[Lost Ball]

This situation with Coach Mark Martin and AC is nothing like the Ronnie Patton/Johnny Martin issues of the past. As noted by another poster in this thread, Coach Patton was let go simply because he wouldn't do what he told by the principal - and that was to dismiss his son from the coaching staff. Parent(s) complained about Coach Patton's son and his attitude towards and the players. If he had simply followed orders, he may still be in that position today. I think the firing was justified. Just because you field a winning team doesn't put you above the powers that make sound decisions for students. Yes, there was a plot by Craig Kidd and others to give Kidd the coaching position, but like most attempts at things like that, people's true colors show through and he was later dismissed for VERY valid reasons.

As for Johnny, he justified why he should stay as head coach with last season's team. He'll tell you that he neglected his position in previous seasons and righted the ship last year and has placed some key building blocks in place to keep the boys team winning on the hardwood. His job is not in danger - period.

Here's the story behind AC Girls coaching changes:
Coach Hopkins resigned from the position she was given a few months ago, after leaving a brutal schedule in place for Col. Maynard and the next coach to deal with I might add. The team is very young in key positions and don't need to be playing teams like Lawrence Co, Johnson Central or making tournament trips to West Carter or Louisville.

Mark Martin was "let go" from his coaching/teaching position because he wasn't certified in his field. He was given time to complete the certification while teaching and was unable to complete it. He doesn't hide that fact and will be straightforward with anyone who inquirers about it.

Throughout the summer, Coach Martin and his assistants have volunteered their time to run summer camp for the girls. He has also completed his certification, so there should be no questions about his certification. Col. Maynard was listed as the head coach only in the interim sense until Mark completed his certification. Now that's complete and old news. The girls coaching job was "never held" for Mark. You are forgetting one key ingredient here: Coach Hopkins RESIGNED - she wasn't let go. And I don't know too many coaches willing to sacrifice their time to coach a young team that will need to work very hard to field a competive ballclub on the court - do you?

JJ,

You know, I normally agree with the majority of the things you post and stand for...I've also been a huge fan of yours during basketball broadcasts...but I'm sort of like OLDSCHOOLVALUES on this one.

I too have monitored a lot of posts over the months without responding.

On the positive side...I think it's great that you are such an ardent fan of Floyd Co. athletics. For the most part you are accurate with your posts.

But the fact of the matter is that some of your info comes from VERY biased people.

Your useful info concerning girl's basketball team at AC is nearly dead on.

Your comments about the the Ronnie Patton/Craig Kidd Saga has some truth and lots of inaccurate facts. It's a very tired topic and really has nothing to do with the original topic...

AC baseball is the finest program in the county and among the best in the region. It's in very good hands now..much better than with either Ronnie Patton or Craig Kidd.

Hopefully, the girl's basketball program at AC can return to prominence in the county and region. I think that Mark Martin and Larry Maynard will do everything humanly possible to get it there.

In the meantime, keep getting the good word out about Floyd County athletics.