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Post deleted by Dale Jr

Dale Jr - I assume that this is in reference to the "workers comments" in other threads. We understand that there are certain situations that are beyond our control when dealing with volunteer work.

I think the biggest thing that has ruffled some feathers is the fact that there are more than 300 teams in South Carolina and we literally had only a handful of workers for an entire weekend. If just the Columbia schools alone had contributed "A" worker we would have more than 40-50 coaches to share the load.

I understand that there are factors - family illness, etc. that prevent certain folks from lending a hand, but there are some coaches that actually attended the games and were in the stadium and they too could pitch in. It is after all for their kids. The entire proceeds go to the all-star games and that is not a cheap event.

We haul ice -- so we don't have to buy it -- but after 3 trips on Friday and another 6 on Saturday, you start to get a little perturbed at the fact that there are others that could do their part.

We constantly address the work issue at the Winter & Summer Clinics, the all-star meetings, etc. Not real sure what else we can do. A couple of years ago, we had an outcry for help with our all-star game when our major sponsor pulled the financial plug on us. Immediately there was an outpouring of support, but in the past couple of years it's been a return to normalcy and not much of an issue in financially supporting the event - whether it is a $100 game sponsorship or $75 program ad.

Someone earlier said something about having principals that allow us time off to work the games, let me clarify that issue. I take a day of personal annual leave to work the state championships, to set up for the Winter Clinic, to work on all-star nominations, etc. That's three personal days of annual leave that I've taken just this spring for the association. They are not "professional days" and they are done for the good of the SCHSSCA. Am I bragging or looking for an "attaboy" -- no, but I do want folks to understand that sometimes you may have to sacrifice something for something else. So be it. Part of being a professional coach in my opinion.

I sincerely appreciate all of those that find time to give back to the SCHSSCA as it truly exists to serve high school soccer and promote the sport for our kids. However, it just "does not get done" -- it takes lots of time, energy, and effort to pull it off. Even Roger Hazel of the SCHSL acknowledged that we do more for our particular sport than any other prep auxiliary group. To me that is simply what it's about! Nothing more, nothing less.

If some folks got their feelings hurt by the way the message was relayed, then my apologies on behalf to those that were offended. However, that does not excuse the fact that our association needs more assistance from its' membership.

In addition, thanks to David Easley, Kyle Heise, David Schroer and Dick Smith for also taking a personal day Friday to meet at the SCHSL and prepare for the State Championship Weekend.

With all due respect, this is not the place for either calling people out, justifying those who do, or responding to the above. Let's at least keep our thoughts in this one thread focused on those with real needs who could use our positive thoughts and prayers.

I wish you and your family the very best in health. My response was in regards to the disgust me that I even have to post this comment.

I truly hope that Mike's mother improves as well and Michael's wife too.

I understand...and thank you, Kevin.

Post deleted by Dale Jr

Mike,

How can you be sure that Berkeley will not be facing Westside in the 4A girls final on Friday? Or than an upstart Westside boys team will not be making its first state championship appearance?

I have worked the state championships on two different occasions and was sorry I did not get to do so this year. It is truly a feat for the coaches that volunteer their time, but it's a joy to be there and watch the national anthem, the players getting ready, run back to sell concessions, hundreds and even upwards of 1-2 thousand fans for some games, etc.

Here's a question: how many other state championship games are played during school hours, or almost directly after school, other than girls A/AA and AAA state championships? Would it be possible to host girls and boys state title games on the same day, Saturday, and stagger the time of boys and girls matches in the same classification (A/AA, AAA, and AAAA) so that fans of say Riverside or BE could potentially attend both matches?

I imagine the biggest hindrance to this would be the aforementioned (in a hundred posts or so) lack of participation.

Any thoughts on this?

This was my first year attending a state championship match and I never really though about who runs the event. I am humbled by the fact our states soccer coaches are working concessions, taking up tickets, doing whatever is necessary. I read on another thread one of the female coaches was doing it while holding a baby. Talk about tough! Our state is lucky to have a group of coaches who care this much about our state's student athletes and support the growth of our sport! Thank you coaches who were able to work this weekend - you guys are great.

RR...I like the way you think!

There are a lot of people out there who give a lot for our kids and our sport, some of them in very visible ways and many more behind the scenes. They all deserve positive recognition for what they do...so here's to everyone who's pitched in a hand this season to make this sport a better experience for the young people involved!