Not Cougar related, but a local story regarding John Kitna

[Coug1990]

It appears a lot of the image Kitna portrays about himself is a fraud. Ian and Puckett were talking about this story on KJR today. Kitna left Lincoln HS in Tacoma, where he graduated himself to take a job at a Texas HS. It appears that the district broke many rules to hire him. It appears that he demanded and got a lot of concessions.

He left, took coaches and players with him to Texas. Yeah, he "really" cared about his high school. He and his assistants were given pay much higher than was allowed. They made up jobs for wives of the coaches he brought. The coaches were given salaries much higher than they should have. The coaches also had stud sons that went. One of the "coaches" had never coached football in his life, he just happened to have a stud football playing son. Kitna's father also was given a "job".

The district rules stated any candidate must have Texas teaching credentials, which none of them do. It appears he was hired before the job was even posted.

In my opinion, Kitna does not have the morals or the person that he tries to portray.

http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/loca...d-kitnas-coaching-gig-at-waxahachie/27562997/

 

[dgibbons]

It appears a lot of the image Kitna portrays about himself is a fraud. Ian and Puckett were talking about this story on KJR today. Kitna left Lincoln HS in Tacoma, where he graduated himself to take a job at a Texas HS. It appears that the district broke many rules to hire him. It appears that he demanded and got a lot of concessions.

He left, took coaches and players with him to Texas. Yeah, he "really" cared about his high school. He and his assistants were given pay much higher than was allowed. They made up jobs for wives of the coaches he brought. The coaches were given salaries much higher than they should have. The coaches also had stud sons that went. One of the "coaches" had never coached football in his life, he just happened to have a stud football playing son. Kitna's father also was given a "job".

The district rules stated any candidate must have Texas teaching credentials, which none of them do. It appears he was hired before the job was even posted.

In my opinion, Kitna does not have the morals or the person that he tries to portray.

http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/loca...d-kitnas-coaching-gig-at-waxahachie/27562997/

I think the real fault lies with the school/district administration. Kitna probably knew nothing of "maximum" pay levels or required credentials. The making up positions for the coaches' wives smells particularly bad.

 

[wulffui]

It appears a lot of the image Kitna portrays about himself is a fraud. Ian and Puckett were talking about this story on KJR today. Kitna left Lincoln HS in Tacoma, where he graduated himself to take a job at a Texas HS. It appears that the district broke many rules to hire him. It appears that he demanded and got a lot of concessions.

He left, took coaches and players with him to Texas. Yeah, he "really" cared about his high school. He and his assistants were given pay much higher than was allowed. They made up jobs for wives of the coaches he brought. The coaches were given salaries much higher than they should have. The coaches also had stud sons that went. One of the "coaches" had never coached football in his life, he just happened to have a stud football playing son. Kitna's father also was given a "job".

The district rules stated any candidate must have Texas teaching credentials, which none of them do. It appears he was hired before the job was even posted.

In my opinion, Kitna does not have the morals or the person that he tries to portray.

http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/loca...d-kitnas-coaching-gig-at-waxahachie/27562997/

I was listening to that, and it sounded like a bunch of junk. So, he took a better job, ensured that people on his staff with WAY more financial need than him are getting good jobs, and the kids who came with him will get the same coaching they had in Tacoma- in any other industry, Kitna is a great guy, held up as an example of "what you SHOULD do" if you choose to leave a job for a better spot, ensuring his charges financial and job security.

But Ian and Puck call him a fraud- and I heard it, and expected to hear some Chmura-type stuff... and their reasoning was that they were annoyed that he left WA HS football, for Texas- where people care about HS football... and THAT makes him a fraud? GTFOH. I bet it wasn't Kitna charged with reading the rulebook for coach eligibility- I'd imagine that's school admins.

 

[Coug1990]

I was listening to that, and it sounded like a bunch of junk. So, he took a better job, ensured that people on his staff with WAY more financial need than him are getting good jobs, and the kids who came with him will get the same coaching they had in Tacoma- in any other industry, Kitna is a great guy, held up as an example of "what you SHOULD do" if you choose to leave a job for a better spot, ensuring his charges financial and job security.

But Ian and Puck call him a fraud- and I heard it, and expected to hear some Chmura-type stuff... and their reasoning was that they were annoyed that he left WA HS football, for Texas- where people care about HS football... and THAT makes him a fraud? GTFOH. I bet it wasn't Kitna charged with reading the rulebook for coach eligibility- I'd imagine that's school admins.

It is the taking of players that I have a big problem with. Oh yeah, the district administration should all be fired on the spot. But, recruiting players is wrong at the high school level.

 

[Coug95man2]

I was listening to that, and it sounded like a bunch of junk. So, he took a better job, ensured that people on his staff with WAY more financial need than him are getting good jobs, and the kids who came with him will get the same coaching they had in Tacoma- in any other industry, Kitna is a great guy, held up as an example of "what you SHOULD do" if you choose to leave a job for a better spot, ensuring his charges financial and job security.

But Ian and Puck call him a fraud- and I heard it, and expected to hear some Chmura-type stuff... and their reasoning was that they were annoyed that he left WA HS football, for Texas- where people care about HS football... and THAT makes him a fraud? GTFOH. I bet it wasn't Kitna charged with reading the rulebook for coach eligibility- I'd imagine that's school admins.

Kitna, his father was a HS coach, wasn't he? Not sure on that… But he was in the NFL for 16 years… and you're trying to put more blame on the admin because Kitna was ignorant of rules? Come on. Kitna knows a little something about "rules" with that many years in the NFL. Even under the "best" of circumstances and he intentionally didn't look up or know about certain rules, that's still his fault. You don't go into a job without knowing the rules. You certainly don't ignore them. You investigate them. You're ignorant, you learn. You don't go blithely through life not knowing what pile of crap you just stepped in with your nose up looking into the blue sky. Especially when your the "head" dude that's hiring/firing and steering the boat.

And regarding "he was just looking out for those that weren't as fortunate as him", pile o' crap… How are those peoples situations now? Has Kitna helped them now? They're screwed, thanks to Kitna. What a great friend…

Kitna's fault, without a doubt. Admin? Their fault, too. Fire all of them. All POS.

 

[Observer11]

It is the taking of players that I have a big problem with. Oh yeah, the district administration should all be fired on the spot. But, recruiting players is wrong at the high school level.

You don't live in the reality that is high school/youth sports 2015. Recruiting is pervasive in every corner of this state, if not country.

Not saying it is right - in fact, I am a huge proponent of playing for your neighborhood school and taking your lumps with your buddies along with the victories with everyone on a relative even playing field. Instead, schools stockpile the best talent and start the recruiting process in middle school. Not saying its right, but it is the way of the world right now until someone (ie the incompetent WIAA and their counterparts across the country) enforces the rules.

 

[Fab5Coug]

Just odd the superintendent would go that great of lengths to hire.....Jon Kitna?

I mean, is he really that hot of a commodity? In Texas?

 

[Loyal Coug]

Just odd the superintendent would go that great of lengths to hire.....Jon Kitna?

I mean, is he really that hot of a commodity? In Texas?

Heck, for $95,000/year they could probably get Paul Wulff. Or Paul Petrino (after he gets fired by Idaho).

 

[CougEd]

You don't live in the reality that is high school/youth sports 2015. Recruiting is pervasive in every corner of this state, if not country.

Not saying it is right - in fact, I am a huge proponent of playing for your neighborhood school and taking your lumps with your buddies along with the victories with everyone on a relative even playing field. Instead, schools stockpile the best talent and start the recruiting process in middle school. Not saying its right, but it is the way of the world right now until someone (ie the incompetent WIAA and their counterparts across the country) enforces the rules.

Ob...exactly. 1990 must not have experience with AAU sports. Heck, look at Bellevue football. Why no one has exposed that program is beyond me.

 

[wulffui]

Kitna, his father was a HS coach, wasn't he? Not sure on that… But he was in the NFL for 16 years… and you're trying to put more blame on the admin because Kitna was ignorant of rules? Come on. Kitna knows a little something about "rules" with that many years in the NFL. Even under the "best" of circumstances and he intentionally didn't look up or know about certain rules, that's still his fault. You don't go into a job without knowing the rules. You certainly don't ignore them. You investigate them. You're ignorant, you learn. You don't go blithely through life not knowing what pile of crap you just stepped in with your nose up looking into the blue sky. Especially when your the "head" dude that's hiring/firing and steering the boat.

And regarding "he was just looking out for those that weren't as fortunate as him", pile o' crap… How are those peoples situations now? Has Kitna helped them now? They're screwed, thanks to Kitna. What a great friend…

Kitna's fault, without a doubt. Admin? Their fault, too. Fire all of them. All POS.

Yes, Kitna brought them on in paid positions down in Texas, that's why this is a major issue to begin with- that's specifically why I made the "looking out" statement.

 

[Coug95man2]

Yes, Kitna brought them on in paid positions down in Texas, that's why this is a major issue to begin with- that's specifically why I made the "looking out" statement.

I'm so confused… which isn't abnormal. I either misunderstood your sarcasm or just misunderstood. Thought you were saying Kitna was basically just a good boss trying to take care of everyone…

 

[Coug1990]

Ob...exactly. 1990 must not have experience with AAU sports. Heck, look at Bellevue football. Why no one has exposed that program is beyond me.

Since when did AAU sports become a school?

 

[Coug1990]

You don't live in the reality that is high school/youth sports 2015. Recruiting is pervasive in every corner of this state, if not country.

Not saying it is right - in fact, I am a huge proponent of playing for your neighborhood school and taking your lumps with your buddies along with the victories with everyone on a relative even playing field. Instead, schools stockpile the best talent and start the recruiting process in middle school. Not saying its right, but it is the way of the world right now until someone (ie the incompetent WIAA and their counterparts across the country) enforces the rules.

There is recruiting and there is recruiting. WSU and every other school recruits players. Some high schools recruits players. What high schools seldom do is give high paying jobs to parents of players.

I know that you and a few others will automatically take the opposite view of whatever I write, so I wanted to let you know the world is round.

 

[Coug1990]

I'm so confused… which isn't abnormal. I either misunderstood your sarcasm or just misunderstood. Thought you were saying Kitna was basically just a good boss trying to take care of everyone…

I misunderstood him as well. I have read stories and heard interviews of Kitna. The angles always were he was sacrificing himself to help the high school he attended. He was supposed to be such a stand up guy. Instead, he ends up hurting the school he supposedly cared so much about by taking players and coaches.

 

[CougEd]

There is recruiting and there is recruiting. WSU and every other school recruits players. Some high schools recruits players. What high schools seldom do is give high paying jobs to parents of players.

I know that you and a few others will automatically take the opposite view of whatever I write, so I wanted to let you know the world is round.

Well...1990 what Ob says is correct. I see it in girls BBall, and that is a minor sport. Dig into why Bellevue high is so good.

 

[Observer11]

There is recruiting and there is recruiting. WSU and every other school recruits players. Some high schools recruits players. What high schools seldom do is give high paying jobs to parents of players.

I know that you and a few others will automatically take the opposite view of whatever I write, so I wanted to let you know the world is round.

?

I think you need to re-read what I wrote. I actually agreed with your position that recruiting at the high school level is wrong. It is also far greater than you think and would go so far to say that improper job offers and benefits are not exclusive to college. There is selective enforcement of rules.

 

[chinookpirate]

- John Kitna cares about kids.
- He cares about his football players and the students of Lincoln high school.
- the overwhelming majority of his players feel honored for the privilege of playing for him.

-John Kina worked under a one year at will contract for about $5,700. He sank $50,000 of his own money into the Lincoln program.

-Promises made to John by administrators and Board members when he took the job, were broken. Support never came. resistance sprouted toward his efforts. Jealousy among fellow teachers grew mainly due to the success he was enjoying.

His son is very talented. John is a premier coach ANY Winning program would be honored to have..

 

[Coug1990]

?

I think you need to re-read what I wrote. I actually agreed with your position that recruiting at the high school level is wrong. It is also far greater than you think and would go so far to say that improper job offers and benefits are not exclusive to college. There is selective enforcement of rules.

Sorry. Things like this, what the administration and Kitna did is flat out wrong.

 

[Coug1990]

Well...1990 what Ob says is correct. I see it in girls BBall, and that is a minor sport. Dig into why Bellevue high is so good.

Bellevue school district also has an open enrollment policy. So there is that.

In addition, it is wrong in girls BB, it is wrong for Kitna. Kitna is more egregious in my opinion as he took players and coaches to more half way across the country. Some for made up jobs for his family and mothers of players. Yeah, it is nice to know that you side with Kitna and the administration.

 

[Coug1990]

- John Kitna cares about kids.
- He cares about his football players and the students of Lincoln high school.
- the overwhelming majority of his players feel honored for the privilege of playing for him.

-John Kina worked under a one year at will contract for about $5,700. He sank $50,000 of his own money into the Lincoln program.

-Promises made to John by administrators and Board members when he took the job, were broken. Support never came. resistance sprouted toward his efforts. Jealousy among fellow teachers grew mainly due to the success he was enjoying.

His son is very talented. John is a premier coach ANY Winning program would be honored to have..

I disagree with a lot of what you wrote. But, you are saying the ends justify the means? You are saying that when things are tough, quit and further destroy the program.

 

[chinookpirate]

No, I'm not saying that, you dolt. Anyone with a functioning brain can see what I wrote.

Why the deep personal hatred for a good man who has volunteered so much? A man who has positively impacted literally hundreds of lives?

It's clear you have NEVER met the man or anyone associated directly with Lincoln or the Lincoln program.

On what basis do you justify your slander, 1990?

 

[chinookpirate]

Bellevue school district also has an open enrollment policy. So there is that.

In addition, it is wrong in girls BB, it is wrong for Kitna. Kitna is more egregious in my opinion as he took players and coaches to more half way across the country. Some for made up jobs for his family and mothers of players. Yeah, it is nice to know that you side with Kitna and the administration.

You obviously don't know the first thing about public education... based upon what you wrote here. Again... why do you hate John Kitna and why are you slandering him and telling lies? Did he cancel his policy with you or something? Wouldn't return your phone calls when you tried to sell him insurance? Seriously... why the hate?

 

[BiggsCoug]

Things are different in Texas.

I've been to a semi final 5A game down there and it filled a 70,000 capacity stadium 2/3's full.

It's a different animal altogether down there. And at $95,000 per year he really isn't that highly paid at all. In Austin, where I lived, there were 3 or 4 guys making 6 figures.

As for recruiting.... Unless the state athletic association is willing to come down on the program with penalties that have teeth, it is what it is. For Washington schools feeling the pinch from Bellevue, why not send a round over the bow and go recruit one of their kids???

 

[Coug1990]

You obviously don't know the first thing about public education... based upon what you wrote here. Again... why do you hate John Kitna and why are you slandering him and telling lies? Did he cancel his policy with you or something? Wouldn't return your phone calls when you tried to sell him insurance? Seriously... why the hate?

You obviously are talking out of your butt. You have no idea what I know and you have no idea about most subjects. I am done conversing with you. Bar none, you are the worst of all the people that come to WW.

 

[Coug1990]

Things are different in Texas.

I've been to a semi final 5A game down there and it filled a 70,000 capacity stadium 2/3's full.

It's a different animal altogether down there. And at $95,000 per year he really isn't that highly paid at all. In Austin, where I lived, there were 3 or 4 guys making 6 figures.

As for recruiting.... Unless the state athletic association is willing to come down on the program with penalties that have teeth, it is what it is. For Washington schools feeling the pinch from Bellevue, why not send a round over the bow and go recruit one of their kids???

And Honey Boo Boo was the highest rated program on cable. Does not make it better or right. I am not saying you agree with what Kitna did or not. What I am saying is that just because something can be done or that people look the other way does not mean I should agree with what is happening.

People like Ed and Chinook are justifying this because AAU or other schools do it. There was a time when domestic violence was accepted in the NFL. That is until there was a tipping point.

 

[chinookpirate]

Stop with your Lying "coug" 1990.

John Kitna has helped hundreds of kids that will be forever grateful to him for his personal sacrifice of time and money.

You, on the other hand, have not... AND you never will. So, Is it jealousy you hold toward him? Why the hate toward a good man you have never met and obviously know nothing about?

 

[BiggsCoug]

And Honey Boo Boo was the highest rated program on cable. Does not make it better or right. I am not saying you agree with what Kitna did or not. What I am saying is that just because something can be done or that people look the other way does not mean I should agree with what is happening.

People like Ed and Chinook are justifying this because AAU or other schools do it. There was a time when domestic violence was accepted in the NFL. That is until there was a tipping point.

I never said you had to agree. So watch all the Honey Boo Boo you want.

 

[chinookpirate]

I bet you got a little munchkin at home... and you Saw visions of grander as you signed that waiver... so your kid could be coached by John Kitna and his College level coaching staff and player support system.

... and *poof* gone... #justlikethat

#emotionaltrigger

 

[chinookpirate]

Since when did AAU sports become a school?

Every High School Team in America has a BOOSTER CLUB.

EVERY BOOSTER CLUB exists for the purpose of providing enhancements and funding to the football PROGAM outside of what the School and State provide.

Every. Single. One.

Some have better resources than others. Most booster clubs enhance coaching salaries and/or benefits to some degree. Why is It wrong for like minded community parents to want to fund and otherwise support what they feel is of personal benefit for their own child? To do what they can to help their kids program become the best it can be?

Rememberr the Titans... Sunshine drives up with his Dad, a Colonel in a Stingray... remember? First thing Dad tells Coach, "I researched this new area and I want my son to play here"

that was before the internet. Kids aren't stupid. parents aren't stupid. parents who want "the best" for their Kid and are willing to move their family there. Or, parents getting transferred to the Puget Sound area and want a championship atmosphere for their child that includes stability of staff... they will find Bellevue. It is their right as a parent and some would say, an obligation to find the right high school experience for their child.

 

[wulffui]

Can we get the guys name right?

"Jon". No H.

 

[Coug1990]

I never said you had to agree. So watch all the Honey Boo Boo you want.

I am not sure what you are arguing with me about.

 

[BiggsCoug]

I am not sure what you are arguing with me about.

Im not arguing with you. Go ahead and watch Honey Boo Boo.

 

[kayak15]

Not entirely sure what is going on here. Not overly familiar with Lincoln or any other high school. If, however, Chinook is right about Lincoln's administration failing to uphold their end of an agreement then I cannot blame Kitna for moving on.

What this movement illustrates is the disparity between Washington state high school football and that found in Texas. From what I have heard and read it seems that Texas- and other southern states- treat HS football like others treat small college or mid-major college football. In that sense it is a career advancement on Kitna's part to take the job in Waxahatchie (sp?) and I cannot blame him for doing so. Lord knows, Wazzu has been on the wrong end of this in the past. We survived and I am sure that Lincoln will do so as well.

As far as recruitment at the high school level is concerned, I agree that the state's administrators have been demonstrably inept. On a related level I find the idea of parents selecting a school for the athletic performance as opposed to academics as stupid, flat out dumb and almost always not in the interest of the child.

p.s. Amused but not surprised to hear that Honey Boo Boo was so highly rated. Back in my day I recall that The Beverly Hillbillies was the number one show on TV for some time. As someone once noted, "You will never lose money by underestimating the intelligence of the American public."

 

[CougEd]

And Honey Boo Boo was the highest rated program on cable. Does not make it better or right. I am not saying you agree with what Kitna did or not. What I am saying is that just because something can be done or that people look the other way does not mean I should agree with what is happening.

People like Ed and Chinook are justifying this because AAU or other schools do it. There was a time when domestic violence was accepted in the NFL. That is until there was a tipping point.

Who justified it. I said it happens all over the pace. I think it is no different than what Bellevue does, and people know it goes on and no one does squat about it.

 

[Cougatron]

in Texas HS football is big business.

Yes it is absurd to think about recruiting coaches and what not at that level, but in Texas they do that.

Kitna played for the cowboys. He probably had his ears open for an opportunity there, and when it came he jumped on it.

Is it the most ethical process/thing to do? Probably not, but that's how things go sometimes. Texas HS football offers much more in career growth than Washington HS football. Was it selfish? Yeah but if you were offered a job that paid more and gave you and your family more options would you take it? Most people would.

It sucks for Tacoma but well that's the risk they took hiring him. Someone like him MIGHT have stayed forever, but a professional athlete probably is going to go where the opportunity is best. That's unfortunately how things go.

 

[BiggsCoug]

If a school in Texas didn't take him, do you really think a school in Washington wasn't watching? The offer probably wouldn't have been close to 6 figures it was gonna be more then Lincoln could pay.

Good coaches cost money. If you don't pay them someone else will. It's BS to expect people to take less money or pass on good opportunities to stay with someone that doesn't pay a competitive wage.

Like it, don't like, doesn't matter. That's what is.