Achiever Academy Roster

[MN_Bowhunter]

I think this whole thing is a joke, let them do what they want, but letting them take away a chance for a real high school team to go the state tournament is complete BS. The teams in 4A already have to go through the recruiting capital of public schools, now they have to beat SSP AND a national all star team that skates 4 hours a day? I don't care how you spin it, Underachiever Academy should not be allowed to compete at the MN state high school hockey tournament.

[luckyEPDad]

I think this whole thing is a joke, let them do what they want, but letting them take away a chance for a real high school team to go the state tournament is complete BS. The teams in 4A already have to go through the recruiting capital of public schools, now they have to beat SSP AND a national all star team that skates 4 hours a day? I don't care how you spin it, Underachiever Academy should not be allowed to compete at the MN state high school hockey tournament.

I wouldn't worry too much. If they can compete at a high level it won't be long until MHSL rules are too restrictive and they'll move on to a SSM type schedule. If they can compete at AA level they will petition to play up. There is no incentive for them to play what some perceive as lower level competition. AA is a business. The greater their success the more they can charge.

[D6 Girls Fan]

I don't think they'll challenge anyone for two-three years at least. I have heard from a couple parents who are either on the team or close to joining.

Good players, but young. And on the education side, there's at least one straight A kid who trusts the program enough to go.

[Knight7]

Royals dad.

Here is the catch on MSHSL rules you threw out there.

These kids and parents knew exactly what they were getting into and bought into it. So, for CP to find someone to run a Captain's practice shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure the parents are aware that they need to pay extra for the ice time that are non season.

He also is allowed to have the 2 months of June and July like everyone else. The fact that he is tied into Jr. Whitecaps program helps him also. I noticed that an 8th grader and other players in the Prospects under the Achiever banner. Generally used as a college recruiting tool for sophmores, juniors and senoirs.

He is well versed in hoop jumping. I'm not for or against this and I think he is looking to go AA in 2 years as a recruiting tool and a SSM type soon afterwards. That is just my thought.

I guess time will tell.

[hockeyfan21]

Take a look at the online only high schools and their performance, consistently sub par and sometimes so low and fraudulent that the parents have legal recourse.

I give it 3 years until the state gets enough data on Northern Educate and we see an article in the strib about it being a diploma mill. Don't give me that crap about "individualized learning", kids are in front of a computer and have virtually no real interaction with other students or instructors other than "where is the answer to question 6".

If parents want 3 hours of on ice work for their kids fine, everyone is allowed to be a crazy parent. But to think that online only education is fine for an elementary student is borderline negligent. I've taught in both public and private schools, in grades 5th through 12th. I've taken college classes completely online and you learn next to nothing compared to what you do in a classroom.

[sinbin]

So perhaps a handful of these students will benefit from this environment and earn a college scholarship as a result, where they likely would not have earned one in a traditional high school environment. Then, there is another group who will receive college scholarships when they would have had the same result in a traditional high school. Then, there is the group that won't receive college scholarships, but still would like to attend college for academic reasons. College admissions officers will see a HUGE difference in an online learning environment (if that's really what they have) vs. an intensive AP/IB/college prep education at a quality high school with a proven track record. I don't know what the relative sizes of these groups will be, but it sounds like many are putting a lot of eggs in one basket. Time will tell.

[Goalie-Dad]

Take a look at the online only high schools and their performance, consistently sub par and sometimes so low and fraudulent that the parents have legal recourse.

I give it 3 years until the state gets enough data on Northern Educate and we see an article in the strib about it being a diploma mill. Don't give me that crap about "individualized learning", kids are in front of a computer and have virtually no real interaction with other students or instructors other than "where is the answer to question 6".

If parents want 3 hours of on ice work for their kids fine, everyone is allowed to be a crazy parent. But to think that online only education is fine for an elementary student is borderline negligent. I've taught in both public and private schools, in grades 5th through 12th. I've taken college classes completely online and you learn next to nothing compared to what you do in a classroom.

Well stated!

In addition, these kids are missing the vital social interaction that a real school facilitates. The flirting in the hallways, the school dances, the lunchtime laughter, the pep rallies, acting like goofballs in the student section at sporting events, etc., etc, etc.

You're only a kid once, make it a great experience!

[luckyEPDad]

Take a look at the online only high schools and their performance, consistently sub par and sometimes so low and fraudulent that the parents have legal recourse.

I give it 3 years until the state gets enough data on Northern Educate and we see an article in the strib about it being a diploma mill. Don't give me that crap about "individualized learning", kids are in front of a computer and have virtually no real interaction with other students or instructors other than "where is the answer to question 6".

If parents want 3 hours of on ice work for their kids fine, everyone is allowed to be a crazy parent. But to think that online only education is fine for an elementary student is borderline negligent. I've taught in both public and private schools, in grades 5th through 12th. I've taken college classes completely online and you learn next to nothing compared to what you do in a classroom.

Well stated!

In addition, these kids are missing the vital social interaction that a real school facilitates. The flirting in the hallways, the school dances, the lunchtime laughter, the pep rallies, acting like goofballs in the student section at sporting events, etc., etc, etc.

You're only a kid once, make it a great experience!

Being an outcast. Getting bullied every day. For some kids getting out of the high school may be the best way to have a great experience. For a kid that hates school and loves sports a sports academy my be the best way to get an education.

As for instruction from real teachers, my daughter's had a few classes where I think she'd be better served sitting in front of a computer.

[D6 Girls Fan]

I tend to agree with the opinions above, but chances are most parents who opt for this style are probably interested enough to keep their kids up to date in classwork. Like home-schooling with ice-time. I wouldn't do it for my daughter, but I'm not quite THAT hockey-crazy.

[MN_Bowhunter]

"I wouldn't worry too much. If they can compete at a high level it won't be long until MHSL rules are too restrictive and they'll move on to a SSM type schedule. If they can compete at AA level they will petition to play up."

"I don't think they'll challenge anyone for two-three years at least."

Both of these statements sound like they're coming from a person who doesn't have a freshman or sophomore daughter competing in 4A. If the MSHSL decided to put SSM in your section, would you worry then?

[MNHockeyFan]

If the MSHSL decided to put SSM in your section, would you worry then?

Of course this would never happen unless:
(a) SSM decided to stop playing a national AAA schedule
(b) SSM applied to the MSHSL after agreeing to abide by the their rules and regulations, and
(c) Their application was reviewed and accepted by the MSHSL.

Personally I don't see this happening anytime in the foreseeable future. They have a long track record of success playing at the national level, so reverting to a MN high school schedule would be a major step backwards. Achiever Academy is a start-up operation and their future is much less certain. If they do happen to get off to a good start I don't see them waiting very long to make the jump up to Class AA.

[luckyEPDad]

If the MSHSL decided to put SSM in your section, would you worry then?

Of course this would never happen unless:
(a) SSM decided to stop playing a national AAA schedule
(b) SSM applied to the MSHSL after agreeing to abide by the their rules and regulations, and
(c) Their application was reviewed and accepted by the MSHSL.

Personally I don't see this happening anytime in the foreseeable future. They have a long track record of success playing at the national level, so reverting to a MN high school schedule would be a major step backwards. Achiever Academy is a start-up operation and their future is much less certain. If they do happen to get off to a good start I don't see them waiting very long to make the jump up to Class AA.

I believe the real question was "How would you feel if a really good team was added to your section so you no longer had a free pass to the state tournament?" A Totino-Grace parent or is there resentment directed that way too?

But IF SMM were to abide to all MSHSL rules I would gladly welcome them into section 2AA. Playing a game down in Faribault would be a nice road trip.

[MN_Bowhunter]

But IF SMM were to abide to all MSHSL rules I would gladly welcome them into section 2AA. Playing a game down in Faribault would be a nice road trip.

This is an easy thing to say when you know there's no chance of it happening.

Nobody would've been happier to see SSP lose than me. I chose to watch BSM and Minnetonka that night and I wasn't disappointed. I think we can all agree that the intent of creating 2 classes was to level the playing field for small schools. In my opinion a team that recruits on a national level and skates 4 hours a day is going to have an advantage over just about every class A school and most AA schools in the state.

Whether they are skirting the MSHSL rules or the rules just aren't being enforced doesn't really matter. The INTENT was to give small schools a chance to play in a state tournament. While UAA's "enrollment" may qualify them as a small school, the nationally recruited all star team that they'll be putting on the ice "in 2 or 3 years" will be pretty easy to differentiate from St Peter or Hutchinson.

The last couple years have seen SSP's usual recruits going to private schools or choosing to stay home instead of transferring. This section should be up for grabs in a couple years, it would be a shame to see a deserving team finally get a chance to go to state and lose it to a team that doesn't belong in and has no plans of staying in this league. If they want to be the next SSM, then they should go down that road. But why does that road have to lead right through the dreams of dozens of kids who chose to play for their hometown?

The league screwed up on this one.

[Goalie-Dad]

Take a look at the online only high schools and their performance, consistently sub par and sometimes so low and fraudulent that the parents have legal recourse.

I give it 3 years until the state gets enough data on Northern Educate and we see an article in the strib about it being a diploma mill. Don't give me that crap about "individualized learning", kids are in front of a computer and have virtually no real interaction with other students or instructors other than "where is the answer to question 6".

If parents want 3 hours of on ice work for their kids fine, everyone is allowed to be a crazy parent. But to think that online only education is fine for an elementary student is borderline negligent. I've taught in both public and private schools, in grades 5th through 12th. I've taken college classes completely online and you learn next to nothing compared to what you do in a classroom.

Well stated!

In addition, these kids are missing the vital social interaction that a real school facilitates. The flirting in the hallways, the school dances, the lunchtime laughter, the pep rallies, acting like goofballs in the student section at sporting events, etc., etc, etc.

You're only a kid once, make it a great experience!

Being an outcast. Getting bullied every day. For some kids getting out of the high school may be the best way to have a great experience. For a kid that hates school and loves sports a sports academy my be the best way to get an education.

As for instruction from real teachers, my daughter's had a few classes where I think she'd be better served sitting in front of a computer.

I'll bet one of the real reason most of the these kids are in this program is because the parent's are worried that their kid is missing out on hockey training that will make them more talented than other kids.

I am sure, there is a small number of kids in this program that truly enjoy hockey and are willing to give up a high school experience to play hockey.

[MNHockeyFan]

I'll bet one of the real reason most of the these kids are in this program is because the parent's are worried that their kid is missing out on hockey training that will make them more talented than other kids.

I am sure, there is a small number of kids in this program that truly enjoy hockey and are willing to give up a high school experience to play hockey.

Burnout could become a serious issue if they're on the ice for 3-4 hours a day, months on end.

[joehockey]

I remember reading an article on the school this year kids did all of their training during the day and had more time in the evening with their families.

Many of the families on this board have girls who are doing a lot of training outside of the season in the evening or after school.

This approach may actually have less of a burn out factor. Time will tell on all of this!

[skatez]

My daughter's friend played in the NAHA tournament this weekend for the Whitecaps. Her coach was Chris Peterson, the head coach of Achiever Academy. The Whitecaps team had a number of girls who will attend Achiever Academy this year. My daughter's friend was disappointed and thought the ice time favored the AA players.

Can someone explain to me how it is within the MSHSL rules for a coach to coach their own players outside of the season and June/July summer program?

I was under the assumption that High school coaches can only work with their players during specific time periods and August/September is not one of them.

Either I am mistaken or this is a blatant rules violation.

Thoughts?

[D6 Girls Fan]

My daughter's friend played in the NAHA tournament this weekend for the Whitecaps. Her coach was Chris Peterson, the head coach of Achiever Academy. The Whitecaps team had a number of girls who will attend Achiever Academy this year. My daughter's friend was disappointed and thought the ice time favored the AA players.

Can someone explain to me how it is within the MSHSL rules for a coach to coach their own players outside of the season and June/July summer program?

I was under the assumption that High school coaches can only work with their players during specific time periods and August/September is not one of them.

Either I am mistaken or this is a blatant rules violation.

Thoughts?

Sounds like he might have a better team than originally planned if he has multiple players from that team...

[Lace'emUp]

My daughter's friend played in the NAHA tournament this weekend for the Whitecaps. Her coach was Chris Peterson, the head coach of Achiever Academy. The Whitecaps team had a number of girls who will attend Achiever Academy this year. My daughter's friend was disappointed and thought the ice time favored the AA players.

Can someone explain to me how it is within the MSHSL rules for a coach to coach their own players outside of the season and June/July summer program?

I was under the assumption that High school coaches can only work with their players during specific time periods and August/September is not one of them.

Either I am mistaken or this is a blatant rules violation.

Thoughts?

I wouldn't say a rules violation was "blatant" since we do not know the exact intensions of the coach or parents. But If I read the MSHSL rules correctly, Coach Peterson may not be in compliance with part 208.00, #4, of the MSHSL rules. However, under #6 (Penalties), the coach is not penalized, the player is. The key to defining the rule is two part:
1. Would MSHSL consider the NAHA tournament a "natural extension of the summer team season"? It was before Labor Day, so they are in compliance on that part. Beyond that, it would be false to say that a tournament located in Vermont was a natural extension of the summer season. No one from the MSHSL would approve that part of it. If they did approve it, look for many HS head coaches to enter teams into AND coach in the Easton Cup, Caribou, etc.
2. Did the "Member School" grant the coach a waiver to coach the students? They may have, but it would be a moot point under #1 above and that the penalty is based toward the student anyway.

Below is a link to the MSHSL rules regarding coaching/participation. Look to Part #4 and #6, and especially the "Interpretations" listed at the end of the section:
http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/Publications ... Bylaws.pdf
4. Summer Coaching Waiver:
A. Member schools shall have the authority to approve a coaching waiver for their salaried and non-salaried coaches. The summer coaching waiver grants permission to high school coaches to coach and instruct members of the high school team during the summer waiver period. The summer waiver period begins on June 1 and concludes on July 31. With the exception of Baseball and Girls’ Softball, the summer waiver period also includes a one-week no-contact period in July the week of July Fourth. During the no-contact period salaried and non-salaried coaches may not coach members of their high school program. There is no appeal or waiver for the no-contact period. Coaches who have been granted a summer coaching waiver by their high school to coach a summer league team may continue to coach that team through Labor Day if that team participates in an end-of-the-season tournament as a natural extension of the summer team season. Said
exception must be approved, in writing, by the high school athletic director of that school.
6. Penalties: Students in violation of the non-school competion and training rules during the high school season, during the school year prior to and following the high school season, and during the summer vacation period are subject to the following penalties.
A. First Violation: The student shall lose eligibility IN THAT SPORT for the next two consecutive interscholastic contests or two weeks, 14 calendar days, of that season, whichever is greater.
B. Second Violation: The student shall lose eligibility IN THAT SPORT for the next six consecutive interscholastic contests or three weeks, 21 calendar days, whichever is greater.
C. Third or Subsequent Violations: The student shall lose eligibility IN THAT SPORT for the next 12 consecutive interscholastic contests or four weeks, 28 calendar days, whichever is greater.
D. Applying the Penalty:
1) If there are fewer events remaining in that sport season than are required to satisfy the penalty, the loss of eligibility will continue into the next season in that sport.
2) A senior who violates the bylaws at the end of a sport season will serve the complete suspension in the next sport season in which the student participates.
E. Penalties shall be progressive beginning with the first violation and continuing through the student’s high school career. A student who is under penalty for violation of a League bylaw may not join a second sport in the same season in order to fulfill a penalty. Penalties shall be served consecutively.

[greybeard58]

Send all the information to the League office in Brooklyn Center and let them sort it out. If he followed all the rules great it will open the doors for all, if not let the punishment follow.

[MN_Bowhunter]

If a coach violates the rules they punish the kid but not the coach? Who has more culpability in this situation? The adult coach with 10 years of experience dealing with the league and it's rules, or the 14/15 year old child who may be about to play their first year of high school hockey?

Somebody please tell me this isn't true.

[MNHockeyFan]

If memory serves I believe a coach at a different private school was forced to resign just a few years ago after coaching some of his players outside the permitted timeframe. Not saying these two instances are the same, but should an investigation concludes that a violation has occurred there could be serious repercussions.

[greybeard58]

Until the coach is turned in, the coach(s) will continue to stretch or violate any rule they feel does not apply to them. When there is factual information of violations these need to be turned in to the proper authorities, if they do not act I heard the WCCO I team is advertizing for stories.

While the players will be the first to suffer most of the suspensions can be taken care of by joining a fall sport or appealing the decision and last but not least bring on the lawyers, and neither AA or the MSHSL want that.

[royals dad]

My daughter's friend played in the NAHA tournament this weekend for the Whitecaps. Her coach was Chris Peterson, the head coach of Achiever Academy. The Whitecaps team had a number of girls who will attend Achiever Academy this year. My daughter's friend was disappointed and thought the ice time favored the AA players.

Can someone explain to me how it is within the MSHSL rules for a coach to coach their own players outside of the season and June/July summer program?

I was under the assumption that High school coaches can only work with their players during specific time periods and August/September is not one of them.

Either I am mistaken or this is a blatant rules violation.

Thoughts?

Nice 1st post, funny how these topics bring out the first time posters. How is NAHA not a natural extension of the summer season for the Whitecaps? If you know anything about them you know they are about exposure to college coaches and NAHA is the pinnacle of that for a girl who plays in MHSL. It is the only one of the big exposure tournaments that does not bring a big conflict with school (i.e. Stoney Creek) or with the HS season (i.e. Nationals). The tourney ended before labor day, if Achiever Academy granted a summer exemption (which they had to in order to run STP) then there is nothing here but 3rd hand sour grapes and parents who feel their daughter was wronged by allowing achiever into their section. I cant imagine the I Team is really in for either of those.

[RailingWizardofOZ]

My daughter's friend played in the NAHA tournament this weekend for the Whitecaps. Her coach was Chris Peterson, the head coach of Achiever Academy. The Whitecaps team had a number of girls who will attend Achiever Academy this year. My daughter's friend was disappointed and thought the ice time favored the AA players.

Can someone explain to me how it is within the MSHSL rules for a coach to coach their own players outside of the season and June/July summer program?

I was under the assumption that High school coaches can only work with their players during specific time periods and August/September is not one of them.

Either I am mistaken or this is a blatant rules violation.

Thoughts?

Nice 1st post, funny how these topics bring out the first time posters. How is NAHA not a natural extension of the summer season for the Whitecaps? If you know anything about them you know they are about exposure to college coaches and NAHA is the pinnacle of that for a girl who plays in MHSL. It is the only one of the big exposure tournaments that does not bring a big conflict with school (i.e. Stoney Creek) or with the HS season (i.e. Nationals). The tourney ended before labor day, if Achiever Academy granted a summer exemption (which they had to in order to run STP) then there is nothing here but 3rd hand sour grapes and parents who feel their daughter was wronged by allowing achiever into their section. I cant imagine the I Team is really in for either of those.

I will jump on as another first time post as I can shed some light on this question. The rule regarding "natural extension of season" refers directly to an end of season playoff format an actual league conducts that a team may be a part of. Tournaments that anyone can bring a team to and pay a fee to join is not considered a "natural extension". I requested clarification on this rule a while back and that was the explanation given to me directly from the MSHL.