Well, this has been an interesting topic for y'all.
1. The kid is a good kid. He's a good student/athlete who's favorite sport is basketball, follwed by football and then there we are at number three.
2. We've always gotten along great, I had his older brother too and there's no friction.
3. He started as a soph and jr (19-3 and 16-5 was our records so I don't think anybody sees it as a loser's outfit)
4. It's just a bummer when a really good player and a really good kid doesn't want to play and as the coach... it feels like a nice one that got away.
5. I'm more than willing to work with the guy(s) who will now get the opportunity his absence will create.