RDP

[Jimbo23]

There's a lot to digest in this thread but the one common theme is loyalty. We have become a high school sports culture of chasing championships and D1 offers, and for some coaches, the next job. And while it is competition and the goal is to win, the overall mission has nothing to do with winning. From my perspective, it's about developing good husbands, fathers, wives, moms, and productive members of our communities. There was a time when that stuff was valued by everybody but we've gotten away from that as a sports culture. I want my two young boys to play sports, not because I want them to go D1 or even to win a state championship, but rather the joys and pain of wins and losses. It's about being a good teammate, experiencing failure, waiting your turn, sitting the bench, but playing for the town you grew up in, with those you grew up with.

Schools have started to buy into that win-at-all-cost culture as well at the expense of those who have helped them get to their current level of success. In the example of Coach Kilmer, I don't know if he should have been the AD but my guess is he was more than capable of the job. And to be clear, I don't know either two individuals who were hired, I'm just speaking on what I see and hear from the outside. But Keith gave his heart and soul to RDP, helped create the culture and success there, and this is how he's repaid? I don't agree with it. Loyalty is the one of the few things you can control as a school system and when the word gets out that teachers/coaches are nothing but a cog in a machine, your school system will be nothing more than a turn-style for the next school. There are plenty of examples of those kinds of schools in NWI, all you have to do is look around.

On a final note, I appreciate Mr. Alessia's post and his willingness to put his name on something like that. The man was the literal voice of RDP and his words carry weight.

***Edited for several grammar mistakes***

I second this. ^^^ No better way to say it.

[kvkougar2007]

John Alessia is an absolute for not anonymously posting something but putting his name on it.

Nothing but respect for him as he told the truth and kept it very respectful while doing so.

[Coach Nowlin 2.0]

Many probably know my stance on this type of stuff and I too appreciate a TRUE RDP in Mr. Alessia willing to speak it and sign it

I really LOVED how on the opening sentences another vouch of support to Coach McKim as ALL of RDP should IMO

Every coach has a reason why to or why not to apply: DC chose not to, so the vibe shouldn't be a downgrade towards Coach McKim