Jim or Gene: Which is it?

[Veritas]

I've always been a huge supporter of HCGS. He's a WSU legacy - a legend. However, his loyalty to this coaching staff is hurting the program. My first allegiance for this program is for exactly that --- the program. If Gene doesn't replace JT for the fielding/hitting coach, then it's time for Gene to move on. I don't care if he keeps him on the staff. JT can clean the bus after road trips, or pull the tarp out on rainy days, or make a quick run to Taco Bell for the team or whatever else Gene wants to do with him to earn his $100k per year. I don't care --- as long as he's not the hitting and fielding coach. Gene's loyalty to his coaching staff is hurting the team and the program.



ADES: You have your first real decision as an AD. What are you going to do?

[Ta town]

It's seriously time for Gene to retire, this is not an old mans game.

[1972Shocker]

I believe Gene's contract grants him the comprehensive responsibility and authority for his coaching staff. I'm not sure there is much ADES can do about JT absent any violation by JT of NCAA, MVC or WSU rules or conduct detrimental to the university. So if you wanting action from ADES what you want is for him to negotiate a buyout of Gene's contract which expires June 30, 2014. Maybe this year will convince Gene that a change is needed to try and salvage the program he has built. I have no problem renaming the stadium for Gene as part of the buyout although I don't know what the terms of the naming rights agreement with the Eck family are.

[SB Shock]

Doesn't Gene contract run out in 2 years? I think it will all take care of itself then - I can't imagine his contract will be renewed or Gene would take a pay cut. Until then I think we will have to endure it and hope for a miracle.

[ShockerFever]

Sexton doesn't have the stones to kick Gene out.

[1972Shocker]

Doesn't Gene contract run out in 2 years? I think it will all take care of itself then - I can't imagine his contract will be renewed or Gene would take a pay cut. Until then I think we will have to endure it and hope for a miracle.

Gene's current contract expires on June 30,2014. Absent a buyout or early retirement by Gene that will take him through this season plus two more seasons.

[ShockTalk]

Really disappointed that Gene does not appear more concerned about continuing his legacy and the high level of program he built at WSU. Sure, the college baseball landscape has changed, just as quality programs must adapt and make changes to that landscape. The absolute bottom line is that there is no excuse for this program becoming an also-ran of a mediocre conference.

If he thinks JT will be in its future after he's gone, he will be sadly mistaken. If Gene cannot currently handle the job, he should honorably and voluntarily step down before things get worse. I thought a few years ago he would have wanted to bring into his staff younger, vibrant, and energized blood that would inherit what he had built, rather than just sticking around long enough to hopefully be top dog in the record books.

Hopefully, there is still time to see that this program will be one where most Shocker fans will fondly remember Gene for what he built, rather than the Gene who may destroy it. Maybe money and arrogance has too strong a pull. I know this post will ruffle more than a few feathers on SN, but that's the way I feel. This program's slide has not been a recent happening, but one that has been continuing for 10+ years. At first, it seemed as just a bump in the road or an anomaly, but over time, the pattern is clear.

[DUShock]

All of the above.

[shocker22]

This is the first time I have said this...Gene needs to step down. He refuses to adapt and he has shown that by being so loyal to JT. Kemnitz is the only one on the staff doing their job. Gene needed to replace JT with a younger, better coach years ago. I understand loyalty but there comes a point in which loyalty comes to an end if things do not improve. WSU baseball has become an after thought and that is truley sad. Growing up all I wanted to was to play ball at WSU. Today, I would have doubts about accpetiing a Shocker scholarship. In years past that kind of an offer was better than gold. Very sad to see our program where it is.

[boyshocker]

Agree

[SPEShockAlum]

What has Billy Hall's impact been on the team up to this point? Any observations?

[SB Shock]

What has Billy Hall's impact been on the team up to this point? Any observations?

After Kevin Hall first AB where he watched 3 straight strikes, I saw Billy Hall talk to Kevin and in his next AB he made the adjustment and swung at the next third strike.

[NCAABound]

JT is either a poor hitting coach or a poor talent evaluator (or both). We've stacked up horribly in the offensive stats for years...the trend has proven this correct year after year.

[kstarheel]

Loooooooong season coming u.

[KC Shox]

I hate to say it, but this program outside of Wichita, KS has officially fallen into obscurity and is a vague memory. In all sports, the mentality of 'what have you done for me lately' is overriding. Three years in a row, this program has been average. I know its early, but based on the piss poor results and performances this weekend, it appears a fourth consecutive year of underwhelming success if coming out of the Eck.

#10 has earned the utmost respect from us as fans for what he has done, and I do believe his desire to be a winner has not waned. I don't know however, how much effort he or his staff is giving to be successful and maintain the success that has been established here. I lean toward giving #10 a slide since I do believe recruiting has gotten so much tougher nationwide. We just don't get the same guys as we used to.

It's harder keeping up with the Jonses these days. For example, Michigan is pouring 14.5 million to update their complex, Purdue is spending 21.5 million, Penn State planning 31.5 million, Michigan State putting 4.5 million to renovations, Minnesota 5 million, Texas State building a new complex, Oregon, Wafe Forest, Baylor. See how seriously the Big Ten is placing on baseball? It's just going to get harder and harder for the Shox.

IMO, the days of 20 plus consecutive years of 40 plus wins are over. No more consistent post-season play either. We just need to accept this unless someone out there wins the lottery and can donate 25 million to the program or has a magic bullet that is going to solve this problem.