Shoemaker to Ridge

[OldSchoolridgestyle]

Let's clear the air.

One Shoemaker did not get a 14K raise as I saw one post.
Second Walters left Ridge high and dry at the beginning of July right before the football season to go to Penn Cambria. (As we all know that did not work out for him either)
Third Harlan (who was by far the best coach Ridge every had) resigned with respects to one of his assitants who would not resign when asked to.

In conclusion I feel Ridge made a great move in picking up 1st class administrator and possible head football coach if Wilkins is lucky enough to get accepted by another school....

[Captain Coveman]

Every school district in America is that way. Ridge is no exception.

[NB Coach PO]

All those coaches are, were, top notch individuals. Harlan won, but his schedule was pretty much against mostly smaller schools. (Through no fault of his own). Walters got in over his head as Ridge wasn't quite ready for the L. Highlands schedule, and everyone knows that. Giving him a few more years, I think he would have made ridge ready to compete there. Max, also being top notch, can take Ridge and make them competitive in any of the local leagues available.

A broader issue is that some schools allow administrators to coach and others do not. At Forest Hills, Don Bailey runs the show, from Super to head football and track. At Everett, Brian Koontz gave up coaching duties when he became AD. At NB, Jeff Batzel is AD and coaches Three Sports. Maybe PA should adopt some consistentency in its athletic rules, so new coaches know where they stand BEFORE they accept a position, and will have an idea what will happen IF they become an administrator later on.

At least, all new hirees will know what to expect, and it wouldn't look so bad to the fans and residents of the district.

[southpaw]

Brian Koontz stills coaches along with his AD duties. Head Jr. High football coach and Head Track Coach.

[Head Roadie]

Koontz is an Assistant Track Coach. As I understand he was given a choice on the AD position or Head football position when he was hired in late August after Batzel left for NB. He chose the AD position and after fulfilling a season that had already begun in football gave it up. Completely new administration there now so I'm not sure if that "rule" still applies or not. I'm sure they, as most schools, don't really look at a Head JH position as a "Head" position as in Varsity when they implement such rules. Example, Terry Diehl was allowed to assist at Bedford (and I think he may have even been Head JH at one time or another in foot or Wrestling) but he was not permitted to be a Head Varsity Coach and AD via the Bedford rule.

My personal opinion is all AD's should not only be allowed, but encouraged to coach at least one sport so they stay in touch with things in our ever changing world.