Austin

[hockeydad]

As for not being able to play, I believe the transfer rule applies to varsity only. I think they are eligible to play JV.

[topshelf23]

I don't blame these kids for going, they want a better experience. They are willing to change schools and leave pals in order to do it, that shows guts and passion. When you say these kids are "average players", keep in mind they are only sophmores. Also, why are you so concerned a1puck and hocmom about them. The question I have for you is why aren't you also concerned about the 6-7 other players that have quit to play junior gold in AL or just quit hockey altogether. Shouldn't those players be loyal to Austin as well? Also keep in mind, these kids are 2-3 sport athletes, I'm sure this wasn't just a hockey based decision; so don't blame people or single them out until you get your facts straight. Another thing, this gentlemen you're speaking of accusing him of trying to destroy Austin hockey is an inadequate statement. Austin parents and board members took care of that with the "Lets just have fun and let the kids play" mentality over the years. And look where its gotten them. I don't think the parents or the other gentleman MADE these kids go to Rochester Mayo. Only time will tell the outcome of this whole situation.

[SEMinnHockeyNut]

I don't know all the details or all the people involved in this situation so I can't and won't make some sort of declarative statement.

In general, I'm against kids transfering. However, nobody bats an eye if a kid transfer for a better art or music experience, which does happen.
Of course I wouldn't even know about those transfers.
However, this sounds a bit different than some of the transfers that might including people of the coaching staff. The AD and Mayo HS cannot turn these kids away. They will be able to play JV/B-squad in any and all sports for the year. As far as to why then end up Mayo - they don't even have a choice due to Roch District policy - a student is placed to the school with the closest attendance area. So if a kid open enrolls from Winona he ends up at Century. If the family lives in Byron they end up at JM.

Nobody mentions that Mayo has D man on JV who lives in Stewartville. Obviously the Purple guys didn't want him and did not put him in the RYHA "elite" 17 -aka the bantam one team.

My last point. There is obviously a long standing feud between some people in Austin. I don't know all the details but I do know that the one guy in question has a well known MN hockey name and i'm guessing that some of the angry Austin people posting on here have a more limited hockey knowledge in comparison. Obviously there are some issues all around with the dramatic fall of Austin hockey.
And I'm sorry but I have been at Riverside to watch high school hockey and those that made interesting comments about what I was wearing did not seem to have muck hockey knowledge (they also had a limited number of teeth!). Until I was mocked for wearing a nice overcoat, I did not know that an Artic Cat jacket was the required uniform for watching a high school hockey game!

[Marty McSorely]

SE HOCKEY NUT awesome post. A D10 Director made some interesting comments to me about parts of his district that also ring true to SE MN.

Minnesota used to be a winter wonderland with mainly white people living outstate. Now Colombia Heights, Fridley and Coon Rapids struggle to field teams, their population is mostly from non traditional hockey countries.

I'm assuming Austin is similar to Albert Lea and other SE MN towns, the number on non traditional hockey kids has exploded in the school districts. People need to remember this is not the same MN they grew up in.

[a1puck]

Edit

[SEMinnHockeyNut]

a1puck -

How many of your 8 posts are about the current situation? Why did you have to change profiles for this issue?
HocMom suddenly appeared last year on about the same issue and like some have this year used the gentleman in question by name while hiding their identity secret - which is one's perogative of course.

With that being said it is hard for me as an outsider to take your opinions as being credible when you obviously are only coming on here to grind a personal axe. If you are your loved ones/sons/daughters are happy and so are you, why would you care that these 'terrible' and 'selfish' people are leaving?

[a1puck]

I find it strange that people think it is OK to break the rules. Sitting one year is the penalty for breaking a rule. People don't look at it that way...they see it as some sort of process put in place by the league. If the high school league thought it was OK to transfer for athletic reasons, this would not be in place.

Strange thinking indeed. It is as if you think it is OK to break the speed limit as long as you don't mind paying the fine.

[SEMinnHockeyNut]

a1puck -

You just cemented my point. 9 posts - all recently and then you admit it.

One way to look at rules - you are free to make a choice and then live with the consequences. The guidelines are set, but they are not laws for the highway or rules of a society. You are correct in that the MSHSL took recent steps to discourage all the open enrollment transfers, but no outlaw them.
This rule covers are varsity activities such as danceline, mock trial, and debate club. Hockey just happens to be high profile, but it was actually the Kennedy girls BB team that got the ball rolling on the current rule.
The 9th grader gave up varsity hockey and baseball this year because of moving to a better program.

And if these kids move in the summer they can play varsity. Hoppenworth moved to play at Mayo after 10th grade. You are upset and maybe with good reason. However the program is in total chaos at this point. The guy you are upset with obviously has some influence on these kids. You may just have to accept it and move on - take the good riddance attitude perhaps?

Somewhere there was a great and loyal marriage that went south. The wife tried to make changes and work things out but the husband did not listen and did not change his ways, got boring, got fat and suddenly the wife felt a growing desire for the new guy. She bolts and it is crappy but she also had to live with the choices that were made.

Perhaps you could consider a real world example. If I'm a dr at Olmsted and want to switch to Mayo, I will have to go to a Mayo clinic outside Olmsted Co to have a job the first year. And guess what? It happens.

[a1puck]

You just cemented my point. 9 posts - all recently and then you admit it.

If you are saying that I just recently registered and that I am posting about something that interests me...good point, guilty...so what? You are correct that I am anonymous...and your name is.....?

One way to look at rules - you are free to make a choice and then live with the consequences. The guidelines are set, but they are not laws for the highway or rules of a society.

You say my highway example is bogus and then go on to sight divorce and changing jobs as your own examples... why? The league rule is just that, a rule. It is not a guideline. When you break the rules you are ejected for a year, it is that clear and simple. ALSO... the ejection is for a calendar year whether you move in the summer or mid season. The year starts on your first day of attendance at the new school. Rule 100, section F, 3. Look it up on the high school league website.

There are other ways around the rule, if your parents divorce and you move from mom to dad, etc. By the way, if you do change schools, you remain eligible at your old school for that same year.

I don't know all the details or all the people involved in this situation so I can't and won't make some sort of declarative statement.

This is the best point you have made.

Until I was mocked for wearing a nice overcoat, I did not know that an Artic Cat jacket was the required uniform for watching a high school hockey game!

I am more of a Ski-Doo guy myself. That said, I don't remember ever seeing anyone wearing a nice overcoat.

[SEMinnHockeyNut]

a1puck -

Do you honestly not see the difference between a LAW and a RULE or GUIDELINE?

You cited (proper use of the word) a law. Speeding is not the same as transfering to a new school. My example of the Dr. switching companies is more like hockey players transfering to a new school. Like the Dr., these kids and their famillies have decided that the penalty for transfering is worth it, just as the Dr. would even if he had commute to Owatonna instead of being able to practice medicine at Mayo in Rochester. I know several people who have done this, and yes, they were somewhat recruited by others they knew at Mayo. If your neighbor did this, would you cry foul?

The example of the marriage going south because the husband got fat, lazy, and didn't seem as appealing was a poke at the Austin hockey program. The Packers went to the state tournament in 2001 and now are the worst team in the Big Nine! So would you stick it out in this failing marriage? Others have bolted. I am curious if you were this upset when one Ellingson boy went to Albert Lea (sleeping with the enemy???) and one stayed with Austin??? How come losing an elite player for a soley selfish reason did not cause such a stir on this board? Where were you then?

I don't care what this guy has done in the past in other places. All I know is that Mayo has lost players to others - and some that went on to become D-1 players and they have survived. I know some of the current Mayo parents from youth hockey and they say nothing but positive things about Coach Grosso and his ethics. The coaching staff at Mayo is experienced and keeps getting better. The current JV coaches played at SJU under Harrington. These kids will have a good experience.


Lastly - it is true I am not giving you my name. We all have that option. However, I still don't know why you created a brand new profile for this rant. What was wrong with your old one? Did too many people know who you are to post under that one?

[Kathy Serratore]

Facts & Opinions regarding the blog started by “a1puck”

My name is Joe Serratore and I’m taking this time to give you some facts as well as my opinions regarding the blog started by “a1puck”. I will answer each thread with either facts or my opinions. I would encourage anybody that replies to also leave their name. I believe that what people say has more validity if they are willing to endorse it. Also keep in mind that as I went through the process of registering for this, I had to read through the forum rules. Rule #2 states that there are to be no negative attacks or name calling. “a1puck” has already broken the rules!

#1. “a1puck” – I agree, Austin is young, and there has to be better times to come. Austin is already ranked as one of the bottom teams in the state, the only worse thing could be the demise of the program.

#2 “sregit34” – Isaac Gorman is a good young athlete, I hope that he is willing to put in the time, work with coaches, and dedicate himself to being a good disciplined hockey player. I’ve seen the Austin bantams play [3] times, and it is very difficult to determine how good they are, due to the fact that they play “B” level. I know that they have a very talented young player in Marcus Stoulil, but I’m not very familier with the rest of the players. I’ve heard that one bantam age boy is playing for “RS” out of Kansas City, I give those parents credit for trying to give their son more opportunity, I only hope that the boy makes the most out of it. Not all parents have the financial resources, or the time to make such moves, and that’s a shame, but nobody should be crucified for having those resources, and the parents and player should be applauded for making such a time commitment. Playing “B” level bantams probably gives kids a false sense of accomplishment when they beat an Albert Lea or an Owatonna considering that you are beating their 2nd group. You will then have to play their 1st group in high school.

#3 “sregit34” – Same as #2

#4 “hocmom” – I agree that Gorman will continue to improve with age, most boys do if they keep playing. Yes, some kids have moved on, and maybe more will, it’s not too bad, it’s the reality of sports in today’s world.

#5 “PoNd Hockey ChAmP67” – I agree that Austin may get better, but they will still be a struggling program for quite a few years.

#6 “BlueLineStopper” – Austin’s program has had a lot of changes in the past couple of years with players having off-ice issues etc. Last year I had a problem with the varsity coach cutting a player because he had some previous off-ice issues, well that boy has done a great job of putting his life back together [I’m proud of you, and you know I know who you are], but for some reason decided not to play this year, maybe it was the bad taste in his mouth from last year. John Kirby Jr. did what he had to do to follow his dream of being a college hockey player, too bad he will miss baseball [That saddens me].

#7 “spartanfan2121” – Fantastic thread, very accurate opinion of my son. I only hope that he continues to work hard, listen to his coaches, and hopefully do a little more growing! I just want to take this time to clarify that Steve didn’t have to sit out a year of varsity sports because he transferred before starting school as a 9th grader.

#8 “hockeyblitz” – I agree with you about Austin, but I’m not quite as blunt. The part of your thread that I like the most is the part regarding loyalty. When it’s all said and done, I only hope that my son loves me and knows that I would do whatever I could to give him the greatest experiences growing up. When he approached me in August and told me that he wanted to transfer, I realized that there would be a changes taking place, one change was for me to get a job in Rochester in order to get him to school every day. As a family we decided that we wanted to stay living in Austin. Steve indicated to me that he really wanted this, he gave me his reasons, and as a father, I felt it was reason enough to make the change.

#9 “a1puck” – I agree that you have a different opinion of what is best for your kid. Then parent your kid, and keep your opinions to yourself. My son has as many friends in other schools, through summer hockey, summer baseball, going to school in Hayfield, etc. I don’t consider any kid who would take it personal that my son left that school as truly being a good friend. As for the John Kirby Jr. situation, I agree and hope that he does go further, but who are you to judge each kids decision as to why they left, you didn’t even ask them as to why they left, you just assume! My son left Hayfield and chose Rochester “Mayo” in order to play baseball in a bigger school, he feels he can play college baseball! What makes his future and decision any less viable than Kirby’s? He loved his baseball coach in Hayfield, but even his coach told me that Steve needed to move on to reach his goals. Now, I must tell you that when looking at a larger school for baseball reasons, he picked “Mayo” over Austin because of “Mayo’s” stronger hockey program. And “Mayo” has also had a stronger baseball program these past years. He had to go to “Mayo” if he open enrolled in Rochester, each outside community is attached to a high school. Austin is attached to “Mayo”.

#10 “HShockey2180” – This was accurate and true. The MSHSL says that you only have to sit out varsity sports for 1 year, that doesn’t indicate that you can’t practice and play JV. What school in their right mind wouldn’t take 3 young boys and their full-time state tax dollars. These boys get pretty good grades and have not been trouble makers. Any school would take these kinds of boys during these trying days. Rochester has to cut app. $10,000,000 dollars, they would gladly take in more revenue.

#11 “a1puck” – Your accurate, Kevin Sederquest did look into the coaching job, and a work conflict stopped him from taking the job. And I did get your inside joke regarding Sederquest/Fox coaching controversy in Waterloo. But don’t get too cute, your beginning to give away your identity. Sometimes I guess the best opportunity is lost opportunity. Yes both of these kids did transfer to Hayfield as 8th graders, and attempted to play youth hockey in Dodge Ct. Derek was denied a release from the youth hockey board. I have been told that since then there have been releases granted, you better stay consistent. What this situation all has in common is that these three boys are good friends, and Taylor and Derek have communicated with Steve regarding his positive experience at “Mayo”. I could have cared less whether they came or not, but I did offer to transport them to and from school each day as long as they were willing to pay gas money.

#12 “hocmom” – Your right, they will have to work harder in order to play, they won’t be able to play through attrition. They won’t be able to play varsity sports for one year, please understand that. Yes they travel back and forth to Rochester every day, that only
supports their dedication to what they are doing. I’m amazed that people don’t at least support the effort of giving up 1.5 hours a day on the road. They will either do the things needed to play, or they won’t, that in my opinion is the great learning curve involved with playing in a stronger program. Graduating with their pals and playing for your hometown school have merit, but it is a little bit of an antiquated thought in today’s world.

#13 “goldy313” – Everything that you have said is correct. You really aren’t using up roster spots because they can only play JV, you can have as many JV players as you wish, but I’m sure from a “Mayo” parent perspective, it does take shifts away from kids that have been playing all year, my son is one of them. But it will give the kids more depth for next year which will be needed after losing a lot of good players to graduation this year. And as for it being correct for me as an employee of Rochester Public Schools to transport them to school, I have not checked it, but I would think that they have bigger fish to fry.

#14 “a1puck” – Good cheap shot, once again the assumption is that these two kids have parents that can’t make their own sound decisions. Don’t give me that much credit, if I could sell like that, I would be working in sales. You say that I work the system, maybe your right, but I would do it again if it meant a better experience for my son. They won’t sit idly by, they will be playing JV hockey the rest of this year, and JV baseball this spring, and JV football next fall, and JV hockey at least until their year is up next winter, after that it’s up to the coaches to decide whether they will play varsity or not.

#15 “Getemupscout” – If they were to go to Rochester, “Mayo” was the school that they had to attend. They could have looked other places, but I think that the ability for me to take them to school weighed in the decision, also they also wanted to find a school that was strong in baseball. “Mayo” will not have the type of team that they have this year, but they will not fall to the level that Austin is at. And once again, people are assuming that this was a hockey decision, and I think that each family had other issues that weighed into it, but that was their decision.

#16 “BlueLineStopper” – I did back the program. I started a off-season program in Albert Lea that I ran with Mike Carlson and Scott Fox. We did it for three years, I even had some of the “Gopher” players come down and skate with the kids each year. We struggled to get kids/parents from Austin that wanted to do it. The kids that did do it, are the kids that your speaking of right now. It also amazes me how quickly people forget the meetings that were held back about 5 years ago. I attended every one of them, and told the youth hockey board very clearly that we were in trouble, I also gave them valid suggestions as to some ways to change some things, but none of them were ever put into place. My son attended Hayfield from the beginning, I knew that he would have to play hockey for Dodge Ct. in high school, so I just moved him as a 2nd year PeeWee because I saw this coming. When I go to a high school game, I feel bad for those kids, but I’m also glad that my son isn’t part of that demoralizing program.

#17 “a1puck” – Once again great cheap shot, but I don’t think that your following the rules of this blog. If you are serious about giving me credit for the demise of Austin’s program, I’m flattered. I would be lying to you if I told you that your comment about how people feel about me didn’t hurt my feelings, but it would hurt more if five years from now my son felt that way about me because I would let him follow his dreams of attaining his goal of being a college baseball player. At lease now if he fails, he knows that his parents gave him all that they could of their time and resources. As for the
“Mayo” coaches, they don’t need to figure me out, their only concern should be working with their team and my son to make them the best that they can be. And to be honest, my son is overwhelmed with joy regarding the move. From his opinion, the practices are great, they watch film often, and have mandatory weight room twice a week. He has a defenseman coach that coached the Rochester “Mustangs”, etc. The older players have been great role models, last week two senior players came over to Austin to hit baseballs with Steve, and from the excitement in his eyes you could have sworn that it was Jeter and A-Rod, that’s the program I want for my son!

#18 “SEMNHOCKEYFAN” – This comment has already been answered regarding why “Mayo”. “Century” was never an option, and the numbers at “Mayo” this year were around 45 trying out.

#19 “SEMNHOCKEYFAN” – Derek McMasters and Taylor Sederquest.

#20 “Frozen Water” – Once again the assumption was that the only reason to leave would be if you’re a very good player. These kids have other reasons for their decisions, and it’s not up to anybody to play God and tell them what they can and can’t to. They want to compete with teams that compete. And they are only 10th graders, they maybe very good players in the future, who knows.

#21 “a1puck” – Once again, I sang my siren song. That is so far from the truth that its not even funny. I filled in the details of what I knew, and they made their own decisions. Please don’t insult the parents/kids intelligence any further.

#22 “austinhockey” – This person must know me because they have the facts straight. I must at least have a couple of friends anyway, thanks whoever you are.

#23 “Marty McSorely” – Your comments are the kind of comments that this blog is there for. I hope the B9 proves you wrong, but at this time you are very well versed in your opinion of the conference.

#24 “Soulforged” – Any competitive level that you play at becomes a big deal, and these kids still like to compete even if they probably won’t play in the “Excel” Center in the future. There is still a big difference between playing on a team that may not win a lot of the time vs. playing on a team that is always in 3rd period run time.

#25 “hockeydad” – Your 100% right.

#26 “topshelf23” – Good comments, once again maybe another friend who knows the facts.

#27 “SEMinnHockeyNut” – This person obviously has a grasp of whats going on, and I thank him for giving me credit for not just falling off the turnip truck when it comes to sports knowledge. I don’t completely understand his comments about “Riverside” Arena, but I think it was a shot at Austin.

#28 “Marty McSorely” – Very accurate, the demographics of Austin have changed, and it is harder and harder to put a hockey program together, the cost is too high. That was one of the issues that I addressed to Austin Youth Hockey after they eliminated the free 1st year, I do think they have since then reinstated that.

#29 “a1 puck” – You must be pretty bold to believe that the Austin academics are better than the Rochester academics. Kids make decisions on specialized programs of either academic or extra-curricular variety. In this situation, at least with my son, all about extra-curricular, and when Steve went to Dodge Ct., it was due to the fact that he wold have to play HS there, and also they did have much stronger PeeWee team at that time, so it made it easier to do all that driving. But once again “a1 puck” your getting a little cute, and are once again giving yourself away. I won’t blow the whistle on who you are, because I want to see if you have the “sense of fair play” to acknowledge yourself after you have read my {thesis}. I have had conversations with some of the Austin Youth Hockey board members, and they indicated more than once that the importance of youth hockey was to just have fun. I can’t argue with the importance of that, but I ask you now very clearly, is your son having fun? Well the two boys that left for Rochester were not!

#30 “SEMinnHockeyNut” – Thanks for acknowledging this, I can’t understand what courage it takes to write under an assumed name. If there is an axe to grind with me, give me a call, my number is in the phone book. I maybe lack popularity, but most are aware that I’m willing to go toe to toe to support my opinions, and out in the open. But I’m trying to have a battle of wits with “a1puck” but he is un-armed!

#31 “a1 puck” – Once again, good cheap shot, I really should lose some weight. But for you to believe that these kids are breaking rules, simply shows your lack of credibility regarding what your talking about. They didn’t break the rules, they are simply jumping through the hoops the correct way. And as for not lifting a finger to help, your so off base. Yes, I haven’t helped out with youth hockey, but when you get snubbed at, you generally don’t go back for more. As for giving of my time, I have spent more hours in Austin supporting baseball programs such as Town Teams, and VFW, as well as Club League than you ever have with youth hockey. Your ignorance amazes me.

#32 “SEMinnHockeyNut” – Your correct in all your comments, but under todays rules, Hoppenworth would have to sit out a year, even if they move in the summer. The only “Free” move that you get is prior to your 9th grade year, unless your complete family unit makes a physical move into that school district.

#33 “a1 puck” – I have also just posted for the first time. Your correct on the rules with the MSHSL regarding this situation, that’s why Steve enrolled prior to the 9th grade. If I have influence with these people, I hope it’s because they see Steven having a good positive experience in all avenues at “Mayo” HS. If you enjoy taking cheap pot shots anonymously on the web because it’s fun, I think you need to evaluate who lacks character. The next cheap shots regarding baseball and my family will not be addressed mainly due to the fact that they have nothing at all to do with this blog, and have everything to do with a problem that you have with me. I don’t know if my welcome is worn out in those arenas or not, but when I go to the games, I always seem to find friendly people to talk with. Once again your attempt wasn’t to support the issue at hand here it is an attempt to hurt my feelings, I can’t deny that it does, but none of that makes me one bit regretful of my son’s decision to spend his high school years in Rochester. I only hope that the two young men and their parents that took on the same choice, can also feel as I do in the near future.

#34 “SEMinnHockeyNut” – Thanks for trying to make some good points, but this person refuses to see the reality of today’s world. Your right, the coaching staff at “Mayo” is stable and strong. I don’t know enough about all the X’s and O’s, but I do know that my son is learning and getting better and being pushed day by day, and in the end I hope that he is a better athlete and better person for it. Lastly, I have left my name and put myself out there for people to go right after me, If “a1puck” has a sense of fair play, they will also leave their name on their next reply. Anything said with validity is worth signing your name to.

I apologize to all that believe reading this as just a complete waste of time, just imagine the waste of my Saturday to have to write this!



[/list]

[SEMNHOCKEYFAN]

Facts & Opinions regarding the blog started by “a1puck”

My name is Joe Serratore and I’m taking this time to give you some facts as well as my opinions regarding the blog started by “a1puck”. I will answer each thread with either facts or my opinions. I would encourage anybody that replies to also leave their name. I believe that what people say has more validity if they are willing to endorse it. Also keep in mind that as I went through the process of registering for this, I had to read through the forum rules. Rule #2 states that there are to be no negative attacks or name calling. “a1puck” has already broken the rules!

#1. “a1puck” – I agree, Austin is young, and there has to be better times to come. Austin is already ranked as one of the bottom teams in the state, the only worse thing could be the demise of the program.

#2 “sregit34” – Isaac Gorman is a good young athlete, I hope that he is willing to put in the time, work with coaches, and dedicate himself to being a good disciplined hockey player. I’ve seen the Austin bantams play [3] times, and it is very difficult to determine how good they are, due to the fact that they play “B” level. I know that they have a very talented young player in Marcus Stoulil, but I’m not very familier with the rest of the players. I’ve heard that one bantam age boy is playing for “RS” out of Kansas City, I give those parents credit for trying to give their son more opportunity, I only hope that the boy makes the most out of it. Not all parents have the financial resources, or the time to make such moves, and that’s a shame, but nobody should be crucified for having those resources, and the parents and player should be applauded for making such a time commitment. Playing “B” level bantams probably gives kids a false sense of accomplishment when they beat an Albert Lea or an Owatonna considering that you are beating their 2nd group. You will then have to play their 1st group in high school.

#3 “sregit34” – Same as #2

#4 “hocmom” – I agree that Gorman will continue to improve with age, most boys do if they keep playing. Yes, some kids have moved on, and maybe more will, it’s not too bad, it’s the reality of sports in today’s world.

#5 “PoNd Hockey ChAmP67” – I agree that Austin may get better, but they will still be a struggling program for quite a few years.

#6 “BlueLineStopper” – Austin’s program has had a lot of changes in the past couple of years with players having off-ice issues etc. Last year I had a problem with the varsity coach cutting a player because he had some previous off-ice issues, well that boy has done a great job of putting his life back together [I’m proud of you, and you know I know who you are], but for some reason decided not to play this year, maybe it was the bad taste in his mouth from last year. John Kirby Jr. did what he had to do to follow his dream of being a college hockey player, too bad he will miss baseball [That saddens me].

#7 “spartanfan2121” – Fantastic thread, very accurate opinion of my son. I only hope that he continues to work hard, listen to his coaches, and hopefully do a little more growing! I just want to take this time to clarify that Steve didn’t have to sit out a year of varsity sports because he transferred before starting school as a 9th grader.

#8 “hockeyblitz” – I agree with you about Austin, but I’m not quite as blunt. The part of your thread that I like the most is the part regarding loyalty. When it’s all said and done, I only hope that my son loves me and knows that I would do whatever I could to give him the greatest experiences growing up. When he approached me in August and told me that he wanted to transfer, I realized that there would be a changes taking place, one change was for me to get a job in Rochester in order to get him to school every day. As a family we decided that we wanted to stay living in Austin. Steve indicated to me that he really wanted this, he gave me his reasons, and as a father, I felt it was reason enough to make the change.

#9 “a1puck” – I agree that you have a different opinion of what is best for your kid. Then parent your kid, and keep your opinions to yourself. My son has as many friends in other schools, through summer hockey, summer baseball, going to school in Hayfield, etc. I don’t consider any kid who would take it personal that my son left that school as truly being a good friend. As for the John Kirby Jr. situation, I agree and hope that he does go further, but who are you to judge each kids decision as to why they left, you didn’t even ask them as to why they left, you just assume! My son left Hayfield and chose Rochester “Mayo” in order to play baseball in a bigger school, he feels he can play college baseball! What makes his future and decision any less viable than Kirby’s? He loved his baseball coach in Hayfield, but even his coach told me that Steve needed to move on to reach his goals. Now, I must tell you that when looking at a larger school for baseball reasons, he picked “Mayo” over Austin because of “Mayo’s” stronger hockey program. And “Mayo” has also had a stronger baseball program these past years. He had to go to “Mayo” if he open enrolled in Rochester, each outside community is attached to a high school. Austin is attached to “Mayo”.

#10 “HShockey2180” – This was accurate and true. The MSHSL says that you only have to sit out varsity sports for 1 year, that doesn’t indicate that you can’t practice and play JV. What school in their right mind wouldn’t take 3 young boys and their full-time state tax dollars. These boys get pretty good grades and have not been trouble makers. Any school would take these kinds of boys during these trying days. Rochester has to cut app. $10,000,000 dollars, they would gladly take in more revenue.

#11 “a1puck” – Your accurate, Kevin Sederquest did look into the coaching job, and a work conflict stopped him from taking the job. And I did get your inside joke regarding Sederquest/Fox coaching controversy in Waterloo. But don’t get too cute, your beginning to give away your identity. Sometimes I guess the best opportunity is lost opportunity. Yes both of these kids did transfer to Hayfield as 8th graders, and attempted to play youth hockey in Dodge Ct. Derek was denied a release from the youth hockey board. I have been told that since then there have been releases granted, you better stay consistent. What this situation all has in common is that these three boys are good friends, and Taylor and Derek have communicated with Steve regarding his positive experience at “Mayo”. I could have cared less whether they came or not, but I did offer to transport them to and from school each day as long as they were willing to pay gas money.

#12 “hocmom” – Your right, they will have to work harder in order to play, they won’t be able to play through attrition. They won’t be able to play varsity sports for one year, please understand that. Yes they travel back and forth to Rochester every day, that only
supports their dedication to what they are doing. I’m amazed that people don’t at least support the effort of giving up 1.5 hours a day on the road. They will either do the things needed to play, or they won’t, that in my opinion is the great learning curve involved with playing in a stronger program. Graduating with their pals and playing for your hometown school have merit, but it is a little bit of an antiquated thought in today’s world.

#13 “goldy313” – Everything that you have said is correct. You really aren’t using up roster spots because they can only play JV, you can have as many JV players as you wish, but I’m sure from a “Mayo” parent perspective, it does take shifts away from kids that have been playing all year, my son is one of them. But it will give the kids more depth for next year which will be needed after losing a lot of good players to graduation this year. And as for it being correct for me as an employee of Rochester Public Schools to transport them to school, I have not checked it, but I would think that they have bigger fish to fry.

#14 “a1puck” – Good cheap shot, once again the assumption is that these two kids have parents that can’t make their own sound decisions. Don’t give me that much credit, if I could sell like that, I would be working in sales. You say that I work the system, maybe your right, but I would do it again if it meant a better experience for my son. They won’t sit idly by, they will be playing JV hockey the rest of this year, and JV baseball this spring, and JV football next fall, and JV hockey at least until their year is up next winter, after that it’s up to the coaches to decide whether they will play varsity or not.

#15 “Getemupscout” – If they were to go to Rochester, “Mayo” was the school that they had to attend. They could have looked other places, but I think that the ability for me to take them to school weighed in the decision, also they also wanted to find a school that was strong in baseball. “Mayo” will not have the type of team that they have this year, but they will not fall to the level that Austin is at. And once again, people are assuming that this was a hockey decision, and I think that each family had other issues that weighed into it, but that was their decision.

#16 “BlueLineStopper” – I did back the program. I started a off-season program in Albert Lea that I ran with Mike Carlson and Scott Fox. We did it for three years, I even had some of the “Gopher” players come down and skate with the kids each year. We struggled to get kids/parents from Austin that wanted to do it. The kids that did do it, are the kids that your speaking of right now. It also amazes me how quickly people forget the meetings that were held back about 5 years ago. I attended every one of them, and told the youth hockey board very clearly that we were in trouble, I also gave them valid suggestions as to some ways to change some things, but none of them were ever put into place. My son attended Hayfield from the beginning, I knew that he would have to play hockey for Dodge Ct. in high school, so I just moved him as a 2nd year PeeWee because I saw this coming. When I go to a high school game, I feel bad for those kids, but I’m also glad that my son isn’t part of that demoralizing program.

#17 “a1puck” – Once again great cheap shot, but I don’t think that your following the rules of this blog. If you are serious about giving me credit for the demise of Austin’s program, I’m flattered. I would be lying to you if I told you that your comment about how people feel about me didn’t hurt my feelings, but it would hurt more if five years from now my son felt that way about me because I would let him follow his dreams of attaining his goal of being a college baseball player. At lease now if he fails, he knows that his parents gave him all that they could of their time and resources. As for the
“Mayo” coaches, they don’t need to figure me out, their only concern should be working with their team and my son to make them the best that they can be. And to be honest, my son is overwhelmed with joy regarding the move. From his opinion, the practices are great, they watch film often, and have mandatory weight room twice a week. He has a defenseman coach that coached the Rochester “Mustangs”, etc. The older players have been great role models, last week two senior players came over to Austin to hit baseballs with Steve, and from the excitement in his eyes you could have sworn that it was Jeter and A-Rod, that’s the program I want for my son!

#18 “SEMNHOCKEYFAN” – This comment has already been answered regarding why “Mayo”. “Century” was never an option, and the numbers at “Mayo” this year were around 45 trying out.

#19 “SEMNHOCKEYFAN” – Derek McMasters and Taylor Sederquest.

#20 “Frozen Water” – Once again the assumption was that the only reason to leave would be if you’re a very good player. These kids have other reasons for their decisions, and it’s not up to anybody to play God and tell them what they can and can’t to. They want to compete with teams that compete. And they are only 10th graders, they maybe very good players in the future, who knows.

#21 “a1puck” – Once again, I sang my siren song. That is so far from the truth that its not even funny. I filled in the details of what I knew, and they made their own decisions. Please don’t insult the parents/kids intelligence any further.

#22 “austinhockey” – This person must know me because they have the facts straight. I must at least have a couple of friends anyway, thanks whoever you are.

#23 “Marty McSorely” – Your comments are the kind of comments that this blog is there for. I hope the B9 proves you wrong, but at this time you are very well versed in your opinion of the conference.

#24 “Soulforged” – Any competitive level that you play at becomes a big deal, and these kids still like to compete even if they probably won’t play in the “Excel” Center in the future. There is still a big difference between playing on a team that may not win a lot of the time vs. playing on a team that is always in 3rd period run time.

#25 “hockeydad” – Your 100% right.

#26 “topshelf23” – Good comments, once again maybe another friend who knows the facts.

#27 “SEMinnHockeyNut” – This person obviously has a grasp of whats going on, and I thank him for giving me credit for not just falling off the turnip truck when it comes to sports knowledge. I don’t completely understand his comments about “Riverside” Arena, but I think it was a shot at Austin.

#28 “Marty McSorely” – Very accurate, the demographics of Austin have changed, and it is harder and harder to put a hockey program together, the cost is too high. That was one of the issues that I addressed to Austin Youth Hockey after they eliminated the free 1st year, I do think they have since then reinstated that.

#29 “a1 puck” – You must be pretty bold to believe that the Austin academics are better than the Rochester academics. Kids make decisions on specialized programs of either academic or extra-curricular variety. In this situation, at least with my son, all about extra-curricular, and when Steve went to Dodge Ct., it was due to the fact that he wold have to play HS there, and also they did have much stronger PeeWee team at that time, so it made it easier to do all that driving. But once again “a1 puck” your getting a little cute, and are once again giving yourself away. I won’t blow the whistle on who you are, because I want to see if you have the “sense of fair play” to acknowledge yourself after you have read my {thesis}. I have had conversations with some of the Austin Youth Hockey board members, and they indicated more than once that the importance of youth hockey was to just have fun. I can’t argue with the importance of that, but I ask you now very clearly, is your son having fun? Well the two boys that left for Rochester were not!

#30 “SEMinnHockeyNut” – Thanks for acknowledging this, I can’t understand what courage it takes to write under an assumed name. If there is an axe to grind with me, give me a call, my number is in the phone book. I maybe lack popularity, but most are aware that I’m willing to go toe to toe to support my opinions, and out in the open. But I’m trying to have a battle of wits with “a1puck” but he is un-armed!

#31 “a1 puck” – Once again, good cheap shot, I really should lose some weight. But for you to believe that these kids are breaking rules, simply shows your lack of credibility regarding what your talking about. They didn’t break the rules, they are simply jumping through the hoops the correct way. And as for not lifting a finger to help, your so off base. Yes, I haven’t helped out with youth hockey, but when you get snubbed at, you generally don’t go back for more. As for giving of my time, I have spent more hours in Austin supporting baseball programs such as Town Teams, and VFW, as well as Club League than you ever have with youth hockey. Your ignorance amazes me.

#32 “SEMinnHockeyNut” – Your correct in all your comments, but under todays rules, Hoppenworth would have to sit out a year, even if they move in the summer. The only “Free” move that you get is prior to your 9th grade year, unless your complete family unit makes a physical move into that school district.

#33 “a1 puck” – I have also just posted for the first time. Your correct on the rules with the MSHSL regarding this situation, that’s why Steve enrolled prior to the 9th grade. If I have influence with these people, I hope it’s because they see Steven having a good positive experience in all avenues at “Mayo” HS. If you enjoy taking cheap pot shots anonymously on the web because it’s fun, I think you need to evaluate who lacks character. The next cheap shots regarding baseball and my family will not be addressed mainly due to the fact that they have nothing at all to do with this blog, and have everything to do with a problem that you have with me. I don’t know if my welcome is worn out in those arenas or not, but when I go to the games, I always seem to find friendly people to talk with. Once again your attempt wasn’t to support the issue at hand here it is an attempt to hurt my feelings, I can’t deny that it does, but none of that makes me one bit regretful of my son’s decision to spend his high school years in Rochester. I only hope that the two young men and their parents that took on the same choice, can also feel as I do in the near future.

#34 “SEMinnHockeyNut” – Thanks for trying to make some good points, but this person refuses to see the reality of today’s world. Your right, the coaching staff at “Mayo” is stable and strong. I don’t know enough about all the X’s and O’s, but I do know that my son is learning and getting better and being pushed day by day, and in the end I hope that he is a better athlete and better person for it. Lastly, I have left my name and put myself out there for people to go right after me, If “a1puck” has a sense of fair play, they will also leave their name on their next reply. Anything said with validity is worth signing your name to.

I apologize to all that believe reading this as just a complete waste of time, just imagine the waste of my Saturday to have to write this!



[/list]

and thats the end of this issue......

[Marty McSorely]

Nice Post Joe, with your last name you must know something about hockey. It's amazing how jealous people are!

[a1puck]

a1puck -

Do you honestly not see the difference between a LAW and a RULE or GUIDELINE?

You cited (proper use of the word) a law. Speeding is not the same as transfering to a new school. My example of the Dr. switching companies is more like hockey players transfering to a new school. Like the Dr., these kids and their famillies have decided that the penalty for transfering is worth it, just as the Dr. would even if he had commute to Owatonna instead of being able to practice medicine at Mayo in Rochester. I know several people who have done this, and yes, they were somewhat recruited by others they knew at Mayo. If your neighbor did this, would you cry foul?

The example of the marriage going south because the husband got fat, lazy, and didn't seem as appealing was a poke at the Austin hockey program. The Packers went to the state tournament in 2001 and now are the worst team in the Big Nine! So would you stick it out in this failing marriage? Others have bolted. I am curious if you were this upset when one Ellingson boy went to Albert Lea (sleeping with the enemy???) and one stayed with Austin??? How come losing an elite player for a soley selfish reason did not cause such a stir on this board? Where were you then?

I don't care what this guy has done in the past in other places. All I know is that Mayo has lost players to others - and some that went on to become D-1 players and they have survived. I know some of the current Mayo parents from youth hockey and they say nothing but positive things about Coach Grosso and his ethics. The coaching staff at Mayo is experienced and keeps getting better. The current JV coaches played at SJU under Harrington. These kids will have a good experience.


Lastly - it is true I am not giving you my name. We all have that option. However, I still don't know why you created a brand new profile for this rant. What was wrong with your old one? Did too many people know who you are to post under that one?

I have taken down a few of my posts. I was angry, I apologize. The young men involved are all decent kids. I simply disagree with the direction they have taken.

As to the Rule/Law thing... we are splitting hairs. We are also on two completely different planets. I don't think we could ever agree.

I am sure that much thought went in to the open enrollment rules, just like much thought has gone in to the waiver process at youth. These rules have a "spirit". The spirit of the rule is that you play for your home team. Recruitment is not allowed. Breaking the rule does cause you to receive a penalty, a severe one year rejection. The idea that somehow these rules are just put in place as some sort of "process" is just plain whacked. I must assume that you think the rule is stupid and should be reversed. I would disagree.

The rules are in the spirit of MN Hockey, they are intended to promote a community based hockey program. At the high school level they are intended to avoid one team in an area attracting the best players. Losing players to another town as the dual effect of weaking one team while creating more depth at the other...an all around bad deal. Note that the rules are aimed at sports. Rochester in particular had many people that moved from one school to another for "academic' reasons. When these rules were put in place, suddenly the academics became just fine at the school they were already at.

[BlueLineStopper]

Nice Post Joe, with your last name you must know something about hockey. It's amazing how jealous people are!

I agree that personal attacks are not needed on public site. At the same time I wonder question why there was so much chatter last season about the issues with the team being centered around coaching. Listening to people in Austin last year and reading prior posts, I heard Mr. Serratore's name come up both with select group of parents and players. One of these players had a brother that now is attending Mayo. I have no problem with a player leaving for another school to better their chances at playing beyond HS, or for leaving for academic reason. The problem is not the coaching at the HS level, the talent level is not there. You cannot blame that on the HS coach.

On a side note, with a forum name like Marty McSorely I could assume several things about your charater, maybe you use stick as a weapson, but I wouldn't do that. I would not judge Mr. Serratore based on the fact that his brother coaches a DI school. That would not be fair of me to give him more credit based on the accomplishments of his brother.

[Ice016]

In reponse to A1Puck:
I don't think you see that playing for your hometown team doesn't entirely exist anymore. People search for their best option, the one that will bring them the most success. It might not be the easiest or the most convenient option, but they must think they have a better chance for success. The whole point of playing sports is to enjoy yourself and to get as much as you want out of your experience. These boys want to be the best athletes they can be. I say athletes not hockey players!! These boys are good athletes and play other sports also. Austin athletics was unable to give them what they wanted out of their sport and it didn't give them a challenging place to play. How do you get better without challenges? By saying its not right for them to transfer you are limiting their ability to improve. They are going to wait their one year in the hopes that they will have a great opportunity waiting for them. Most kids don't want to give up that year, and that's what the MSHSL was hoping for when they put the rule in place. They didn't think people would want to miss that year. What if the activity wasn't offered at your school (lacrosse...for example) but it was offered at Rochester Mayo? Are you going to tell that kid it's wrong because they're not playing for the "hometown team"?

In response to BlueLineStopper and Marty McSorely:
Involving the "Serratore" name thing... Joe has never said that because he is a Serratore he is more knowledgeable than anyone else. Serratore is a well known name in the hockey community, but that has nothing to do with Joe, only his brothers. However, he does have a lot of knowledge about hockey and hockey programs. This knowledge comes from attending an incredible amount of games and practices, understanding how a program should be run, a being dedicated to his son's love of the sport! Judging him based on his name is ridiculous, no matter which way you are coming from!
[/quote]

[a1puck]

Ice,
How do you define success? Is there any chance that your definition of success might be different than a teen boy's?

If Austin does not win a game this year, does that mean there has been no success?

[karl(east)]

We should start a pool to see how many times the name of this thread will change...

[Mac15]

Nice Post Joe, with your last name you must know something about hockey. It's amazing how jealous people are!

On a side note, with a forum name like Marty McSorely I could assume several things about your charater, maybe you use stick as a weapson, but I wouldn't do that. I would not judge Mr. Serratore based on the fact that his brother coaches a DI school. That would not be fair of me to give him more credit based on the accomplishments of his brother.

Don't read anything into Marty's screen name. Its just a name. He is a man of high character and if you knew him you would be pleased to have someone like him coaching your kids or helping to run your program. I think Marty was just commenting on the last name and not inferring anything from it. He is not a Mayo parent either.

[hockeyblitz]

a1puck you forgot to list the success that could come out of this. It appears that these boys as "Teenagers" made a decision to fullfill some goals and seek a better experience. Yes a1puck you could rose color the situation in Austin and say well those kids made it through this mess and give them credit for durability. But you could not even come close to saying it was a good experience, that is a fact. From what I read it appears that these boys that transferred must be pretty good athletes to generate this much noise. I don't blame them for looking for a better experience in order to achieve what they want to achieve. Yes they will probably have more success at Mayo but certainly there experience in hockey will be by far better. In reading, these boys also play other sports which they must have taken into consideration as well when making such a decision. I commend them for having the tenacity and the maturity in making a decision which brings them to a foreign enviroment. However it appears that mayo just got better for the future. Although Mayo has been victims of this themselves (lourdes).

[mnsports]

I'm anxious to see what happens when Joe wears out his welcome in another town. Then what will his opinion be of Mayo? The sad thing is that when he realizes he can't manipulate the person(s) in charge of Steve's playing time anymore, he transfers them to a new school. I feel bad for the kid because he's basically just along for the ride. He hasn't been a standout player at any level so, realistically, what are his chances of being a contributing player at any level in a school like Mayo? Joe, I think it's great how you would do anything to get your kid more playing time, but it gets to a point where he needs to perform in order to move on to the next level and you can't control that.

[Miracle1980]

I'm very familiar with southern MN Youth and High School hockey, but not very familiar with the kids who decided to leave Austin. My feelings are... it seems silly to transfer schools to MAYBE play a Varsity sport? What happens if they never make Mayo's Varsity team? Also, a very knowledgable hockey man once told me its easy to tell the true hockey dad from the pretenders. "The pretenders only do things that will benefit their own kid"

[keepmeoutofit]

i've seen Austin play and I know where Rochester is. Beyond that I don't know any of the people or issues.
I do know that I couldnt get any of my kids to transfer schools unless they really wanted to.
I think my kids listen to me as much as any teenage kids listen to their parents.

[steelblades14]

Crazy. Times have changed. Back in the day we played for our town, and school with pride.We DESPISED the other towns teams that often beat us. We respected our coaches and worked hard for them. No whining. If we lost, we sucked it up and played harder next time. If you were a gifted player you would be found( Several D1 players, Coach from Spamtown.) . Hope all these boy's (parents)dreams come true.

[OU812]

I saw Austin play Tuesday night v West. Austin kids always play hard, and this years team is no exception. Dooley is a good goalie, too.