[Yustacould]

According to the Ashland Daily Independent, Russell will be looking for a new basketball coach only one year after it hires Strader. Thoughts???

[K40]

I don't agree with this revolving door that's going on. You have to give a coach a few years to try building a program.

[Yustacould]

From the news paper, it seemed to be his decision. I've known Jason for a long time. I hope that he will still coach somewhere. He is a very knowledgeable guy and can help and be an asset to any staff. I hope and wish nothing but the best for him and his family.

[K40]

He told that they came to a "mutual decision". We all know what that means.

[anotherfootballnut]

Strader is a Ashland guy who coached at Russell and won 5 games that's easy math .. But 5 wins with the talent he had is not bad at all ..

[GOREDDEVILS]

http://olbroadcaster.blogspot.com/2016/0...ssell.html

Strader Out at Russell


Sometimes I hate getting emails. I got 2 today that made me kinda sad. The first from Anna Chaffin the principal at Russell High School. It read as follows:

Upon a mutual agreement, Jason Strader will not be returning as Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Russell High School for the 2016-17 school year. This decision was made at the year-end evaluation meeting with Mr. Strader. Coach Strader was always a great role model for our student-athletes here at Russell High School and an impressionable ambassador for the Russell Independent School District. We wish him and his wonderful family nothing but the best.

Then I got another just a bit later from Coach Strader:

I would like to thank Mr. Horne, Mrs. Chaffin and Mr. Sparks for the opportunity to lead the RHS boy’s basketball program this past season. My family and I have the upmost respect for the RISD administration and the community, and we truly appreciate the support they have given us this year. At the conclusion of the season, my sons expressed their wish to have me more involved in their academic and athletic activities moving forward. I love coaching and have a strong passion for being in the gym year round to help kids improve their skills. But I am a loving father first and foremost, and LaBryant and Jaylan’s happiness is very important to me. After consulting with my wife and the administration, both parties agreed I would not return as the head coach of the boy’s basketball program. This decision was based on what was in the best interest of my family and the RHS boy’s basketball program moving forward. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Russell, and I feel strongly this program is on the cusp of returning to respectability in the 16th region. I would like to thank my players for their effort on the floor, in the classroom, and in the community. I was truly blessed to lead this group of fine young men during the 2015-16 season.

Sincerely,

Jason A Strader

I really like Coach Strader. He was always a very positive man and a wonderful interview. He is one of those rare coaches that show up for a post game show no matter if he won or lost by 50. He was there because as he once told me he understands the benefit of radio.

[Yustacould]

He told that they came to a "mutual decision". We all know what that means.

Actually, I think it means exactly what it says. They only had two seniors on the team, not to take anything away from the kids, but I don't think the talent was where it needed to be. Granted, they will get better, and I think Jason had a lot to do with that. I just feel that with young children, sometimes it just hard to be away. Believe me, I know.

[HD28]

I disagree about the talent. Hale is a nice PG and Raby can score. Brewer and Stump are athletic and play hard.

[david5164]

In his two years at Russell going 11-48 was probably frustrating for Coach Strader. He thought this year he had more talent coming in even with youth and was disappointed going 5-25. Russell has been trying to get back to competing in the 63rd district and 16th Region since Kidwell went from the girls Head Coach to the Boy's Head Coach and that didn't really work out like everyone thought it would with Coach Kidwell leading the Boys team. Coach Kidwell's best year was in 2012-2013 going 26-8 and losing in 2nd round of Regionals. The last time Russell went to the State Tourney was back in 2005-2006 when Steve Dodd was the Head Coach. I believe Russell knows they should be competing in basketball better and they need a Head Coach that can lead them back to winning ways and back to the Regionals and State Tourney. Does anyone know some of the Head Coaches names that has been thrown out as the next possible head coach at Russell?