Tallassee Times

Congratulations Davis! The Gibson's wish you all the best. Glad you included Coach Cal in the pic - Kevin Gibson

I enjoy reading your thoughts and the work you put into the facts with every article you write. Keep up the good work! - Judy Weed

With summer approaching and no activity on the City Hall lawn, I was getting nervous that yet another good thing in this town had gone bust. How relieved I am to see that the Farmers Market will be returning this year and offering this city a place for neighbors to gather and healthy alternatives to fast and fried food...and so glad it's within walking distance too! - Joni Carr

Certainly a lot in that article to inspire!!! Not. This season is going to be a disaster. It has calamity written all over it.

Disgruntled coaches, a coach that has previously failed wanted the job, but then didn't want the job. Huge personnel losses to graduation.

Can someone explain why Dollar was not fired the day after the last game if he was so hated by the town/administration?

I must be the only person that thinks that there is SOMEONE of substance out there wanting to 'move up' and coach Alabama HS 5A football in a really nice stadium, that close to Auburn and the lakes, etc.

Based on a lot of what I can tell parent comments in the previous comments section, it appears that just having a good time on Friday nights, having a cool uniform (the new interlocking TT logo is hideous BTW), and watching the pretty majorettes is good enough for most - Underwhelmed Tiger

This is embarrassing. Nobody wants to take responsibility. ABRAMS where are your quotes. Its your school? Why cant you make a decision. We hired a guy who had a 10-11 record in two years. Tallassee, you think the interest was low this time, you will not get anyone this time next year worth a dang - Concerned Tiger

Has anyone been over and seen this wreck at the youth baseball fields.some of the coachs and people on the board just amaze me.half of the people running this circus called youth baseball in tallassee is awful,not to mention the umpires that they pay to call games.i've talked to several of parents who said their kids would never play there again.the bad thing is the kids that are leaving are the best ones in that age group.come on tallassee!get this mommy and daddy ball out of tdyb.oh by the way,tallassee babe ruth aint any better.until we quit letting parents who donate money dictate who will or wont coach it will never change. - about to give up

I was absolutely appalled at the disrespect shown at the THS graduation tonight. Parents, family, and friends attended to see their graduate receive a diploma that took 12 years to achieve. Faculty. graduates, and band members had worked hard to present the graduation ceremony. Unfortunately, many attended to congregate around on the grounds creating a noise level above the speakers, the band, and the names of graduates. Dozens of children were turned loose by incompetent parents to run up and down the steps adding to the noise level. The noise continued during the national anthem, the pledge of allegience and the prayer. What has happened to a group of people who are not teaching or setting examples for future generations?? - Judy Dennis

Like Judy Dennis I was appalled at the graduation ceremony to see the total lack of consideration for other people. One would have thought the concession stand was open what with the walking back and forth, back and forth, back and forth! There were people sitting behind us and across from us who not for one second stopped talking! That is NOT an exaggeration! We had a granddaughter graduating and had come to celebrate her but I was so distracted with all the commotion that I could hardly focus on what was taking place on the field. I couldn't help but wonder why these people even came. It certainly wasn't to celebrate a graduate. Bottom line.... be more considerate of other people - Cheryl Spates

I approve of the opinion page, BUT I think they should sign their name or their opinion not be printed. Just my opinion - A Childers

Hang on, is there something to worry about? The opinion of our local residents and families around here are important to this town. It would only be a problem for those that abuse their position or have something to hide. Do they? I voted I approve of it and I think it needs to stay. People need to speak up whether they sign it or not - Freedom, right?

Voicing ones opinion is a Constitutional Right. We should respect that fact, but most people do not understand this. "Powers that be" want to control us and conform us to their position, usually so they can keep their power and continue spending our money. Washington and Tallassee, there is no difference. Borrowing our way out of debt has become the new economic answer. We need to remember this come Election Day. Too bad, we cannot take our votes back and start all over. better yet, lets give the vote to the ones whom must pay for these follies. Oops, they are not even born yet - John E. Marshall

After reading this, it makes me sick to my stomach to see that we pay these school officials so much money and they cannot even make a decision. They picked six candidates to interview... so pick a coach. Who cares who pulled thier name etc. The best one should have gotten the job.. that is how the real world works but not with the backstabbing politics here in Tallassee. I will say this, Brad Waggoner acted with a lot of class in his comments to Michae by saying this was a special place... Heck, he ought to be very thankful he did not come here and work in a place that is corrupted from the politics etc. Clayton and Mask especiall being on staff should have been given a reason and better yet should have never been interviewed if they werent gonna get a chance.. This is embarrassing and I am sure our board will roll over and let it go by... Tallasse politics at its best - Embarrassed tiger fan

Good luck ever finding a decent head coach in the future. Word will spread - Embarrassed Former Tiger

Listened to morning show this morning on the way to work. Is this seriously what the board of education let happen. I do not dislike Jared Jones at all but he did not apply and has been fired before. This committee was a joke. Jeffers ought to be fired and if Abrams cannot make a decision himself then he does not need to be principal. If you ever think a decent coach will ever come to this town now you have to be kidding yourself. This news will spread like wildfire. You had applicants, you had a committee, you picked your finalist to interview, MAKE A DECISION. Jared Jones was on the committee and after listening to him this morning answering the questions Michael asked him about the process, no wonder they could not make a decision. Thi whole thing stinks and is gonna come back and bite us bad, wait and see. Board of Education should ashame of themselves to going along with this - Former Tiger Player

First of all, I also agree that if one doesn't believe in their opinion strongly enough to use their real name, it is not worth posting. Secondly, all of these CONCERNED tiger fans surely are close enough to the program to know that Coach Jones and the staff have been running this program for at least two years and I haven't seen many negative comments before now. We all seemed to be happy with region champs and a great overall won loss record. I think these guys will do a good job and we all need to support them. We don't have to agree on the way things happened. One thing is for sure though. Coach Jones and his staff had no more to do with how it happened than you or I did. Let's just get behind these guys and support them. If you can't do this for the sake of our program and kids, maybe you need to go purchase some Bulldog gear and drive to Pike County and support that crew every week as everyone seems to have forgotten what caused this whole thing.

Good luck Coach Jones and staff and Go Tigers

Jimmy Bright

In the real world you interview until you find the best person for the position. You do not pick the best person for the position from those that you interview. If the interview committee, Superintendent of Schools and school board all felt that the right candidate was not in the current pool of applicants then maybe as a community we ought to support that. Tiger Pride! - K Steele

the decision has been made and i wish jared, the players and the coaching staff well this upcoming year. remember parents, it ain't about you. let the kids go out and have fun and let the coaches coach - rhett dennis

Hey now, wait just a minute! Some of these posts on here are beginning to be a little too positive and supportive. That's not the Tallassee I know! You need to dial it down a notch and get with the program and start slingin' mud again if you're gonna fit in here. Maybe some reality checks? Status quo?

We are going to be young and inexperienced and the expectations have really been dumbed down for this staff. Will they still be a great staff with inexperienced players or were they just an average staff all along with some above average players that have now departed? Will they be able to develop these young players into contenders anytime soon? I think there is a ton of hoping going on that 4A will be tagged on Tallassee again. Does that guarantee a better chance of winning?

You talk about a loser mentality. Something has got to change at Tallassee to get them to the next level. Wishing for a lower classification is not the answer. How long were we in 4A? How many state titles did we have? We're just another team on the schedule of eventual champions. How does that change? Does the circle of mediocrity just continue?

I believe it is going to take an extraordinary effort by the kids themselves to show the coaching staff how to be champions. None of the coaches know what it is like to be a champion in football. They know how to field a 9 win team that always has an excuse for coming up short. That's what we are in Tallassee right now. And this year, it'll probably be more like a 4 win season because that's what they expect - Spider

You are right, life goes on but this corrupt town of poltics puts a bad taste in everyones mouth. We had one board member that stood up for what she thought was wrong and she knew this process was done wrong. I will always be a Tallassee Fan but I will not do what some of these clowns we have in charge around here want me to do and this forget and just think everything is ok. Jared Jones was on committee and he did not apply for the job..... Plain and Simple - MIKE JONES

Dearest Tony P -

We do not want to play Reeltown anytime soon. If the past is indicative of future outcomes with the same coach. Boy we got blasted with this coach back in 00 and 01 by you guys. Please do not encourage a contract between us and Reeltown. That is all - Jeff Douglas

This entire process SMACKS of embracing mediocrity at EVERY turn.

1. You included three guys in the interview process that 'God bless them' were simply not qualified.
2. You didn't allow a man that played HIGH level college football and I believe also in the NFL to make this decision.
3. You end up hiring a man that either A. didn't want the job again, at best, and B. if he did, shouldn't have served on the committee, who C. failed the first time, in 4A(I believe) against worse competition than he will face this time.
4. I still contend that this hire was made based on the preponderance of 30-45 year old women in Tallassee that know nothing about sports that "think this was a 'great' hire."

While I understand fully that at this point there is nothing to do BUT support what's been decided, I do not think that TPTB fully realize the LONG TERM ramifications of this decision. But then again, vision does not seem to be a strong suit of anyone involved with Tallassee athletics OR the city at large.

Did ANYONE not consider that next year (after probably a 2-8 or 3-7 season) when someone decides that a 'new' head coach is needed, that the coaching 'fraternity' will not have spoken to each other. This is going to brand Tallassee as a pariah. You basically took 100 applications, cut it to 10 people or whatever it was that you deemed 'qualified' and then you told all of them after you paraded them in front of God and everyone, 'thanks but no thanks'.

Another thing that I haven't seen mentioned, is it might do TPTB well to look at the reasons for the rather 'shallow' applicant pool. Has anyone thought of WHY there were such poor applicants for a 5A ALABAMA HS football program with a BRAND NEW STADIUM and FIELD HOUSE.

Some self analysis appears to be in order - Highly judgmental Tiger

First of all, let me explain that I have been attending games here at Tallassee for over 25 years and have missed only a couple of home games in that span. However, this whole process has got me to the point of not wanting anything to do with the Tallassee school system. Jeffers you need to go. In this process, ABRAMS should have been the only one making the recommendation of the hire. This committee had flaws from the get go. After picking their 7 to interview and broadcasting them live for everyone to watch, to then go and select someone on the committee who did not even apply is crazy. I can promise you this, after this season, the word will get out in the coaches rank on how this process was handled. I have seen no comments from Abrams whatsoever. I listened to Jared Jones on the morning radio show it was embarrassing to here him talk about this interview process. You could tell he was not wanting to talk about it because it was corrupt and never once did I hear Abrams supported this. The one board member who made sure she did not vote for this knew what went on behind the scenes. Tallassee wake up. We are looking like a town that has no direction and a town that is run by people who are not leaders. Its time for a wake up here and its sad its gonna be at our kids expense - Embarrased Tallassee Resident

highly judgmental tiger:
Your few good points are overshadowed by the incompetent ones.
1. Just how were the 3 you speak of unqualified? Jeffers made it clear that character and longevity were the focal points of the position. If they were looking for a current head coach, then that should have be said and they probably wouldn't have applied. Besides, the former guy now coaches at Prattville and has probably been exposed to a lot more than most head coaches.
2. Playing in the NFL doesn't automatically qualify someone to know all things of the position. If that were the case, then they would be the ones hiring high school, college, and NFL coaches. Do I need to give any examples of NFL players that you probably wouldn't want selecting your coach? For that matter, he had just as much opportunity to speak up as anyone else.
3. What is your fettish with 30-45 year old females? If you think that has anything to do with it, then your not only judgemental, your just mental.
4. I do agree that coaches talk amongst themselves, and Tallassee is already known for its back-stabbing politics. This will only supplant this theory.
5. Like you, too many think Tallassee is the mecca of football, and coaches will line up for miles to get in the door. Fact is, your "high profile" coaches have and will continue to use this job as a stepping-stone. If you understand the profession, you know this - Mason

Daddy, I love you so much. My life is not the same since you left. All your girls loved you dearly!!
Love - Tina

I enjoyed your article about Mr.Jones. when my son was playing Dixie Youth15 yrs. Ago, I never remeber a game that Mr. Jones didn't come walking up with his lawn chair to watch the games. I don't think he knew many of the kids playing, he just loved to watch - Tony Prescott

I sure have missed Mr. Drew. He lived not to far from me. He always had the prettiest little garden. He use to go by my house everyday around 11:am to Buddy"s to get his dinner from the Deli. Another thing I miss is riding by his home and seeing him sitting on his little side poarch taking a nap or waving at everyone that rode by and of course , seeing him at the ball games. He will surely be missed. GOD Bless Mr. Drew - Brenda Moore

Michael like the story on Drew. i have some very good meories of him. Stopping and talking to him and him riding to Reeltown with me to pick up my grandson from school . Also he would see me leave every morning go by as i went to the station to be on the air with Rick. He would say why don\'t you stop and take me I am glad that you took him down there one time with you. AS you know he had many stories he could tell. After we moved from up there and we were back up there I stop on day just to say hi to him and he made me feel good by telling me how much he missed me from Freemn Ave. I could almost write a book on stories he has told me about people but it would get some in trouble. He will be miss - Noel Darnell

The Reeltown kindergarten had a party there last week, the bathrooms were nasty, real NASTY. A phone call was made to the rec dept. and they said someone would be right over. They did made the circle but never stopped and went on their way. These are small children and someone should be responsible to keep the restrooms clean if they are to be used by the public and they know children need to use these restrooms.I was embarrassed as a citizen of Tallassee for Reeltown or anyone to see our community like this.

Why is it that Tallassee allows 'daddy' coaches on the sideline? It never fails, it seems like every year there is a coach that is born just because his son is on the team. They'll stay with the program until little Johnny graduates and then they just fade off into the sunset. It has not always been like this at Tallassee. I first recall it happening under Mark Rose, and it has continued ever since. This is a problem at Tallassee. I don't see it at any other program. Is this common?

Where's the guy that stands up and says, "hey look, yeah we know Johnny's a rockstar and you're his peronal manager, but your access stops at the edge of the grass at both practice and game night," who is gonna do that? "And yeah we know you played at THS (for some) and you were one of the greats, but did your pops stand down here too?" - Tiger Lady

Will someone stand up for this town and tell Dr. Jeffers to wake up. Hate to say it but I was told at school today we are going to hire someone on staff. You have got to be kidding me. I guess old Jeffers is playing the politics again. Like Dollar said Committees are jokes... Abrams, I thought you had more guts to stand up for what was right in this coaching selection. I have two sons coming up and was at every interview except one. Everyone in attendance could probably tell you that the local boys were not ready for this. But at Tallassee politics and daddy ball will always rule - David

Just wondering who it is you are referring to as the "daddys" on the sideline? I recall one who helped with kicking last year.

Let's get to some real questions....(anybody got any insight on these)

From what I have been told, our superintendent Dr.Jeffers has decided he doesn't want to make a decision on head football coach because he doesn't want to make waves with local ties since three locals applied for job.. This is totally unacceptable. We vote for you board members and we expect more out of our leaders. We pay our superintendent a lot of money and now he can't make a decision. We had a committee? Come on now, this only hurts our kids to go a year with an interim. Stop playing politics and Hire the best candidate that interviewed. I urged the Board to vote down Jeffers and hire the person the committee picked. We had public interviews and this is something that needs to be decided - Jeff Class of 1980

Almost universally, everyone that attended the Coaching Interviews said that the Tallassee 2 and the Reeltown 1 were not HC material, and it showed in their "public" interview. Frankly, given the fact that the most qualified candidate pulled out, and further given the wholly underwhelming remaining slate, if it was me, I'd go back to square one and start over.

But you can read tea leaves/gossip to see that one of the Elmore/Tallapoosa 3 are going to be chosen. They are safe choices because A. they are 'good boys', B. they will never leave and C. there are enough 35-40 year old women in Tallassee that will think their hire was a good thing.

Continue to embrace mediocrity - Given Up Tiger

Given up TIger.... First of all I was at every single interview from start to finish... The coach that was the best by far was Waggoner. He has a winning record, and was very thorough and the way he answered questions and there was not even a person that was close to him. The guy that backed out pemberton may have been the best but obviously he didn't come. Politics have gotten involved because some locals wanted a local and they just were not ready and Jeffers is going out next year and he says to heck with football.. Abrams ought to step up and be the principal because that's who should be fling the hiring... Now we are gonna have Jared as interim coach for a year... This ought to be stopped by our board if they have any guts whatsoever. We had a committee and we can't even make a decision.. We look stupid and it's embarrassing - The Real Tiger Fan

It is sickening to see how some of you try to assert your agendas & twisted views onto others. It is amazing there are so many that were at "all" the interviews, yet I was at a couple and only saw one person I didn't recognize (which turned out to be the reporter). I have spoken to several home-town folks, and they said quite the opposite of what some of you spew on here. Even Michael has made references to the local guys doing quite well. Fact is, some of you are flat-out lying. Only problem is, the people that know the truth and get on here to read need to step-up and defend what is right. Our local guys are being ridiculed and critiqued by fools that cannot speak intelligently about something they've never once done in their life - Jason, THS Grad

Board of Education: if you do not make Jeffers hire a football coach Tuesday night you are gonna lose a lot of trust and votes... He is too scared to make a decision and these boys deserve better. We put together a committee which in my mind was stupid but we did :so make a decision whether it's popular or not... I did not go to interviews but know people who did... Pick the best candidate and let's roll.. Jared did not apply... So Board, let's see what you are made of? - Pete Dennis

As an alumni of THS who lives away from Tallassee, I feel it is necessary to give a different perspective on what has transpired. My career has taken me away, but I hope to one day come back to Tallassee. However, if from what I have heard and read on this website is any indication of how things are there, then I may just stay put. I have read that the committee is looking for longevity and characteristics of leadership, yet some of you say that the local candidates are unqualified. How?! I know one of them personally, and he fits every description (and oh by the way, a good coach). To select people to be interviewed in an open forum, then bash them, especially ones that are in it for Tallassee is low-class and irresponsible. If the committee selects someone else, then fine. But, it is as though they are being chastised for even wanting the job; isn't this a good thing?. It's time some of you wake up and come off your high-horse. In business, the successful companies train, nurture, and promote development from within, first. I can attest to successful athletic programs that take this phylosophy to heart, and quite frankly, it is this way at most everywhere else - except Tallassee. The town I grew up in had leaders who led by actions to promote thier city, and the town followed. Now, "grown-ups" would rather whine and complain about everything and point the finger at someone else; while standing there with their arms crossed. There is a reason Tallassee hasn't grown, and this is a prime example of an already bad reality - Out of Towner

I did not attend interviews at all. There was a committee put together. You had coaches take time out of their day to come and interview locally and from out of town. Pick whoever the best was. Who cares if they are from here or not. Jeffers, pick a coach and board of education :Do not go the cowardly way and let him Just put a interim Jared jones in there. If Jared had wanted it he would have applied. Peep that's why you have interviews. I personally think it's good to hire from the outside because they don't know all the hidden agendas and so forth and are very fair to the kids. I love our local coaches but if we don't name a permanent head coach Tuesday I will lose all trust in our board of education and our kids will suffer! - Mike, Tallassee

The comments keep saying that the kids will suffer if we put an interim coach in there for a year. Why do you say this? How do you even know this is what is going to happen? Some of you comment as if you know! If it is true, I had Coach Jones as a coach in high school and he was a great coach. Why do some of you feel that if that does happen that it is not the right choice? You people are all operating on half facts and rumors. The truth is that not one of you were in that room with the committee when they were making decisions and none of you know what Jeffers knows so you can not make an informed opinion on what is best for these kids or this school. I do not know who or what the recommendation of Jeffers,or the committee is or what the board will choose to do, but I do know that these negative comments just hurt our system, the staff, and the kids (if they read it). So I beg of you all to just stop! Stop commenting on things you have no clue about. Stop spewing your negativity in this town and how about for once be supportive of the school system, the administration, and the staff and trust that they do have your kids best interest in mind! - A Supportive THS Grad

To Jason THS Grad: I was not at the interviews and do know of only one other person who attended all interviews. I agree with some of your points but from what I was told by the one person that I know that attended ALL interviews, was that there was one person who stood out from all of them that interviewed. He said the local boys interviewed did well but just were not ready for this position yet. The problem people are having is this: We had an interview process, a committee formed, interviews took place, and now they want to go an interim route to not make the local boys mad.... PLEASE! Get rid of the dang politics. Jared Jones is a good guy but did not want the job, so dont put someone that did not want it to start with as an interim. Board wake up and lets get a permanet coach instead of putting it off for a year and making these kids suffer again... This is embarrassing for Tallassee. Pick a coach, whether he is a local or not.. Whoever the best one qualified needs to be picked. This is only hurting the kids - Concerned Parent

I have heard that Dr. Jeffers will recommend that a guy who has previously been let go as head coach, who did not even interview, to be interim coach. Basically this is throwing away a year. I wonder how the upcoming seniors will feel about that? Perhaps we should not play football this year and just wait till next year when we can hire a coach. Then we can hire another coach who, if he is successful, will leave for a better job and we can start all over again. Meanwhile I read a lot of comments about how the "young guys" are not ready. I personally know one of them who sacrificed many hours away from his family last year while he performed many of the duties of our absent head coach and helped bring about a successful season. He also coaches the only sport in which Tallassee is challenging for a state championship in 5A. He is a fine young man, has a good rapport with the players and he can get them to play and play hard, which I believe is a leadership quality that is most important if you want to win ballgames. His major fault in the interview, if he had one, was his humility and quiet self-confidence. Tallassee could do a lot worse than Coach Mask, and they probably will. He is 35 and has been with the program for 11 yrs so please don't call him a kid. I know of another young coach who was around the same age and had approximately the same amount of experience. When he was given the head job at his school many said he wasn't ready and did not like the hire. We all know him now as future hall of famer Jackie O'Neal. O'Neal's strong suit is his rapport with his players. Tallassee could follow a similar blueprint and they should do so if they ever want to be a consistently strong program - Saban's not available

It is crystal clear that many of you are on board with the acceptance of mediocrity as it relates to your football program. By the way, its also apparent in the rest of the city as well. Overgrown eyesore houses, streets in complete disrepair, uneven application of law and order etc.

The fact that some of you are OK with naming Jared Jones as interim coach is just comical. I like Jared as a person. He was a cool guy in HS. He's already been the Tallassee coach.

Does anyone in that town care about WINNING any more? Until they stop keeping score I want to WIN. You MIGHT have some success promoting a young guy from within with ZERO head coaching experience. There are VERY low odds of this proving successful. It's a tough job coaching football at Tallassee as it is, and frankly and I really don't care if some of you parents like this or not, but that program NEEDS an outsider that is willing to put all of you in your place, which is NOT what the Tallassee TWO or the Reeltown ONE would do.

No one but Mark Rose has been able to win here with any consistency since Coach O'Brien. It sure isn't going to happen with a couple rookies that have never been head coach before or with one that's been the head coach and failed.

Parents: It does not matter if the boys "like" the coach or have a good 'rapport' with him. In fact, I have years of experience that tells me that the opposite would be more successful. You need to RESPECT the coach not 'like' him or have a good "rapport" with him.

Some of you have very short memories and/or have no experience with success in sports. It will NOT be gained with 'loving' the coach - WINNING Tiger

THS GRAD: I have lived here my whole life and while this football situation is embarrassing its not surprising. I did not go to interviews but I have listened to Michael and read about inteviews the past two weeks and have talked to Mickey Coleman a few times who was present for the interviews. For Dr. Jeffers to not pick a coach after having interviews, having a committee, is downright sad and should not be allowed by board of education. I would love for a local to get the job but maybe an outsider was the best in the interview process. So be it, lets hire him. From what I have been told, Dr. Jeffers has only one year on his contract and he is just gonna let the next superintendent hire the coach and place Jared as interim. Jared is a good guy but if he wanted the job than he should have applied. Board dont do fall into the local poltics game again.... Dr. Jeffers you were hired to make decisions. Who is getting lost in all this Mr. Abrams. It his school and he should be making decision to Dr. Jeffers. This is Tallassee politics at its best... So Sad - Past Tiger

First of all, I think this is hilarious. The people we pay over 100,000 a year cannot make a decision. I love Michael and the morning show but they got to involved in this as well promoting a local assistant. Now the Smith guy, I even question why we interviewed him. The Pemberton guy backed out. That pretty much left us with Waggoner and the three locals.. Now I am a big baseball supporter here and think Coach Clayton is great but from the research I have done, Waggoner should have been the coach. He was 30-16 in Alabama going to the playoffs every year and is 13-8 in Georgia going to the playoffs one out of two years. To here that the locals were just as good .. HOW? Nope he is not a Tallassee guy like us but he has been a head coach that has been somewhat successful. The three locals have not been head coaches better yet some have not even been coordinators. We NEED and outsider to come here and not be biased and not give in to our local politics. This job is not the greatest of jobs... Dollar had some success the past 4 years, but you have to go back to Rose before that. jared is a good friend and a good coach but as people have said, he had his time and he did not interview. Well, next year we are gonna have a mess on our hands. Truthfully, out three locals and outside guys are better off to not have been chosen because with leadership like ours I would not trust anyone - Former Tiger Player- 1987

"Winning " Tiger, you are so right. You must have been a successful head coach before you can even think about winning.

Sincerely,
Gene Chizik, Chip Kelly, Mike Tomlin, Bo Pelini...

P.S.
Please post your "winning" background, so that we may meet with you on what it takes to win - Obviously not a "Winner"

Just wanted to make a few more comments

1)I do not have a short memory or a lack of experience with success in sports. I was a three-year letterman and team captain of a fine team coached by Duane Webster, who was a very tough coach, and I remember it quite well even though it was quite a long time ago. My daughter and now my grandson attended Tallassee so I am now a fan of both schools.

2)If you would talk to some people in the coaching profession I think that they would tell you that players of today are different from a generation ago. It is more important to have a good rapport with your players and, of course, it is also important to have discipline and respect (nobody said it wasn't- duh). Even Nick Saban and Gene Chizik realize this importance, and have a good rapport with their players. If you don't you will not be able to get many of the best athletes to even come out for football or to play hard for you if they do.

3)Nobody was ever born a head coach - they all had to be given a chance at some point. ALL successful coaches were assistants at some point in time.

4)If you look at the best programs you will find that continuity is an extremely important factor in that success. Hire that outsider again and he will: a)Succeed for a year or two and then leave before the first downswing for a better situation or: b)Fail and be replaced after only a couple of years. This is the tried and true method that has been done time and again and resulted in, let's face it, a mediocre program for quite a few years. So go ahead and do it again - just don't expect different results for that is the definition of insanity - Saban still not available

Good heavens, people. Just go to the board meeting tonight and see for yourselves what transpires. Then you will know for certain - Duh

I thought the article regarding Laken Pitchford being selected for UA Crimsonette was excellent, especially the question/answers. It gave a good insight into what the girls are going through during these tryouts.
I have known Laken's grandparents, Graham and Phyllis, most of my life so I really enjoyed reading the article.

Living in Texas, I get to keep up with what is happening in Tallassee from reading the Tallassee Times online - Jo Cantrell Bell, Wichita Falls, Texas

So happy for Laken and her family. She did an amazing job at tryouts and they should all be proud. My 7 year old daughter adores Laken and I am so glad she has someone such as Laken to look up to. Laken will represent her hometown and the University of Alabama well. Roll Tide and Congrats again - Jonathan Studdard

I am a proud cousin of Laken. She is such a truely sweet girl and I am so happy to see her dream come true. We are around them all the time and I have heard her talk about this dream for a LONG time. Have fun Laken!!!!! And I guess this means we have to go to a Bama game to watch her - Aunt Kaye

Why is there no information as to what was actually done inside the school? Why are these seniors not being allowed to walk? Expelled? I know you could not release the names of the students under 18. This looks like a cover up again - Tallassee resident

As I sat at the local Mexican Restaurant yesterday the only conversation in the place was the "injustice" these kids are receiving.....there were both pros & cons. It is my understanding not all of the kids went into the school and not all of the kids actually took the tissue (from the school)...BUT..they ALL participating in the rolling. I know over time things change..but, the law does not. Trespassing, vandalism, theft are today as they have always been. The act itself is being referred to as a "Senior Prank", so why were there more underclass kids there than Seniors? I only know one of the kids involved, he is a great kid with ALOT to lose, but we all live tomorrow with the choices we make today. Some say the Board of Education is making an example of these kids, OK good, maybe they should. For months now I have read and heard nothing but criticism of the Board & members, how lacks they are, how they are over paid for doing nothing. Well, now they are doing something and earning their wages. Amazing how so many are still mad..."Their wrong if they do..and wrong if they don't".

I feel for the couple of kids that are actually "good" kids, the ones that have never been in trouble, have good grades, have already made plans for their future and have goals. As the conversation at the restaurant continued, it was stated that a couple of the kids were involved in a similar incident last year with the school, and that these sames couple of kids have missed more days of school than attended, but because they are all athletics it is overlooked.

Inclosing, my question is if these kids were under the age of 17 shouldn't the parents to be held responsible/accountable and arrested? Did the parents know the kids were out at that time? What ever happen to ....."It's 10:00 do you know where your children are?"

This is to the individual who was saying things about the board being involved with the punishment handed down to the children involved in the "Senior Prank". First of all the board was not involved in any decision regarding the punishment! So they didnt even know the facts, just as most of us don't. All kids did not damage property at the school but were there to roll, which the Principal himself stated last year rolling was allowed and ok for kids to do. Most of the kids were taken to jail and charged with 2 counts of Felonies, placed in handcuffs infront of everyone at school. The 18 year olds were transfered to Elmore Co. They will all have court dates. None of them will walk this year, juniors will not be able to participate in next year graduation ceremonies and they are suspended for the rest of this year. And your comment on attendence if you are a school employee is the only way you would know this! And that is a violation of these kids rights and has nothing to do with this issue. So to everyone in this town please get your facts straight before judging children or others. Because you yourself or your children are not always perfect.

The police caught a group of kids TPing my yard and asked me did I want to press charges. I said no. However, if they had broken into my house, poured motor oil on my stairs, torn up the bathroom and threw furniture into the hallway I would have said YES ABSOLUTELY. I would hope that pressing charges and making them take responsibility for their actions would change the path that their lives were going down at this point. No matter what their grades are, no matter how many scholarships they had been awarded, no matter how many times they had or had not been in trouble in the past, I would want them punished in some form to maybe help them realize that CHOICES are pretty important in life. You might not always make the right one, but you will always will be held accountable for them.

To Sick of People Judging Others: You sure do have a lot of information for someone who said "They didnt even know the facts, just as most of us don't." But, then again, you can't know a whole lot if you think the only people who know who goes to school and who doesn't are the ones who work at the school. "We ain't quite as dumb as we seem."

As to the person who stated that the laws have not changed, I think if a student threatens to shoot up the school and a weapon (bb gun or any other type) was found in their automobile and things were found in their homes should be a crime. If threats are made on a intercom system to kill a certain race is a crime. In the past the students involved with the things I have mentioned were not punished to this extreme. This is too harsh of punishment. Why hasn't the media been involved in this?

To Sick of People Judging Others: First, what authority does the principal have to tell any student it's ok to vandalize property HE does not own, "IF" he did authorize this then HE needs to be released of his position, also would that not make him an accessory to the crime??? Second, if in fact the Board of Education did not know of the decision made in reference to the kids, they need to be released of thier position also, for lack of interest.. This being Tallassee, I am more than sure they did.

As stated in another post, you sure know alot about the situation.... so it is "assumed" you work in the school system. But, then again you never commented on holding the parents accountable, so therefore maybe one of the kids was yours?

As to judging others, anytime you place yourself in a position of public interest you set your self up to be judged or idolized. The choices you make will determine which it will be. All of these kids in some form were either athletics or scholars, some were both. As athletics they were/are the public interest, either by the young who think of them as their idols or heros, or by the older ones who spend/donate their time, money & taxes to support them in whatever sport they participate in. As a scholar they have proved themselves as leaders. So being judged by this town is a price you pay.

Has the school system been fair in the past with displine, no it has not, but it has to start somewhere. Is it a harse punishment to not allow the Seniors to walk on graduation night, not sure, I nor you know "completley" all the facts. I do know that the Superintendent, Princlipal, Assistant Principal, and Board of Education was hired by or elected by the people here in this town. Therefore, apparently they were hired/elected for thier ability to make decissions in reference to the kids. Why are they being bashed for something once again "the parents allowed the kids to do"? Are we to hold the school personnel responsible for what the kids do after hours, on weekends and during the summer? When do we as a community or society start holding the parents & kids responsible for their actions and stop trying to pass the buck or blame everyone else? - Just Asking

Great idea , Mayor !
We need hiking and biking trails in our little city !
I wish Tallassee was more bicycle friendly . It would be nice to be able to run local errands by bike , rather burning precious gas ! - Glenn Dean

I'm sorry to disagree on this issue but is my belief that we should not spend a penny on things like this until we have opened up the new Rec Center. Believe me, I know this is only my opinion and that we are all entitled to one but we have been talking about this forever it seems. I also understand that 200k doesn't even begin to put a dent in the cost of this project. My point is simply this. I think that most would agree that the new Rec Center would do more for the people of Tallassee in all age groups than any other single project we could pursue. I think that every dime we can secure should be put towards this project until it is realized. Again,I know that the amount of money talked about here is a very small percentage of funding needed but I also know that nothing can ever be finished if it hasn't been started - Jimmy Bright

Awesome idea on the bike trail! I wish they would make a non-paved biking trail and a smaller paved walking/bike trail. Wetumpka draws quite a crowd with Swayback trail and it would be so nice to have somewhere else to ride. I just hope it is approved! - Justin

I think this is very UNNECESSARY! What a waste of money...how much revenue/tourism has the riverwalk brought in? The city can't even take care of the places that we have already. Anyone been to the Funtastic Fort or the Pool? I agree that this money should be placed towards the new rec center if possible. How many families would actually go and ride their bicycles for this trail?! Maybe they should do a public opinion vote and see what the citizens say.
Just my opinion! - Kelli Burt

Bike Trail??? What idiot came up with this? One of the biggest waste of money I've ever heard of. That's just another thing to add to the list that will not be kept up. We have a run down Funtastic Fort that is so nasty you can't even take your children to. We have a Swimming pool that is run down and the building looks like it's about to fall in. We have a Rec. Center that used to be an Armory that is run down. We have the ball park by the swimming pool that needs a new concession stand building an bathrooms. And I'm sure alot more things that I'm not aware of. Seems to me Tallassee needs to take what money they get and fix up or rebuild what we have. This is just "MY" opinion - Ashley

People in our town are always thinking of ways to help our wonderful town and if you attended the dance recital Saturday night you would know what our town really needs. We need a place large enough that everyone can get in the room that wants to see their child, grandchild, niece, friends, etc. People were standing outside and some left. It was hot standing in the back of the auditorium which was about 5 people deep. We arrived at the auditorium at 6:30 and it was already full and the program did not start until 7. I am not saying anyone did anything wrong because the recital was wonderful. The room was not large enough to accommodate the crowd. So when talking about things our town needs, please remember the parents and friends who need a large comfortable cool room for dance recitals, etc. - Concerned Citizen

I had a Dance Recital Saturday at the Opelika High School Auditorium. They had so many students they had to schedule some for Sunday afternoon. Sounds like we have a good group and a good turn out for these events. What maybe we need is to divide up into age groups at different time and different days. Maybe a Friday night and Saturday night event. It works for Dixie Youth Baseball with limited fields - Donald Ray Hornsby

I agree with one of the other commenters, that the recital might need to be split up into multiple nights and afternoons, but you have to consider the cost of doing that. I was talking to one of the people who helped set up and take down props for the show, and was shocked to find out that the dance studio has to pay the school system $1,000 a day for use of the auditorium. I was told the could not even clean up or wait to take down the props for the show until Sunday morning because they were told it would cost an additional $1000 for another day's use. I would say most all of these young people are students in the Tallassee school system. I just think that $1000 a day is a little excessive, I know that the dance studio is a seperate business and is charging the parents of the dancers a monthly fee, but that still seems a bit high. Plus on top of the daily fee they have to pay a school official to be there anytime they are there, set up, rehersal, clean up, etc. - D J Elmore

In regards to the comment about the cost to rent the school for performances. I am not sure where you heard those numbers from and who set those restrictions, but that is INCORRECT. I am amazed at how people come up with these things without knowing the facts. The Board of Education will glady provide the breakdown of the costs and the numbers that were thrown out are no where near what was mentioned. Go by and pick it up and you will see for yourself. The price to rent the facility is cheap compared to what others pay. Thankfully the school allows for others in the community to utilize their facilities or they would have to rent somewhere like the Davis Theater in Montgomery, which would cost an arm and a leg.

I assume that those numbers were thrown out there as for the reason that there was only one show and to make the school look bad. I agree that if that was the actual cost to rent it would be ridiculous, but I know for a fact that is not the case - Don't always believe what you hear

I've heard that several officers are dispatched from tallassee to aide around tuscaloosa to help as security during this awful time. Have you heard the same? If this is true then I think you should cover it. These officers and the city as well deserves recognition for their assistance and aide. Thanks! - Anne

While I think it is an absolutely wonderful thing that the couple from Tallassee is adopting displaced animals from the storm in Tuscaloosa and greatly applaud their efforts, it disappoints me that this story gets so much attention while the suffering of animals in our own town goes ignored time after time. I know it is easy to ban together in a time of tragedy and jump on the band wagon of these "feel good" stories. But what about the other 11 months out of the year when our community isn't facing a natural disaster but rather one in our own backyards: the neglect and abuse of Tallassee’s companion animals. Do our citizens even know we have a pound behind the city shops where they can go to adopt animals picked up on the very streets of Tallassee? These animals are most likely in more deplorable conditions and in more desperate needs of homes right now than the puppies from Tuscaloosa. You can be just as much of a humanitarian by helping these starved, ugly, flea-ridden, and forgotten about dogs or cats. I am not in any way trying to belittle the fine service the Hornsbys are doing, for I too have had a heart for the animal victims of the storms; however, I do not want people to forget that we have our own animal crisis in this city that needs to be addressed, yet keeps getting cast aside by our city officials...which brings me to another point. Mayor McCain, what happened to the funds that were relinquished to the city from the Tallassee Humane Society which you assured us would be put back into animal welfare for the city? I have yet to hear a report on that or to see a full time animal control officer hired, so I assume you fabricated a story to quell us simple minded folk who you probably thought would not follow up on it. Well, sir, it's been on my mind, and I\'m sure others who donated their money would also like to know what has become of it, especially considering it was no small sum. Finally, I wonder how many of these Tuscaloosa pups will end up as victims twice when on down the line they are found roaming the streets of Tallassee, in the pound, or worst of all, chained up and starving - Joni Carr

Joni, I was told the Tallassee Humane Society closed up shop. We were looking for a dog to rescue a few months back and was looking for one locally and when we checked on it, we were told Tallasse no longer has a Humane Society. Could someone tell me if this is true? We were first told it was behind the old National Guard Armory, but could not find it and that's when we asked and were told it had shut down. Tks - Ann C

Ann,

You are correct: the Tallassee Humane Society no longer exists. However, there is a city pound that is rather inconspicuously housed behind the armory where the city shops are. If you did not know it was there, you would not be able to find it (thus reiterating my point made on my prior comment). The Elmore Co. Humane Society has now contracted with the city of Tallassee to take our animals from this pound to their facility. There is absolutely no structure to the pound, as I have walked back there on my own free will to check on the conditions of the animals (as you can imagine are usually pretty deplorable) or for a lost one. I suppose you could \"adopt\" one from there, but I assume the proper channels now would be to go through the ECHS. It\'s sad that you wanted to try to help a local animal and couldn\'t even figure out how...just a testament to our fine leadership of this town. You could always do like I do and offer $20 to a person who has a dog chained up and completely neglected in their back yard. There are plenty of those poor animals in this town and once you throw money into the equation, you are then speaking their language.

Also as I referenced in my previous comment, when the Tallassee Humane Society dissolved, we relinquished all funds to the city to aid in the hiring of a full time animal control officer. While I'm not trying to point an accusing finger, I would like to see a follow up report on that transaction and where those funds are now as we were promised - Joni

This is great news! I am glad to see these young men getting a chance at the next level. Morgan was a great addition to Tallassee athletics - Jen Jen

It is so sad that people come into our homes in Cottage Hill and across the street to take what isn't theirs. There are families in 3 of the 4 houses in our neighborhood with young children. We have all installed security systems and have a neighborhood watch now. Sorry that Taylor Gin was burglarized, we have to make this stop.

All these new cop cars need to patrol as much as possible in that area, if not just for vandals and thiefs, but also for speeding violations! - Sarah Cobb

I guess the people who have been so critical of the city buying new police cars can back up and eat crow knowing that drug raid money is defraying the cost of these veheicles. Also for info purposes the pickup truck was paid for from tickets written in the city and not drawn from the general fund.

What time on Thursday do the interviews start? Quite a few parents interested in attending and there has not been a time publicized yet. Hopefully there are still thoughts of Head Coach and Director being separated, that was discussed at one time. Along with that hopefully the position of Director will be kept within. We have very good Coaches on staff that truly care about the community, athletes and school, know more about Tallassee. Thank you - Laurie Rygiel

Where do Donnie Smith, Brad Waggoner, Corey Collier and Mark Pemberton coach now? I don't recognize any of those names.

We know the guys from Tallassee....

Mark Pemberton at a Catholic HS in Knoxville, TN

http://www.knoxnews.com/videos/detail/catholic-coach-mark-pemberton-championship-team/

Copy link above and you can hear him talk about his team after a championship season.

Corey Collier has coached 2 years at Columbia High in Huntsville, AL
http://www.parkesnet.org/columbia/coaches (link to view his bio)

Brad Waggoner was at Pike County and Luverne. Currently at Chattooga HS in Georgia.

Donnie Smith was recently at Dale County. He spent one season there.

Just one question....

Where is Foshee? Did he withdraw? What happened? - Tonto's Uncle

If we want a coach to stay...as we were told is a high priority then how could this be a candidate worth interviewing?

From dothaneagle.com
It’s Smith’s ninth coaching stop since 2000, including fourth as a head coach — Sweet Water (2001) and Daleville (couple of months after 2005 season) and Headland twice (2004-05, 2007-09).

Pemberton - The classic guy that blew it up in private school ball and then tried to go public and found out what football was all about in the real world.

Smith - He must interview very well is all I can say. Looks like Sweet Water pegged the guy from the get go and they know good football and canned him.

Collier - Not sure about this guys credentials, not much to go on here. Columbia?

Waggoner - Hop scotch anyone? He'd be gone in the blink of an eye when the going gets tough. That is clear to see.

The Tallassee Trio - This is setting up to be one of these guy's opportunity. It's just a matter of which one. I'd hate to be on the committee and tell the other two 'why' if they asked. I just hope they do well because it is going to be tough - Sam Bosture

They are seriously interviewing someone with a 21-62 record, and only one win last year? Seriously?

Did Matt Johnson, Will Solomon, or any other Reeltown boys not make it.... aww too bad! I was tired of hearing about Reeltown coaches at Tallassee, even around town.

The outside candidates have either losing records or look like job jumpers. For there to have been 100 applicants, I would hate to see what the other 90 or so looked like.

This looks like a hot seat list if you ask me (not the 3 Tallassee guys), and heck Smith is already out in Dale County. Who is his friend in Tallassee?

Maybe we need to have some outside consulting and scrap this list. Who was that guy you had on Michael that volunteered to help us in this search? - Larry the Dump Truck

Talk about completely underwhelming... 0-10 is staring that program in the face - Confounded Tiger

We need to support whoever is chosen as head football coach. People face it, coaches move around and that's never going to change. That happens at every single level of football. I would like to see us get a good young football coach that wants to continue what Coach Dollar has done here. Grant it, he may not be here forever but I would much rather have someone who has goals of where they want to go and one who is willing to work their tail off for Tallassee than to have someone who just wants to make Tallassee home. I am not real familiar with the names on this list but I know a couple of those guys have won and are very highly thought of - Tim Stowers

In one of the opinions about the next coach some football expert that didn't put his name with his opinion laughingly mentioned Will Solomon and Matt Johnson. Put your J.V. record up against Coach Solomon's. Reeltown J.V. only has 1 loss in about 5 yrs. You can't say that about your J.V. team. And why would Matt Johnson want to leave Andalusia where he's making a name for himself as a defensive coach. In Andalusia the coaches are able to coach without parental interference. Can Tallasse do that? I rest my case - Tony Prescott

you better be looking for a coach who wants to win instead of a coach who wants to make tallassee his home. if an outsider is named head coach, the assistants better step up and be team players, or their tails should be fired. i would like to think the current assistants will do what's right regardless. i understand that a lot of people want the home town boy, but let's go after the best available.if a homer is the best, then hire him.

tallassee's problem is too many daddys want to tell the coaches how to coach, so maybe it's best we look outside. it's time parents sit down and let their kids play and have fun. the only people bringing drama to the football program are daddys and mommas and the kids are the victims.

i know my opinion isn't very popular, but if the coaches could be honest, they would tell you the same thing. they have to keep their mouths shut or they will be run out of town too - rhett dennis

Dearest Tony P -

Coach Solomon's JV team plays what kind of schedule? Don't be silly. This is not apples and oranges.

He is not ready for a head coaching spot and he knows it. That is why he and many others have gotten comfortable under Jackie's wing for several years. Jackie is a great coach (in small classification football albeit) make no mistake about that, but to start pumping somebody up over some JV record is simply asinine.

They don't play Tallassee and that is fortunate for them. If you think otherwise then you are living in a fantasy world there Mr. P. Reeltown is much smaller and they would get their butts handed to them by Tallassee. I'm sure Solomon will have you believe otherwise, but again don't be silly.

Go ahead and pull out yor record book and show us how Reeltown has done this and that against Tallassee. Those days have passed us by and Phil Lindsey is long gone. Our program is in much better shape now - Jeff Douglas

Why not Will Solomon? I know he has coached at our cross town rival for close to 20 years but at least he knows what it is like to have winning seasons and Championships, something we are not use to here in Tallassee. Then again, why would he come to school that is not known for football. Oh Well, hope for the best, another two year wonder that promotes muscle growth substances to our kids - Tiger Til Death

Dearest Jeff D. To not consider a won loss record is asinine. Has your J.V. team been successful in your classification? I'm not pumping anybody up for the Tallassee coaching job. But to say Reeltown coaches are inferior shows youe expertice. You play schools in your class. It doesn't matter if you are 2A or 5A. Matt Johnson was mentioned in the article I was reffering to. Have any of your candidates played at the college level? Daddy ball doesn't count. And I believe the last 2 times Tallassee and Reeltown played y'all lost both games. Like you said that was in the past so that doesn't count. You don't judge a coaches accomplishments by how big the school is. If you do that you would have to go back to when Coach O'Brien was there to claim success. But again that is in the past - Tony P

Was at the ball game last night and several people were talking about how impressive one of the guys that interviewed Friday was? Anyone know who it was? This came from several people who attended interviews. They said the guy was very straightforward and you could tell he had a major passion for what he did. I look forward to the decision this week.....Go Tallassee - Clay Boyd, Class of 1971

My brother will probably chew me out about this but I'm tired of hearing about him and Tallassee. He is an excellent math teacher whose students' scores are some of the top in the state. Ask any parent whose child has been in his class and that parent will tell you what a good teacher he is. Reeltown is his home now; his wife teaches first grade and his children attend school there. He always introduces himself as a math teacher first and then a coach. He has not applied for the job at Tallassee; as a new teacher fresh out of Troy he did apply for a math teaching job and an assistant coaching position at Tallassee and although they told him he had a job in reality he didn't. The former administration basically lied to him. The week after he found out he had been lied to, he found out about an opening at Reeltown and was hired almost immediately. Why would he leave a tenured position, a place he loves with a coaching staff who are truly a band of brothers? Not everyone wants to teach or coach at a big school. And his students love and depend on him. A junior high coach is the one who teaches future varsity players the fundamentals and prepares them to step up their game when they become a member of the varstiy team. A friend once told me you have to get 25 miles away from home before someone will take you seriously in your field of choice and I think he was right. Will hasn't gone quite 25 miles from here but I guess he went far enough. Tallassee is a great community but so is Reeltown. Why not keep the rivalry on the field? You don't have to hate Tallassee and love Reeltown or hate Reeltown and love Tallassee. You can love both places. And guess what? There's more to life than high school football. We will see if everyone who is so hyped up about the new football coach will be as hyped up about the next superintendent, who, by the way, makes an exorbitant salary for such a small system. My brother, whose great uncles played under "Hot" O'Brien and whose cousins played during a dry spell in the 1970's, played under Ronnie Baynes and Woody Weaver, and Coach Baynes taught all us Methodists in Sunday school. Those two men helped mold my brother into a fine young adult, and teaching and coaching at Reeltown has molded him into a fine man. I would pit his brains and his coaching ability against anyone. That being said, I have great respect and admiration for the three young men from Tallassee (and in the head coaching world they are relatively young), and I wish them well and would love to see one of them hired. But it's not up to any of us.

I am born and raised in Tallassee and have been a supporter of Tallassee Football going on 30 years. I have attended all interviews to this point. I love our 3 hometown guys but they are not ready to be the head coach. We need someone who has been in that position and understands what goes on with the budgets, the administration part, and there is so much more than being a football coach. To answer the question of Clay, without naming the coaches name, there was one on Friday that in my opinion separated himself from everyone. I think we need someone that wants to be here but one that wants to interact in this community. I saw this candidate back at our scrimmage game Friday with his wife and what I was impressed with is he not only answered the interview questions, he explained and basically told us more.. Anyways, I look forward to whoever is chosen and I look forward to football. We are gonna be young and inexperienced in spots but I trust the new coach will begin the rebuilding phase - Tiger Fan

I am the mother of a daughter who is an upcoming cheerleader and has a son who will be a sophomore on football team. I did attend attend the interviews Friday as well and know exactly which candidate you are talking about. I met his wife at the scrimmage and you could just tell they are very low key and use to small town life. I don't anything about football and to be honest I was at the interviews just to see who my son might be playing for but I do see character and do see someone that is doing what they love to do for the right reasons. Tallassee is a great place and I look forward to seeing our sports program move forward. Go Tigers! - Susan

Looks like the new coach will have a new quarterback in Jed Carter - Brandon Graham

This is getting almost as much press as the Cam Newton investigation. Let me say this up front. I have a lot of friends in Tallassee. My son played Dixie Youth and Babe Ruth baseball in Tallassee several years ago. I have friends that interviewed for the job so I'm not blasting Tallassee. I was asked why Matt Johnson didn't get an interview. Matt did not apply for the job. He is my nephew and I was visiting him in Andalusia Sat. And he couldn't believe the gossip about him applying. He is at a great school at Andalusia and is very happy there. I just wanted to clear up the rumor and the negativity toward Reeltown coaches. Does the one dishing out the negative remarks realize tha the "Tallassee Trio" either graduated at Reeltown or played at Reeltown? - T.P.

Who will be the qb in 2011. I didn't attend the spring game but I listened on radio and heard good things about both Carter and Baynes. Where was Henderson? - Tiger Time

We know the guys from Tallassee....

Well now its simple. Pemberton pulled out. That leaves 6. I have been to every interview and there is no question that that the Waggoner guy should be the head coach. If what the Times put is correct he has been a head coach for the last 6 years and is 43-24 and been to playoffs 5 years and the quarterfinals one of those years. If there was gonna be one on staff to be chosen to be head coach it would not be any of the guys that interviewed. Jared is the only one on staff that could do this job plain and simple.I am not sure why he did;nt apply. If Pemberton waited until today to pull out than I am glad we did not get him. He had the most experience of the applicants but for some reason he backed out... Well good luck to the final six and my opinion means nothing - Tiger Fan Class of 1971

Dr. Jeffers.... This is not a hard decision at all. You know that the guys on staff are not ready to be a head football coach. This job is not for a first time head coach plain and simple. I could understand if Jared had wanted it. Surely, you and the rest on that committee will see that this position needs to be someone from the outside. I have been involved in Tallassee Athletics for almost 40 years as a player, a parent, a booster, and a proud supporter. While I love our coaches here, it would be a major mistake to just hire from within. I was able to attend the interviews but have been in touch with people who have and they feel that we need to go outside as well. Please do not do the political thing... Do the right thing - Ken Class of 1970

Dearest Tony -

You speak out of both sides of your mouth. In your latest drivel, your smoothing techniques are hypocritical.

1)In your first rendition, you inquire about a coach being able to coach at Tallassee without parental interference. Is that not a jab or blast (your terminology) at Tallassee? How do you know so much about Tallassee football and parental interference? Are you there or are you simply going off of heresay?

2)You defend what you term as 'dishing out negative remarks' with your own negative remarks. How hypocritical is that?

3) You jab at Tallassee's JV record versus Reeltown's JV record. Is that not a blast? Oh you're not doing that I forgot. You have friends in Tallassee and Reeltown did not have a youth baseball league years ago and it was good enough for Matt then. You are like the rest of us on here, you are full of it too, it's just that yours is blue and gray.

Of course someone is going to respond to you negatively. Follow Will at Reeltown and Matt at Andalusia and interject your thoughts to them. I'm sure they'll love to here your blasting of Tallassee, but oh that's not what you are doing right? You are totally laughable and hypocritcal.

Go back and review who made this a Reeltown versus Tallassee thing. And Matt and Will are involved in a career where sometimes they need some big boy pants to be able to take a little criticism. Be like them and just move on and let it be. You truly have no concern about the Tallassee job other than to blast and smooth just because you feel like someone was taking a jab at your precious, revered coaches. I am sure you have no personal bias though just like the rest of us on here - Jeff Douglas

Dearest Jeff D. If that is your name. Nobody seems to know you. But I can't hold that against them. You talk about talking out of the both sides of my mouth. Yes Matt and my son played Dixie Youth in Tallassee. We now have a Dixie Youth team and because we win they want us to put our boys in the draft. Go figure this is my last comment on Tallassee. It's obvious you are one of those that stand on the sideline and pretend to know sports. I'm tired of battling wits with an unarmed man. Stick to Daddy Ball. Oh I know this is in the past, but our Reeltown Coaches win championships with our young men. Even our little girls sofftball won every league but one. Call me next time y'all win a çhampionship - Tony [ my real name ]

Maybe our board of education will vote down Jeffers and this dang committee.. Thectalk this morning is they are going to hire one of the Tallassee guys which is not only a bad decision but is plain stupid. Board Members if you want to get reelected you better vote against Jeffers. Ask people who were at the interviews! - Clay

I have to totally disagree, I think there are some great coaches on staff. Football is maybe 20% X's and O's and 80% of getting the kids to buy in to what you as a coach are trying to do; thats in the weightroom, on the field, and general philosophy and discipline. I think there are some coaches on staff that can sale to these kids and be successful. The thing is, now days with parents the way they are with sports, you have to also sell it to the house hold because whatever kids hear at home will reflect their performance in anything being discussed; which leads to no buy in and no success. So you all who are coming on websites and forums bashing coaches and leadership positions; check your own eye. If you have an issue with someone approach them in an orderly manner, like we are supposed to be teaching our kids to do - Irrelevant

Wow...correct me if i'm wrong but isn't it common knowledge that the guys on staff ran the team without a head coach last year? To say that one of them CAN'T do it would be "stupid"...UMM they already did - clay's counterpart

Tony how do we know that is your name? I can play that game too. It is funny that you want to know about me and have asked around. I'm indiffernt towards you so I have not bothered asking around about your identity. That is funny though, too bad you're moving on.

I simply had to point out your hypocrisies. When you were called out, your true colors (don't be afraid to let them show) came shining through with even more blasts towards Tallassee. Why did you feel like you had to cover up your true intentions? So basically you and your son 'settled' for Tallassee daddy ball because Reeltown was not an option at the time? And he became a good coach despite being exposed to Tallassee daddy ball, amazing huh?

Enjoyed your latest blasts towards Tallassee as well about championships. Oh but you have friends in Tallassee and blasting our community is not your intent. Yeah, I'd stop too if I were you. It's hard to cover up lies when you can simply scroll back up and read all of your contradictive statements. And hey, I enjoy blasting the feeble-minded. You will be missed.

(Go back and read this with Cyndi Lauper's, True Colors playing in the backgroud, it's quite entertaining.....) - Jeff Douglas

There is no such thing as a single "Greatest Generation". All generations are great.

Oh and BTW if you think CNN is a conservative news source you really are off your rocker further than I originally thought - D J Elmore

Simple question Glenn;

Do you percieve our country as a demoracy or a republic?? - D J Elmore

We are a republic . In a democracy everything is majority rule . We use the democratic process to elect leaders , then the elected make laws for us. In theory , they are suppose to do the will of the people , but at the same time protect the rights of the minority.

hey ray hall i will pry for jimmey glaind every day ok by - charlotte franklyn

I wanna hear more about this 'woo woo'..... Do you think we could have an adult book readin' like they do for the lilluns? - Ben Glean

Can you interview the Post Master in Tallassee to see if Tallassee is losing any jobs are service.

The U.S. Postal Service has sent reduction-in-force notices to administrative employees to prepare them for future downsizing. The notices went out last week with little fanfare.

Postal officials earlier this year outlined plans to restructure the postal workforce and cut 7,500 jobs, including 20 percent of the administrative workforce and 10 percent of the postmaster jobs. The agency on April 28 sent general notices to administrative employees at headquarters and at other facilities who could be affected by reduction-in-force procedures - Donald Ray Hornsby

I totally agree with the comment on april 19th regarding hiring Will Solomon as Tallassee's next head coach. I also recommend Randy Osteen as assistant coach. So what if they work at Reeltown, they're alma mater is at Tallassee. I mean really if your'e not going to hire within that's as close as you can get. We are not playing pro ball here as soom try to make it out to be. It needs to be fun for these boys. OF course we all want to win but it is almost impossible to come out a winner from the begginning. I would love to see Coach EASon named TAllassees head football coach. I mean think about it he was a superb athlete in baseball and football at Eclectic. Maybe the new coaches should be Jason Eason head coach, Will Soloman, asst. head coach and Randy osteen asst. coach. Think about it you got eclectic and reeltown. go tigers go!

Will Solomon, Randy O'Steen and Eason for HC candidates.

Tallassee wives, please leave the football decisions to others.

PLEASE administrators go outside the system and find the BEST candidate, not A candidate - Laughing his butt off Tiger

There already is a system and a set of laws in place for pawn shops, just like you described. Anytime some thing is stolen, and reported to the police it goes into a NCIS database that the pawn shops have to check every time something is pawned. The problem is, when was the last time you recorded the serial number to your television? And if did you did record it, did the records get blown away? - M. Hunt

Even though its against Christian teaching to wish ill on anybody , I'm not saying anything .

However there were some interesting facts on CNN ,a conservative news source , last night , concerning Bin Ladens death .
Bin Laden killed more Muslims than Americans .
Sucide bombers are strictly forbidden in Islamic Law .
The vast majority of Muslims are as happy as we are to see Him dead .
The Muslim leader who is attempting to rebuild his mosque , blocks from Ground Zero is happy that we finally killed Bin Laden , He was interviewed .
The only demonstrations against what we did , are in ,,, Pakistan .
We pay millions of dollars a year to Pakistan in foriegn aid .

We cannot wish tornadoes on Pakistan , but we can cutoff our tax dollars going to them and put them on the terrorist countries watch list .

As I have tried to say all along , the average Muslim isn't looking for trouble , they are not sucide bombers , they are simply people trying to
earn a living and get on with their lives , just like the rest of us - Glenn Dean

Hey Glenn this article sounds like more of the "peaceful" Islamist you were talking about!!

HUNDREDS of Osama bin Laden supporters clashed with English Defence League extremists today as a “funeral service” for the assassinated terror leader sparked fury outside London’s US Embassy.

Police stepped in to separate the chanting groups amid threats of violence from both sides.

US leaders were branded “murderers” by radicals, who warned vengeance attacks were “guaranteed” and shouted: "USA, you will pay."

Protesters carried signs declaring 'Islam will dominate the world' and Jihad to defend the Muslims' as well as banners attacking the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The pro-bin Laden 'funeral' took place as relatives of the 7/7 terror attack on London - which claimed 52 lives - wept at the inquest into the atrocity just three miles away.

It was organised by controversial preacher Anjem Choudary, who told reporters after the 'service' that America had created a new generation of Islamic terrorists - D J Elmore

DJ, you just showed how easy it is to stereotype. Believe it or not, ALL of the Muslims who believe in this "jihad" are radicals. Everyone who who was out there chanting, are radicals, and ill informed. Not everyone who practices Islam is a radical.

Just like how not to long ago, Christianity dominated most of the world( I think it still does), and a vast number of people died because of it, all of those people were ill informed and radicals too.

The fact is, more people have died in the name of religion than ANY other cause throughout history. That does not make all of any religion murderers, or evil, or anything else.

As it seams to me, we would be better off not claiming any religion, but just recognizing that there is a higher power out there, who controls all against the wishes of any group. When was the last time you heard of an agnostic trying to kill someone for not believing the way they do? Yet history is riddled with it from Jews, to Christians, to Muslims, to Satanists.

Damnation if you do, Damnation if you don't - Not Glenn Dean

The Islam Religious leaders have no control over the Extremist . Just like Christian Leaders have no control over the group that protest at soldiers funerals .

Common standards prevent chaos in a society. A common language, providing for critical communication, is the glue for the society to prevent its fragmentation. Great observations, Jim! - Ray Hall

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