[MHS Parent4Life]

Middlesboro athletics will be just fine. Very few of these departures were done so because of a dislike for MHS or the administration.

Debbie Green is from Harlan. Harlan County has great facilities. Her getting hired there was not a surprise. Yes losing her daughter was unfortunate but it was a given that she would leave to play for her mother. Likewise, it was a given the Elgie Green wouldn't coach against his wife and daughter. They are good people. Their character will be missed more than there coaching influence. Debbie had some good years about a decade ago but Elgie struggled to get Middlesboro over the hump. No doubt about it, the Green girl will be missed. She is a great player and a great student. But make no mistake, Middlesboro can and will move on. There is a great group of female athletes emerging in the system and I expect all female teams to see improvement this year.

In losing Russell Thompson, the system lost a solid teacher and a hard worker. Russell left to take a position in administration at his alma mater with the ability to direct the athletic program he was once a part of. On top of that, it will be for more pay. MHS is happy for Russell. He is getting what he has worked hard for. He did not leave to escape the "wrath" of the MHS administration or because he disliked being at MHS. It was an opportunity to return to his home and move up professionally.

As far as the athletes moving, like I said, the program is bigger than any single athlete. Middlesboro won many district and regional championships before Green, Millett, or Frazier.