Texas high school football coaches decry outside influence on players
Summertime college recruiting at 7-on-7 tournaments and university-run camps continues to reduce the influence of high school football coaches, and UIL officials expressed their concern Monday at the Texas High School Coaches Association state convention.
“Essentially if you’re not careful, you’re going to leave the high school coach completely out,” UIL executive director Charles Breithaupt said. “That’s important to us. [Players are] something more than just a talent.”
High school basketball coaches have already lost influence in that sport due to club teams and other selective methods of fielding high school teams.
“Football coaches in Texas are concerned that it might happen as well,” Breithaupt added. “We’re concerned that when you leave the high school coach out, you’re leaving out some of the character traits that you desire.”
Fast-tracking pitch counts
UIL had planned to implement pitch-count rules for 2018, but deputy athletic director Jamey Harrison said Monday that the changes will be announced in October.
The UIL Legislative Council in June tabled proposed pitch counts of 110 per game for 17- and 18-year-olds and 95 for ages 14-16. But the National Federation of State High School Associations added a pitch-count rule last week, and the UIL will comply.
“One year faster than we expected. Now for 2016-17,” Harrison said. “We’re not starting from scratch. We’ve been heavily involved for some time, working with trainers, working with coaches, working with the medical community, to make sure that we keep our kids safe.
“The UIL is working to have a proposal ready for its Legislative Council in October,” he said.
Langston honored
Fort Worth ISD assistant athletic director Lisa Langston has received a Citation Award from the National Interscholastic Athletics Administrators Association.
Langston sits on two national and one state committee, has served on several panels, and is regular speaker at athletic banquets. She was honored for her contributions to athletics
“This is recognition for our city and our district,” said Langston, who is believed to be the first FWISD official to be nominated or receive such an award. “My name might be on it, but I’m representing Fort Worth ISD. I couldn’t get it without the Fort Worth ISD.”
Yes early, not December
Coaches Association executive director D.W. Rutledge favors an early signing period for football, but not during the height of the high school playoffs.
“The association is against December early-signing dates, but not opposed to other days,” Rutledge said. “I would move it to probably June or July, to give them an opportunity to sign before their senior year.”
This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 7:43 PM with the headline "Texas high school football coaches decry outside influence on players."