Anybody have any thoughts or knowledge of the program, coaches, etc.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Based on our contact with the coaches this fall, I believe HC to be an up-and-coming JUCO program -- ready to compete with the best in Texas. Their coaches are great baseball guys with a real desire to see kids improve in preparation for D1 or pro ball. J Bob and Jack are straight-shooters and they have strong support from the HC administration. In addition, I understand their facilities are excellent. They were #2 in the country in hitting in 2006 and demostrated outstanding pitching this fall. As our family included JUCO in the list of opportunities for PS3, Howard College was near the top of the list. And.....if I'm not mistaken, Big Springs has a Long John Silvers! 
I recommend you spend phone-time with their recruiting coordinator and take advantage of the opportunity to meet their coaching staff and visit their place. If I'm not mistaken, Giese taught Sabathia the changeup using a cue ball <-- urban legend?
J Bob or Jack -- call me sometime.
-PD
I recommend you spend phone-time with their recruiting coordinator and take advantage of the opportunity to meet their coaching staff and visit their place. If I'm not mistaken, Giese taught Sabathia the changeup using a cue ball <-- urban legend?
J Bob or Jack -- call me sometime.
-PD
quote:Originally posted by Panther Dad:
And.....if I'm not mistaken, Big Springs has a Long John Silvers!
It wouldn't hurt if they had a rattle snake round up, too.
Seriously, Big Spring is a fairly large town with probably over 30,000 population. The actual name is Howard County Junior College. I also believe they have some satellite campuses in San Angelo and Lamesa (not certain). It is located about half way between Dallas and El Paso (400 miles each way) before I-20 starts to merge with I-10. I can't really say anything about the baseball program, but it seems like it is becoming commonplace in Texas lately for a JUCO program to spring up and thrive off the bat.
Watched them play this fall. They are loaded with talent, very disiplined and play very solid baseball.
My only worry is that they had 49 on their fall roster.
My only worry is that they had 49 on their fall roster.
KD:
How did KD son and your adopted sons do this fall? I looked at the roster at EP and they look to be pretty good. Let us know if they come to the Central Time Zone to play next spring.
How did KD son and your adopted sons do this fall? I looked at the roster at EP and they look to be pretty good. Let us know if they come to the Central Time Zone to play next spring.
Josh looks to be the competing for the starting catcher position (yeah, that boy can play anywhere)and will pitch on occasion. Played some second and outfield this fall also.
John Coine was converted to a submariner and struggled a little, but from what I've heard, his velocity is starting to come back.
Nicholas played most of the fall in right and battled through a high ankle sprain and an eye infection, but seems to be healthy and will compete for a starting position in right or center.
Justin Tramp came in to college with a sore shoulder that ended up requiring surgery. He is in rehab right now but should be released to start throwing again over the holidays. He hit the cover off the ball before he was shut down.
Saw Corey Sartor and David DaLachappell at Howard. Corey pitched well and is out there on a pitching only deal, and David looked great physically, but didn't see him pitch as his slot to pitch was in the game that was after we already left Lubbock.
EP will compete offensively and defensively in a very tough conference, but I don't know how thier pitching is going to hold up come spring. Only time will tell.
It's a whole new world for the boys at EP, kind of a culture shock. Spanish is the predominate language on the field and in the dugout. Glad my son took 5 years of spanish in HS.
John Coine was converted to a submariner and struggled a little, but from what I've heard, his velocity is starting to come back.
Nicholas played most of the fall in right and battled through a high ankle sprain and an eye infection, but seems to be healthy and will compete for a starting position in right or center.
Justin Tramp came in to college with a sore shoulder that ended up requiring surgery. He is in rehab right now but should be released to start throwing again over the holidays. He hit the cover off the ball before he was shut down.
Saw Corey Sartor and David DaLachappell at Howard. Corey pitched well and is out there on a pitching only deal, and David looked great physically, but didn't see him pitch as his slot to pitch was in the game that was after we already left Lubbock.
EP will compete offensively and defensively in a very tough conference, but I don't know how thier pitching is going to hold up come spring. Only time will tell.
It's a whole new world for the boys at EP, kind of a culture shock. Spanish is the predominate language on the field and in the dugout. Glad my son took 5 years of spanish in HS.
Howard plays in the WJCAC...New Mexico JC is the big dog in that conf (NMJC coach moved on this year). My son played against Howard in 2007 in conference play...i expected more out of Howard in 2007 based on their track record. Over all they did pretty good, in conference they struggled (injuries?) They did not finish in the top 4 in conference. Briefly looked at their 2008 roster...some good local (dallas area) names Fielding Pitman and Travis Sample (UTA) out of Lake Highlands, Melvin Kelly (UTSA) out of SGP...just to name a few who graduated in 2006.
I expect them to be tough this year.
I expect them to be tough this year.
quote:Originally posted by berknerdad:
Melvin Kelly (UTSA) out of SGP...just to name a few who graduated in 2006.
I expect them to be tough this year.
I think Melvin needs to get his head on a little straight. He couldn't even touch alumni pitching last weekend.
quote:My only worry is that they had 49 on their fall roster.
Word on the street they are already weeding out....
It is sad when JC's recruit 50 players. I give Paris JC credit for trying only to recruit 32 to 35 players each year and showing some loyalty to the players they have recruited.
quote:Originally posted by reggie-3-77:
It is sad when JC's recruit 50 players. I give Paris JC credit for trying only to recruit 32 to 35 players each year and some loyalty to the players they have recruited.
Ranger, Cisco and other JC recruit lot's of players I think Ranger recruits approx 80 - 100 kids a year.
As long as a program is honest with the kids, the larger numbers shouldn't be a problem. The kids that don't like their playing time outlook can still enroll at DII, DIII, or NAIA. Going in with proper expectations is the key at any school. So, ask very pointed questions of the coaches before signing up.
I'm sure Coach Coleman at HSU would welcome some of the players that may not be able to start at Howard. Due to NCAA rules, the D3 coaches often times have to wait to see who shows up in January.
I'm sure Coach Coleman at HSU would welcome some of the players that may not be able to start at Howard. Due to NCAA rules, the D3 coaches often times have to wait to see who shows up in January.
quote:Originally posted by Panther Dad:
As long as a program is honest with the kids, the larger numbers shouldn't be a problem. The kids that don't like their playing time outlook can still enroll at DII, DIII, or NAIA. Going in with proper expectations is the key at any school. So, ask very pointed questions of the coaches before signing up.
I'm sure Coach Coleman at HSU would welcome some of the players that may not be able to start at Howard. Due to NCAA rules, the D3 coaches often times have to wait to see who shows up in January.
Piddy,
Key word "honest"
As far as asking a "pointed" question. Some will tell you what you expect/want to hear. So, how would one know they are being told a lie.
quote:My only worry is that they had 49 on their fall roster.
Is the cup half full or half empty???
JC's get a lot more Baseball scholarships to work with than four year schools, The easiest way to reduce roster's is to cut scholarships < Is that what you want? I may be wrong but I don't hear a lot of football parents complaining about the excess players/ scholarships in football. It would be great if baseball had more, I feel the players know they have to play their way on to the field.
I can remember the late Coach Mcbroom's words still echo-ing in my mind... " I don't care who you are, where you come from,how much scholarship you have, you will have to clearly be better than the starter to play."
You're right dfwdad, some coaches lie. But if you ask pointed questions, the lies are easy to identify later. JUCO is like anywhere else -- a kid should go where they feel they can play/develop/learn/whatever-the goal. The JUCO schedules are strenuous, like D1 they play a lot of games. So, carrying a large number of pitchers isn't unusual.
80-100 kids a year sounds silly though. How does a coach do a good job evaluating that many kids in game situations?
80-100 kids a year sounds silly though. How does a coach do a good job evaluating that many kids in game situations?
Could not agree with you more. I have a very good source that one particular Juco did recruit over 100 players and there is no way they can evaluate the talent. However, this site is not about bashing educational establishments or oraganizations. Unless, the organization starts with a D and ends with a T.... 
....Just Kidding...
BTW,,
congrats on Panther Son signing with Missouri.
....Just Kidding...BTW,,
congrats on Panther Son signing with Missouri.
Thanks dfwdad. 
quote:Originally posted by dfwdad08:quote:Originally posted by reggie-3-77:
It is sad when JC's recruit 50 players. I give Paris JC credit for trying only to recruit 32 to 35 players each year and some loyalty to the players they have recruited.
Ranger, Cisco and other JC recruit lot's of players I think Ranger recruits approx 80 - 100 kids a year.
This has been SOP at Ranger for as long as I can remember. I doubt they are all on scholarship as JUCO is so inexpensive to attend and basically all you need is the coaches permission to be on the field. I'm sure facilities have been upgraded over the years as the athletic dorm was and still is, I believe, an old hotel in tiny downtown Ranger called Josephs Fireproof Apartments.
quote:Originally posted by Jimi Hendrix:quote:Originally posted by dfwdad08:quote:Originally posted by reggie-3-77:
It is sad when JC's recruit 50 players. I give Paris JC credit for trying only to recruit 32 to 35 players each year and some loyalty to the players they have recruited.
Ranger, Cisco and other JC recruit lot's of players I think Ranger recruits approx 80 - 100 kids a year.
This has been SOP at Ranger for as long as I can remember. I doubt they are all on scholarship as JUCO is so inexpensive to attend and basically all you need is the coaches permission to be on the field. I'm sure facilities have been upgraded over the years as the athletic dorm was and still is, I believe, an old hotel in tiny downtown Ranger called Josephs Fireproof Apartments.
About a month ago I decided to fish Lake Leon which is by Ranger. I decided to go see the college. Well,
I am really shocked that it is still open. I did not see any upgrades in progress. keep in mind I only drove by
I remember "back in the day" we'd go to play Ranger in the fall. We'd start around 10:00 a.m. and be done around dark :30. They always had 12 or 15 "pitchers" that would throw. Everytime we'd play them, they would have a different group of pitchers and some different players. I also remember them having a TON of players from New York and Puerto Rico. Being a pure Texan, I never could understand "them darn accents" they had!
JUCO coaches know that the more kids they bring in the better it is for the school. Meaning, the kids that come in who probably won't play still spend their tuition, books, meals, lodging at the school. It creates revenue for the school.
When a coach gives false hopes to a kid about playing and "lures" him in is when the problems start.
When a coach gives false hopes to a kid about playing and "lures" him in is when the problems start.
IMO... JUCO's dont pose the big problem...most of the "lessor" players at JUCO's are just happy to be anywhere playing baseball. besides they have many options if they dont like the situation. DI, DII, your locked in with consequences, and a lot of the "lessor" players could be somewhere else playing. Besides the JUCO's play a heavy schedule, including Fall which players can get an idea of their role on the team.
I've coached some players from Howard and clearly this is a JUCO program on the rise. They will be very good in 2008.
A wise baseball man once advised me (as i do not know too much!) that a part of the JUCO Coaches role and expectations are to fill the dorm.
I beleive Blinn is another school that limits their roster to 32-35 in the fall.
I counted 51 on Cisco....
I beleive Blinn is another school that limits their roster to 32-35 in the fall.
I counted 51 on Cisco....
FIVE HAWKS INK WITH NCAA DIVISION I SCHOOLS DURING EARLY PERIOD
The Howard College baseball team had five of its members sign NCAA Division I national letters of intent during the early signing period which runs from Nov. 14-21. Those five athletes, their positions, and which school they signed with are: Tyler Landedorf, shortstop, University of Oklahoma; Matt Curry, first baseman, Texas Christian University; Colt Simon, left handed pitcher, University of Nebraska; Cameron Monger, outfielder, University of New Mexico; and Pedro Villarreal, right handed pitcher, University of Texas-Pan American.
Maybe there is something going on at Howard.
The Howard College baseball team had five of its members sign NCAA Division I national letters of intent during the early signing period which runs from Nov. 14-21. Those five athletes, their positions, and which school they signed with are: Tyler Landedorf, shortstop, University of Oklahoma; Matt Curry, first baseman, Texas Christian University; Colt Simon, left handed pitcher, University of Nebraska; Cameron Monger, outfielder, University of New Mexico; and Pedro Villarreal, right handed pitcher, University of Texas-Pan American.
Maybe there is something going on at Howard.
MY son is a freshman at Blinn at the player/parent meeting at the beginning of the semester, coach
McIntyre said he had 32 players on the roster for the fall
McIntyre said he had 32 players on the roster for the fall
I do admire JC Coaches who limit their roster size like Blinn and Paris. Places like Ranger, Cisco and Howard either have a hard time keeping players or they have a hard time judging the ability of their recruits.
El Paso has 30 on their fall roster, will cut it to 25 for spring.
What difference does it make how many are on a roster? If a kid is not in the top 25 he will most likely be sitting the bench anyway.
Look at it this way if 5 kids transfer from Howard to D1 schools it makes room for 5 more at Howard.
I think the biggest problem most parents have with roster sizes is the fear that their kid may not play. If that is the case then maybe they need to choose less competitive schools. Kind of like choosing which summer team he plays for based on the roster and caliber of kids in each organization.
Look at it this way if 5 kids transfer from Howard to D1 schools it makes room for 5 more at Howard.
I think the biggest problem most parents have with roster sizes is the fear that their kid may not play. If that is the case then maybe they need to choose less competitive schools. Kind of like choosing which summer team he plays for based on the roster and caliber of kids in each organization.
quote:Originally posted by reggie-3-77:
I do admire JC Coaches who limit their roster size like Blinn and Paris. Places like Ranger, Cisco and Howard either have a hard time keeping players or they have a hard time judging the ability of their recruits.
.......or everyone goes out for baseball at
those schools.
I wish we could hear from a JC coach or former JC coach on this and try to get their side of the story. I'm sure there's a good answer out there somewhere. Any takers??
Okay, since you asked, I'll chime in. I have coached DI (UVa), DII, DIII, and JUCO I and III. The most recent before becoming a consultant was at Cedar Valley College (DIII JuCo in South Dallas). My last year there (2005) we won 37 games, including a winning record against the DI JUCO's on our schedule. Some schools have quotas and it is part of the coach's job to fill the dorm. Some sort of small baseball "scholarship" leads to making money for the school and the student-athlete probably isn't expected to ever start for the baseball team. That doesn't mean he won't defy expectations and be a gamer and eventually move on to DI ball, but the odds are against it. That same school still might have a good team because its top 15 guys are on a big scholarship. Other schools don't have quotas, but the coach likes lots of competition and figures recruiting lots of guys will cover any recruiting "mistakes." At any level, but especially JUCO, you will get guys who will flunk out, need to be dismissed for disciplinary issues, or just don't cut it on the field. Schools like Blinn obviously do more homework in building their roster, and if you get a spot there, it has, in my mind, a bit more value. Of course, if they made a few mistakes or hit bad luck with injuries, there may not be the needed quality reserve to help that team win a championship. There are good arguments on both sides of this coin.
The thing that amazes me is how easy it is (was, for me) to recruit a guy to make a major life decision by telling him he gets a 20% off tuition and a spot on a roster. (At CVC, we offered only a roster spot, but still were able to sign lots of guys.) If he's good enough, he should be able to earn a spot on lots of rosters and the first offer is a bit haphazard. It might work out, but it might not be the best fit. My advice, do your homework just as you would for any other major life decision. (Of course, the people who read this probably do!)
Hope that helps a bit.
The thing that amazes me is how easy it is (was, for me) to recruit a guy to make a major life decision by telling him he gets a 20% off tuition and a spot on a roster. (At CVC, we offered only a roster spot, but still were able to sign lots of guys.) If he's good enough, he should be able to earn a spot on lots of rosters and the first offer is a bit haphazard. It might work out, but it might not be the best fit. My advice, do your homework just as you would for any other major life decision. (Of course, the people who read this probably do!)
Hope that helps a bit.