Letters to the Editor 03-23-2006
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Ogle Successful - Spoiled Kids - Sports Support - America's Leaders - Basketball Roles
Ogle Successful
Editor, Times-Union:I'm going on the assumption that most people in this community were disgusted by Dale Hubler's article "What's wrong with Tiger Basketball?" in the Saturday morning edition of the Times-Union. What are his credentials to so publicly criticize and scrutinize a man of Doug Ogle's stature?
Over the past six years my wife has had the privilege of teaching all three of Coach Ogle's daughters at the elementary level. Six years ago, Doug Ogle was a man I only knew and respected as a basketball coach. He is now a man I admire as a father, a husband, a Christian leader, and a man with irrefutable character and integrity. I have seen first hand the values and character he instills in his home and into the young men he leads onto the basketball court. The fact that someone who has never played or coached the game of basketball would insinuate that Coach Ogle "mistreated or lied" to his players is an absolute disgrace.
I would argue Coach Ogle has been quite successful in leading Tiger basketball. I assume a lot of coaches in 4A basketball would not be ashamed of a 60.2-winning percentage with a sectional and conference championship over the past four years. Unfortunately, the advent of class basketball has changed the landscape of Indiana High School basketball. Warsaw is not beating 2A and 3A schools for sectional and regional championships anymore. How many 2A and 3A schools has Warsaw dropped from its regular season schedule the past few years to pick up teams they would likely face in a 4A tournament run? The NLC Conference Championship in 2004 was won in arguably the best mixed-class basketball conference in the state. Wawasee, NorthWood and Plymouth all have made deep state tournament runs in their respective classes the past few years. The fact that Warsaw and Concord do not dominate the NLC conference as they once did in the '80s and '90s is simply due to the considerable improvement of the conference. We all watched a Warsaw team struggle to find its identity this year. Ultimately, the players came together as a unit, accepted their roles and put together a great run at the end of the season that culminated with the sectional title. The success we watched at the end of this season was accomplished through leadership from the top down, leadership from Doug Ogle.
Dale, I understand you were only writing an opinion column, but your opinion is among the minority in this town. The head basketball position in a town like Warsaw will always be scrutinized, deservedly so. What the subscribers to the Times-Union do not deserve to pay for is a man pushing his own personal agenda in a futile attempt to discredit a man with Doug Ogle's credentials. Doug Ogle is the man who needs to continue leading Tiger basketball and he undoubtedly has the majority of this community's support.
Matt Dick, via e-mail
Warsaw
Spoiled Kids
Editor, Times-Union:I can assure Warsaw that the problem with Tiger basketball is not the coach.
I would attribute it to the laziness of spoiled kids. I played under Coach Ogle at Edgewood Middle School and had an undefeated season in football. The following year with the same players and a new coach, we suffered two losses. I think you can look at his previous records as a coach and know that he knows what he is doing and can motivate players who want to play. The Plumlees may be talented, but maybe they are lazy. Parents who make comments like those of Mr. Plumlee have spoiled their kids and made them think negatively about a coach instead of having some loyalty to a program and being a man.
I think the article about Shaun Cabrera is one that the Plumlee boys should look at and take to heart. It's not lack of talent or lack of coaching, its lack of loyalty to a program and people and worst of all to themselves. They are not professionals and do not get paid to play, if they choose to move elsewhere so they can get more "exposure," that is their prerogative. If they choose to move because they don't believe in Coach Ogle or don't want to play for him, they should be ineligible to play anywhere else. If you quit on a coach because of one season, what is going to happen when they don't have a good season? If they make it to college, are they going to cry to daddy and want to transfer to another program? What daddy says about coach in college will be dismissed as ridiculous and would never make it to print! Who cares what he thinks? He obviously needs to teach his boys to be men first and athletes second. Things aren't as easy in college, and maybe they don't have the talent and heart you think they do.
I would think you are of similar character of Mr. Plumlee and his sons by your comments. Do you follow Warsaw basketball or the politics that go with it? It's like the fan whose favorite team is the team that happened to win the championship that year. You probably like the Steelers don't you?
Justin Dwyer, via e-mail
Serving overseas
Sports Support
Editor, Times-Union:I, too, found myself disappointed with Dale Hubler's article regarding the Tiger boys basketball program.
I find it more disappointing that it was deemed necessary to use a public forum like the newspaper to present a position that will only prove divisive and volatile. While I defend Mr. Hubler's position of freedom of speech, I believe that same exercise in freedom could have been as easily utilized in the form of a phone call to the head coach before seeking a ground swell of support that stops just short of calling for the dismissal of a coach based on a win-loss record.
Why does the outcry stop at the boys basketball program? Do we believe that the only talent capable of winning a state championship resides in those students that can dribble and shoot? Why not the same outcry in golf, football, soccer, baseball, etc.?
The fact is that our point of reference resides from a memory of Indianapolis that is more than two decades removed. Much has changed since then. What has changed the most is that in '84 we were a community united. We rallied. We supported. What has changed is that level of support. All of our athletes deserve our best. Regardless of gender or sport, they need to know we stand behind them in victory or defeat. Likewise, our coaches deserve no less.
They, like our athletes, sacrifice their time, their families and themselves because, they believe, as we should, that there is a state champion in each and every one of those young men and women. Perhaps if we showed that kind of character and support to our student athletes as well as our coaches, we may find ourselves making more than just one trip to Indianapolis every two decades.
Chris A. Owens, via e-mail
Warsaw
America's Leaders
Editor, Times-Union:There are no good losers among politicians, not even on an issue that all sides are wrong about. Only the people pay for there errors.
I said sides, not individuals. The sides I refer to is our political party system. The all-knowing politicians are at each other just a bit stronger this time pertaining to Iraq. Truth is, they wouldn't recognize a snake if it were having cocktails with them and they were spouting off with their unknowing, uneducated ability to set up a non-faction democratic government in Iraq. How can our elected leaders ever expect this to happen when they are in total denial of the rapid collapse of our own political system vision, i.e. (factions) Democrats vs. Republicans! This ongoing fight for power must stop, or be removed like the cancer it is. All we, "the working class people" hear is the same old bull day after day. Our elected officials expect from the newly formed Iraqi government the things that are necessary for a democracy to live and grow, while practicing at 180 degrees and showing the entire world that we ourselves cannot function as one people. It is bankrupting our people, remember we are the nation.
According to the Constitution of The United States, we still are. It is only the fat-cat politicians that live like kings in our system and the rest of us suffer and pay the cost of their arrogant errors day by day. People, this country of ours will not be leader of the free world much longer if we don't correct the wrong in our government.
Our elected officials are self-serving and care not for you and me. They are on such a power trip that they soar way above the issues of our nation and it's truly decaying foundation. If there were a way to actually let the people rule through their elected officials, we just might make it back to where we were before the start of the collapse in the year 1960. Do your part. Call, write, e-mail your officials and tell them what you expect. See if any change occurs.
We are in big trouble from within, and if they that are leading us continue to police themselves, there will be only the end of our nation. Remember that other nations watch closely at the turmoil in our government and have the absolute right to say that it is bad and wrong. "The truth shall set you free," I hope it can save our nation. Do your part!
Jonathan R Mauk, via e-mail
Warsaw
Basketball Roles
Editor, Times-Union:As a Tiger basketball player, I had the honor of playing for both Coach Rhodes and Coach Ogle. Having been the only player to start at the varsity level for both coaches, I feel qualified and compelled to share some observations of my own.
First of all, Coach Rhodes is an exceptional individual. In my experience as an athlete, including the collegiate level, no one has shown more dedication, preparation or knowledge than he. Furthermore, he was an extraordinary teacher who gained the respect and affection of most, if not all of his students. Needless to say, Coach Rhodes left some big shoes to fill.
However, for the number of seats in the Tiger Den, there are just as many coaching philosophies that, if given time, are capable of success. Common to all of these methods is an adherence to the fundamentals. After 15 years under Rhodes, I can assure you that Coach Ogle is an advocate of them. Additionally, Coach Ogle encourages unselfishness and "making the simple play." He is a player-friendly coach who strives to provide an atmosphere conducive to confidence and success.
There are many people in this community that understand the X's and O's of basketball, of which I do not aim to debate. Instead, I ask them to consider the big picture of high school athletics and its mission to promote the maturation and amelioration of young men and women on and off the court. To meet this objective, everyone must do their part.
The athlete must put team goals before his or her own. He should respect the game, represent his family, school, and community with class and sportsmanship, and possess the pride to work hard no matter the audience. Above all else, he should make as many friends and have as much fun as possible. Parents should focus on support and encouragement, recognizing their inclination to bias and their limitations of coaching knowledge. Administration should hire first-class citizens and help them to develop as coaches. Coaches should teach respect, discipline, and teamwork, and model the behavior they expect from their players. Coach Ogle fulfills these guidelines. A loving husband and proud father, he is not afraid to share his faith and feelings with his players. He is an extremely competent coach, but more importantly, an admirable person. I do not wish to berate Mr. Hubler, but I do find a conflict between his recent article and the mission of this newspaper. I hope he respects the power of his words and their ability to create lasting memories, or fuel for controversy and discord.
I am proud to be part of a community that holds high expectations. However, I ask that its members carry out their role as positive supporters who stick with their teams through both the wins and the losses. Given the opportunity, I am confident that Coach Ogle will provide you with something to be proud of. If we all do our part, the results will soon speak for themselves.
Ryan DeGeeter, via e-mail
Muncie
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- Ogle Successful - Spoiled Kids - Sports Support - America's Leaders - Basketball Roles
Ogle Successful
Editor, Times-Union:I'm going on the assumption that most people in this community were disgusted by Dale Hubler's article "What's wrong with Tiger Basketball?" in the Saturday morning edition of the Times-Union. What are his credentials to so publicly criticize and scrutinize a man of Doug Ogle's stature?
Over the past six years my wife has had the privilege of teaching all three of Coach Ogle's daughters at the elementary level. Six years ago, Doug Ogle was a man I only knew and respected as a basketball coach. He is now a man I admire as a father, a husband, a Christian leader, and a man with irrefutable character and integrity. I have seen first hand the values and character he instills in his home and into the young men he leads onto the basketball court. The fact that someone who has never played or coached the game of basketball would insinuate that Coach Ogle "mistreated or lied" to his players is an absolute disgrace.
I would argue Coach Ogle has been quite successful in leading Tiger basketball. I assume a lot of coaches in 4A basketball would not be ashamed of a 60.2-winning percentage with a sectional and conference championship over the past four years. Unfortunately, the advent of class basketball has changed the landscape of Indiana High School basketball. Warsaw is not beating 2A and 3A schools for sectional and regional championships anymore. How many 2A and 3A schools has Warsaw dropped from its regular season schedule the past few years to pick up teams they would likely face in a 4A tournament run? The NLC Conference Championship in 2004 was won in arguably the best mixed-class basketball conference in the state. Wawasee, NorthWood and Plymouth all have made deep state tournament runs in their respective classes the past few years. The fact that Warsaw and Concord do not dominate the NLC conference as they once did in the '80s and '90s is simply due to the considerable improvement of the conference. We all watched a Warsaw team struggle to find its identity this year. Ultimately, the players came together as a unit, accepted their roles and put together a great run at the end of the season that culminated with the sectional title. The success we watched at the end of this season was accomplished through leadership from the top down, leadership from Doug Ogle.
Dale, I understand you were only writing an opinion column, but your opinion is among the minority in this town. The head basketball position in a town like Warsaw will always be scrutinized, deservedly so. What the subscribers to the Times-Union do not deserve to pay for is a man pushing his own personal agenda in a futile attempt to discredit a man with Doug Ogle's credentials. Doug Ogle is the man who needs to continue leading Tiger basketball and he undoubtedly has the majority of this community's support.
Matt Dick, via e-mail
Warsaw
Spoiled Kids
Editor, Times-Union:I can assure Warsaw that the problem with Tiger basketball is not the coach.
I would attribute it to the laziness of spoiled kids. I played under Coach Ogle at Edgewood Middle School and had an undefeated season in football. The following year with the same players and a new coach, we suffered two losses. I think you can look at his previous records as a coach and know that he knows what he is doing and can motivate players who want to play. The Plumlees may be talented, but maybe they are lazy. Parents who make comments like those of Mr. Plumlee have spoiled their kids and made them think negatively about a coach instead of having some loyalty to a program and being a man.
I think the article about Shaun Cabrera is one that the Plumlee boys should look at and take to heart. It's not lack of talent or lack of coaching, its lack of loyalty to a program and people and worst of all to themselves. They are not professionals and do not get paid to play, if they choose to move elsewhere so they can get more "exposure," that is their prerogative. If they choose to move because they don't believe in Coach Ogle or don't want to play for him, they should be ineligible to play anywhere else. If you quit on a coach because of one season, what is going to happen when they don't have a good season? If they make it to college, are they going to cry to daddy and want to transfer to another program? What daddy says about coach in college will be dismissed as ridiculous and would never make it to print! Who cares what he thinks? He obviously needs to teach his boys to be men first and athletes second. Things aren't as easy in college, and maybe they don't have the talent and heart you think they do.
I would think you are of similar character of Mr. Plumlee and his sons by your comments. Do you follow Warsaw basketball or the politics that go with it? It's like the fan whose favorite team is the team that happened to win the championship that year. You probably like the Steelers don't you?
Justin Dwyer, via e-mail
Serving overseas
Sports Support
Editor, Times-Union:I, too, found myself disappointed with Dale Hubler's article regarding the Tiger boys basketball program.
I find it more disappointing that it was deemed necessary to use a public forum like the newspaper to present a position that will only prove divisive and volatile. While I defend Mr. Hubler's position of freedom of speech, I believe that same exercise in freedom could have been as easily utilized in the form of a phone call to the head coach before seeking a ground swell of support that stops just short of calling for the dismissal of a coach based on a win-loss record.
Why does the outcry stop at the boys basketball program? Do we believe that the only talent capable of winning a state championship resides in those students that can dribble and shoot? Why not the same outcry in golf, football, soccer, baseball, etc.?
The fact is that our point of reference resides from a memory of Indianapolis that is more than two decades removed. Much has changed since then. What has changed the most is that in '84 we were a community united. We rallied. We supported. What has changed is that level of support. All of our athletes deserve our best. Regardless of gender or sport, they need to know we stand behind them in victory or defeat. Likewise, our coaches deserve no less.
They, like our athletes, sacrifice their time, their families and themselves because, they believe, as we should, that there is a state champion in each and every one of those young men and women. Perhaps if we showed that kind of character and support to our student athletes as well as our coaches, we may find ourselves making more than just one trip to Indianapolis every two decades.
Chris A. Owens, via e-mail
Warsaw
America's Leaders
Editor, Times-Union:There are no good losers among politicians, not even on an issue that all sides are wrong about. Only the people pay for there errors.
I said sides, not individuals. The sides I refer to is our political party system. The all-knowing politicians are at each other just a bit stronger this time pertaining to Iraq. Truth is, they wouldn't recognize a snake if it were having cocktails with them and they were spouting off with their unknowing, uneducated ability to set up a non-faction democratic government in Iraq. How can our elected leaders ever expect this to happen when they are in total denial of the rapid collapse of our own political system vision, i.e. (factions) Democrats vs. Republicans! This ongoing fight for power must stop, or be removed like the cancer it is. All we, "the working class people" hear is the same old bull day after day. Our elected officials expect from the newly formed Iraqi government the things that are necessary for a democracy to live and grow, while practicing at 180 degrees and showing the entire world that we ourselves cannot function as one people. It is bankrupting our people, remember we are the nation.
According to the Constitution of The United States, we still are. It is only the fat-cat politicians that live like kings in our system and the rest of us suffer and pay the cost of their arrogant errors day by day. People, this country of ours will not be leader of the free world much longer if we don't correct the wrong in our government.
Our elected officials are self-serving and care not for you and me. They are on such a power trip that they soar way above the issues of our nation and it's truly decaying foundation. If there were a way to actually let the people rule through their elected officials, we just might make it back to where we were before the start of the collapse in the year 1960. Do your part. Call, write, e-mail your officials and tell them what you expect. See if any change occurs.
We are in big trouble from within, and if they that are leading us continue to police themselves, there will be only the end of our nation. Remember that other nations watch closely at the turmoil in our government and have the absolute right to say that it is bad and wrong. "The truth shall set you free," I hope it can save our nation. Do your part!
Jonathan R Mauk, via e-mail
Warsaw
Basketball Roles
Editor, Times-Union:As a Tiger basketball player, I had the honor of playing for both Coach Rhodes and Coach Ogle. Having been the only player to start at the varsity level for both coaches, I feel qualified and compelled to share some observations of my own.
First of all, Coach Rhodes is an exceptional individual. In my experience as an athlete, including the collegiate level, no one has shown more dedication, preparation or knowledge than he. Furthermore, he was an extraordinary teacher who gained the respect and affection of most, if not all of his students. Needless to say, Coach Rhodes left some big shoes to fill.
However, for the number of seats in the Tiger Den, there are just as many coaching philosophies that, if given time, are capable of success. Common to all of these methods is an adherence to the fundamentals. After 15 years under Rhodes, I can assure you that Coach Ogle is an advocate of them. Additionally, Coach Ogle encourages unselfishness and "making the simple play." He is a player-friendly coach who strives to provide an atmosphere conducive to confidence and success.
There are many people in this community that understand the X's and O's of basketball, of which I do not aim to debate. Instead, I ask them to consider the big picture of high school athletics and its mission to promote the maturation and amelioration of young men and women on and off the court. To meet this objective, everyone must do their part.
The athlete must put team goals before his or her own. He should respect the game, represent his family, school, and community with class and sportsmanship, and possess the pride to work hard no matter the audience. Above all else, he should make as many friends and have as much fun as possible. Parents should focus on support and encouragement, recognizing their inclination to bias and their limitations of coaching knowledge. Administration should hire first-class citizens and help them to develop as coaches. Coaches should teach respect, discipline, and teamwork, and model the behavior they expect from their players. Coach Ogle fulfills these guidelines. A loving husband and proud father, he is not afraid to share his faith and feelings with his players. He is an extremely competent coach, but more importantly, an admirable person. I do not wish to berate Mr. Hubler, but I do find a conflict between his recent article and the mission of this newspaper. I hope he respects the power of his words and their ability to create lasting memories, or fuel for controversy and discord.
I am proud to be part of a community that holds high expectations. However, I ask that its members carry out their role as positive supporters who stick with their teams through both the wins and the losses. Given the opportunity, I am confident that Coach Ogle will provide you with something to be proud of. If we all do our part, the results will soon speak for themselves.
Ryan DeGeeter, via e-mail
Muncie
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