[The Pope]

IMHO, it'll be worse than this past year. It's going to take some time....probably 3-4 years to right the program. You simply don't have the numbers too draw from that Pikeville had years ago.

In Hillard's glory days......he was able to "get" players from Elkhorn, Johns Creek, Mullins, Virgie, etc,etc. Those kids aren't attending Pikeville anymore.....and this hire is not going to change that. So, you have to develop and attract the kids you have. That takes time.

This hire will rekindle some of the fervor and spirit the program needs...but it's going to take a concerted effort from the kids, parents and coaching staff to get this thing fixed. That's not going to happen overnight.

My best guess is a slide next year.....gradual improvement in 2010.....another step in 2011.

I'm not saying Pikeville won't be competitive......because they will....But not to the level Pikeville fans expect. Not yet.

No one can achieve what Pikeville fans expect. Wake up PHS, Ben ain't Hillard and Hillard has no influence on this generation of kids. Maybe he could talk to their parents, Pikeville is going to stink for the next 4 years. Good luck Ben, hopefully the administration won't run you off.