Falls Church High School

Seems like alot of turnover of coaches there. I believe that the last several coaches were not teachers. I think because not as much interest in baseball due to make-up of student body. More interest in s****r team. Facilities just ok.

What leagues feed into Falls Church?

American Legion Post 130.

How was post 130 this past year?

I can tell you about Falls Church High School. Tough situation there. Falls Church Annandale Babe Ruth has a number of kids going to Falls Church. The past few years have been particularly tough. School is very, very diverse -- probably half the student population is hispanic (and not from the Dominican Republic unfortunately for the baseball team).

Dominick is right that Falls Church players can participate in Legion post 130, though no players from FC played on the legion team this year. Last couple years there were two or more players from FC on the legion team.

There just aren't enough experienced players to adequately field either the jv or the varsity team. The introduction of lacrosse siphoned off alot of decent athletes every year since.

Coaches do move on to other schools pretty quickly -- Rick Freeman to Fairfax, Jimmy Linza to Mt. Vernon. Jim Goldsmith left to assist at Madison.

Three players from the class of 2007 did go on to play D3 baseball however.

Anyway, it will take an enthusiastic coach. Hopefully one who can reach the students and get them to come out for the team.

Oh and to answer Dulles Mustangs:

Post 130 almost got it done this year. They were in first place till the last five games and lost them all. Folded at the end.

ABC - Thanks for the info. I actually interviewed today at Falls Church for the position. It's why I was asking so many questions. It seems like there are athletes in the school, and like you said, it's just a matter of getting them amped up to play baseball.

Dulles Mustangs: Good luck with your interview(s). I actually think Falls Church has alot going for it. I also think it takes guts for players to stick with a team that has a tough time winning a game. And there have been quite a few of those players over the years.

Yea, a it's matter of getting the athletes out there, and then teaching the skills to quite a few of them.

Since I left in 2000, FC has gone a Region-worst 57-199, but it is a good place for anyone who thinks they can coach but just needs an opportunity.  TCW was coming off a winless season when Billy Emerson took the job that nobody wanted.  Within 2 years he had them in the Region semis and parlayed that into the PVI job where he really showed what he could do, winning multiple state titles.

 

FC has a lot of good people, starting with Jeanne Kelly, who's one of the best athletic directors you will ever come across.  Building the youth leagues is where I would start.  Bring your energy and passion to the park every day and show patience.  While his FC teams didn't win too many games, credit Freddie Rappina for doing that.  He kept an even keel during a 3-88 stretch and slowly built the program to where they were competitive last year, going 4-16.  He and his assistants deserve a lot of credit for the progress they've made.

 

By chance I was watching their practice one day last season where a bunch of coaches (like 5 or 6) were all fungoing to infielders and outfielders, who all looked pretty young to me.  I was impressed.  Turns out it wasn't even practice at all, but an optional workout for the JV kids and any varsity kids who wanted in on it.  That is the way to build a program, one kid at a time, one fungo at a time.  My 2011 Hayfield team beat them 36-0 (could have been a lot worse).  Last year's Hayfield team beat them 1-0.  Would you call that progress?  I would.

 

For the record, I left after 1 year because I had been destaffed at Centreville and desired to find 1 school where I could teach AND coach.  FC didn't seem too impressed with me as a TEACHER and offered to "start me at the bottom" teaching low-level classes.  The principal even mispronounced my name introducing me to the interview panel (remember I was her coach that year)!  MV conversely treated me with kindness and respect.  The deal was sealed when MV athletic director Bernie Forte asked me "What's it going to take to get you down here?"  The answer was a great teaching schedule, head baseball AND head golf.  Although the Majors hadn't won a title in 17 years, the decision was easy.  In 2001 (MV's best season in 50 years) my team defeated FC in the title game.  And in the 12 years since leaving FC my teams have won 9 titles.  I truly believe I was better off leaving and I think Jimmy Goldsmith did a better job for FC than I did.  My leaving was a win-win.  I wish the Jags all the best, always have and always will.  Go get 'em!

Frank Werman to take over FC JOB

 

http://www.northernvasports.co...3c-001a4bcf6878.html

 

Very good pickup for Falls Church

My 14 YO Freshman son goes to Hayfield. He is very much looking forward to playing for the Hawks this Spring (presuming he makes the team).