Joe The Coach; My View Of Sports

I am really sorry that I haven't had an article in the last few editions of the Parma Observer, but I was taken seriously ill and had to be admitted to the Parma Hospital on DEC.2,2010, where I had to spend a couple of days in the Intensive Care Unit. From what I have been told, it seems that it was "touch and go" for awhile. Thanks to the quick response by Parma Fire Department medics, I made it to the hospital, but I don't remember the ride. I had also taken a fall earlier that day which aggravated some of the old injuries in my back, and now I am being told by my therapists that I will probably have to walk with a quad cane for the rest of this beatup old body's life. I can tell from my therapy sessions that it will take some time. Enough about me though; I chose Football and Wrestling in college, and yes moms' out there, I would do it all again!

Unfortunately, I missed the end of the football season and all of the Wrestling season, but I certainly wish to thank all of the students in the Parma Schools for working so very hard to be able to field teams, and all Band Members, Cheerleaders, etc. that put in their money and time: you students are great!. These are not the only sports teams that need to be thanked, but also Basketball, Volleyball, Cross-Country, and any others that I can't remember right now- thanks to each and every one of you!

The really very unfortunate situation concerning the School Sports programs, I believe, is that it looks like you and I will have to start all over again to fund these programs and to bring back the scholastic programs that were also cut. A new levy will be voted on in May, and whether it passes or not, the funds would not be able to be collected for months. Think of this; if the levy does not pass, the state may very well take control of our school system, which will not be a good situation. Our founding fathers based our country on a strong local system, not state control, and I am fairly certain that one of the first things that the state will do is put another levy on the ballot. Well, where do we go from here? We had better be prepared to find the funding for all of the programs that were cut last year. Please do not tell me that all of the old people always vote it down. I am a retired teacher on a fixed income and I have always voted for the levies, and please, do not bring up the 400 million dollars that the Federal Government is going to contribute. How much of that money will the Parma City Schools get? Maybe 1 million, and that may be enough for one year for the restoration of scholastic programs which were dropped, and very well that they should be restored. I hope that they will not be controlled by the Federal Government. Remember again, our founding fathers wanted strong local control. We must get back our athletic and extra curricular activities- They are a valuable part of preparing our children for adult life, especially when it comes to instilling a good work ethic.

Again, enough about history lessons. I see that this weekend the sectional wrestling and swimming tournaments start. The wrestling teams will start off at North Royalton, and the top four in each weight class will advance then to Mentor for the sectional tournament. The first round starts on Friday, 5:00 PM. Hockey has already started at the Brooklyn Recreation Center Rink; I have not seen bowling and swimming listed yet. Boys and Girls Basketball should be starting soon too. Remember that all of these student athletes have supported themselves and their programs. Good luck to all of you! Please know that at least one old coach, teacher, and former athlete wishes you well,

I know that much of this article did not focus on talking about student athletes, but I felt that it was important to address retired citizens like you and me. I would love to hear from you.

Joe Finding  440-886-5136       COACHJOE61@COX.NET