Thorpe's Soap Box: Rooster Edition

#1 posting 3.13.2006

It is Monday and that means it is Thorpe's time to mount the Soap Box.
Right now there is a blizzard going on up here in MN with 30 degrees. It is 85 down in Florida. Coach Thorpe posted this report just before heading out for the softball fields.

THORPE ON A SOAP BOX

The State Tournament is here. It reminds me of how much excitement this time generates and how good it is for a community to have a team go to State. This was my argument when school boards across the state are so anxious to cut programs for athletics first. I think we have all seen money cut and coaches asked to scramble and raise money for post season events. I think back to our last State tournament and the game between us(Osseo and Eastview). I remember looking at the large crowd Eastview had at Williams and all the Orange and Black of Osseo. What great fan support by both schools. Is there a better way to generate positive public relations in a school district than having such a large segment of the population and student body all together wearing your community colors and feeling proud of their team and community.

I wonder how many school board meetings have generated that much positive enthusiasm? School officials could not have paid enough to gain that much positive public relations. I hope next time school officials make you hustle to sell candy or wash cars to support a team you remind them of that. Athletics should be valued for the many positive effects it has on a community and individual students. If school boards want to save money make the cuts farthest away from programs that include kids.
How about cutting some of the fat from administration.
How many out of state workshops are needed ??
Do superintendants and school officials really need school cars??
Who pays for the refreshments and breakfasts administrators consume??
Coaches and kids shouldn’t have to hustle to support their programs.
I wonder how many out of state workshops administrators would attend if they had to raise their own money?? I just can't see administrators out selling candy bars.
How about an administrators' car wash??
How about an administrators' fund raiser where you pledged so much money for every teacher they put to sleep at a staff meeting. If you pledge 10 cents a teacher and 20 fall asleep you make 2 dollars.

Just some thoughts.
Good luck to all tournament teams this week.

Dave Thorpe

Next up: MN AAA State preview close to 5 pm