring the most qualified person for the job regardless of race, sex or religion? Why is it that we are so consumed with color that we have forgotten how to hire the BEST person for a job. As a middle-aged man, I am constantly overlooked for jobs to younger men of all color. Life should be an even playing field for ALL people. May the most qualified win!
By emaleth
April 30, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Middletown, Middletown, Middletown! With the economic situation being what it is here, I can’t believe this much energy is being spent over a high school coach! No one gets this excited over the city management(or lack of)! People you need to get your priorities straight! Look around, soon there won’t be enough students here to even warrant a coach! As long as “racism” or the talk of “racism” is always in the forefront, nothing will ever be accomplished here! So keep up the good work Middletown!
By Heather
April 30, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Wow.. Krause leaving Monroe.. Crazy.. I still am proud to be a HORNET AND ALWAYS WILL BE!!! I love my Hornets still and I went to Middletown, wow its pretty sad about how many games you guys actually win. =)
By Heather
April 30, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Wow.. Krause leaving Monroe.. Crazy.. I still am proud to be a HORNET AND ALWAYS WILL BE!!! I love my Hornets still and I went to Middletown, wow its pretty sad about how many games you guys actually win. =)
By Heather
April 30, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Wow.. Krause leaving Monroe.. Crazy.. I still am proud to be a HORNET AND ALWAYS WILL BE!!! I love my Hornets still and I went to Middletown, wow its pretty sad about how many games you guys actually win. =)
By Alumnus
April 30, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Pringle made divisive comments when I went to school there 15 years ago. He can somehow spout reverse-racism, and nobody said a word. Why is race an issue for a lame-o high school coaching job? It’s not like he has any power, any influence on anything, or will decide anything. It’s just high school kids rolling around in the mud. Everyone acts like he became a congressman or something.
By Mightymiddie
April 30, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
I am glad that Rev. Pringle stepped down! We don’t need such a racist around our children. Too bad the athletic trainer OOPS Athletic director Lebo didn’t go with him! Until Middletown gets a decent AD we will have this kind of nonsence.
By mtown middie
April 30, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Since MR. Tyus wants to hide behind is name plate maybe he needs to STEP DOWN as President……We all know he is behind MR. Pringle he always has been, RACISM should not be in the schools who cares what color you are if you are qualified then you should get the job. This football team has been in the dirt for so long maybe Mr. Krause can bring this school around, wouldn’t it be neat to go to Cleveland to cheer the Middies on to a State title, Edgewood, and Monroe have done this several times.
By Nicci
April 30, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
What I want to know is why Krause left Monroe for Middletown? He has taken Monroe to the state playoffs the last couple of years and he had a great team so why leave them for Middletown. As for race, yes it is a dirty little word in this town. BTW, Concerned Parent I was and still am proud to be a Hornet. I still know the fight song even after being out of school for 25 years. I don’t attend football games but I still support them. Sounds like you were never truly a Hornet.
By bc
April 30, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Rudy. I am glad you are only a volenteer, or we would have had to hear about how much of a injustice it was that you were fired for your obvious racial outburst.
By JAY
April 30, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
The nerve of a man of God to protest on the basis of color is ridiculous.I more disturbed that a trusted representive of the Bible walked out over color than anything else.People will make bad choices,but those who spread God’s word are there to love all of God’s children,not only 17%. How disappointing.As a person of color,I’m glad to see Coach Krause take the job.My son can learn a lot from him.People are just out of control in this town!
By VietVet
April 30, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
The man hasn’t coached a game yet.Give him a break. We chose a football coach.Why all the drama?The black community comprises 17% of the total town.Why does it appear that the leaders in the black community want to be represented by more than that 17%?It’s very simple-the number of black/white/asian/latino community LEADERS should be determined by the number of black/white/asian/latino community MEMBERS that they represent.If 7 Council members and 17% blk-no members-not enough blk population.
By Concerned Parent
April 30, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
OK HERE IS THE DEAL…I HAVE LIVED IN MIDDLETOWN ALL OF MY LIFE, BUT I WENT TO SCHOOL IN MONROE, ON FRIDAY NIGHTS I WENT TO MIDDIE FOOTBALL GAMES GROWING UP TILL HIGH SCHOOL BUT ALL I REMEMBER IS MY DAD HOW PROUD HE WAS TO BE A MIDDIE, HE EVEN MADE ME LEARN THE FIGHT SONG..DO I REMEMBER MONROE’S FIGHT SONG NO!! THAT SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING ABOUT MIDDIE PRIDE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ABOUT RACE AND I AM NOT SURE WHERE THE MIDDIE PRIDE WENT. AND REV PRINGLE YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO DO AS YOU DID.
By Concerned Parent
April 30, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
OK HERE IS THE DEAL…I HAVE LIVED IN MIDDLETOWN ALL OF MY LIFE, BUT I WENT TO SCHOOL IN MONROE, ON FRIDAY NIGHTS I WENT TO MIDDIE FOOTBALL GAMES GROWING UP TILL HIGH SCHOOL BUT ALL I REMEMBER IS MY DAD HOW PROUD HE WAS TO BE A MIDDIE, HE EVEN MADE ME LEARN THE FIGHT SONG..DO I REMEMBER MONROE’S FIGHT SONG NO!! THAT SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING ABOUT MIDDIE PRIDE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ABOUT RACE AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE DEAL IS. AND REV PRINGLE YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO DO AS YOU DID.
By Concerned Parent
April 30, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
OK HERE IS THE DEAL…I HAVE LIVED IN MIDDLETOWN ALL OF MY LIFE, BUT I WENT TO SCHOOL IN MONROE, ON FRIDAY NIGHTS I WENT TO MIDDIE FOOTBALL GAMES GROWING UP TILL HIGH SCHOOL BUT ALL I REMEMBER IS MY DAD HOW PROUD HE WAS TO BE A MIDDIE, HE EVEN MADE ME LEARN THE FIGHT SONG..DO I REMEMBER MONROE’S FIGHT SONG NO!! THAT SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING ABOUT MIDDIE PRIDE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ABOUT RACE AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE DEAL IS. AND REV PRINGLE YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO DO AS YOU DID.
By Concerned Parent
April 30, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
OK HERE IS THE DEAL…I HAVE LIVED IN MIDDLETOWN ALL OF MY LIFE, BUT I WENT TO SCHOOL IN MONROE, ON FRIDAY NIGHTS I WENT TO MIDDIE FOOTBALL GAMES GROWING UP TILL HIGH SCHOOL BUT ALL I REMEMBER IS MY DAD HOW PROUD HE WAS TO BE A MIDDIE, HE EVEN MADE ME LEARN THE FIGHT SONG..DO I REMEMBER MONROE’S FIGHT SONG NO!! THAT SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING ABOUT MIDDIE PRIDE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ABOUT RACE AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE DEAL IS. AND REV PRINGLE YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO DO AS YOU DID.
By Concerned Parent
April 30, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
OK HERE IS THE DEAL…I HAVE LIVED IN MIDDLETOWN ALL OF MY LIFE, BUT I WENT TO SCHOOL IN MONROE, ON FRIDAY NIGHTS I WENT TO MIDDIE FOOTBALL GAMES GROWING UP TILL HIGH SCHOOL BUT ALL I REMEMBER IS MY DAD HOW PROUD HE WAS TO BE A MIDDIE, HE EVEN MADE ME LEARN THE FIGHT SONG..DO I REMEMBER MONROE’S FIGHT SONG NO!! THAT SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING ABOUT MIDDIE PRIDE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ABOUT RACE AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE DEAL IS. AND REV PRINGLE YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO DO AS YOU DID.
By 1988 Middie Alumnus
April 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
To put it simply, we had a school board that performed poorly when I was in Middletown City Schools and you have one that performs even worse today. Such is but a few obvious reasons many families relocate to better schools and very few teachers come to the district. Why not start at the top? GARY LEBO - your athletic director was my team trainer. HE WAS A TRAINER! He taped my ankles and brought me water! Bring back some of the successful alum who know the history and can lead them forward.
By 1988 Middie Alumnus
April 30, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Later this year, I will be coming back to town for my 20th High School reunion. I must say that I am NOT suprised at the state of affairs in Middletown. In fact, they are exactly the same as they were back then. It is still sad and deplorable to see that the caucasian community responding in the same manner they always have to the plight and complaints from the african-american community. To hear them say “Get over it” is further proof that they refuse to acknowledge their obvious faults.
By ron
April 30, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
This is why all the teams around Middletown are sucessful, and the middies aren’t. You get a good sucessful coach, and yet people still want to complain. Thats why Channell never took the job, you can’t win at Middletown anymore, everyone would rather fight then get behind a football team and coach. Krause will wish in 2 years, he never made this mistake!
By Monica
April 30, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Why does it matter if he is black or white if he is qualified they want us to stop talking about color they need to also. This is what is better for the kids not their egos for goodness sake, let it go already. My daughter goes to Monroe one of the top football teams in the division so quit complaining be thankful. Kids should listen to thier peers no matter what there color is!!!!!
By Monica
April 30, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Why does it matter if he is black or white if he is qualified they want us to stop talking about color they need to also. This is what is better for the kids not their egos for goodness sake, let it go already. My daughter goes to Monroe one of the top football teams in the division so quit complaining be thankful. Kids should listen to thier peers no matter what there color is!!!!!
By Monica
April 30, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Why does it matter if he is black or white if he is qualified they want us to stop talking about color they need to also. This is what is better for the kids not their egos for goodness sake, let it go already. My daughter goes to Monroe one of the top football teams in the division so quit complaining be thankful. Kids should listen to thier peers no matter what there color is!!!!!
By KJA
April 30, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Hey maybe we can get Rev. Jeremiah Wright to be our new chaplain I’m sure he would be diversified enough for this city
By Bob
April 30, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
On a list of five candidates this clown would have been my sixth choice!!! He knows Monroe must rebuild so he flubbed himself off on a group of idiots in Middletown who could not recogonize a football from a watermelon!!! In five years or less they will have to hire a QUALIFIED coach or quit playing the game!!! Middie Magic is now dead!!!!!
By middie alum
April 30, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Good luck and WELCOME to our new coach. Let’s stop making everything about race in this town. All the black students and citizens have just as much chance as the white students and citizens. I see many black players on the football team. Please,let us not embarrass ourselves with such drivel! Stop crying and get behind Mr. Krause. GO MIDDIES!!!! Good-bye Mr. Pringle
By BEA
April 30, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Should’nt a student listen to what a teacher says regardless of the color of their skin? I went to Middletown High, had both black and white teachers and managed to learn and respect both. Why not give the new coach a chance he can’t go worse & possibly better than the last one.
By BS
April 30, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Evidence suggests some in the black community prefer a skin color to qualification. Appears blacks are likely more racist than whites, I agree lets go back to the days of segregation instead of this forced diversity.
By Andrew H
April 30, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
The former coach really didn’t do anything great with our program did he. He went 5-5 at best over his seasons at Middletown and they hire him for a big time program in another town. I fail to understand whats so great about going .500 at Middletown. We need to strive for excellence which is 8-2 and that gets us to the playoff so Middletown can get some of glory back it had 25-30 years ago.
By Andrew H
April 30, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Well like most things in Middletown it makes me wander why no one wants to live in Middletown anymore when you have a so called man of God trying to force his hand and his power to make middletown hire a black coach. I understand racial equality argument but shouldn’t they hire the most qualified candidate that would fit in best for the Middletown football program? I mean call me crazy but Middletown needs a good football coach to turn the program around.
By Middie Parent
April 30, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I hope the community will allow this man to do his job and help restore Middletown’s football team to a position of dominance. Why would any leader in this community make this about race? Preaching prejudice is just as bad as anything else the school district is being accused of. Where do I get my opinion? I am married to a black man and have biracial children. The prejudice we suffer at the hands of the the black community far outweighs what we endure from the white community.
By Dude
April 30, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
“Some believe black students listen better — thus study and perform better — when a black voice is talking.”
What a great idea…let’s let all the black students have all black teachers and all white student have white teachers. That should solve everything.
By No One Cares
April 30, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Who cares- he’s hired. Evidently because Obama is a Presidential candidate, others think race is a dominant issue over qualifications. In 4-5 years, he’ll move on anyway. I have no idea if he’s a good coach or not. Many have indicated he had a solid team of excellent players behind him, and that was the key at Monroe. We’ll see in Middletown, but he is coach, has a contract, so why second guess Journal?