BD Newsletter

By Brad Durham

Foreword: I listened to Simmons Says Podcast Facebook Fallout – Episode 37 (part 2) today while driving to schools. This was an exceptionally insightful and in-depth look at Warren County High School football. I have been thinking about a positive solution for Pioneer football, and the discussions in Jeff Simmons’ podcast provoked me to write down my thoughts. Both Jeff Simmons and Chris Sullens deserve praise for their contributions in this episode. Their ideas will make anyone think about potential positive changes for Warren County Football.

I encourage everyone who has any interest in Warren County Football to listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facebook-fallout-episode-37-part-2/id1647431281?i=1000670740389. The podcast is also on Spotify. Search Simmons Says Podcast.

My Modest Proposal…

The proposal is a plan to dramatically change the competitive nature of Warren County High School Football. Without building a new school, the school system would petition the TSSAA to divide the school into two (2) football teams, Warren East and Warren West. The division of the teams would change Warren County football from 6A (1,899 student enrollment) to two 4A teams (799 student enrollment).

Given the four decades of losing records in football, Warren County owes it to its students, parents and community to make a positive, systematic change to the football program. The TSSAA should not punish the Warren County High School Football program by continuing to enforce arbitrary classification rules that prevent consideration and changes to the quality of educational athletics.

Therefore, Warren County should petition the TSSAA to divide its football team into two 4A classifications for the next two years. Warren County agrees to not be playoff eligible in the first two years, which will not affect the existing teams in 4A Region 4 playoff eligibility. If one team becomes more competitive, it can request to be moved to the 5A classification. Until Warren County Football starts winning consistently, playing as one team in 6A should not be a consideration.

The existing teams in 4A Region 4 are:

WARREN COUNTY PROPOSED ADMINISTRATION OF THE TWO TEAMS, WARREN EAST & WARREN WEST

The focus is to create competition between the two teams that will make each team more experienced and successful. Competition is the standard and competition will be the principle for coaching and playing the sport. There will be an emphasis on winning, not simply participating in the sport.

1. A full-time Director of Football Operations will be hired. This person’s exclusively responsibility is to develop and support the two teams in an equitable fashion. This position will pay the Director $100,000 per year. It is a 12-month job. The Administrator will report directly to the high school principal and Director of Schools. The Director will develop a team of former coaches and players to support the coaches.
2. Each head coach will be a full-time coaching position with no teaching responsibilities. Head coaches will be paid $80,000 for a 12-month job.
3. Assistant coach supplements will be increased by $5,000 and coordinator positions will be increased by $10,000. 
4. The teams will be created by geography and a draft. The default draft will be which elementary school the students attended. To balance the teams, a draft will also be held to make the talent at each position for each team somewhat equal/competitive. For example, the two best quarterbacks should not be on the same team.
5. Student-athletes will sign an agreement to not transfer during the season. The only way a player can transfer after a season is if the Director of Football Operations and both head coaches sign the waiver.
6. The teams will practice together during the week and use the same facilities. 
7. More facilities will be created for locker rooms, coaches’ offices and meeting rooms.
8. Teams will play five (5) games at home and five (5) away games. One team will play at home while the other team is on the road.
9. Homecoming will be a home game between Warren East and Warren West.
10. Homecoming will be a major fundraiser and form of competition. Freshmen and Seniors will support East. Sophomores and Juniors will support West. There will be competition and unity.
11. Each team will raise money for their choice of homecoming queen. The queen who receives the most money will be crowned.
12. Each grade will support their team the week of homecoming and sit in their own sections and cheer their team the week of the game. There will be a well-funded homecoming dance to reward each team.
13. NIL deals will be pursued to support players on each team. Business, churches and communities will be asked to sponsor teams and schools.
14. Players will be paid $50 each week of the season for playing in a game.
15. Players will be paid an additional $100 for winning a game.
16. Coaches who have a winning record will be given a free vehicle for one year.
17. Teams who have a winning record get a free trip to Disneyworld during the Christmas break.
18. Teams with a losing season get to do community service during the Christmas break.
19. Both teams will enjoy a Christmas party together that will include less fortunate children in Warren County.
20. Winning will be rewarded. Coaches will be held to standards of performance.
21. There will be a weekly coaches’ show featuring both coaches.
22. Home games will not be televised for free. Warren County will develop its own pay-to-stream game channel.
23. A major sports psychologist such as Dr. Kevin Elko will be hired.

New developments will include a track at the high school and an extra practice field. One practice field will have lights. A grounds crew will be hired to take care of all the practice fields. A cleaning crew will be hired to wash practice and game gear. Coaches will not perform field maintenance or cleaning. Coaches will oversee players cleaning the locker room daily. The Director of Football Operations will supervise the field and cleaning crews.

The school system will do an analysis of the cost to implement this program and ask the county commissioners to fund the new programs. The City of McMinnville will also be asked to help fund the program since the City of McMinnville does not contribute any tax dollars to the Warren County School budget. 

A Warren County Football Council will be created to help with fundraising and support of football on all levels in Warren County. The focus will be to become competitive on all levels of football and to increase the value of educational athletics for football participants.