Posted by dougmarshall (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know much about Coach Bloomquist, but it is refreshing to hear some honesty from a coach. He admitted his intention of getting a technical and sounds like he regrets contacting the official. His actions were wrong, but at least he stood up to his mistake.

Posted by playbook (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a good example for his kids. "I wonder why the players are afraid of him". Good job Britton , way to stand up to the bully .

Posted by smith_ron (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So I don't know that much about coaching basketball. Why would someone want to get a technical?

Posted by playbook (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To intimidate the Referees , if we had a chance to win State , he just took it away due to the Refs in Topeka will not give him any slack. So if we had a chance to win it all , he has taken it away . We should win Sub-State easily , but when we travel to Topeka it will be different because the Refs will make sure we know who is in control.

Posted by batbatly (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

smith_ron,

Here is Bloomquist's explanation of why he wanted the technical. It's from the story after the game. It sounds like he just wanted to make a point, because they probably weren't going to beat Highland Park anyway.

“I went to get the technical,” Bloomquist said. “I don’t get many technicals but when I do, I do it on purpose.

“My kids battled and that was a horrid call. As physical as Highland Park was getting, you have to make a call. I’m going to battle for my kids.”

Posted by smith_ron (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks, bat. That makes sense. He wants to draw attention to a wrong. I am not sure I agree with playbook (not that I know that much about the game). It would seem to me that the league will be paying closer attention to a game that might be complicated by bad calls. Just my thought... Based on what little I know, sounds like Bloomquist is a good coach.

Posted by edorsey (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have seen Coach make contact with refs tons of times. I can't imagine he did something in a way that deserved a suspension. Luckily they are playing the worst team in the sub-state.

Playbook- He is not a bully, he is a coach. You have no idea...

Posted by dougmarshall (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bat hit the nail on the head. As a coach you can't let your players get beat up. A technical will also fire up your players is you do it timely (like this one). I would hope coach explains to the players it is his job to work the refs and not the players' job themselves. If this team has any fortitude at all, they will play their toughest, hard-nosed game of the year in support of their coach.

Posted by joejoe2 (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is not the coach's JOB to work the officials. His job is to teach these kids the fundamentals of the game and to try and win these games in a sportsmanlike manor. Teaching these kids to throw a fit when something doesn't go his way is not his job.

Posted by edorsey (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

any good coach will work the refs. Seriously if you don't know the game then you have no reason to critize him.

Posted by whatajoke (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank goodness the AD is setting a good example for the team. Sounds to me like the coach did not set a good example the other night. Shouldn't our kids be taught to handle inappropriate things in an appropriate manner? To me, purposely getting a technical foul is not appropriate. I was taught that getting a technical is BAD--that's why there are immediate consequences when you have a technical called against you. Contacting KSHSAA and discussing the officiating might be a more appropriate way to handle things???? Just a suggestion.

Posted by joejoe2 (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know the game and I have played the game, coached the game and reffed the game. There is never a time when a coach should touch an official. It is not true that any good coach will WORK the refs. Coach Darting is a great coach at Highland Park and he hardly says anything to the officials.

Posted by mlangley5 (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is not teaching kids to throw a fit. My goodness most of the students athletes that are a part of the EHS athletics have been involved with their respective sports from a young age. They have been coached by multiple people, with different attitudes/styles. Every single one of those coaches has challenged at some point in time the call of an official. They have seen it before. If it teaches them anything at all, it teaches them to stand up for what they know is right.

Good Luck Spartans!

Posted by exspartan (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You have no idea what he says to certain players in practice. Not very nice things. Basketball is just a game. I played , but did not enjoy it. Especially the things that were said to and about players. Where does it says in the coaching book about degrading players who are just kids not adults . Unless you played for him please shut up. Unless your parents had money and suck up to him like he was a immortal god .

Posted by edorsey (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone actually even know the circumstances of the contact?

Posted by admireed (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who sat him down the KSHSAA or EHS?

Posted by SpartanAlum (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Exspartan said it best, I have also played for Bloomquist, some of the stuff he pulls with his players does not need to be done. But if anyone actually saw the game, the technical that Bloomquist got was pretty intense, There are better ways to get your point accross. He may say that he did not want to contact the official but he was right up in his face, inches away, and the ref was trying to walk away and Bloomquist bumped him because he was walking away. He should be suspended easily for one game because of his actions.

Posted by dougmarshall (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

joejoe, if you have been a ref and you haven't been "worked" you must not be a very good ref. Good refs make mistakes and a good coach will call them out on the mistake (work him). That lets the ref know the coach won't be walked on. The the flip side, the good ref will let the coach know how far to go with it. If he is "worked" too much, the ref will tell the coach.

Posted by edorsey (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I KNOW what he says in practice. It all has a point, its not degrading, its the truth.

Posted by mlangley5 (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Every basketball coach works the refs....some do it different than others. Coaches start working the refs as soon as the ball goes up. Watch this...watch that... you missed that....all coaches do it even Darting. Dougmarshall is right good refs let you vent and then tell you when you have said enough. E dorsey is also right when a coach says something it ususally not made up...it is the truth. That is any coach...if you dont run the ball hard enough and shy away from contact then you probably run soft. If you you wont sprint during conditioning you are probably lazy.

Posted by vankamp (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I also know first hand about coach's actions. Throwing things at players in the locker rooms, knocking over lockers, kicking and screaming. I don't care who you are, you do not deserve to be treated that way.

Posted by abcdefg (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've read enough of the slanderous personal attacks on Coach Bloomquist. As far as the suspension goes, he has apologized and admitted he was at fault. Second of all anyone who would personally attack an individual anonymously is a coward and needs to find something better to do with their time. If you want to put your name next to your statement I would have no choice but to respect your opinion.
Nobody is asking you to agree with his style of coaching, he's an old school guy that does it the right way. If that bothers you that's fine you have every right to make that observation. But that doesn't constitute an attack on him as a person. How many of us would like our minor mistakes at work on the front page of the gazette.com labeled as breaking new??? Breaking news, give me a break. I'm interested in news not gossip. He has worked harder for this community then any one coach at any level in this town in the last 20 years and he asks for nothing in return.
This town should appreciate what it has and pull for each other, rather than the normal negative outlook that people in this town have. I'm not sure when it became common practice to root for individuals in your community to fail, but it needs to stop.

Posted by exspartan (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Old School new School it does not matter, this goes for coach Lowe also, Degrading and yelling at kids is not the way to motivate kids in 2008 , that worked back in the day , but it will not work today.

Posted by edorsey (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, if you think either Coach Lowe or Coach Bloomquist's coaching styles are degrading then you have no reason to be playing or even watching sports, they aren't trying to hurt your feelings they are trying to get you to play the way they know you can. Lazy/Weak-minded people don't understand that and they get angry and quit or they go on to the local paper's website and post anonymously about how supposedly bad someone is.

Posted by spartanfan (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All you criticizers of Coach Bloomquist and Coach Lowe are probably the ones that go to the games, sit on your ass, and socialize with the person sitting next to you. It’s sickening to go to Emporia High games and see the socializing going on. Where is all the fan support in this town? If you don’t want to go to the games and cheer on the kids that perform for your school and community, stay home.

As for Bloomquist, people need to realize what he has done for the Emporia Basketball Program over the last 20 years. If you can name one other coach in the State of Kansas that has 100+ kids playing basketball year round, you’ve fooled me. Bloomquist has done so much for the program from age 4 to 18. Those of you who bring out the locker room incidents are most likely the kids that didn’t give the effort and never saw the court. What happens in the locker room should stay in the locker room.

Coach Lowe has been here 3 years and has completely turned the program around and all you have to do is criticize his coaching. Give me a break!!

Posted by exspartan (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

it's true what they say about "one bad apple spoiling the whole bunch" and in coaching it's no different. If you're a coach or are considering coaching as a profession, think about the following:

* Young people learn by example. They are watching you, your behavior and how you deal with things. They will imitate you and will follow your lead.
* If what you have to say is so important, then you shouldn't have to scream, holler or spice it up with curse words. Let it stand on its own and give value to the message, not the delivery of the message.
* You are a mentor and a role model. Act like one at all times.
* You are a figure of authority and with that comes the conception that what you do is right and not to be questioned.
* In your position you fill many roles i.e. friend, parent figure, coach, teacher and so on. Value these relationships, don't abuse them.
* Young people are still growing not only physically, but emotionally too. What you say or do, can have long lasting effects on them in the future. Ensure those effects are positive ones and not negative.
* To gain respect, you have to earn it.

Now, you may be asking what if you encounter an abusive coach, what should you do? Follow these tips:

* If you're an adult, then you have a responsibility to say something. Either to the person or to their superior.
* If you're a young person, you should talk to a parent, teacher, or someone in a position of authority.
* Don't confuse criticism with abuse. Coaches are there to teach you and help you learn to do things correctly. There are going to be times when they have to criticize your skills. Know the difference.

Posted by KUJayhawks69 (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A couple of points from a coach and an official...........
Most coach's in the state of Kansas know the rules that prohibit a coach from being present in a gym where a basketball is being dribbled, passed, or shot by his/her team members out of season. Coach B is guilty of this! Who is the leading scorer on "His" team this year that won't be on the team next year? Wake up people,,,,,,, Coach B will resign before next season so he can follow "the number 5 point guard in the country" play at the next level! He has helped the youth of this community for the past several years,,,, most recently tho it has been self-serving to pad his son's stats and get "Him" to the next level. Has he worked that hard or ran offenses around anyone but his son these past 4 years?

As an official,,,,,,,,, no one bumps into an official unless they are totally out of control. There is nothing wrong with a coach getting upset and communicating that to the officials but,,,to get respect you have to give it! Coaching is a tough job,,,,,officiating is tough too. Where does a coach think that bumping an official and making comments about "horrid" calls is going to get him. Does he want officials poking their head into a locker room or giving an interview after a tough loss with an observation of an adjustment that the coach could have made to win the game instead of the "horrid" decision to not make adjustments and lose the game?

Coaches and officials should be setting "good" examples for the youth to have discipline and respect. What lesson are we teaching by the example that was show by the lack of self-control? What would the penalty by Coach B have been if one of his players had bumped an official with mallace?

I applaud the AD for the suspension and hope that a lesson can be learned by all.

Posted by dillon (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 8:29 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by SpanishPride (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What Community did he help out ! Not My community, we represent
49% of the School Population and How many players are Hispanic. How many Hispanics on the Girl's team. Cheerleading squad , dance group, How many teachers ? Look at the student and seniors of the week , How can 4 White students be picked in a row , when we are almost half of the school . So please do not say he has helped out the community ! Emporia High school needs Help ! How many Hispanic Coaches ?

Posted by dillon (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You don't play players cause of their race. It's their ability. Maybe next year we can have one white player, one black, one spanish, one chinese, one vietnamese, one native american and one of what ever ethnic background a player might have. that way people like you (spanishpride) can't play the race card.

Posted by mlangley5 (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Spanish Pride... how many Hispanic students try out for the things that you mentioned? How many put in the extra time to practice and master their sport? How many have the grades to be eligible? I ask this not to be racist or condescending. I ask because I truly do not know. How many Hispanic teachers and coaches have applied at EHS or in the District for that matter? Again I ask because I don’t know…. These are questions that need to be asked before anyone starts playing the race card. Lets continue that discussion when we have those answers

Posted by momoftwo (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AMEN exspartan!!! I don't know how it's suddenly become okay for coaches at the high school level & below to cuss at their players, let alone treat them in what can be considered an abusive manner! There are better ways to motivate players to perform better & work harder. And, why do the parents of these players (for those that are aware of how their child might be treated during practices & games) and school administrators allow it to continue? This isn't just an EHS problem - it is everywhere! Gee, and we wonder why kids today treat others with so little respect! I agree with others in this post - To get respect, you have to give respect!

Posted by edorsey (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't believe so many people are still discussing how they think one person is so terrible. I played for both Coach Bloomquist and Coach Lowe, and I don't even want to imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't. They both taught me more than any of you can understand. They taught me to be tough, not some weak person that goes home and complains to their parents when I get my ass ripped. Everytime I got my yelled at I deserved it, and you know what? I fixed my mistakes. The people here that are talking about Coach Bloomquist in a negative way, probably were the ones on the end of the bench, parents of those kids, or people that just get caught up in gossip. When you talk about Coach like this it is insulting to me because he caused me to become so much of what I am today, and I believe he does that for all his players that trust him. I also believe that when people that have nothing better to do with their lives but bash a high school coach they ought to think about getting a real job/life.

I believe parents have no idea what goes on in a locker room, nor should they, they don't understand it just as all of you have clearly pointed out.

Posted by uhhuhohyeah (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If Coach Bloomquist didn't care about kids, or the fact that he wants each and every one of them to reach their potential, he wouldn't bother saying a word to them. However, that is just not the case with this Coach who goes above and beyond to help kids become successful (Yes-even his own son) and because of his style, he is also, through sports, preparing these same people for life and a world that is occasionally harsh, unfair and cruel. Congratulations Spartans on your sub-state win and Good Luck Friday

Posted by ratdog (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Atheletes that can't take criticism or the motivational boot in the butt should probably just stick to the soccer field.

Posted by momoftwo (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is one thing for a coach to yell at kids, it's another to cuss at them & throw things, kick things, etc... I'm sorry, but I will stand my ground - this is unacceptable at the high school level! Again - what are you teaching kids??? So, if someone isn't doing something the way you think it should be done - or if they make a mistake (god forbid) that you yell, scream, cuss, kick/punch a wall, throw something. Do some of you honestly believe that this type of attitude & way of dealing w/things won't bleed over into someone's personal life?? Yes, the world is a cruel place, but you don't have to be cruel in return in order to deal w/the curves life throws at you.

Posted by dillon (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

momoftwo, let me guess your kids got cut from the team?

Posted by edorsey (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Contrary to popular belief, your kids probably will yell and cuss every once in awhile. Take it from a former player, if Coach B did anything for me it was positive.

Posted by momoftwo (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All 3 of my kids play sports (football, basketball, volleyball & softball). Each is a starter in at least 1 sport. One of my daughters is also a cheerleader. 2 of 3 are involved in music (choir & band) as well. I'm not sitting here passing judgement & sharing my opinions on something I've never been involved with. All the activities my kids are involved in have adult coaches/teachers and, maybe I'm a bit old fashioned, but I believe adults should set the example for kids - this includes not only their parents, but leaders of any organization that involve kids. Still standing firm that some coaches go too far to get their point across....

Posted by dillon (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

momoftwo sounds like you just live in a perfect world and have the perfect life. Please tell us more.

Posted by momoftwo (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am happy with my life - thank you, dillon! Can I ask if you have kids?

Posted by dillon (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:54 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by momoftwo (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 11:56 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by SpanishPride (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 12:31 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by hartford (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ratdog, how can you say soccer players don't take criticism? have you gone to soccer practices? is it all full of fun?

Posted by hartford (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mlangley5:

I found your comments both racist and condescending! But atleast you tried covering it up by saying you just didn't know the answer!

Posted by hartford (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

abcdefg:

I may have respected what you said if you had put your name next to your statement!

Posted by SpanishPride (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I want to know what has he done for the Community other than overcharge to play in the spring league. Other than anything having to do with Basketball !

Posted by hartford (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

spartanfan:

Where is the fan support you say? Well certainly not at the girls games that's for sure! So before you sit on your ass and complain about fan support, maybe you should find a way to get more "fans" to come to the girls games. And while you are at it, see if you can find a way to get the cheerleaders to actually cheer for the gilrs, and make it look like they mean it!
Oh, and as far as going to the games to socialize, are you telling me your mouth stays shut through the whole game? I would say games but I am sure you don't support the girls team!

Posted by edorsey (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

momoftwo, you really have no idea when it comes to coaching, you are a parent. Old-fashioned coaches are hard on their players, you are not old-fashioned.

Spanishpride, what gives you the right to critize how someone else has lived their life, frankly its none of your business.

Hartford, you are a hypocrite saying 'I may have respected what you said if you had put your name next to your statement!' Yet, I see no name next to yours. I guess you live in hartford so that narrows it down to about 25 people.

What was said about Hispanics at EHS is true, 49% may make up the population of EHS, yet, I saw no where near that percentage participating in sports. Its not that they can't, its because they don't choose to, there is nothing wrong with that just get understand how it works before you bring racism into something, it escalates everything and in this argument has nothing to do with anything.

Posted by hartford (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I'd like to also say that everyone has their own opinions of Coach Bloomquist. Alot of the negative ones he has brought on himself. I personally don't agree with how he degrades his players, but that is my opinion. I do however have a problem with some of his players degrading the girls on some of their loses. If the coach isn't teaching his players how to be a better person/player, then he needs to step down. And before anyones doesn't believe that his players are doing that, well I have heard first hand from several players on the girls team that this is true!

Posted by hartford (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

edorsey:

I wasn't the one asking for respect.

abcdefg made the statement about respect.

Posted by hartford (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by abcdefg (anonymous) on February 27, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've read enough of the slanderous personal attacks on Coach Bloomquist. As far as the suspension goes, he has apologized and admitted he was at fault. Second of all anyone who would personally attack an individual anonymously is a coward and needs to find something better to do with their time. If you want to put your name next to your statement I would have no choice but to respect your opinion.

Posted by emporia79 (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I played several sports during my years at EHS and although at the time I wanted to quit every other day or hated the way the coach was, it only made me work harder and strive to be the best. Should they handle things better at times and not get so irate....SURE....everyone has those moments, but that's what the passion of the game can do.
Also during my time at EHS, there were many hispanics involved in sports. Some of our great athletes and starters were hispanics and won many honors. It's all in the individual and their determination. It's definitely not about race!

There are many obstacles in the "real world" that are 10 times worse in which you will experience. Hopefully you will look back and think to yourself "wow, I guess that wasn't so bad"

It's just amazing how many people think its their place to pass judgement. Boy, are THEY in for a rude awakening someday!

Posted by dillon (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SpanishPride I actually played basketball and baseball and with your father like son statement all i have to say is that i wouldn't know. What i do know is that my mom raised me up to be quite a guy. Don't want to be bragging but i know many cases where kids without father figures turn up bad.

Also Spanishpride what have you done for the community lately? Seems like your always looking for handouts.

Emporia79 i think you hit it on the dot.

Posted by mlangley5 (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hartford: I dont cover anything up. All I ask if some one wants to make a point weather it is about race, tyson, religion or anyothher issue in Emporia have facts to back it up. That is not being racist or condescending. That is asking to be informed. How can I have an informed opinion if I dont know both sides of the story.

Spanishpride: If you lived anyother place than Emporia it would cost well above $50 to particpate in a league like spring league and that does not included the T-Shirt. Check the prices for similar camps and leauges in other towns or even at colleges and I think you would find that it a lot less expensive in Emporia.

Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on February 28, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Time to close this up, folks. Your topic has moved to a sports forum:

http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/ope...

Gwen Larson
Managing Editor