West Hancock Girls Coach Let Go

[T-Bird10]

Anyone looking for a fantastic coach? That's right folks Ken Schuster has been let go from his coaching position at West Hancock. I guess back to back state appearances, 1 Title and 1 2nd, numerous post season titles, and as shown in this thread giving West Hancock state wide recognition is not enough. I know there are those of you out there who don't like his coaching ways but you cannot argue with the success the man has brought to the WH program. I can't say I find it hard to believe that the school board/administration in Hamilton has done this. It's absolutely pathetic that they cannot see the success of the girls program and what has been accomplished over the last 3 years. It is finally headed in a positive direction with very bright hopes for the future. Once again the girls are being pushed a side and have to get use to another coach and another system. Let's not keep the positive situation we have and build on it. That would be assanine. West Hancocks loss is another teams gain and I wish him only the best in the future.

[guest07]

I'm sure there's more to the story than meets the eye. Don't assume that things are "rosey". If Schuster was let go, I'm sure there's a legitimate reason.

[TitanGPa1]

Guest, the coach was let go because the board "wants to go in another direction". No other reasons. Don't try to read more into it besides the Hamilton administration and board being gutless fools. The Hamilton superintendent (Jackson) had an "episode" and was put on leave and the board appointed Mr. Breckon to serve as a temp. Mr. Breckon was the former super at Hamilton. He did not like Schuster's coaching style and I don't believe Schuster would have been hired for the West Hancock job in the first place if he (Breckon) had still been the super. So now he has come back and had his chance to get rid of Schuster. I heard this news directly from a board member so have it on good authority there was nothing more, Breckon just wanted to get rid of Schuster. I guess the original vote was 4-3 to fire him and Breackon said that wasn't good enough (it needed to be unanimous) so they re-voted and it was 6-1. One board member would not change his vote (he actually has a spine). I know my grand-daughter is crushed. We all know Schuster is very tough and demanding on his team, but also know he teaches the game as well as anyone in this area. He also has sent several girls on to college to play. I know from talking with the girls that play for him, they learn about being mentally tough and working hard to achieve goals. As T-bird says, someone will be getting a heck of a coach. It's a sad day for those of us who support West Hancock, but not a surprise when dealing with the Hamilton and Warsaw administrations and boards.

[Titanfan89]

This just p@#@es me off. All that this man has done for these communities and starting this West Hancock girls program and the stupid Hamilton school board "wants to go in a different direction". Unfreaking real. I understand that some people may not agree with his coaching style and that is fine, but you find me one girl that goes through his program and doesn't come out a better person. He gets the most out of him and those girls play hard for him.

Wow, I don't want to make ridiculous statements, but now I'm not sure if I want my daughter to play for this program when she gets there. Thats how mad I am about this.

Word is Dan Buelt may get the gig. Schuster's entire staff is resigning.

[guest07]

Buelt is a good guy, and a good coach. Let's remember that Schuster just coached those girls. The girls put in the hard work to make the team successful. Let's not give all of the credit to Schuster.

Again, I would assume the school board knows more about the situation than anybody here. They wouldn't have voted to dismiss him if they didn't believe it was in the best interest of the program. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, I'm just saying that it's a little premature to jump to conclusions. It may be a budget issue, as well. I know that the administration prefers for their coaches to also be part of the school staff. That may explain why Buelt would get the nod.

Bottom line - if you don't like the decisions that your school board is making, there are options. You can either vote for someone else next time......... or better yet, put your own name in the hat.

[Titanfan89]

The school board in Hamilton flat out sucks and I know I will be voting for new people (mostly new) when they come up for re-election. First was the consolidation issue and now this, I've had enough. With Schuster, you either like him and his ways or you don't, and I think the school board has drawn the line and have been on the not liking him side for awhile. I think they just tolerated him because of the success the program was having. Now that they see Marley Hall leaving, I think they made their move, and they think that Schuster can get a college job somewhere. I really don't like the way they run things in Hamilton, I really don't.

[wolverine55]

Bear in mind guys that high school kids should play basketball because they love basketball. Who the coach is shouldn't be a determining factor. I'm as upset with this as most of you seem, but I don't know all the facts. I didn't even know this happened until about five minutes ago when I read the thread. And, we don't know who the next coach will be. It may be someone outstanding as well. I'm sure many players, future players, and parents are upset over this and that is justified. But, to have players quit over this (if they really love basketball) or to say you may not want your daughter to play for the WH program after this is ridiculous IMHO.

[Titanfan89]

I probably shouldn't have said that but what was done just makes no sense to me right now. Why? This school board has never liked Schuster and I don't know if that relates to his coaching style or what. I don't know if there was really a ground swell of anyone trying to get rid of him or is the school board thought numbers would improve if they got rid of him or what. Just puzzled right now and wondering what the he*) is wrong with this school board.

[guest07]

There was some controversy surrounding Schuster a few years ago (probably better to not get into it here, but I'm sure everyone is aware). Maybe that ultimately played a role in this decision.

And again, it could be a budget issue. It could be that Schuster has priced himself out of the job. I'd like more information before I jump to any conclusions. A 6-1 school board vote seems pretty decisive.

Schuster certainly did a nice job with the program, but good things don't always last.

[qcity3]

This is ridiculous. Why are people so ready to get rid of coaches? It is hard enough to find good ones that will stay, and people just want to get rid of them...for what? For teaching your kids about life? For demanding their best and pushing them? When in life can you just get rid of someone because you don't like them? You can't (unless you are the boss). If he did not do anything inappropriate to any students or abused any of them, he should still have his job. Obviously his techniques worked to the tune of a 1st and 2nd place finish. Don't tell me it was just the players either. To win in the post season you have to have some coaching too. Just a shame. Hope you get what you are looking for, but then you will just do it to another person in a few years as well. Why can't anyone be happy with what they have?

Hope that coach finds a place that appreciates him. I know that i'd take you as the QHS girls coach if it were open. Sad to see.

[guest07]

This is ridiculous. Why are people so ready to get rid of coaches? It is hard enough to find good ones that will stay, and people just want to get rid of them...for what? For teaching your kids about life? For demanding their best and pushing them? When in life can you just get rid of someone because you don't like them? You can't (unless you are the boss). If he did not do anything inappropriate to any students or abused any of them, he should still have his job. Obviously his techniques worked to the tune of a 1st and 2nd place finish. Don't tell me it was just the players either. To win in the post season you have to have some coaching too. Just a shame. Hope you get what you are looking for, but then you will just do it to another person in a few years as well. Why can't anyone be happy with what they have?

Hope that coach finds a place that appreciates him. I know that i'd take you as the QHS girls coach if it were open. Sad to see.

I think you're jumping to A LOT of conclusions here. Were you at the school board meeting?

[Titanfan89]

I don't think it had anything to do with budget issues. The coaches were told I think 3 weeks ago that they would have to drop a paid assistant and Schuster was going to do that (Hall's dad was getting out). I don't think the coachs salaries are that large and a head coach is paid no matter who it is, whether it is with the school or not, the position gets paid the same I believe. I don't think anyone is going to do the job for free.

I think Buelt was not going to get paid to be an assistant under Reno (with the cuts being made) and a move is going to be made laterally and possibly give him the girls job.

[Titanfan89]

If Schuster did anything wrong, it would be at times possibly being verbally abusive (and I say that as a stretch because coaches yell a lot). Other than that, I'm not aware of any other shananigins going on.

[guest07]

I think Buelt was not going to get paid to be an assistant under Reno (with the cuts being made) and a move is going to be made laterally and possibly give him the girls job.

That makes sense. I think he would do a good job.

[guest07]

If Schuster did anything wrong, it would be at times possibly being verbally abusive (and I say that as a stretch because coaches yell a lot). Other than that, I'm not aware of any other shananigins going on.

There was some speculation a few years ago.

[PhotoGuy]

Wow, I don't want to make ridiculous statements, but now I'm not sure if I want my daughter to play for this program when she gets there. Thats how mad I am about this.

Brudda, we all know she's going to QND... no need to try and hide it :)

[Titanfan89]

I am still extremely angry and very disappointed about this whole deal. I hope there is some kind of complete justification from the Hamilton school board but most likely they are going to say that it is a personnel issue that won't be discussed. I hope those board members enjoy their time on the board while they have it.

[catmando]

Guest, I really wish I could get your HONEST thoughts if this topic was about Reno instead of Ken. I bet you wouldn't be so calm and backstabbing then.

Buelt is a good guy, and a good coach. Let's remember that Schuster just coached those girls. The girls put in the hard work to make the team successful. Let's not give all of the credit to Schuster.

Again, I would assume the school board knows more about the situation than anybody here. They wouldn't have voted to dismiss him if they didn't believe it was in the best interest of the program. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, I'm just saying that it's a little premature to jump to conclusions. It may be a budget issue, as well. I know that the administration prefers for their coaches to also be part of the school staff. That may explain why Buelt would get the nod.

Bottom line - if you don't like the decisions that your school board is making, there are options. You can either vote for someone else next time......... or better yet, put your own name in the hat.

[catmando]

I also would like to ask you to think back to some of your comments regarding Coach Capaldo and his hiring and tenure at WH as football coach. Did they have the best interest of the program at heart there too?


Again, I would assume the school board knows more about the situation than anybody here. They wouldn't have voted to dismiss him if they didn't believe it was in the best interest of the program.

[guest07]

Guest, I really wish I could get your HONEST thoughts if this topic was about Reno instead of Ken. I bet you wouldn't be so calm and backstabbing then.

Absolutely I would. Pinkston is not beyond reproach.

By the same token, I would want all of the information before concluding anything.

[guest07]

I also would like to ask you to think back to some of your comments regarding Coach Capaldo and his hiring and tenure at WH as football coach. Did they have the best interest of the program at heart there too?

I'm not sure exactly what you're talking about, but I thought that they made a mistake when they hired him, and I said so. I simply call 'em like I see 'em.


Actually, that's not completely accurate. I didn't know much about him when they hired him, but after watching his coaching style for a year, I concluded that they probably didn't have the right guy in place.

[catmando]

I gotta get out of here. This is totally nuts and Guests comments set me off. Sorry if I offended anyone but Guest.

[T-Bird10]

So Guest are you saying that Schusters coaching style didn't fit either? The point is the Hamilton School Board wanted him out and it took 3 years but they got their wish. They are basically spineless and didn't like the fact that he and his coaches stood up for what they believe in and stood up for the girls. The girls team despite their success were treated poorly and received sloppy seconds from both school districts. Guest you have no idea what these coaches have gone through the last 3 years with them. Yes I know first hand as I have a kid that played for him, learned from him, and respects him tremendously. I am sure because they stood up for the girls that probably had something to do with him getting let go. They don't keep anyone with a spine because in order to keep your job you can't have one. I also agree that the kids have to love the sport and will continue playing regardless. Will they continue to be successful, I wish that more than anything. I also think funding issues or not they need to hire outside the area. But they won't, they will hire local and regardless if they have success or not they will receive a good old boy pat on the back and the good try speech. Going a different direction, what does that even mean? Why would you want to go in a different direction than being a winning team. Unbelievable.

[oldviking]

This is stunning news to a long time Titan fan. Schuster is one of of the best coaches in the state. I guess the main thing is that, the school board thinks it needs to save money more than anything else . IMO

[guest07]

So Guest are you saying that Schusters coaching style didn't fit either? The point is the Hamilton School Board wanted him out and it took 3 years but they got their wish. They are basically spineless and didn't like the fact that he and his coaches stood up for what they believe in and stood up for the girls. The girls team despite their success were treated poorly and received sloppy seconds from both school districts. Guest you have no idea what these coaches have gone through the last 3 years with them. Yes I know first hand as I have a kid that played for him, learned from him, and respects him tremendously. I am sure because they stood up for the girls that probably had something to do with him getting let go. They don't keep anyone with a spine because in order to keep your job you can't have one. I also agree that the kids have to love the sport and will continue playing regardless. Will they continue to be successful, I wish that more than anything. I also think funding issues or not they need to hire outside the area. But they won't, they will hire local and regardless if they have success or not they will receive a good old boy pat on the back and the good try speech. Going a seperate direction, what does that even mean? Why would you want to go in a different direction than being a winning team. Unbelievable.

The answer to your first question is that I never had a big problem with his coaching style. It's just hard for me to believe that THAT is the reason they let him go. Pinkston's coaching style is very similar, and they have kept him. It just doesn't add up. Why do you think they would keep Pinkston but let Schuster go? I wouldn't exactly call Reno Pinkston "spineless".

[T-Bird10]

We are obviously not watching the same teams as their coaching styles are no where near the same. Schuster doesn't get water handed to him by the boys:) There isn't enough time or page length to get into that discussion. I enjoy these boards and really don't want to lose my rights on here which is exactly what it would lead to.

[PhotoGuy]

I enjoy these boards and really don't want to lose my rights on here which is exactly what it would lead to.

Can we bottle that attitude and sell it?

It IS appreciated :)

[guest07]

We are obviously not watching the same teams as their coaching styles are no where near the same. Schuster doesn't get water handed to him by the boys:) There isn't enough time or page length to get into that discussion. I enjoy these boards and really don't want to lose my rights on here which is exactly what it would lead to.

Listen, we can discuss this civilly.

My point about coaching styles is that Pinkston gets on the boys pretty hard. REALLY hard sometimes. In fact, TOO hard sometimes, in my opinion.

Is that what you mean by "coaching style", or were you talking about something else?

[wolverine55]

Bear in mind that it's not the same people making the decisions on Pinkston and Schuster. Warsaw is the administrative school for the boys co-op while Hamilton is the administrative school for the girls co-op. Also, Schuster is not employed as a teacher by Hamilton and is a teacher at the Nauvoo-Colusa junior high. Since Hamilton only pays Schuster his coaching stipend (which would be the same no matter who the coach is) money is NOT the issue here, but I don't know exactly what the issue is.

[guest07]

Bear in mind that it's not the same people making the decisions on Pinkston and Schuster. Warsaw is the administrative school for the boys co-op while Hamilton is the administrative school for the girls co-op. Also, Schuster is not employed as a teacher by Hamilton and is a teacher at the Nauvoo-Colusa junior high. Since Hamilton only pays Schuster his coaching stipend (which would be the same no matter who the coach is) money is NOT the issue here, but I don't know exactly what the issue is.

Good information, wolverine. I had forgotten about the separate administrations.

[Double E]

It's a slippery slope when a coach is let go. If it was to go in a different direction, as the board claims, there is always the speculation that something else happened. And if something did indeed happen, the board has to walk a fine line in regards to privacy issues. There is no doubt that Schuester is an outstanding coach, but I can also see where his style could rub some people the wrong way. With that said however, his style doesn't appear to have changed from when he led WH to consectutive state final appearances, so if that is the reason, why is it an issue now? Also, how the board has handled this situation vs. how it handled Reno's transgression, certainly opens itself up to questioning. And no, I'm not saying Reno should have been fired, but unless Schuester did something we don't know about, I think it's fair to ask why one guy is still coaching, while the other is now looking for a job.

[PhotoGuy]

Are there any news media officially reporting this?

I want to put it on the front page but need to find attribution for it before I do.

[wolverine55]

We posted at about the same time, double e, but I answered part of that by pointing out that the decisions on Schuster and Pinkston aren't made by the same people in my last post.

[Vikingfan1]

Tough break for Schuster, he'll land a job somewhere though and be really successfull.

[T-Bird10]

And that is where the problem starts. Here you have two school districts who can't agree on anything and punish their coaches completely different. One keeps his job by doing what he requires signed contracts from his players not to do, then another gets fired for what exactly? Maybe if they came up with one set of guidelines and rules and actually stuck by them these things would not be happening. Yes people would complain but atleast they could be consistent in their punishment if needed. Explain to me why some of these people have jobs where kids are involved. It sure looks to me like they aren't thinking about them at all.

Photoguy I don't think it has been released to the Media but things like this don't take long to get out. I give it to the end of the day.

[Titanfan89]

I think certain members on this Hamilton school board have a grudge against Schuster and now is the time that they pulled his strings. Remember, in the first year and maybe second (I can't remember), girls basketball was being administered by Warsaw. Then when they worked out the co-op agreement for all sports, girls basketball was given to Hamilton and at that time, Hamilton really didn't agree with Schuster and probably could have did what they are doing now to him when they got the program. However, he was successful and I don't think they wanted to rock the boat and fire/let go a coach who has just come off a state championship.

Plain and simple, this school board doesn't like Schuster and wanted to get rid of him from the time they got administration of the program. God I hate that school board.

[Titanfan89]

And T-Bird is right, they can't agree to anything when it comes to consolidation talks to merge the schools together once and for all. It is inevitable and they are sitting on their hands.

[Double E]

Are there any news media officially reporting this?

I want to put it on the front page but need to find attribution for it before I do.

KHQA is now reporting this on their website

[Duerr]

A different direction...the only way to go is down...

[guest07]

A different direction...the only way to go is down...

To be fair, as Double-E pointed out, the school board has to be careful about what they say. There could be other issues that we're not aware of. We may never know.

Without Marley Hall, "down" was probably inevitable anyway.

[Titanfan89]

Like I said earlier, this school board has had a grudge against this guy from day 1 and they finally found the right time to "move in a different direction."

A lot of people are mad about this and the school board is hearing it from all directions.

[guest07]

Like I said earlier, this school board has had a grudge against this guy from day 1 and they finally found the right time to "move in a different direction."

A lot of people are mad about this and the school board is hearing it from all directions.

Oh, I don't doubt that they're hearing about it. They'll certainly have some questions to answer. Whether they choose to or not remains to be seen.

If they really wanted him gone that badly, I'm not sure why they waited. He certainly had a successful year. I don't know how this would qualify as "the right time".

[Titanfan89]

In my opinion I think they waited to see what else he could do with Marley Hall and once they saw her career finish, that is when they wanted to jump on it.

[Duerr]

Marley Hall is an all time great player. Ken Schuster won my coaching respect years before she pinged radar. The guy made Nauvoo Colusa a 20 game winner with 7 girls on his roster. Ken Schuster can flat out coach.

[guest07]

Marley Hall is an all time great player. Ken Schuster won my coaching respect years before she pinged radar. The guy made Nauvoo Colusa a 20 game winner with 7 girls on his roster. Ken Schuster can flat out coach.

I remember the N-C team very well. That was a fun year, no doubt.

I often wondered why Schuster never moved on to bigger and better things.

[PhotoGuy]

Marley Hall is an all time great player. Ken Schuster won my coaching respect years before she pinged radar. The guy made Nauvoo Colusa a 20 game winner with 7 girls on his roster. Ken Schuster can flat out coach.

There's an open slot right here in Knox County on the boys side if he wants to move across the river :)

[Titanfan89]

The school board, or someone on the school board, had heard rumors that some colleges were interested in him and that there maybe some open slots at some places (Iowa Weslyan and things like that). Knowing that, they pushed him out the door and said thanks, but maybe you should think about those positions.

[T-Bird10]

I honestly think that is not the case. Without Marley (huge factor) the team is definitely different. I strongly beleive that Schuster would have taken the underclassmen and made a very strong team with them. Things would have been done differently but I still think they would have been successful. The school board has made their"Issues" very clear. Maybe not in a meeting with other members but alone to other people. Once again the term spineless comes to mind. It's just a very sad day for the West Hancock girls basketball program. I personally want to wish them continued success and hope what they have been taught can help lead to great things for them in the future.

[Titanfan89]

I know that Schuster still wants to coach at West Hancock and my comment was more the idea of what the school board was thinking of when the time was right to get him out. The school board saw that things may drop a little since Marley Hall is done now and they thought now would be the right time to do what they have wanted to do since they inherited the program from Warsaw.

[TitanGPa1]

I was told directly by a school board member two years ago when Hamilton hired Schuster that he would not have been hired if they hadn't won the state title. He said it was the only thing that "made" the board hire him.
BTW guest, rumors are just that and unless you have something "real", let's just keep that junk out of this conversation. Everyone associated with the WH girls program knows the Hamilton board has been spoiling to fire Schuster from day one and no other "reason" was needed.
I have heard the subject of Sunday practices was brought up. There was a conflict during the season about this. From what my grand-daughter said Coach Schuster talked with the Hamilton AD about having "shoot arounds" on Sundays when the team played on Monday. The AD said it was fine as long as it wasn't mandatory (the AD said he had done that when he was coach years ago). Evidently a few parents called and complained and so the team stopped Sunday practices. A couple parents opened the gym and let the kids that wanted to, come and shoot. The school is now saying Schuster was insubordinate in having those practices and the AD won't step up and admit that he okayed the practices. GUTLESS and not the first time the AD has not told the truth when confronted with what he said or agreed to.
As far as how good WH would be next season. They started three sophs. (at different times) and used another 2 or 3 off the bench. Their JV also went 19-1 so I believe they would have been pretty successful. WH's "calling card" for the last three years has been defense and I don't believe they will bring anyone in who can coach defense like Schuster. I hope for success in the future but believe Hamilton will settle for anything as long as the coach just shuts up and does what he/she is told.

[Titanfan89]

Holy freaking cow, if that is their cause for firing him, I am going to blow a freaking gasket. As long as he wasnt holding sunday shootarounds over the players heads in terms of playing time (you wont play unless you are there), is no justification for this especially if the freaking AD ok'd the process.

Thats it, I am finding out who is on that board and who is "supposedly" representing my area of town and gonna find out what the deal is, this is just so stupid right now.

[Titanfan89]

Here is a link to the Quincy Herald Whig article about this.

http://www.whig.com/story/sports/3-20-Schuster-fired

Get this sentance, and I told you this would happen: "When asked about Schuster's status, Hamilton athletic director Dave Dion said it was a personnel matter and all comments needed to come from the board office. Breckon was not available for comment. "

Unreal

[Blackhawk]

Unfortunately, due to privacy laws we may never know. There have been rumors for years as I am sure everyone knows and he was let go over in Iowa too. Sure would be interesting to hear...

[guest07]

I was told directly by a school board member two years ago when Hamilton hired Schuster that he would not have been hired if they hadn't won the state title. He said it was the only thing that "made" the board hire him.
BTW guest, rumors are just that and unless you have something "real", let's just keep that junk out of this conversation. Everyone associated with the WH girls program knows the Hamilton board has been spoiling to fire Schuster from day one and no other "reason" was needed.



Schuster was hired before the state championship, wasn't he? Or did he win another state championship that I'm forgetting about?

As far as rumors go.......... unless you were in the closed-door school board meeting, then everything being posted in this thread is rumors. I think you're assuming that everything you say is gospel, and everything I say is speculation. Is that really fair?

[wolverine55]

That's a pretty standard answer though. I would have been more surprised if the DID elaborate on the situation. There is a lot of anger here and understandably so. But the fact is they don't owe us an explanation.

[guest07]

Here is a link to the Quincy Herald Whig article about this.

http://www.whig.com/story/sports/3-20-Schuster-fired

Get this sentance, and I told you this would happen: "When asked about Schuster's status, Hamilton athletic director Dave Dion said it was a personnel matter and all comments needed to come from the board office. Breckon was not available for comment. "

Unreal

Seriously, what do you expect them to say? Do you want them slinging mud about Schuster through the papers?

[wolverine55]

I should add to my above post that, depending on the exact circumstances, they may not be able to legally give us an explanation.

[TitanGPa1]

Guest, I got it straight from a board member who voted not to fire Schuster (the original vote was 4-3 to fire and a couple changed their votes to appear more together as a group) so yes I do think it is gospel. As far as what you are referring too. No one knows and unless you are willing to elaborate with facts and not rumors then I do believe it is speculation or worse rumor mongering.
Schuster was hired by Warsaw the first year when WH won the title and had to be re-hired by Hamilton the next year.

[guest07]

Guest, I got it straight from a board member who voted not to fire Schuster (the original vote was 4-3 to fire and a couple changed their votes to appear more together as a group) so yes I do think it is gospel. As far as what you are referring too. No one knows and unless you are willing to elaborate with facts and not rumors then I do believe it is speculation or worse rumor mongering.
Schuster was hired by Warsaw the first year when WH won the title and had to be re-hired by Hamilton the next year.

Maybe you should ask the school board what the exact problem is, since you've got an inside source. Did they not like his temper? What was the issue? The one board member seems to have a different perspective than the rest of the board, so I'm not sure that that "perspective" is the gospel, either.

The fact that nobody knows for sure what happened a couple of years ago is the exact reason why I'm not elaborating.

Why was he let go at Ft. Madison? That seems like a relevant question to ask.

[TitanGPa1]

Guest, he said the problem was the superintendent wanted him gone. That is all. Nothing more, nothing less. Personal dislike I guess. Also three board members voted not to fire him then 2 changed their votes to try and provide a more united front on what they knew would be a very controversial decision. As far as Ft. Madison is concerned, Schuster himself told me he got into an altercation with a male student after the student had wrecked his car with a couple of Schuster's players in the car. The young man was driving way over the speed limit and driving recklessly and injured a couple players. When Schuster confronted him, he became verbally abusive and shoved Schuster. Schuster responded and was then allowed to resign (not let go). I have no problem with that. That was also many years ago and I would think we can all be forgiven mistakes we make when we are younger.

[Blackhawk]

Guest, he said the problem was the superintendent wanted him gone. That is all. Nothing more, nothing less. Personal dislike I guess. Also three board members voted not to fire him then 2 changed their votes to try and provide a more united front on what they knew would be a very controversial decision. As far as Ft. Madison is concerned, Schuster himself told me he got into an altercation with a male student after the student had wrecked his car with a couple of Schuster's players in the car. The young man was driving way over the speed limit and driving recklessly and injured a couple players. When Schuster confronted him, he became verbally abusive and shoved Schuster. Schuster responded and was then allowed to resign (not let go). I have no problem with that. That was also many years ago and I would think we can all be forgiven mistakes we make when we are younger.

Don't have a dog in this fight but you got Ken's version of what happened. It didn't go down that way and he didn't resign...In fact some parents and players made threats against their school board after it went down. These are the facts. If you want to know more contact the old super. that retired from there. He[the super at the Iowa school] was actually a retired Superintendant at the Illinois schools before he came to Iowa.
I don't know if I can put the facts on here but rest assured, that isn't "quite" how it happpened. What is the old saying, a leopard doesn't change his spots?

[oldviking]

Bear in mind that it's not the same people making the decisions on Pinkston and Schuster. Warsaw is the administrative school for the boys co-op while Hamilton is the administrative school for the girls co-op. Also, Schuster is not employed as a teacher by Hamilton and is a teacher at the Nauvoo-Colusa junior high. Since Hamilton only pays Schuster his coaching stipend (which would be the same no matter who the coach is) money is NOT the issue here, but I don't know exactly what the issue is.Thanks for clearing up the money issue, Wolverine, I looked at it as an excuse that Hamilton board would use but now it seems like personal differences between Schuster and Breckon the Hamilton Superintendent.

[PhotoGuy]

I don't know if I can put the facts on here but rest assured, that isn't "quite" how it happpened. What is the old saying, a leopard doesn't change his spots?

Facts mean documentation. What you said here is fine, but facts mean documentation and attribution. I would prefer you just leave it at what you have said.

Oh, and welcome to the forum by the way :)

[PhotoGuy]

Here is a link to the Quincy Herald Whig article about this.

http://www.whig.com/story/sports/3-20-Schuster-fired

Get this sentance, and I told you this would happen: "When asked about Schuster's status, Hamilton athletic director Dave Dion said it was a personnel matter and all comments needed to come from the board office. Breckon was not available for comment. "

Unreal

They are REQUIRED BY LAW to not answer these questions, due to privacy issues. Any school official who answered a personnel matter question to a newspaper without a signed written release from the employee involved would be violating both the law and their contract, would be canned pretty much on the spot, and would be the first party named in the lawsuit brought (and won) by the employee.

Reporters have to ask the question, and officials have to say "can't answer personnel questions". That's the way the game is played.

[Blackhawk]

Facts mean documentation. What you said here is fine, but facts mean documentation and attribution. I would prefer you just leave it at what you have said.

Oh, and welcome to the forum by the way :)

Thanks! Long time lurker...
Love HS athletics and appreciate your board.

[Duerr]

Coming to ConnectTriStates.com tonight: Ken Schuster Unleashed. 20 minute interview in its entirety

[Duerr]

And it is FASCINATING stuff

[PhotoGuy]

TEASE! Spill The Beans (i.e. hurry up and get it on your website).

[guest07]

Facts mean documentation. What you said here is fine, but facts mean documentation and attribution. I would prefer you just leave it at what you have said.

Oh, and welcome to the forum by the way :)

Likewise, Schuster's version of the "facts" are not documented, either.

[guest07]

Coming to ConnectTriStates.com tonight: Ken Schuster Unleashed. 20 minute interview in its entirety

Out of curiosity, have you interviewed the administration? That might be interesting, as well.

[PhotoGuy]

Out of curiosity, have you interviewed the administration? That might be interesting, as well.

Actually, I am afraid it would be totally boring. As a personnel mater, the can't say a word one way or the other... legally, privacy laws require them not to comment.

[Titanfan89]

If his "removal" was not for job performance, conduct, etc., I think I deserve an explanation from the school board as to what their reasoning was for non-renewing the contract. I think it is certain people not liking him and that is it. Pure speculation, but if that is the case, I think the school board school explain themselves. Aren't they supposed to be representing what is best for the students, and aren't they voted by the community and supposed to represent community interests?

By the way, have heard there is a meeting being organized at 3 p.m. saturday at the Bott Community Center in Warsaw for those who care to see what, if anything, can be done about the situation. I don't know what is being discussed but a unified front is being put together to hopefully reverse this decision by the Hamilton school board.

[Duerr]

Interview is on-line at Connect Tri States.com.

Spoke with Warsaw Principal Tom Bertucci, who would only say that neither he nor Judy Melton were informed on Hamilton's plans at any point and were as shocked as the rest of us.

Spoke with Dr Breckon's Secretary, who said he was out of the office today.

[guest07]

If his "removal" was not for job performance, conduct, etc., I think I deserve an explanation from the school board as to what their reasoning was for non-renewing the contract. I think it is certain people not liking him and that is it. Pure speculation, but if that is the case, I think the school board school explain themselves. Aren't they supposed to be representing what is best for the students, and aren't they voted by the community and supposed to represent community interests?

By the way, have heard there is a meeting being organized at 3 p.m. saturday at the Bott Community Center in Warsaw for those who care to see what, if anything, can be done about the situation. I don't know what is being discussed but a unified front is being put together to hopefully reverse this decision by the Hamilton school board.


I wish people had as much passion when teaching positions are cut.

They're wasting their time. The decision is up to the school board........ and as already mentioned, if there are personal issues involved, then they are bound by law to NOT explain it. The people can fight back in the voting booth at the next school board election, or by putting themselves on the ballot. Beyond that, I don't think much can be done.

[guest07]

Interview is on-line at Connect Tri States.com.

Spoke with Warsaw Principal Tom Bertucci, who would only say that neither he nor Judy Melton were informed on Hamilton's plans at any point and were as shocked as the rest of us.

Spoke with Dr Breckon's Secretary, who said he was out of the office today.

Anybody else having difficulty viewing the video?

[Titanfan89]

But the the point I am trying to make is that it is not a personel issue and he is not being let go for something he has done. I am sure this has to be documented in minutes of the board meeting, which I don't know if those are public or not.

[Titanfan89]

It won't come up for me.

[Titanfan89]

Just got the interview to come up and listened to it and it was great, except for that lousy cameraman (hahahahaha, tripod next time). I think Chris asked a great question that if he were to be reinstated, would he come back with what has went on. I think he would but there would still be rift with the current board (and I hope they are all gone). Also great question about the double standard between coaching boys and girls. If he were coaching boys, this wouldn't even be an issue. Didn't Bennet of Pittsfield have a pretty menacing style? Dahl of Warsaw and Keokuk? I am sick and tired of people wanting to continue to put their high school kids in diapers and treat them like babies when they are 17 and 18 years old.

[T-Bird10]

Guest we at West Hancock cordially invite you to be our "Guest" at the meeting tomorrow. Come and meet the people directly associated with this team and maybe your opinion will change.

[Titanfan89]

Here is a link to an article done by the Keokuk Daily Gate City.

http://www.dailygate.com/articles/2010/03/19/sports/doc4ba3ce0c6096e795098112.txt

[Titanfan89]

I wish I could be there for that meeting but I think I will be in Quincy with my daughter playing in a 3 on 3 tournament.:(

[guest07]

Guest we at West Hancock cordially invite you to be our "Guest" at the meeting tomorrow. Come and meet the people directly associated with this team and maybe your opinion will change.

Listen, I don't necessarily have an opinion. I've got no beef with Schuster, and I don't understand what is going on. My only point is that we don't really know if there is something deeper-rooted.

After listening to the interview, I'm more confused than ever. I do wish we had more information. I just don't see it happening. A 6-1 vote is decisive. I will agree that the Hamilton school board has been known to muck some things up on the past. Maybe they have here, as well. I just don't know.

[Titanfan89]

I don't know if there is any other reason than they want to go in another direction. That is the only thing they told him so that is all we have to go by. I think the reason they want to go in a different direction is because 1 or 2 on the school board don't like him because it seems the others do. I wonder how the minority on the school board convinced the majority to flip their decisions.

[guest07]

I don't know if there is any other reason than they want to go in another direction. That is the only thing they told him so that is all we have to go by. I think the reason they want to go in a different direction is because 1 or 2 on the school board don't like him because it seems the others do. I wonder how the minority on the school board convinced the majority to flip their decisions.

The question is - why don't they like him? What has he done to not be liked?

[Titanfan89]

The question is why haven't they confronted him yet instead of doing this? Bunch of cowards if you ask me.

[Titanfan89]

Usually you give a kid a warning or two before you kick him off the team unless they have done something so aggregious that you have to do it immediately. Doesn't that same principle apply to coaches?

[Duerr]

Just got the interview to come up and listened to it and it was great, except for that lousy cameraman (hahahahaha, tripod next time). I think Chris asked a great question that if he were to be reinstated, would he come back with what has went on. I think he would but there would still be rift with the current board (and I hope they are all gone). Also great question about the double standard between coaching boys and girls. If he were coaching boys, this wouldn't even be an issue. Didn't Bennet of Pittsfield have a pretty menacing style? Dahl of Warsaw and Keokuk? I am sick and tired of people wanting to continue to put their high school kids in diapers and treat them like babies when they are 17 and 18 years old.

I am an old man with bad shoulders Titan. Thus the genius of editing...lol

[guest07]

Usually you give a kid a warning or two before you kick him off the team unless they have done something so aggregious that you have to do it immediately. Doesn't that same principle apply to coaches?

It does unless he's done something aggregious.

Keep in mind that we've only heard Schuster's side of the story.

[Titanfan89]

I think my 4 year old son could have did the camera work on that one and came away with the same result.:-)

[Titanfan89]

Well I think we have heard the school boards side of the story as well. Usually if someone gets fired, they know why. Schuster has said what they told him.

[guest07]

Well I think we have heard the school boards side of the story as well. Usually if someone gets fired, they know why. Schuster has said what they told him.

If there was a personal issue, they probably wouldn't divulge that information, even to him. That is a slippery slope.

[wolverine55]

To piggyback on what guest said a couple pages ago about passion over teaching positions, 17,000 IL teachers have lost their jobs this week due to cuts. I believe Schuster still has his teaching job, so although I like and respect him, it's hard for me to feel to sorry for him.

[Vikingfan1]

To piggyback on what guest said a couple pages ago about passion over teaching positions, 17,000 IL teachers have lost their jobs this week due to cuts. I believe Schuster still has his teaching job, so although I like and respect him, it's hard for me to feel to sorry for him.

Do you think he will actually stay with his teaching job?

[wolverine55]

My guess is he wouldn't want to, but at least he has it to fall back on when so many out there don't.

[Titanfan89]

I completely understand about the teaching jobs situation and feel for those teachers, but I think that is a completely seperate issue that what we are talking about. How much is a coach's stipend? Not much, whether you are a teacher or you aren't. The issue is that he is being let go for no apparent reason other than a small group of people with power and influence don't want him here (for what we know).

[wolverine55]

I know that isn't what we're talking about. I'm just pointing out that in the grand scheme of life, things could be A LOT worse for him right now.

[T-Bird10]

You have to know Schuster. Next to his family, he eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball. At the end of the season he is already preparing for the next one. Basketball is his livelihood and he pours his heart and soul into it. I am sure he is thankful for his job but that School Board could of atleast had the courtesy to let him know it was coming. Not the Superintendent walking up handing him a letter and saying here you are no longer the girls basketball coach. That is a pretty ****py way to tell someone they're fired but it's pretty typical for Hamilton. One of his assistants lost his Junior High job and found out by a voice message left on the phone. How pathetic is that! I honestly don't know why anyone would want to work for that school or for that matter send their kids there. They have no respect for anyone, they can't be trusted, and they think only of themselves. This is just one of many instances over the years that this program has gone through but is the final straw. Success isn't evidently something that the Hamilton School Systems strive for.

[Titanfan89]

Well that may be true for the high school and junior high school but the elementary is a pretty good run operation. But, my daughter is soon to leave it and that is what I'm worried about.

[T-Bird10]

Titanfan I totally agree with you about the elementary. My kids actually attended elementary there and I have nothing but praise for the faculty and the way it is ran.

[wolverine55]

For all the *****ing and moaning about the Hamilton administration, the teaching faculty at the high school is pretty good and we have evidence of that through the standardized test scores the last few years.

[T-Bird10]

Wolverine you are entitled to your opinion and I didn't say anything about the academics. But teaching the kids values and morals and handling even the bad situations right, are a big part of being a teacher. The way these situations were handled by the administration and school board do not show any of these. They all look like they were afraid to confront Schuster face to face and let him know what was going on. Maybe deep down they do have some morals and feel that they have made a bad decision. But if that is the case they need to learn to stand up for what they feel is right regardless of what everyone else thinks. That in itself is something I would like my kids to learn while going through school and I just don't see it happening.

[guest07]

Wolverine you are entitled to your opinion and I didn't say anything about the academics. But teaching the kids values and morals and handling even the bad situations right, are a big part of being a teacher. The way these situations were handled by the administration and school board do not show any of these. They all look like they were afraid to confront Schuster face to face and let him know what was going on. Maybe deep down they do have some morals and feel that they have made a bad decision. But if that is the case they need to learn to stand up for what they feel is right regardless of what everyone else thinks. That in itself is something I would like my kids to learn while going through school and I just don't see it happening.

Outside of the ranting going on on this board, and outside of whatever Schuster is saying about the situation, I doubt if many "kids" are aware of how the situation was handled. I like Schuster, but let's not overreact. He lost his coaching job. He'll get another one quite easily.

[TitanGPa1]

guest, while you are correct that the school board cannot tell the general public what happened, they have to tell Schuster. If he is accused of doing something, he has the legal right to know what it is. Obviously that is not the case. So we all are left to believe it is simply that the board wants to go in a new direction. Also, they can publish the vote at 6-1, but the actual vote was 4-3 (for firing Leffler, Bliss, Huls, Starr, against Summers, Menn, and Schilson). Menn and Schilson were convinced to change their vote on the second try.
BTW guest, you have not responded to T-birds generous invitation to attend today's meeting in Warsaw. I would really like you to attend and you can express your feelings personally. You can also meet some people who have either played for him or had kids/grandkids play for him and see if maybe you can get the "real" story.

[guest07]

guest, while you are correct that the school board cannot tell the general public what happened, they have to tell Schuster. If he is accused of doing something, he has the legal right to know what it is. Obviously that is not the case. So we all are left to believe it is simply that the board wants to go in a new direction. Also, they can publish the vote at 6-1, but the actual vote was 4-3 (for firing Leffler, Bliss, Huls, don't know, against Summers, Menn, and Schilson). Menn and Schilson were convinced to change their vote on the second try.
BTW guest, you have not responded to T-birds generous invitation to attend today's meeting in Warsaw. I would really like you to attend and you can express your feelings personally. You can also meet some people who have either played for him or had kids/grandkids play for him and see if maybe you can get the "real" story.

It will be a one-sided meeting. We've already heard that side. If you hear of a meeting where the other side of the story will be discussed, I might consider attending that one. I don't dislike the guy, but I do think that that people are overreacting. It's a COACHING POSITION. How many of the people attending today's meeting have rallied to protect teachers, abused kids, etc. The obsession with Coach Schuster is a little much for me, so I'll pass.

The board can dismiss Schuster for whatever reason they choose to give him. That doesn't make it the "real" reason. I've discharged a few employees in the past because I strongly suspected that they were up to no-good, but since I couldn't prove it, I chose not to walk that slippery slope, and discharged them for other reasons. It's not at all uncommon.

[guest07]

HEY JJ (Jerry Jerome) aka Blackhawk its sad how many times you have to continue to change your log in name because you can't help yourself from acting like an a**. A person in your position and in this community should be so ashamed of yourself. Also don't be bringing up **** from the past that you know nothing about. If that is the game we are playing I have been in this community for a long time and I can start talking about pasts but I'm sure you do not want me to get into yours. So if you don't have anything positive to say about this, keep you mouth shut. What I can tell you for a fact is that parents, players, past players and and much of the community is upset about this decision. Schuster has done great things with the WH lady titans and that won't be forgotten. So how about instead of insulting him let's just be respectful of the situation and act like grow ups.

I hope you enjoyed your time here. I suspect it will be short-lived. This isn't the KHQA board, and you're not really allowed to unleash like that here.

[bball]

Yes Guest I did enjoy myself very much.....feel much better thank for asking!!!!

[radiowaves]

Dear Coach Schuster,

Please consider applying at another school that would like to have success. It was too much for Hamilton to handle. Each tme they have achieved success the coach either leaves or is dismissed. Dear Coach Reno, who is in charge of your contract on the co-op. Here is hoping it is Warsaw-Nauvoo. This railroad ran through Pittsfield once. All board members involved lost in the next election. YOur friend , Jack

[TitanGPa1]

Guest. it appears you don't want to attend because you might actually hear something that doesn't fit into your assumptions. Typical. Maybe you could attend and find out about the systematic abuse of the girls program at Hamilton. The non-stop violations of Title 9. The abuse of the coaches and the lying from the administration. That's alright, you don't need to attend. The facts will come out and most people in Hamilton and Warsaw will be very surprised.

[bballjunkie1]

Shocked to hear this to say the least. But I do not think there is any chance we are going to hear all the reasons from the board. One. they legally can't say what happened. Two, it really is no ones business unless Coach S wants to give all the reasons. He is legally entitled to read the minutes or listen to the tape from the meeting. After that he is allowed to talk about the matter. The board wont and cant say anything.
Yes it does sound like it was a personal matter. There is no reason to fire him for his coaching ability. They cant give one good basketball reason. I would just like for the board to come clean with the coach as to the reasons. If he wants to open up after that that woudl be great for us, but I would not if I were him.
As for the future. Good luck WH. Big shoes to fill for the next coach. To the next coach as you can see this board has no problem getting rid of a coach who has had more success the last 3 years than anyone else. No pressure.
For Coach S, yes you love to coach, but coaching does not pay the bills. So taking a new job could mean at this point next year he could be let go because of the budget crises hitting all schools. Maybe the college ranks are what he needs.
To the players, hope you get a coach who loves his players as much as Coach S. did.
To the Hamilton board. have fun with all the extra problems you have now opened up. Being a school board memeber is a choice so you have set yourself up for a long next couple of months. good luck justifying your actions. Good luck with having continued succes. Ask Pfield what it is like to replace a legend. You will be fine for a year or two, but then you will fall off fire a coach or 3 in the next 5 years then be one of the bad area teams. Maybe in year 7 you will finally get lucky and get the right match. Call the PField school board from ten years ago if you need any advice. My guess is they will say resign now because you have NO CHANCE or re-election.

[guest07]

Guest. it appears you don't want to attend because you might actually hear something that doesn't fit into your assumptions. Typical. Maybe you could attend and find out about the systematic abuse of the girls program at Hamilton. The non-stop violations of Title 9. The abuse of the coaches and the lying from the administration. That's alright, you don't need to attend. The facts will come out and most people in Hamilton and Warsaw will be very surprised.

I don't doubt any of that. Good luck to you all. As I said earlier, the Hamilton board has been known to muck things up in the past. Wouldn't surprise me at all if it happened here. Personally, I'm not making any assumptions. I've heard Schuster's side, but I haven't heard the board's side.......... chances are I never will.

[titans98]

The board only voted once and it was a 6-1 vote. THERE WAS NOT TWO CHANCES TO VOTE. Check the tape of the board meeting! People need to get their story staight. This is going overboard. It didn't need to even be brought this far...

[dpk83]

After the closing down of the KHQA boards, I had kind of decided to retire from my message board days! Yes I liked this site and what was happening but the end of the KHQA boards kinda symbolized the end of an era. But now with this whole firing of Coach Schuster I find myself back here and ready to fight for what I believe is right, and what is right is getting Ken Schuster reinstated as West Hancock Girls Basketball Coach. Although I don't really know Coach Schuster personally, I respect this man tremendously and am a big fan of him as a basketball coach and as a motivator to his players. I was in attendance at the town hall meeting in Warsaw today and will be in attendance wherever need be in support of Coach Schuster. The meeting went well and we were graced with Coach Matt Long's presence in support of Coach Schuster. Coach Long spoke and was very well received and after today I have undying respect for Matt Long! Many people spoke including Coach Schuster and Coach Marty Hall as well as Doug Summers(the one hamilton board member that voted in favor of Coach). I can tell you that every effort will be made to get Coach reinstated!! And that Coach's supporters are many! To me the Hamilton Board has always been a bunch of gutless people who a personal agenda and they are lead by a pathetic principal(Ron Gilbert) who has been controversial since the days when I was a student and he a teacher at Warsaw High School, and to go up even higher not 1 but 2 excuses for superintendents(James Jackson and "Dr" Breckon). In my eyes and the eyes of many others the Hamilton Board is run by 6 individuals(Doug Summers excluded) who have a major personal agenda, and who are using their power as elected officials to go about dealing with their personal agenda by hiding behind the cover of the school board where they don't hafta confront things head on(such as firing Marty Hall as junior high basketball coach on his answering machine, thats on you also Ron Gilbert!) So to those of you on here are in support of Coach Schuster I hope you make your voice heard not just on these message boards but in the public eye by attending meetings and doing the necessary things to help get Coach reinstated!!

And to all the supporters, here is a facebook group I started for those of us in favor of Coach Schuster here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=111193905557614&ref=mf

And if the link doesn't work the group is called Concerned Citizens for Coach Schuster!!!

[Titanfan89]

It sounded like the meeting went very well today and I wish I were able to attend. Sounded like the groundswell of support is strong and to have Matt Long on your side can't hurt.

Again, I hope the gutless, personal agenda driven Hamilton School Board gives coach Schuster some better reasons for his dismissal that what he got and that coach Schuster shares them with everyone (and I'm sure he will if he is told anything else).

I signed up on FB to be a member of the club and am willing to sign any petition coming my way if there is any.

BTW, ran into Mike Davis in Quincy today and he said he would apply for the position if it came open until I mentioned that it was Hamilton being the administrative district instead of Warsaw. He said he would do it if it were Warsaw but very, very hesitant to to do it with Hamilton running things. He is in good spirits and hopes to get his Keokuk job back (and if I were him I would too, you should see the talent that they have in the elementary ranks, scary good, including his daughter).

[wolverine55]

As someone who first hand witnessed the treatment Dan Sparrow received from the Jacksonville school board a few years ago, once the decision has been made, it's best to just let it go. It really is. Schuster himself said in the interview that he wasn't sure if he'd come back only to go through this again next spring. And, that's exactly what happened to Sparrow at JHS. He was fired, reinstated due to public pressure on the school board, and then fired again the very next spring. I'm not saying I agree with the decision to remove Schuster, I'm just saying that when relations are this bad, it's best for everyone (kids included ultimately) to just move on.

[Titanfan89]

Wolverine, I hear what you are saying and completely understand but I think he can be reinstated and the school board can be removed, including the "interim" superindent that apparently has an issue.

[guest07]

Wolverine, I hear what you are saying and completely understand but I think he can be reinstated and the school board can be removed, including the "interim" superindent that apparently has an issue.

The school board can be removed?

[Titanfan89]

By vote when re-election comes, thats what I meant.

[guest07]

By vote when re-election comes, thats what I meant.

Oh, OK. I gotcha.

[Titanfan89]

Does anyone know what is going to happen with the superintendent situation yet? Are they going to hire a permanent person sometime soon?

[dpk83]

Coach Schuster did say today at the town hall meeting that he would come back and coach again if reinstated. I wish all of you out there could've been sitting there today in that meeting and listened to what people had to say, especially those words provided by Coach Matt Long of Central-Southeastern. And what I really wish was that Coach's detractors and critics including those members of the hamilton board would of come forward, but of course they did not. The school board should be held accountable for their actions. Especially for the fact that Coach Schuster's job situation was not on the meeting's agenda. Personnel was, but not Coach Schuster specifically because if it would have been on the agenda, there would have been a ton of community members there to voice their opinions. But just like the gutless wonder "Dr" Breckon, the school board did it all secretively. In my own opinion I really think certain member of this board knew how they were going to vote and discuss this all away from the board meeting knowing they wanted to bring it up outta the blue when there would not be people their to support Coach.

[guest07]

Coach Schuster did say today at the town hall meeting that he would come back and coach again if reinstated. I wish all of you out there could've been sitting there today in that meeting and listened to what people had to say, especially those words provided by Coach Matt Long of Central-Southeastern. And what I really wish was that Coach's detractors and critics including those members of the hamilton board would of come forward, but of course they did not. The school board should be held accountable for their actions. Especially for the fact that Coach Schuster's job situation was not on the meeting's agenda. Personnel was, but not Coach Schuster specifically because if it would have been on the agenda, there would have been a ton of community members there to voice their opinions. But just like the gutless wonder "Dr" Breckon, the school board did it all secretively. In my own opinion I really think certain member of this board knew how they were going to vote and discuss this all away from the board meeting knowing they wanted to bring it up outta the blue when there would not be people their to support Coach.


Just for the record, as pointed out earlier, the board can't really (legally) come forward and discuss the situation. Schuster and his supporters can discuss it as much as they wish, but the board is bound by a different set of rules. Frankly, it's probably for the best, because I don't think anything would be gained from the 2 sides publicly slinging mud at each other.

[bballjunkie1]

Could this have any impact on the Co-op?

[PhotoGuy]

BTW I have been asked in a private message if the discussion here about working towards defeating school board members in their next election violoates our board's very strict "no politics" rules.

No, it doesn't in this instance because this case is strictly about an athletic situation that has come up in one of our communities.

Our no politics rule is designed to keep people from discussing political views like Democrat vs. Republican, liberal vs. conservative, etc.

It is OK to discuss LOCAL issues that directly relate to why we are here, sports. It would be OK to talk about a bond issue to raise money for a new gym, but not OK to talk about a bond issue to raise money for a new water tower... one is local sports related, the other is not.

If in doubt, feel free to ask.

Personally, I joined the Facebook group and support the coach. This decision is dumber than a sack of hammers.

[wolverine55]

dpk83, I totally understand the frustration, but I have been employed by four different school districts and NO BOARD is going to put the actual employee names on the agenda. It just simply isn't something that is done, so the Hamilton board is not unique in that regard. bballjunkie, given how low numbers have been for the WH program (in all sports, not just girls bball) I don't see how this could have any effect on the co-op. Without the co-op, Warsaw and Hamilton probably wouldn't have a sports program anymore.

[PhotoGuy]

dpk83, I totally understand the frustration, but I have been employed by four different school districts and NO BOARD is going to put the actual employee names on the agenda. It just simply isn't something that is done, so the Hamilton board is not unique in that regard. bballjunkie, given how low numbers have been for the WH program (in all sports, not just girls bball) I don't see how this could have any effect on the co-op. Without the co-op, Warsaw and Hamilton probably wouldn't have a sports program anymore.

Perhaps they wouldn't have "competitive" sport program any more... there are schools here in Missouri in my area that have less than 50 total students in them that play basketball... Macon County and Grundy County. Marion County, which just finished third in the state and everybody talks about, only has 70 students in the entire school.

Simply an FYI.

[Titanfan89]

Very well stated.

As for how this will affect the co-op and the program, I think it will have a devastating effect on the co-op initially. I've heard quite a few girls don't want to go out for basketball if Schuster is not reinstated. Is that wrong or right or do the girls love basketball enough? I don't know but they won't be pushed they way Schuster would have pushed them.

I'm still hoping something can be done. Everyone who supports coach Schuster is asked to contact all the Hamilton school board members. E-mail address will be circulated shortly. Call them, e-mail them, let them know what they did was wrong.

[Titanfan89]

Holy cow, Duerr has hit everything on the head once again. Here is his take on things on Duerrisms:

So the Hamilton School Board wants to "go in a new and different" direction by firing Ken Schuster? What direction is there to go but down? Unless some kind of personal indiscretion comes to light, I find this firing at West Hancock one of the oddest and most implausible scenarios I have seen in my fifteen years of covering high school basketball in this market. As best he can ascertain, Schuster feels his dismissal from his coaching duties was born of his on-court demeanor. He's loud, loses his temper when things don't go well, and has a withering glare that can melt steel on the sidelines. The same "unflattering" description you could attribute to many of the best boys basketball coaches in the area. Is there a double standard for boys coaches versus girls coaches? Schuster says so without pause. If he yells at Marley Hall (who he has ridden harder than any player I've ever seen in his coaching days) Ken is aware that it makes him look unfeeling and unsympathetic. Yet, if Reno Pinkston, for example, does same to Mac Schlicher or Ryan Runge, there is a different standard. Schuster makes no apologies for this, telling me his job is to treat his players, boys or girls, as "athletes." One standard. The same standard he says he applies to his students in the classroom. But what seems to gall Schuster the most over his firing, is something he said to me off-camera. We were talking about his going up for review before the School Board every year and how seven individuals, none of whom have daughters playing for him, hold his fate. And that many of them have never set foot in his gym to watch him work. While that is common for all coaches, what really seems to stick in Schuster's craw is the fact that those seven school board members, without talking to a single one of the active players or their parents, are telling those girls and their folks what is in their best interest. Legislating, if you will, for the Masts, Halls, Koehlers, Buckerts of the world because the School Board apparently seems to think it knows better than the parents what is their kids best interests. Ken's contention is that if someone as successful and well thought of in the business community as say a Steve Mast has had enough faith and trust in him to put two of his daughters under his watch, why possible cause could the Hamilton School Board have to intervene? It is a question I don't have an answer for. And no one involved with the Hamilton School Board is giving any reasons why, other than to tell Ken Schuster they are doing him a favor. Ken tells me that Doctor Breckon told him that in essence, the District was doing him a favor in firing him because he was too good to be coaching high school kids and this might be his entrée into college coaching? Seriously? Is this common practice in Hamilton? Would the powers that be fire a really successful History Teacher at the school in the same circumstance? Isn't the Hamilton School Board's first and only charge getting the best possible talent to sheppard Hamilton students? If I a parent in that District, I don't want to hear that any teacher is too good for my kid. Maybe it's just a nice guy line Doctor Breckon was putting on a bad situation, but that would not be the message I would want getting out to my constituents if I am a Hamilton School Board Member. Again, I am only hearing one side of the story, in fairness, but this is at best a huge public relations black eye for the Hamilton School Board at this point, especially since this board acted unilaterally in firing Ken Schuster and cutting co-op partner Warsaw completely out of the equation. Not exactly the spirit of cooperation these two schools have been trumpeting in making this Athletic Union work.

Reason #412 we love Central-Southeastern Basketball Coach Matt Long. I have it on good authority the Panther Skipper called Hamilton's Acting School Superintendent Doctor Steve Breckon and left a message thanking him for firing Schuster (who in full disclosure is a friend of Matt's) because it made his job at CSE that much easier by getting rid of the best girls coach in the state. Coach Long is also become a vocal supporter on behalf of a rising parent group in Hancock County trying to get Coach Schuster reinstated.


I have only one thing to say, PHENOMENAL!

[stackjack1]

This might be one of the most puzzling things I have ever heard. When I got word of this, I simply could not believe it. How in the world could a school let go someone who has this kind of resume? It has already been stated on here several times, but winning this many games and going to state twice and getting fired is simply amazing. I respect Coach Schuster tremendously. An extremely hard worker who got a lot out of his teams. Yes, they had Marley Hall, but in order to win state and get second, you have to have players. You also have to have someone there leading them and putting them in the right places. And this girls and guys thing with coaching. Look at Geno Auriemma and see how he coaches those girls at UConn. I think he has had a little bit of success.

One thing to keep in mind is that Hamilton is notorious for firing coaches. They fired the legendary Bill "Red" Rogers who is a Hall of Fame member of the state of Illinois and WIU. And after they fired him, they had literally somewhere around 20 coaches before they co-oped with West Hancock.

[Titanfan89]

And the ironic thing is is that the court is named after Red Rodgers. How strange that they love to hate people and then love them again. I am embarrased to be represented by these school board members, really am.

[Vikingfan1]

Whoever 'guest07' is obviously doesn't seem to know Coach Schuster as a person like a very lucky, select group of people do.
"I'm sure there's more to the story than meets the eye. Don't assume that things are "rosey". If Schuster was let go, I'm sure there's a legitimate reason."-guest07
My response to that comment is no, there isn't a legit reason he was fired. It was simply the ignorance of the Hamilton School Board. When they claim they want to go in a 'fresh, new direction,' I, like many other people, wonder once you're at the top, what is a fresh, new direction other that back down to where you've previously been. In my opinion, and I do know many other people agree with this statement, the school board simply wants the LADY Titan program to be nothing but a girls' team: mediocre, average, and nothing to work for. The members of the school board are supposed to represent the voice of the community when I know 6 people who voted against Ken did NOT voice the opinion of everyone in the community. Yes, Schuster has his haters, but with success comes the people who only like to doubt you and put you down. Ken mentioned this, and said by now he is used to it. How he puts up with it, I don't know but I respect him for continuing to coach through all that criticism and hate. Had this topic been posted on the agenda for that school board meeting (which, by the way, is illegal to not put something like that on an agenda) I know for a fact that the Hamilton High School library would have been filled with supporters of Ken.

If the school board is going to pull the insubordination card as a reason behind the firing, there are many arguments to fight back. One that comes to mind is why wasn't Reno Pinkston fired or punished when he got charged with a DUI? In my opinion, getting a DUI is most definitely insubordination. Yet, Reno kept his teaching position as a DRIVER'S EDUCATION teacher and a coach. Would you want your children to have someone who drives under the influence teaching them? I think not. But he wasn't punished because he's the BOYS' coach. The boys' program gets treated differently and people don't understand why the girls in the program complain about Title IX issues when something could have been done long ago, but being the men they are, the coaches held their tongues, avoiding backlash at the program much sooner, most likely resulting in the firing of coach far sooner than this.

"Buelt is a good guy, and a good coach. Let's remember that Schuster just coached those girls. The girls put in the hard work to make the team successful. Let's not give all of the credit to Schuster."-guest07
Yeah, Schuster did coach, but he didn't JUST coach. He was a motivator, a leader, someone who instilled pride in the hearts of all of his players, and it shows on the floor every time they stepped out there. Obviously the players are pushed, but tell me the last time someone complained about being motivated to the best they can be? If someone is going to complain about that, they simply don't have the heart and determination it takes to be a WEST HANCOCK LADY TITAN. Talent can only take a team so far, and without Ken attaining the head coaching position of the co-op, the program wouldn't have had as much success that it did. I'm not giving all the credit to Schuster by any means, but without him, we would be nothing. I've put in that 'blood, sweat, & tears' for him and endured practice that I wouldn't take back for anything. Schuster doesn't only make basketball players, he turns girls into well-rounded, respectable young women ready to take on the world and not get pushed around.

"And again, it could be a budget issue. It could be that Schuster has priced himself out of the job. I'd like more information before I jump to any conclusions. A 6-1 school board vote seems pretty decisive."-guest07
Had it been a budget issue (which it wasn't), Schuster definitely did NOT price himself out of the job. Guest07, do you know how much he got paid to coach?! I think not. He coached simply for the love of the game and the love of his girls, yet, you sit there and say he priced himself out of the job, shame on you. If it truly was a budget issue, a new coach would still have to be hired, which ultimately wouldn't solve anything. His assistant coaches got paid hardly anything to do something they love. The only reason they coached was because they LOVE the game and probably enjoyed being able to coach with pretty much the most successful coach in IHSA history.

In my book, an 87-15 record is phenomenal. What was the boys' record for the past 3 years? Oh, wait, no one knows because they aren't successful like the Lady Titans are, therefore the school boards like them and continue to keep Reno around so they don't have to sit there and do what they do to the girls' program with the boys' as well. I'm assuming that a state title, state runner-up, and an appearance in the sweet-sixteen this year wasn't enough success to keep him around and to build up a program that is already a legacy in the state.

"I'm just saying that it's a little premature to jump to conclusions. It may be a budget issue, as well. I know that the administration prefers for their coaches to also be part of the school staff"-guest07
The administration who voted on this doesn't even pay for Schuster's coaching salary. He teaches at Nauvoo-they pay him to coach, so why would HAMILTON want to worry about budget issues? And if the issue about him not being a member of the staff is that big of a deal, why was he hired and why did he continue to coach? Exactly-this obviously isn't the reason.

To guest07 saying there is some speculation about Schuster doing anything wrong, and it would only be verbal abuse, what speculation are you talking about? Explain this, please because in my years of knowing Coach, he NEVER cusses at a player. He NEVER will belittle a player. People complain he yells too much, but to those people, do you actually listen what he is saying amidst the scowl and yelling? I’m guessing the answer to that question is a big NO! He encourages his girls with everything he says. Verbal abuse from Schuster doesn’t happen. Last time I checked, everyone has been yelled at. If a parent of his player is going to complain and want him gone simply because he yelled at her daughter, that is ridiculous. I wonder why that mother couldn’t say something to Schuster ,rather, she has her husband, a school board member, vote against Schuster. Hmm.. This seems odd to me. I wish people could get the guts to approach Schuster themselves. If Schuster is given advice, he takes it into GREAT consideration. He won’t just ignore it and go on with his ways. He will, believe it or not, probably do something to do what he was advised to do. But no one ever goes to Schuster with a complaint, rather, they beat around the bush. So how do they expect the message to be relayed to Ken when obviously there is something wrong with the communication in the school system at HHS.

I have one last thing to say. Whoever guest07 is, I BEG you to say the things you are saying on here to Schuster's face. Actually that goes out to all his haters. If you have something to say to him, why can you say it on here but not to his face? Oh, that's right, because on here, you have the security of a computer screen and a user-name versus having to grow a pair, and talk to him in person.

I understand your frustruation but lets not rip on the boys program and Coach Pinkston. Pinkston had to serve a 2 game suspension to start the year and whether that was enough or not, I don't know but he at least was punished. Plus, it is A LOT tougher to advance in boys postseason play then girls. If you have an all stater that WH has had the past 3 years on the girls side along with some other good players, and of course a good coach, your going to go far. Much easier to advance in girls basketball then boys.

[Titanfan89]

I don't know if I necessarily agree with that comment. It may be easier to possibly win a regional on the girls side but beyond that, it is just as tough to advance as the boys. The level of girls basketball has picked up in recent years, especially in this area.

[Titanfan89]

I also think a legitimate point was made about the standards of coaching boys and girls. There is a double standard and you can see it.

[whtitanfan]

Seeing how the boys and girls programs are administered by different schools you should take up the boys coach's punishment with the correct administration.

[guest07]

I also think a legitimate point was made about the standards of coaching boys and girls. There is a double standard and you can see it.

As has been stated many times in this thread, they are administered by 2 completely separate groups of people. It's not a double-standard. It may be 2 groups of people with different standards, but that's not what "double-standard" means.

[Vikingfan1]

I don't know if I necessarily agree with that comment. It may be easier to possibly win a regional on the girls side but beyond that, it is just as tough to advance as the boys. The level of girls basketball has picked up in recent years, especially in this area.

Possibly but I still think its harder for a boys team to advance in regionals, sectionals, ect then a girls team. If WH boys had an all state center I still don't know if they get out of a regional.

[guest07]

I don't know if I necessarily agree with that comment. It may be easier to possibly win a regional on the girls side but beyond that, it is just as tough to advance as the boys. The level of girls basketball has picked up in recent years, especially in this area.

Give Pinkston a first team all-stater, and I imagine his team would make quite a bit of post-season noise. Keep in mind that he won a state championship without a first-team all-stater.

You guys can have your fun bashing the Hamilton school board if you want to, but its a little hypocritical to rip the boys' program while doing it. If anything, THAT is a double standard.

[Vikingfan1]

So to change the subject just a bit, if Schuster is not reinstated, who coaches WH?

[guest07]

(Offensive Material Deleted)

How on earth does this post remain on the board. I've seen Titanfan89 and Photoguy lock threads for less than this. i've gotten PM's reminding me to "watch my step" for posts FAR tamer than this. Again, is there a double-standard in place?

(MODERATOR'S NOTE: Please use the "Report Post" button at the bottom of each so that it will flag these posts so we can look at them more quickly. It's not a double standard, I was on the boards for about 5 minutes this weekend and just didn't see it. Thanks.)

[WHT]

I think, for starters, we should thank Doug Summers for voting against the messure to release Coach Schuster. I then think we should reconsider the reelection of Jarred Lefler, who I heard was the conspiritor of this. I, as all the rest of you, are against this, and still trying to grasp what happend, even though I do know what happend during the board meeting, closed and open session. I would say, as Ryan Stephenson posted on Facebook, that if they're going to get rid of Schuster, why is our head football coach still in picture? We went from being 3-6 with Capaldo, who was not well liked, to 2-7 this year?...And what about this coming year? The schedule doesnt look to good for us. I would say after hearing from many of the kids that they are not a fan of our coach and do want new direction. If they're going to let Sadeghi and Buckert go too, then why didnt Bozzola get the axe as well, or not get a paid position at least. I think that if they get rid of Schuster after going to state twice and the sweet 16 this year, but we still have the same football leadership, something is really screwed up here, and I think everyone here will agree with that.

[guest07]

Whoever 'guest07' is obviously doesn't seem to know Coach Schuster as a person like a very lucky, select group of people do.
"I'm sure there's more to the story than meets the eye. Don't assume that things are "rosey". If Schuster was let go, I'm sure there's a legitimate reason."-guest07
My response to that comment is no, there isn't a legit reason he was fired. It was simply the ignorance of the Hamilton School Board. When they claim they want to go in a 'fresh, new direction,' I, like many other people, wonder once you're at the top, what is a fresh, new direction other that back down to where you've previously been. In my opinion, and I do know many other people agree with this statement, the school board simply wants the LADY Titan program to be nothing but a girls' team: mediocre, average, and nothing to work for. The members of the school board are supposed to represent the voice of the community when I know 6 people who voted against Ken did NOT voice the opinion of everyone in the community. Yes, Schuster has his haters, but with success comes the people who only like to doubt you and put you down. Ken mentioned this, and said by now he is used to it. How he puts up with it, I don't know but I respect him for continuing to coach through all that criticism and hate. Had this topic been posted on the agenda for that school board meeting (which, by the way, is illegal to not put something like that on an agenda) I know for a fact that the Hamilton High School library would have been filled with supporters of Ken.

I do not know Schuster. Never claimed to know him. I have no idea why he was discharged. My advice to you is to stop ranting here and talk to the school board about your issues. Unless you have talked to each of them personally, then you only have one side of the story. The difference between me and you is that I will freely admit that I don't know the entire story. You apprently think that you do.

[guest07]

If the school board is going to pull the insubordination card as a reason behind the firing, there are many arguments to fight back. One that comes to mind is why wasn't Reno Pinkston fired or punished when he got charged with a DUI? In my opinion, getting a DUI is most definitely insubordination. Yet, Reno kept his teaching position as a DRIVER'S EDUCATION teacher and a coach. Would you want your children to have someone who drives under the influence teaching them? I think not. But he wasn't punished because he's the BOYS' coach. The boys' program gets treated differently and people don't understand why the girls in the program complain about Title IX issues when something could have been done long ago, but being the men they are, the coaches held their tongues, avoiding backlash at the program much sooner, most likely resulting in the firing of coach far sooner than this.

You should arm yourself with more information before coming on this board to rant. You must not understand that it is 2 completely different groups of people making the decisions for the boys and the girls.

Pinkston is imperfect. He'll tell you so if you ask him. He made a mistake, and was penalized. Apparently you believe that Schuster has never made any mistakes. It's really disingenuous for you people to try to drag the boys' program down in the name of protecting the girls' program. You know, there are some fine young men learning some life lessons in the boys' program, as well. I've got absolutely no problem with Schuster or anybody involved with the girls' program. I have not once tried to condemn any of them, because I don't have all of the facts. I would request that you show the same courtesy to the boys' program.


"Buelt is a good guy, and a good coach. Let's remember that Schuster just coached those girls. The girls put in the hard work to make the team successful. Let's not give all of the credit to Schuster."-guest07
Yeah, Schuster did coach, but he didn't JUST coach. He was a motivator, a leader, someone who instilled pride in the hearts of all of his players, and it shows on the floor every time they stepped out there. Obviously the players are pushed, but tell me the last time someone complained about being motivated to the best they can be? If someone is going to complain about that, they simply don't have the heart and determination it takes to be a WEST HANCOCK LADY TITAN. Talent can only take a team so far, and without Ken attaining the head coaching position of the co-op, the program wouldn't have had as much success that it did. I'm not giving all the credit to Schuster by any means, but without him, we would be nothing. I've put in that 'blood, sweat, & tears' for him and endured practice that I wouldn't take back for anything. Schuster doesn't only make basketball players, he turns girls into well-rounded, respectable young women ready to take on the world and not get pushed around.

Saying that without Schuster you would be nothing makes me sad. Do you honestly believe that? Do you truly believe that ANY girl is defined by this program. If that is truly what Schuster is teaching his girls (and I'm not convinced that it is), then maybe it is for the best that he leaves. Warsaw sent a girls' team to the state tournament (iwithout a first team all stater, by the way), and that program produced some wonderful young ladies. All of that happened before Schuster came to town. It can happen after he leaves, also. Ken Schuster is a terrific coach, but he is not the end all and be all of the program.



"And again, it could be a budget issue. It could be that Schuster has priced himself out of the job. I'd like more information before I jump to any conclusions. A 6-1 school board vote seems pretty decisive."-guest07
Had it been a budget issue (which it wasn't), Schuster definitely did NOT price himself out of the job. Guest07, do you know how much he got paid to coach?! I think not. He coached simply for the love of the game and the love of his girls, yet, you sit there and say he priced himself out of the job, shame on you. If it truly was a budget issue, a new coach would still have to be hired, which ultimately wouldn't solve anything. His assistant coaches got paid hardly anything to do something they love. The only reason they coached was because they LOVE the game and probably enjoyed being able to coach with pretty much the most successful coach in IHSA history.

Wolverine pointed this out several pages ago, and I thanked him for doing so. I was simply asking some questions to get a more clear picture of what's going on. What is wrong with that? I did not say that he priced himself out of the job. I asked the question. So shame on YOU, not me. Calling Schuster the most successful coach in IHSA history is a little absurd. You realize that the IHSA existed before 2008, right? There are plenty of coaches who have had equal or more success.



In my book, an 87-15 record is phenomenal. What was the boys' record for the past 3 years? Oh, wait, no one knows because they aren't successful like the Lady Titans are, therefore the school boards like them and continue to keep Reno around so they don't have to sit there and do what they do to the girls' program with the boys' as well. I'm assuming that a state title, state runner-up, and an appearance in the sweet-sixteen this year wasn't enough success to keep him around and to build up a program that is already a legacy in the state.

Do you think Ken Schuster would want you to be here ripping the boys' program and the boys' coach? Earlier, you stated that Schuster was teaching his girls to be respectable. Is that the sort of "respect" that is being taught? Maybe you're not aware that Reno Pinkston has also won a state title (without a first-team all-stater on his team). His program has been EXTREMELY successful for many many years. For you to say that the boys haven't been successful is a slap in the face to THEIR hard work and dedication. Again, shame on you. I certainly hope that this isn't the kind of "respect" that Ken Schuster is teaching you.



To guest07 saying there is some speculation about Schuster doing anything wrong, and it would only be verbal abuse, what speculation are you talking about? Explain this, please because in my years of knowing Coach, he NEVER cusses at a player. He NEVER will belittle a player. People complain he yells too much, but to those people, do you actually listen what he is saying amidst the scowl and yelling? I’m guessing the answer to that question is a big NO! He encourages his girls with everything he says. Verbal abuse from Schuster doesn’t happen. Last time I checked, everyone has been yelled at. If a parent of his player is going to complain and want him gone simply because he yelled at her daughter, that is ridiculous. I wonder why that mother couldn’t say something to Schuster ,rather, she has her husband, a school board member, vote against Schuster. Hmm.. This seems odd to me. I wish people could get the guts to approach Schuster themselves. If Schuster is given advice, he takes it into GREAT consideration. He won’t just ignore it and go on with his ways. He will, believe it or not, probably do something to do what he was advised to do. But no one ever goes to Schuster with a complaint, rather, they beat around the bush. So how do they expect the message to be relayed to Ken when obviously there is something wrong with the communication in the school system at HHS. I have one last thing to say. Whoever guest07 is, I BEG you to say the things you are saying on here to Schuster's face. Actually that goes out to all his haters. If you have something to say to him, why can you say it on here but not to his face? Oh, that's right, because on here, you have the security of a computer screen and a user-name versus having to grow a pair, and talk to him in person.


Maybe you should practice what you preach. You seem more than willing to criticize Reno Pinkston and his team on this board. Have you said anything to his face? All I've done here is ask some questions about the situation. I don't have all of the information that the school board has (and neither do you). Questioning things that you don't know is how we learn.

The speculation that I was talking about has nothing to do with yelling. I won't discuss those issues on this board, because it's not appropriate to do so.

[guest07]

I think, for starters, we should thank Doug Summers for voting against the messure to release Coach Schuster. I then think we should reconsider the reelection of Jarred Lefler, who I heard was the conspiritor of this. I, as all the rest of you, are against this, and still trying to grasp what happend, even though I do know what happend during the board meeting, closed and open session. I would say, as Ryan Stephenson posted on Facebook, that if they're going to get rid of Schuster, why is our head football coach still in picture? We went from being 3-6 with Capaldo, who was not well liked, to 2-7 this year?...And what about this coming year? The schedule doesnt look to good for us. I would say after hearing from many of the kids that they are not a fan of our coach and do want new direction. If they're going to let Sadeghi and Buckert go too, then why didnt Bozzola get the axe as well, or not get a paid position at least. I think that if they get rid of Schuster after going to state twice and the sweet 16 this year, but we still have the same football leadership, something is really screwed up here, and I think everyone here will agree with that.

Again, I don't think the appropriate way to defend one coach (Schuster) is to dogpile on every other coach in the district. That's not cool.

[wolverine55]

Thank you, guest. I'm still trying to figure out what the football staff and Coach Pinkston have to do with this issue. I actually did read Mr. Stephenson's post on Facebook and did NOT join the group because of it. If defending Ken Schuster means ripping all the other WH coaches, I want nothing to do with it.

[whtitanfan]

Thank you, guest. I'm still trying to figure out what the football staff and Coach Pinkston have to do with this issue. I actually did read Mr. Stephenson's post on Facebook and did NOT join the group because of it. If defending Ken Schuster means ripping all the other WH coaches, I want nothing to do with it.

Amen, count me out.

[wolverine55]

I actually did just now re-read the Stephenson facebook post and he seems to give Coach Schuster ALL the credit for the first few years of football success. I respect and like Coach Schuster, but I also think that maybe, just maybe, Rick Little had a little something to do with that success too. And, Darrin Bozzolla, the HC the post seems to be ripping? Also a member of that initial WH staff. I'm also understanding that Coach Buckert and Coach Sadeghi got their stipends cut, but are more than able to coach as volunteers if they so choose. I think everyone (probably me included to be honest) needs to calm down and take a multitude of deep breaths and calm down a bit.

[TitanGPa1]

I agree with those who have said we need to stop ripping on the boys progran as well as the football situation. However we should clear a couple things up before continuing. First Reno's state championship team may not have had first team all staters, but did have the Wilson kid who had to have made some team (2nd, 3rd). That team had also won a junior high state title, so it's not like Reno took a bunch of hamburger and made champions out of them. I will say he did an excellant job with them and deserves credit for the title. The 1987 (?) Warsaw girl's team that went to state was absolutely loaded. Maybe they didn't have first team all staters, but they had talent. I believe there were 3 or 4 1,000 point scorers on that team. Danielle Harrison was certainly worthy of all state consideration. So again the cabinet wasn't bare. I do feel it is a legitimate question as to how coaches in all the other Titan sports stay employed, if Coach Schuster isn't good enough for Hamilton. Another thing I would like people to consider is the effect the Titan girl's program has had on the young ladies. It was stated at yesterday's meeting about a couple of the girls and how they never even dreamed of playing college basketball and possibly not even going to college. This girl's program has had a profound effect on the lives of many of these girls. You can scoff if you want, but several of these girls have changed their lives because of their love for the Titan program and the lessons they have learned through basketball. This type of leadership is hard to find today because of what a coach has to deal with. Many excellant coaches just give up, deciding it's not worth the hate that comes with the job these days. If you are the "nice guy" (or girl) and just say "it's okay" , "good try" when a player makes continual bad decisions, you tend to keep your job. Too many parents won't discipline their kids and won't stand for anyone that will. It is pathetic. Why is it that all you really ever hear about Bobby Knight is how his former players love him and how much he has impacted their lives. Why aren't those former players coming out and telling how horrible things were. Because they know the way he coached them made them better people and better prepared them for life after school. I'm not comparing Schuster to Knight, but I'm sure outsiders critizied Knight in much the same way. He yells to much, he demands to much, he practices to hard, etc.. We wonder why kids act they way they do and many older people wonder what is to happen to our country. Well, take the diapers off your kids or grandkids and let them grow up.

[guest07]

I agree with those who have said we need to stop ripping on the boys progran as well as the football situation. However we should clear a couple things up before continuing. First Reno's state championship team may not have had first team all staters, but did have the Wilson kid who had to have made some team (2nd, 3rd). That team had also won a junior high state title, so it's not like Reno took a bunch of hamburger and made champions out of them. I will say he did an excellant job with them and deserves credit for the title. The 1987 (?) Warsaw girl's team that went to state was absolutely loaded. Maybe they didn't have first team all staters, but they had talent. I believe there were 3 or 4 1,000 point scorers on that team. Danielle Harrison was certainly worthy of all state consideration. So again the cabinet wasn't bare. I do feel it is a legitimate question as to how coaches in all the other Titan sports stay employed, if Coach Schuster isn't good enough for Hamilton. Another thing I would like people to consider is the effect the Titan girl's program has had on the young ladies. It was stated at yesterday's meeting about a couple of the girls and how they never even dreamed of playing college basketball and possibly not even going to college. This girl's program has had a profound effect on the lives of many of these girls. You can scoff if you want, but several of these girls have changed their lives because of their love for the Titan program and the lessons they have learned through basketball. This type of leadership is hard to find today because of what a coach has to deal with. Many excellant coaches just give up, deciding it's not worth the hate that comes with the job these days. If you are the "nice guy" (or girl) and just say "it's okay" , "good try" when a player makes continual bad decisions, you tend to keep your job. Too many parents won't discipline their kids and won't stand for anyone that will. It is pathetic. Why is it that all you really ever hear about Bobby Knight is how his former players love him and how much he has impacted their lives. Why aren't those former players coming out and telling how horrible things were. Because they know the way he coached them made them better people and better prepared them for life after school. I'm not comparing Schuster to Knight, but I'm sure outsiders critizied Knight in much the same way. He yells to much, he demands to much, he practices to hard, etc.. We wonder why kids act they way they do and many older people wonder what is to happen to our country. Well, take the diapers off your kids or grandkids and let them grow up.

The Warsaw girls went to state in 1997, I believe......... not 1987. And I wasn't trying to say that Pinkston's teams and Dahl's teams and the 1997 Warsaw girls' team didn't have any talent. They clearly did. My only point was that there were successful runs by Warsaw/Nauvoo teams before Schuster came to town, and there will be successful teams if he leaves. He's a great coach, and deserves credit for the program currently in place. But let's not forget that other coaches have built great programs as well........ and let's not disrespect those other programs in the name of saving Schuster.

Edit: And keep in mind that Dahl, Pinkston, and JJ accomplished state tourney hardware without the help of 2 additional districts (before the West Hancock co-op).

The question as to why other coaches in Titan sports stay employed isn't really relevant, because it's different group of people making those decisions. There is no "double-standard", as has been implied. There is simply 2 different groups of people with different standards for their district.

Is it fair to ask about Schuster's dismissal at Ft. Madison? Honestly, I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but that district apparently had issues with him as well. Is there a pattern? I don't know.

[T-Bird10]

The outpouring of support for Schuster at the meeting yesterday was awesome. Granted it was 95% Warsaw people but none the less it was great to see how much support the man truly has. I have asked myself several times during the last 4 days if I was in his shoes would I consider coming back? The more I think about it the more I think if it were me I wouldn't. My reasoning, those living in the area have seen the ways the Hamilton School system is ran. These issue have stated on these boards are nothing new. If in fact he is reinstated he will continue to suffer the harassment and the lack of support that he and his staff have received for the last 6 years. These are fine men who put their heart and sole into making these teams successful. They have in fact received some of the greatest rewards ever. A State Championship, a 2nd place finish, and most important the respect of a fine group of young ladies who love and support them and that in itself can never be taken away. Right now it is painful but in years to come they will realize that when it's all said and done, being let go by a group of vindictive people who care nothing of the kids or being successful was really not that important. I can only hope that somewhere those who agreed to his termination have hearts and morals and realize what Coach Schuster, his staff, and all of those who support the Lady Titans Basketball program really did for this area. I also hope they understand that had they swallowed their arrogant prides that they to could have been a part of a very special time. It's sad that they do not realize what a great moment it was for those involved and had they not been so vindictive they could have also been part of that. Coach Schuster will be fine and hopefully go on to a system that loves girls basketball and gives him the support he truly deserves.

[Titanfan89]

I'm not really into bashing the other sports program because they did nothing wong. However it is legitimate Ask whether or not there are double standards. Again if we were talking about boys coached here we won't be having this conversation. Again we don't know the other side to the story because the other side refuses to say anything even to schuster.

[guest07]

I'm not really into bashing the other sports program because they did nothing wong. However it is legitimate Ask whether or not there are double standards. Again if we were talking about boys coached here we won't be having this conversation. Again we don't know the other side to the story because the other side refuses to say anything even to schuster.


Double standards means that a person (or in this case, a board) treats one person one way, and treats someone else differently. There are 2 different boards here, so that doesn't apply. Basically, it's 2 different boards, with 2 different standards. That's not a double-standard, by definition. Chances are, if the Hamilton board was the administrative board for Pinkston, he would probably be gone, too.

[wolverine55]

If Hamilton was the administrative school for boys basketball, I don't think Coach Pinkston would have been hired in the first place. Remember that when co-ops are formed, the coaching positions are new positions that must be applied for. Therefore, they simply wouldn't have hired him in the application process.

[guest07]

(Offensive Material Deleted)

Allowing a vulgarity-laced tirade like this to reamain on the board, while deleting other less-offensive posts that don't serve your interest.............. that would be a perfect example of a double-standard.

(MODERATOR'S NOTE: Please use the "Report Post" button at the bottom of each so that it will flag these posts so we can look at them more quickly. It's not a double standard, I was on the boards for about 5 minutes this weekend and just didn't see it. Thanks.)

[PhotoGuy]

How on earth does this post remain on the board. I've seen Titanfan89 and Photoguy lock threads for less than this. i've gotten PM's reminding me to "watch my step" for posts FAR tamer than this. Again, is there a double-standard in place?

Photoguy was at the Quincy Spartans game, that's how, and at Pittsfield last night.

It will soon be gone. Please report any abuses that you see to a moderator, as our policy states, and if that doesn't do it report it to me. I didn't catch everything in this thread since I have mostly been gone for a day and a half.

[guest07]

Photoguy was at the Quincy Spartans game, that's how, and at Pittsfield last night.

It will soon be gone. Please report any abuses that you see to a moderator, as our policy states, and if that doesn't do it report it to me. I didn't catch everything in this thread since I have mostly been gone for a day and a half.

No offense intended toward you, Photoguy. I became aware that you were out and about this weekend (saw the pics in the other thread....... nice job). I thought that there were moderators on board in this thread. Next time I will report it via PM to........... somebody.

[PhotoGuy]

I will send word out to the moderators to express your concerns.

[broadcaster]

I have been away in Chicago for the weekend, and heard the news while I was there. I just got back in town a while ago and have been catching up on the story. I saw the interview on the KHQA web site and have read this thread along with the other stories by local media.

I would first like to say that I played football for Ken Schuster during my junior and senior years at Warsaw, and loved playing for him. He his the kind of person that you want to play for. Yes, he coaches hard and aggressive, but its out of his passion for his players and the game. I gained more self confidence playing under him than any other coach, in any sport, in my life. His style is perfect in my opinion....and I have played for everything from a laid back coach to a coach who yells and screams for no reason other than to yell and scream.

I support coach Schuster, and I like everyone feel in the dark about this entire situation.

In some ways I wish that the Warsaw district could simply consolidate with Nauvoo and let Hamilton go their own way. However, its also very hard to do something that drastic over a coach firing. The Hamilton school board has never had a good reputation in Hancock County. When I was in high school the Nauvoo kids were bussed to Warsaw for many sports, when Hamilton was closer to the Nauvoo district. Why? Because the Hamilton school board was too difficult to deal with and didn't want to co-op their sports. That's just one example in a long line of strange things that has happened in that town. It wasn't until they were in dire need that they finally decided to co-op.

I agree that at this time we have heard only one side of the story, and may never hear the other side other than through rumors and hear-say. Maybe thats what will be best.... maybe not.

Ken Schuster is obviously an excellent coach with a resume that will land him plenty of opportunities in the future. I hope that he comes out ok and can use this situation as his own motivation to move on to bigger and better things.

I have broadcast womens college basketball for Western Illinois at the division I level for the past 2 years, and from what I've seen Ken could coach at that level. I know that sounds pretty far fetched, but I have no doubt in my mind that he could coach right there on the same level as a Leslie Crane at WIU, and other coaches in that conference. He is still young enough to do something like that one day, and if I could talk to him, I would tell him to go big....because he has got what it takes.

[titans98]

Schuster is NOT a legend. He has only taken WH to state twice and it was because of the girls he had playing. Anyone could've coached those select group of girls and gotten them to state.

Maybe you people should quit dissing the school board. The one you need to talk to is Doug Summers. He's been the school board for so long. He doesn't know what is doing. In the past he was always the one to fire great coaches (Driskel) and people were mad at him. Now that others don't want to renew a contract and he doesn't get his way, he whines and moans.

And lastely, Shuster was NOT fired. His contract was just not renewed! Get your story straight! Get a tape of the meeting!

[dpk83]

Ken Schuster may not be a "legend" but to say that ANY other coach could have taken that group of girls and won a state title is just ridiculous! That group of girls had virtually no time together as a co-op before they started practicing to form any semblance or team chemistry or anything of that sorts. They were literally thrown together at the last minute, thanks to who else but Hamilton's lack of determination to get the co-op done. Hamilton waited until the 11th hour when they realized they didn't have enough players to form a team of their own before agreeing to join the co-op. So therefore this team was a work in progress the entire season. I would've loved to see what could've happened if that group of girls could've played together for 3-4 years. Yes some of the girls were on the 2nd place team the year after and a couple on this years team, but to say that any coach could've won state with them just makes me laugh. Ken Schuster was the right man for the job because of the way he coaches and the respect he commands from his players. In my opinion Ken Schuster is the ONLY coach that could've thrown that team together on that short of notice and gotten a state title as a result.

[Duerr]

Welcome to Message Board Martyrdom, Photoguy.

Having been in these shoes, I don't envy you your task here. And I would cringe a little everytime something like this would crop up on our boards. Now, I cringe for you buddy. Keep your head up buddy and keep doing what you are doing.

[wolverine55]

I will probably just stop reading this thread if it isn't locked, but after 16 pages I don't think there is really anything new to say unless we get an update on the board reconsidering their decision. May not be a bad idea to lock it, but keep it visible for people who haven't read it yet?

[PhotoGuy]

Sounds like an excellent idea, Wolverine.