Coaching Change at Mizzou

[beckner11]

While I don't know much about the behind the scenes happenings with their program, I do know for a fact that there were a lot of talented players that went/go to Mizzou but don't play because of their personality clash with Hawkins. Not that Hawkins did anything wrong but having a coach that drives players away makes it tough.

I've even heard from some parents of current high school players that their kid was already talking about not playing @ Mizzou due to the coaching.

[JW]

Regardless of the reasons of his being let Go. I am concerned for a player of mine that will be entering his freshmen year next Fall. I am concerned as to the lacrosse environment that he will be going into. What should I warn him about for the expectations that will be put on him?

Will he be playing for a CLUB team or a competitive team? Will he be paying three or four hundred dollars a semester to be playing for a CLUB team or a Virtual Varsity team?

Will it be worth his time to get out there and play?

[A.J. Stevens]

I believe If the players were able to not renew the coach's contract then it was club. (same as Illinois) Organized club but still club. There are only maybe a half-dozen teams in the MCLA that are virtual varsity. Many of us are working toward VV but few are currently at that level.

[LAXFAN]

Will he be playing for a CLUB team or a competitive team? Will he be paying three or four hundred dollars a semester to be playing for a CLUB team or a Virtual Varsity team?

I don't know if I really understand that question. If you are referring to Karen Mitchells comments its seems as those Barefoot cleared up those were taken out of context and were referring only to a cancellation of a trip to California.

I don't know if thats an attempt to undermine the team because of a decision they made but its pretty disappointing if it is.

[JW]

I must have missed Barefoots post, but that clears up a lot of questions that I had about the team.

And in no way was my line of questioning an attempt to undermine the Team or previous coaching staff.

Just trying to gain an appreciation for what my player was going to be getting into when he showed up for the first day of practice.

[John Westfall]

To be competitive in this league you have to practice 4-5 days a week or as much as 6-7 days a week. A lot of people from Administrators at the University level to Club Sports Directors don't always understand that. Players also don't always understand the commitment that goes into a winning program at this level. But the Teams who went to Texas for the National championship do. It is all about what you want to accomplish with your programs.

On Hawkins, he had a huge passion for the sport. He could be a tad controversial at times but he had a great heart and a love for the game and there is nothing wrong with that. We need more Kyle Hawkins types in this league. I wish Kyle the very best and know that we will see him on the national scene somewhere with another Team.

All the best,