" To WILL THERE BE AN OPENING, you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. You can't have it both ways, and if you can't figure out what I'm talking about, then maybe you are as smart as your post indicates. "

" Aquinas constant recruiting? When every player but one came from 1st or 2nd grade on through? The exception came in 7th? Nice use of BS scapegoating. How do explain getting our butts whipped by every other team? Do they recruit too? We got outworked, maybe outcoached and certainly outtalented. I haven't seen another school complain how we cream them in wrestling ... maybe it is time we quit whining and get to work. "

" WELL PLUEGER NOW THAT YOU SHOWED A LARGE GROUP OF FOOTBALLS PLAYERS WHEN THE GOING GET TOUGH
YOU JUST QUIT!! GOOD JOB!!
I'M SORRY I'M NOT A PLUEGER FAN, ALONG WITH THE OTHER YUPPIES HE HAS ON FOR ASSISTANT COACHES, THERE IS ONE EXCEPTION AND THAT IS COACH VON HADEN! MAYBE YOU SHOULD STEP DOWN PLUEGER AND LET VON HADEN TAKE THE LEAD, THE KID'S HAVE A GREAT AMOUNT OF RESPECT FOR HIM AND HIS COACHING, WHETHER ITS FOOTBALL OR WRESTLING. COME ON, PLEASE TELL ME WHAT DOES A EX COLLEGE CHEERLEADER (ESWEIN)KNOW ABOUT RUNNING THE OFFENSIVE LINE, HE IS'NT EVEN A GOOD TRACK COACH. THE FOOTBALL PLAYER YOU HAVE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEAR COULD MAKE FOR A COUPLE OF GREAT SEASONS, LETS JUST HOPE WE HAVE SOME GREAT COACHES COME IN AND TAKE OVER, BECAUSE PLUEGER DID'NT HAVE A GOOD SEASON LAST YEAR THE PLAYERS DID!! "

" Hate to join the argument late but I just have to say that talent and height are missing from the basketball program. Why no talent? Because a great athlete does not a basketball player make. Picking up a basketball 5 monthes out of the year is not enough to compete with Aquinas' constant recruiting. The next coach will need to build a program from the gound up, and the only way that is possible is for people to lose their lofty expectations for a few years and make their kids quit soccer. At the younger levels, soccer is dominating basketball in terms of numbers as the "every one is special" motif encourages children to hide on a soccer field where skill and talent are far less important. And if you do want to win next year, then the players need to start shooting the ball better and the only way to do that is to practice now. I have heard parents complain but until the kids at all levels learn how to shoot the ball its not going to matter especially when the team has no height. A coach can show a kid perfect form and get them to copy it but the only way to shoot better is practice. Finally, if anyone can give me one player that is a dead-eye shot on that basketball team I'd be amazed. "

" This is sad on so many levels, we have a war, a crashing economy , 1/6 of the world lives in extreme poverty and you guys are worried about the 9th grade History teacher. "

" Trust me ... after reading these posts people in Tomah don't have to prepare to be stupid. "

" I agree with you on your comment "One of the first things you could do to help the kids and the basketball programs is ask the tomah journal to eliminate this site or at least not allow things posted in false names to be posted"...the least they could do is require a membership so that your information is logged, I bet people would be less prepared to be so stupid then. "

" 225-75 "

" Dull is a legend in his own mind! "

" Hi-Ho Silver Away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Lone Ranger Strikes Again. "

" How can a coach get qualified without experience? Leave these young coaches alone and let them gain some experience. They all do a great job and are underappreciated for all the time and effort that they put into their programs. Enough of this bashing!!! "

" Tell me....what "magical" course or class does one take to become a QUALIFIED coach? I will tell you....there are NONE. I suppose you feel Coach Schneider from Aquinas is "qualified" because he has taken his team to State the last two years? I think not. It is because he had the TALENT and the community (La Crosse Aquinas community) behind him. Something that Tomah has neither of. "

" What would qualify you to make that assessment? "

" The biggest reason for the failures of the Tomah sports programs is the fact that none of these coaches are really qualified to be head coaches. Most all of these coaches were former "star" athletes, if you can call them that, and the Tomah administration believes that being a former hero automatically qualifies you as head coach material. The truth is, Brieske, Plueger, Gnewikow, are not qualified to be head coaches. And once the administration realizes this once and for all, Tomah sports will be back like they used to be. "

" One of the first things you could do to help the kids and the basketball programs is ask the tomah journal to eliminate this site or at least not allow things posted in false names to be posted. "

" ROTFLMAO! Man I love this. Anytime I think my school sucks I'll just look this up in the archives and smile. "

" Don't drag my name through the mud with Dull's! I have never done anything like egging houses. I have more class than that.

Douglas R. "

" Dull wouldn't make a pimple on Lou's posterior.

Big John "

" Good one lou, this is freckin hilarious. Hey people 75% of the posters are screwing around but some of are taking this a little too serious. Larry Fritz was the best freshman boys coach ever. "

" The comments on this blog should be about the CURRENT BOYS BASKETBALL program and the damage that this article is doing for the incoming coaching staff and players. It makes it appear that all coaches quit because the kids were not buying in to their expectations. Most of the basketball players are two and three sport athletes and many played football under Plueger and Gnewikow with the same expectations and without conflict. Additionally, they LOVED playing basketball for Wall and G when they were younger. What BRIESKE DID NOT MENTION TO THE JOURNAL was that he told the players he would stay IF they wanted him to, did a survey, and virtually all players said no...SO THEN HE RESIGNED. The current juniors and many of the sophomores and freshman that I know are dedicated to basketball along with their other sports. I hope there are adults interested in the many positions that are now open who are experienced, disciplined, positive, and proactive to help these kids out. They would be rebuilding a program from the ground up. For the last few years most seniors have quit basketball after they made the team but did not quit their other sports. The new coaches will not have that problem wth the incoming seniors as they are motivated and have put A LOT of hours in through out EACH year for many many years during the school year, off season regional, going to Tomah Therapy in the winter, and playing at each others house whenever they had a chance. Brieske knew all of this, the kids, along with the potential BEFORE coming on board. Again, this article does not represent the Tomah players well at all and serves no purpose other than to discredit the kids BEYOND what their past three seasons has already done. I am sure that if the Journal interviewed the other coaches; they would have very valid reasons other than what Brieske stated. Maybe they wanted to concentrate on their other sport they coach or perhaps they are going back to school for their masters. Brieske wanted the players to be accountable well now it is his turn. There needs to be another article written asking the community to come together for these kids. Brieske along with the other coaches are dedicated and worthy men who do make a difference within the district and community. However, we now have a problem; the AD, school board, and community need to come together to fill the void that has been left for our players that are very deserving of an effective program. Tomah has the potential it just needs the infrastructure for all programs. Prospective coaches...this is your chance to be apart of a new boys basketball program that has a very motivated group of incoming seniors and is yours to build beyond next season and for many generations to come.....ANYONE INTERESTED???? "

" Ohhhh sheeshush, Tomah Shenior Highsh Shchool couldn't even compete agaisnsht roassht beef tech and there programsshhs need shome sherioush help...coashch russhhel and dull are long time friendsh and i wishsh them the bestsh. GO IRISHSH! "

" Don't forget Dull, your varsity assistant son just happened to be with the girls at the time!! "

" Don't worry Greg all of us "losers" got over you along time ago. All this talk is "egg"asperating.

Arleen "

" In 1992 after the basketball season a freshman girl and a senior girl threw eggs at the house of a teacher who had come into their locker room during a reserve game and called an 18 year old assistant coach a filthy name because the teacher's daughter hadn't played as much as he wished. This was at halftime. Nothing was domne to that teacher. The kids who threw the eggs were caught and fine.Big ERN is one of the losers who can't let this go at the same time athl;ete after athlete in thistown drinks themselves into oblivion during their high school carrers. "

" If Tomah high school had a Hall of fame both Russel and Dull would be automatically in. Who has done better? "

" A "loser" would be a town that can't get over a coach who hasn't coached here in more then a decade. "

" I know Ernie McCracken, and while I may not agree with his brashness and loudness, he doesn't lie. He also doesn't brush his teeth or read past an 8th grade level, but he pretty much always tells the truth. The only time he might not have was when he claimed he yelled FORE when i was trying to put on #9 and he almost hit me with his approach shot. Big Ern was laughing pretty good about that, but at least he missed me. "

" Isn't ironic how EGG and GREG seem to go together.

Big ERN "

" It is best for kids if the coach can be in their building. Then more then shooting a ball can be taught. "

" If only just once you would sign your real name to your lies. Or at least we would all know who to egg next. "

" I agree!!! Go FFA. They would win as many games as the preaent team - probably more. "

" I don't see any gold trophies in the case for the wrestlers yet everyone says they have an excellent program (which i agree with don't get me wrong) just because they didn't win the gold ball doesn't mean they weren't good. look at the team in 05 with shudlick and heesch, they were one of the most talented groups of basketball players but they never would have went up against madison memorial/milwaukee king. and to nokaoi i'd hardly call that ffa team competitive. they can get away with crappy equipment and no weight training cuz the competition they are up against is also crappy...there is no comparison what so ever. "

" Mr. Dull,
A "loser" would be a person who gets kids to toss eggs at a house because the coach did not like them. Also, I am signing my posts and not hiding behind a multiple personality disorder.

Ernest T. McCracken "

" WHAT NONSENSE!!! The FFA boys always have a competitive team. Just start the games 45 minutes later so they can get the cows milked and chores done... Weight room..Ha Ha... throw those hay bales and clean those calf pens and that will build muscle & character. No need for the Jordan XXXIV high cost shoes either... The FFA boys would be proud to wear their Dad's Chuck Taylor's... Gym shorts & t shirt for practice & good ol' well water rather than Hydro infused Gatorjuice. A little country goes a long way to solve this mess!!! "

" I think Tomah should try to find someone tough and mean enough to be able to handle all of the players and parents and referees. This man could run all of the sports. The only guy I can think of who would be tough enough to handle this is the large bearded man who has been menacing the lake and golf course. He can really get things done, at least thats what I think. "

" Now I'm confused. If a team with talented players makes it to state its because the players were talented even though the coach wasn't good. But if a team without those talented players struggles, its all because the coach isn't good. It seems to me that a lot of people want it both ways, and that just isn't the way it works. "

" When a blind dog finds a bone, it doesn't mean that it becomes a seach and rescue dog. The 94 team had a couple good athletes and could have been coached by a blind dog and would have had the same end result. How did the 94 team fair when they got to state. I don't remember seeing any gold balls in the trophy case. Talent can take you pretty far, but coaching makes the difference in the end. "

" First of all. Physcial Education does teach life long lessons that you can't get from a book. I for one would rather have my son or daughter be taught teamwork, responsibility, accountability, ethics, positive attitude, problem solving, and a thousand more personal development skills you learn in PE. Rather than memorize when a war took place thousand of years before that will not assist in every day living outside of high school. Secondly, I don't want so good ole boy coaching my kid. Teachers have a level of professionalism and understand the inner workings of the school. Furthermore, a teacher will have access to the students. Tomah needs leadership, period. "

" teachers do not make a quailified
coaches,( you have to know something about the game) and for a fact tomah has the lowest
pay for coaches (and i am not one of the good old boyes) "

" I'm from Tomah, and glad that I know tons of good people from there, because those of you who posts on here are such poor representatives of the community. Why does it seem so easy to you run down good people in thankless positions? Teachers, coaches, police officers, city/school board members, etc. They all do jobs that you are either unqualified, or unwilling to do, and you find time to do is denegrate the people who are at least making an effort to better the community.

I hope all of you, who are so smart and talented, take the time to back up your words and be a part of the community. Somehow I doubt that though, you'd much rather sit back and wait for someone else to do it.

If you know best, do something to make a difference, there are plenty of things you can do. Join a community club, volunteer to coach little league, volunteer at the boys & girls club, or just take care of your own kids.

But who am I kidding, why would you want to do that? Then someone else could hold you responsible for your actions, and it's so much easier to second guess other people. "

" HS athletics takes a cooperative effort from everyone involved, coaches, athletes and parents. Players have to dedicate themselves to getting better, coaches have to dedicate themselves to providing the best instruction and preparation they can, and parents have to dedicate themselves to being supportive of their children, the coaches, and the program. Each poster here seems to want to point to one of those three areas as THE problem, but nothing is that simple.

As all of us Badger fans found out this weekend, courtesy of Stephen Curry, if you want to be good at something, you have to dedicate yourself to it. How many jumpshots did he make for Davidson? How many does he shoot on his own time outside of practice? Hundreds a day. There's not enough time in a practice to learn some of those most basic skills. These are things that the kids should have been doing FOR FUN, since they were little. No one shows up for their first year of HS and is an All-American without having spent plenty of time practicing their skills. A person can have all the "natural talent" in the world, but if they don't work at it, they're not going to be able to apply it. Sure, the skills can be taught, and demonstrated and practiced to a degree, but when you've also got to go over strategy, plays and teamwork, there's got to be some outside of practice commitment from the players or they're simply not going to have the talent necessary to play at a high level. It's like that in any sport. If you don't go down to the batting cages on your own time and learn to hit a curveball, you're not going to be able to do it, etc. And this isn't a lesson that's only useful in sports, if you want to have a successful professional career, you've got to put the effort into that too. Now, from what I gather, the players on the team weren't willing to put in that kind of dedication, because they had a higher level of dedication to other things (i.e. football, as I've heard some of the players mention) and there's nothing wrong with that. If a kid has more commitment to football, or wrestling, or track, or whatever, that's fine, but don't pretend it's not a part of the problem regarding the basketball team's lack of success.

Parents in this town are entirely too psychotic with regard to their children's performance and backwards about their outlook on the programs. Even down to kindergarden age youth sports, parents have no problem reaming out coaches, referees, anyone who they feel has wronged their child. Clearly that pitch was outside, clearly my son is the star of the basketball team and the coach is a moron for not making them the center of the strategy, etc. Again, this isn't just in sports, but extends to "Why did my child get a B on this paper, when obviously they should have gotten an A?" Obviously everyone's child is perfect, and it's someone else's fault that little Billy, or Johnny, or Sally or whatever didn't hit the game winning homerun or basket. So certainly you've got to go cuss the coach/teacher out for not doing what you know was right, who cares how badly that undermines the player's respect for the coach/teacher, and leads them to not buy into whatever plans they has in place. "Why should I listen to the them when my dad says he's an idiot and doesn't know anything?" You could bring John Wooden in as the coach of the program and he wouldn't have a chance because Mr. Jones or Smith from down the street would tell him what a moron he is. Bo Ryan down in Madison consistently takes teams without "star" players and makes them successful because they believe in what he tells them, and what he's teaching them to do. Obviously that's not the environment we have here in Tomah.

Now, the coaches may have gotten in over their heads given the situation here. From what I gather, all the coaches are good people, who want to work hard and do well, but are younger and haven't had a lot of experience to grow as coaches. It seems to me that a lot of the successful coaches in any sport always point to a series of coaches under whom they have worked and taken things away from as the "right way" to do things. The coaches here came up and were relatively successful athletes in Tomah, under the same coaches, and expected that they would be able to jump right in and be successful, but didn't have the experience to make the players buy into what they were trying to do in "tough" times. When that didn't happen, their own frustrations combined with the attitudes of the players and parents making a very difficult situation for everyone involved. They weren't putting all of themselves into the program either, particularly with young families and certainly having other things they would like to do as well. How much would you enjoy your job if people came in a couple times a week just to tell you how bad you were at it?

There's plenty of reasons for the lack of success of the program, and no group is totally innocent. Kids today have a lot on their plates between schoolwork (hopefully), work, multiple sports/extracurricular activities, exceedingly high expectations from parents, and a whole slew of other things that we didn't have to worry about in HS even 10 years ago. What's important now is moving on from this whole situation and finding whatever it is that each of us can do to make athletics more enjoyable for both the players and the coaches. Then I suspect we'll see an improvement in the standings. "

" Thank god they have the common good sense to know that a quailified teacher is the best choice to coach SCHOOL kids DUH. "

" re: re:re job opening
wrote on Mar 30, 2008 12:37 PM:

" I hope with all my heart they hire one of the good old boys from downtown to "fix" the boys basketball program. That would really make my day :) "

Did you already forget, the teachers union is protecting that job to be filled by a teacher.
It is in the uinion contract that it has to be offered 1st to teachers and given to any minimally qualified teacher who applies.
"

" Come on Tomah. Just like "From another MVC School" states...."thank you for confirming what everyone already says about Tomah." Read what you have been writing. Of course a coach is not going to want to work with kids who's parents talk like this. You all think your kids do no wrong, and that the coaches don't know what they are doing. SO....Go to practice and help out! I have yet to see a parent be turned down that has offered HELP. Obviously the coaches won't want you to step on them and take over the team.

Get over Dull and Russell, (and all the other coaches that have decided to quit). They did a job that no one else would do. It isn't like any of you were banging on the door asking to coach. Is there something wrong with coaches wanting players to be "in the game" 100%? Is there something wrong with coaches wanting players to work hard for their spot? High Schoolers are not 7 year olds that need to rotate positions and receive equal amounts of playing time. If you don't practice and work hard, sit on the bench.

Let the coaches coach, the teachers teach and the parents set an example for their kids. It's embarrassing to read what grown adults write on here, and then say, "I'm from Tomah."
"

" Big bucks for coaching? Whats "big bucks"? "

" You know, Bob Knight is available now. "

" I hope with all my heart they hire one of the good old boys from downtown to "fix" the boys basketball program. That would really make my day :) "

" Why is the teachers union / teachers so afraid to give the varsity head coaching job to a non teacher, if you look at the coaches at the middle school, JV, varsity reserve and varsity assistant coaches at the High school there are many non teachers coaching, but not varsity. It looks like some people are able to accomodate the schedules. I here that the jobs are not going to be posted for the Basketball positions until they see how many new teachers are needed for the next school year then when they hire a new teacher they can get a coach as well, I think this is unfair to the assistant coaches in all of the programs, at least give them a chance to interview for the head varsity position "

" Keep up this wonderful attitude! That way my school can chalk up 2 more victories each year in just about every sport. By the way, I'd also like to thank you for confirmimg what everyone already says about Tomah. "

" WOW!! I can't believe these words came out of Bobby Z's mouth...I thought the Zup family was all for Russel?! Did you ever sign those petitions to get Rug Dussel out of the program??!! I don't recall that....

So whats your take on the Football, Hockey and wrestling programs? It seems as though the players are buying into what the coaches teach...does this reflect on the programs they came from or is it just pure luck? Maybe its just dedicated athletes believing in what they think is possible and trying to continue a tradition

BRING DULL BACK, I BET HE'LL GET IT GOING!! "

" Big bucks for coaching in Tomah. LOL the worst pay by far in the confrence. Good luck finding new suckers to take your crap. "

" Man you are one lame Tomah loser that is for sure. Let me guess your daughter won a game of lightening in practice and that lead you to conclude she could play. Happy hoopin. Why do you never sign your posts:) "

" Is this really the famous Bobby Zupancich talking? "

" " I have only lived in Tomah for the past 2 years and can I say wow! My son played football but because we aren't from here he was not treated as everyone else, he has since graduated and I am oh so glad that we do not have to deal with the likes of you people. You are the most critical "townies" I have ever seen. I went to my local hometown paper before reading the TJ, what a difference. My hometown is calm and the people actually get along. We have the same section where comments can be posted (anonymously) and you NEVER see any of the crap that you see here. Is it the same people over and over again or is it the whole town??? I have another year left here and when I leave this place I will NEVER look back! You are the most depressing group of people that I have had to deal with and you all deserve each other. I cannot wait to move to a warmer place and I am not speaking about the weather (although I am excited about that one too). Maybe if you were not all so negative this would become a pleasant place but at this rate, no way!!! "


Someone just made me aware of this site, this is very sad. I have not lived here long and thought it was just me not adjusting. Maybe there are other reasons too....... very sad "

" I can still hear the chant "egg-toss weave, egg-toss weave, egg-toss weave". It will go down as one of the greatest acts in coaching history.

Big Ern "

" So Greg, where you moving to? "

" Many P.E. teachers that I know have minors in coaching and if you look at the coaching profession many of them are Physical Education majors. Whomever is doing the hiring of PE instructors needs to look at what other abilities these applicants are bringing to the table. What you learn in Phy. Ed in school is not going to have a huge effect on ones life. So with that being said the Phy. Ed jobs need to be kept open for prospective coaches. If you are not going to coach then you should not be hired as a Phy Ed. teacher.
There are a few coaching jobs that draw more attention than others. Check you attendance numbers, football, basketball and wrestling are probably the most popular sports to the public. Hockey and Soccer are popular as well. My point is, if you are a P.E. teacher you need to be doing some type of coaching. Coaching girls golf, or 7th grade softball are not as high profile sports as Varsity girls and boys basketball coach. These smaller coaching jobs are important, but these poitions could be filled by other teachers/qualified people. Leave some jobs open to attract qualified people to coach in Tomah. If we had a open AD job maybe we could attract a higher profile individual. "

" I have only lived in Tomah for the past 2 years and can I say wow! My son played football but because we aren't from here he was not treated as everyone else, he has since graduated and I am oh so glad that we do not have to deal with the likes of you people. You are the most critical "townies" I have ever seen. I went to my local hometown paper before reading the TJ, what a difference. My hometown is calm and the people actually get along. We have the same section where comments can be posted (anonymously) and you NEVER see any of the crap that you see here. Is it the same people over and over again or is it the whole town??? I have another year left here and when I leave this place I will NEVER look back! You are the most depressing group of people that I have had to deal with and you all deserve each other. I cannot wait to move to a warmer place and I am not speaking about the weather (although I am excited about that one too). Maybe if you were not all so negative this would become a pleasant place but at this rate, no way!!! "

" There may have been a 100 applications to be a P.E.teacher not to be the football coach. No money at all and all the crap you can take. Why would anyone want that? "

" What would the tactics be? The draws? Hey come to our po dunk town where they will burn you at the stake if you lose and don't you dare try to make our kids work hard and be held accountable, their natural abilities should be enough to beat Aquinas on any given day. They just want to have fun and play basketball ya know? "

" Oh try not be so ridiculous. Who comes to this waste land to coach? What would be the reason? "

" Correct me if I am wrong, but weren't there over 100 applicants when Dixon got the football job? Maybe our AD is not out recruiting like he should be. "

" This blog says more about Tomah then anything else. It's a mean little town. "

" Greg,
Sounds like we touched a nerve. Now you are trying to be holier that thou and act like you have not slandered anyone on this blog. Quit hiding behind all your multiple personalities.

Ernie "

" A couple of questions. Who is the girls applicant? And I feel bad for Coach Brieske. He put the time and effort in and the results just didn't happen. Let him leave the job in peace and thank him for all his work. "

" Let me think back, how many "out of district" applications were there for Russels job, 1 and that guy coaches for Sparta now and is also being released because of bad seasons, not sure he would have been your answer. Hmm... now lets look at football, there were 3 applicants, all from within the system, that is IT!! Most of the coaches I know, are good teachers and enjoy their day jobs, that is why they are not leaving. Also, they do NOT make big bucks. The Varsity boys coach makes $2800 for a 5 month season, 2 hours a day, 2 games a week for 5 months, would you do it? Not me...
I am anxious to see how many are in line for the girls or boys job. I have a feeling the girls are in trouble with their applicant. If your job allows you to leave at 3 p.m. everyday to make practice and be gone 2 nights a week for games then you should apply. "

" Sad that this is creating more of a buzz then any other news in Tomah? Rediculous. Get a life people. If your kid is unhappy in a sport then they should quit. If you are unhappy in your job, what would you do? I say take out athletics all together, then see what hanus things your kids will be involved in. "

" Please people. This website is the root of all evil.. Brieske quit, agree or not agree, it happened and its over. Now leave it alone. I am a close friend of the family and know that he/they are good people. My daughter had him for a teacher and he IS a good teacher. This pure slander this web page. Please think of the families of these people you are tearing apart. "

" Are you seriously trying to tell me there was any basketball alent here the last three years? "

" There were plenty of teacher openings the last two years and there will be more this year. The environmenet that teachers coach in needs to change before anything else will. "

" Brieske played on the 94 team, coached by Russel, that went to state...i don't call that a poor program. The reason people didn't enjoy being coached by Russel is because he was tough on them and made them work hard. something that seems to be lacking in most aspects of the tomah high school to include music and academics as well. "

" We need to take a look at the whole athletic situation in Tomah. Why can't we attract decent coaches to Tomah? Years ago when a coach "resigned" they left the district, thus creating a teaching opening. This would make it much easier to get a replacement, because there is a teacher job open as well. Today we have all these coaching resignations and then they stay on as teachers. If these coaches are giving up on our athletes, what makes you think they will not give up on the kids as students? We need to get good coaches in our district and this won't happen unless we make some teacher openings as well. "

" It seems to me that all these coaches have in common is the program that they came out of. Poor programs produce poor coaches. If coaches don't grow and expand their knowledge on how to run an effective program, they will do what they remember from high school. Not many of Doug Russell athletes enjoyed being coached by him, and he wasn't a very good coach. I would assume that these coaches are trying to continue the doogie russell era. "

" No one is questioning the character, dedication, or the hours that is put in. Honorable intentions and man hours DO NOT necessarily equal effective coaching. These guys have played with different coaches while playing against the same schools or kids over the years during league and did great. They NEVER lost by a huge margin. The best coaches that I have observed (from different states) will tell their players from time to time "you played great, tonight I was out coached". Granted there are parents that need to distance themselves but for the community to make excuses for the coach or program is not doing anyone any good just as this article won't. Hopefully there is someone with experience that will step up to the plate and help these players out. The passion is there but they lost their motivation during the school seasons for reasons he needs to take responsibility for IF he wants to return some time down the road to be an effective coach. It will be a few years before anyone will want to play basketball under him. His taking comfort knowing that most of the staff also resigned because the kids were not buying in to their expectations tells me a reality check is order. Most of the players I know personally on V and VR played under Plueger for football or other head coaches and did very well so his article does not accurately reflect most of the kids that I have observed FOR YEARS!!! I am sure that all coaches have similiar expectations. Yes, you have to take into account they are teenagers but there is definately truth to their side of the story. Most of them play all year long in one way or another. Had he observed and listened instead of going on auto pilot for the the last three years, this would never had happened. There is talent on V and VR but it has to be cultivated, not just his chosen ones. Those in the stands that either played or coached could testify that the main areas of concern was the plays and rotation of players. Brieske did not give everyone a fair shake when the talent was equal. He also did not give the respect he demanded. Very one dimensional. "

" Actually I know a couple of kids on that team that didnt like coach brieske and his program..but as far as summer programs go there seems to be a selected few like Tim Gnewikow and Brad Pluger that but alot of time during the summer to make these kids better..and for having the coach that can only having the WIAA regulations he can at least set up a plan the the players can follow "

" As a basketball parent I do know (most) of what goes on as my kids show me from time to time what's posted and/or eventually tells me what is going on (good or bad). If they don't, I usually find out anyway. Our computer is in an open area to where there isn't a lot of privacy so I do not feel the need to snoop. Statistically speaking the majority of the kids that get in trouble at college had very sheltered lives during high school. My kids are friends with "those kids" and I choose to guide my teenager(s) while allowing them to make most of their own decisions and mistakes. I do not make excuses. The majority of the players I know put in A LOT of hours during season (3 sports) to include the weight room and all summer basketball programs (and camps)not to mention what is required by the other 2 sports. They do not have a lot of free time because they also have part time jobs and study. They voted to NOT have Brieske back for valid reasons not because they didn't buy in to their expectations. They love to play basketball and were very competive when playing for other coaches and leagues. I can't imagine that there is a parent out there that doesn't have a "past" or did not do something wild in high school or college. By the way most kids realize that the admn. or other parents have access so it isn't like you have priveleged information...hello...it is cyberspace!!!!!!!! I wonder what your daughter is not telling you? "

" This post is to all the people who think that brieske leaving was a mistake. The varsity boys won 9 games in the past 3 years, do you people honestly think thats ok. I think it was a good idea that brieske got outa here. because something obviuosly had to change, and brieske leaving was the change that needed to happen. now lets just hope that the boys get some half descent coaches so that the same thing doesnt happen again "

" lol and thats why they are on the freshman team. "

" Lets get right to the probelm. All the coaches (teachers) want to blame the parents yet the school district has to hire teachers to coach because the school board (retired and past teachers) allowed it into the contract. As long as we are forced to have teachers (BTW they get paid big $$$ for coaching) as coaches our kids will never have the chance to get to the big game. Teachers should stick to the books and give some of us parents a chance to apply. "

" The obsession with Coach Dull doesn't even allow you to be jerks to Brieske you would like to be. Get a life and let the past go little children in this horrible little town. You deserve what you get "

" Obviously no one had a problem with Coach Brieske 4 years ago when he won conference. But as the athletes left Tomah basketball so did the wins. So he is correct to say that it is up to the athletes. And yes parents these days are ridiculous. They think they can save their little child whenever they disagree or don't like something happening to their child. Parents have all the answers so maybe they should hire one of those parents who complain all the time. "

" Just shut up and move on and hope no one hears what a craphole town this is to coach in. The kids deserve a chance to learn and play without all the nonsense. "

" The community will get what it has comming. They have in both boys and girls basketball where they drove out long time successful coaches and destroyed their programs.Who will be foolish enough to step into either mess? "

" a basketball staff member is not allowed to coach a team in the summer its against WIAA, they can coach 8th and under but thats it. They are allowed 5 days of contact with their players, thats it. "

" Greg,
Where can we get a copy of this egg-toss weave drill? Tomah's next coaching staff might need this in the future.

Ernie McCracken "

" I can't speak for the rest of the teams, but the THS Freshman basketball team was a mess. They were about as unorganized as a team can get. Nobody knew fundamentals, nobody moved without the ball, nobody boxed out, nobody rebounded and it was a disaster to watch. These kids would lose games by 50 points and the coach never made adjustments. He'd leave the same kids in the game and allowed them to continue to play undisciplined basketball. I don't know who the next coach will be but I know this: It simply can't get any worse. "

" I'm pretty sure these coaches have put in more time than parents or athletes realize. Look at the coaches that teach the summer strength and conditioning classes. They put in about 12 hours a day to help athletes improve. They are spending this time helping YOUR children when they could be at home spending this time with their own families. These coaches have more heart into the sports than most of the athletes. Parents need to stay out of athletics and let their children learn how to take on their own responsibilities and the struggles that go along with that instead of their parents stepping into intervene. And let's face it, these athletes need to actually do work to improve not just sit around and listen to people feed them stories about how "good" they actually are and that it's the coaches fault that they aren't winning. "

" I still wonder why parents of these student athletes don't get some sort of training to become a coach....I really hope they are proud of what they have done to sports in Tomah. So..let's fire the Activities Director....worthless he is....get some coaches in that WON'T listen to these "coach" parents( you are all embarrassments)....and get the programs running again. As for Dull...he was and is a has been. He was not man enough to stand up to coach/parents and ran like the wind to Sparta...where a 4th grade coach would have been hired at the time. Come on parents...start sending in your resumes to Curran. "

" You want him to sign but you do not? "

" The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.....

Many Tomah athlete's can act any way that they want to because their parents don't hold them accountable for their actions (i.e that was one wild New Year's Eve party,hey?)rather they make excuses/ and or cover (lie) for their children's behavior time and time and time again!!

Why would anyone want to be a coach in this district when you are constantly up against those types of parents???

Jeff- you deserve kudos for hanging in there as long as you did! Enjoy your time with the family...... "

" " I require facebook and myspace passwords from my daughters. Just because you never know what goes on in cyberspace. These basketball parents would be SHOCKED if they knew what was on their darlings pages.... playing time, off season work anything revolving around any sport should not be their main concern. Become informed parents. I think you are in for a real surprise "



I feel bad for your kids.. "

" lets stop talking about dull...Lax teams are good cause they can go to the YMCA and play pick up games to make them better whenever they really want. No one takes summer bball serious because all the kids do is go up to lax and play once a week. it has to be at least 3 or 4 times a week. Football has a part to do with it by just joining that 7 on 7 league. he complained about the players not doing enough during the summer..brieske didnt do anything during the summer..lets hire people in the community who actually know a thing or two about basketball instead of them being all teachers. "

" I don't know why everyone keeps blasting Dull. He has a book coming out in the summer patenting his famous egg-toss weave drill. His success has been proven using this technique. "

" Greg,
Its about time we hear from you. Please sign your posts. "

" Jeff I know you have thick skin and these comments are ridiculous. You made a great choice my friend and I wish you the best in what ever you do. Enjoy the time with Mandy and the kids. Good luck buddy.

Eric "

" Just curious as to who was really coaching dull's teams when they beat Cameron Bruce's Logan teams? Face it, he was successfull here and he has been successfull in Sparta. Let it go, and hire a new Tomah coach. Maybe take the job yourself and show him what is what? "

" Good night people. Would there be this much discussion over your kids Math grade, score or class!!! We do not worry about who we hire for teachers but its a BIG controversy on who coaches what. Give it up and maye take a look at your kids homework if you need to be so involved in their lives. "

" I require facebook and myspace passwords from my daughters. Just because you never know what goes on in cyberspace. These basketball parents would be SHOCKED if they knew what was on their darlings pages.... playing time, off season work anything revolving around any sport should not be their main concern. Become informed parents. I think you are in for a real surprise "

" my son said that he put it to a vote. Told the kids what they expect in the off season and had them vote whether they were in or out, he should leave or stay. Guess the answer was not in his favor. Good way to do it I think, now the kids can get some one that is more fun. Gotta respect him for "giving the people what they want" "

" I am not sure if you are talking basketball or all sports? If memory serves me correctly last spring the baseball team beat aquinas by ten runs, the football; team also defeated aquinas. Also, remind me what the wrestling score was? "

" expectations of the coaches can mean different things... maybe Seniors attending other events and getting in trouble could be one of those. You are right maybe they do expect too much, but they threw in the towel so just be happy. If your kids do not want to play in the summer so be it, they will be a mediocre team at best and thats ok too. As far as Aquinas goes, are you for real? Do you really think the cream of the crop EVERY year actually enrolls there, they recruit people!! "

" You really haven't been paying attention. Dull and the Sparta girls have had DIFFERENT assistant coaches almost every year. So for you to say the program will be lost if the assistants quit shows either your ignorance and/or your dislike of Dull. "

" I will answer that for you......because they (Aquinas) works harder. Just ask them. Go to any board/blog that talks about the unfair advantage they have playing in Division 3 and they say the only reason they are better is because they WORK HARDER than anybody else. So, that must be the answer, right? "

" No...Dull's true coaching ability does not come from assistants, it comes from Coach Cameron Bruce of Logan fame. Have you not seen over the past 3 seasons, well not last year, Bruce sitting over the Varsity bench each home game whispering his thoughts? I sat next to him two years ago and heard him say stuff to Dull, on two occasions, that Dull would in turn bark to his players. Why not pay Bruce to coach with him and not behind him. Also have heard him tell his assistant's to shut up during games....wonder why they put up with that???? TOMAH...let's get this straightened out please? "

" I still se no answers as to how Aquinas can feild competetive teams in all sports but Tomah can not? "

" If Sparta loses their assistants the program will be shot. The assistants and raw talent made that program successful. If the assistants go you will see Dull's true coaching ability. Sparta is in for a long losing battle if the assistants are gone. "

" The Aquinas coaches realize that if you are more than a 1 sport athlete it is difficult to do all that each coach wants you to do(come to the wieght room for multiple sports plus play summer ball, and work on fundamentals for more than 1 sport) the coaches work together re weight room etc as long as you are active you can work on fundamentals where ever. you can shoot hoops in your driveway if need be. They also realize some students need to work and take that in to consideration It appears coaches in Tomah need to work together when you have 2 and 3 sport athletes. Students are pushed to go out for more than 1 sport but then are unable to please every coach in the summer it seems. hope Tomah can work this out remember it is about the athletes not the coaches "

" We need Dull's vast knowledge on the subject. He has had so many other comments about how great he is, I am sure his blogs will pop-up on here. "

" I'd beg to differ. I think wrestling has a much much much stronger program and the wrestlers are much more commited than in any other sport. That being said, I think football has potential to grow into a good program once again but just because they had one good year doesn't mean they all of a sudden have an amazing program. "

" Wow....an entire staff turning their backs on the program. What...did they ALL want to spend more time with Brieske's family too? How do build a program...with no staff??? Now is the time they should be putting a summer schedule together! Fresh faces are needed huh? Go get that tall coach from Sparta...rumor has it that Dull is wiping out his assistants again for 07-08 and replacing the JV Coach. Saw this guy coach the girls Fresh. squad. this year against my niece.....well??? Start looking and get this and the girls programs back on track! NOW! "

" What does he want? There are quite a few kids that would drive up to La Crosse one maybe two times a week to play summer league. They would play in as many tournaments as he would schedule. They would also go to a couple basketball camps a year. Think of the time and money put in by the kids and their parents and then to walk away and make that statement is rediculous! Obviously he does not want to take any responsiblity at all. "

" How do teams like Aquinas mange to do both? "

" The main reason nobody is focusing on basketball in the off season in because Coach Plueger has done such a good job with the football program that everyon focuses on football and not basketball. Granted the lifting helps for every sport, but the commitment to stay late and shoot hoops isnt there, evry kids wants to go out and play a pickup game of football instead. As a player, I know Brieske would complain about players not working on their shot in the offseason, but its mainly because they have dedicated so much time to their football routines and workouts that they do not have the energy to work for b-ball. The THS Football program has taken over all the boys sports now, and by no means it a bad thing but kids just dont have the energy to put time into anything else year round. "

" I can't believe that the head coach of the Tomah High School boy’s basketball team and rest of his coaching staff can put the blame on the players for their reason for leaving.
Maybe the commitment is not with the coach and his coaching staff anymore. It not always about winning it’s about playing having fun and doing the best you can. If it time with family that is needed so, be it. But please don’t take what ever left of the player’s self-esteem with you.
"