[DANTE ALIGHIERI]

There are always players at every school who walk the hallways and could be considered good players if only they would play. At every school. This very seldom happened in the old days but now happens every year.

There are very, very few coaches who don't seek out the best players from their schools to play- all the coaches want to win. Contrary to popular opinion, I can't think of a coach who wouldn't play anyone who could help him win games.

However, having said that, there has to be some reason why players of ability don't play. The number one reason is they don't like the discipline that comes from being a member of a team. They have to follow rules and condition (yes, you have to run to play basketball- it is a .running game.)

They have to practice daily and sometimes on weekends. Some don't get to start and don't want to work hard enough to improve and earn that shot.They may not be able to work that job that makes their car payment. There are a myriad of reasons why youngsters today don't play.

I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't play "because of the coach." That is a cop out of the highest order. If you want to play bad enough, you'll play for Saddam Hussein if he is the coach.

Johnny is no different from any coach in that he has former players who leave unhappy over playing time or no playing time at all. He also is no different in that he occasionally makes mistakes in judgment. Can you name one coach who has always been perfect?

There have been a lot of great teams at AC over the years. I can think of at least 15 who would win this year's region in a cakewalk. Many of his best team's did come up against dynasties in the regional - usually in the finals. That's has to do with being in the right place at the right time. Ask any coach about the difficulty of winning the region. There have been many excellent coaches who finished their careers without ever winning the region.

A coach should be judged over what he does over a career- not a season or two or even seven or eight. My god, tell me what coach who is active now will ever be able to survive for 30 years as a coach in today's volatile coaching climate. Give him a medal for enduring this long.

Well from a former player and alumini from A.C.H.S. I think Johnny needs to hang it up. Whether it be retiring or fired. He is the reason i did not play my full 4 yrs. and i am sure i am speaking for alot of other former players also. When i was there there were people that were walking the hallways (and we will never know the answer) that could have been playing and ACHS could have went to the state a few times. Johnny is bad for ACHS and has been for along time. I know this is a rumor and i wasn't going to comment but everyone says he is so great, would like to know how many of these people played for Johnny. 26 yrs and 1 state tourney qwith all the talent that has been at the School. Can't make me believe he is good for ACHS. i would sign a petion to get ride of him in a minute. Move on Johnny.