Should Gene retire at the end of the season?

[vbird53]

I also think the timing for replacing Gene isn't good right now, either. We have a vastly inexperienced AD in Eric Sexton who would have to rely on other resources to make a hire right now. He needs more time to cultivate contacts within athletics circles. The person who I think should be the #1 candidate for the job is probably a season or two away from being in the best position to consider leaving his current job at Charlotte.

--'85.

Actually, I wouldn't think hiring a head coach at WSU for baseball would be too terribly difficult. There should be a list a mile long of people that would love to be in control of this program. The difficult part of it would be sorting through the many candidates, but once that was done, it should be pretty easy.

I think it would be even easier than that: Simple solution: Kemnitz.

Assuming Brent wants to be a head coach and not simply a pitching specialist. Remember, he progably could have stayed behind and taken the head job when Gene left for OU, but chose to go with Gene instead.

Brent probably could have had any number of head coaching jobs over the years if that's really what he wanted to do.

So far, I've seen no indication that Brent wants to be the head guy at WSU or anywhere else for that matter.

I think I should clarify: Gene built the program, and is a living legend. When he retires (hopefully not soon), I would like to see the University immediately tag Kemnitz as the next head coach. If I were AD and/or Prez, I would make a case to him that it's absolutely essential to the future of the program that it continue in the same mold that it has over the past 30 years. I would not take no for an answer. As a Shocker fan, I think it's imperative that he gets the chance to run the program. In other words, do whatever it takes to make him the head coach.

[ISASO]

What if Augie Garrido wanted to come out of retirement to take over for Gene when he retires?

[t7017s]

What if Augie Garrido wanted to come out of retirement to take over for Gene when he retires?

Hell no!

[William]

I don't feel it has been the same since 1999. That was the year we should have returned to the CWS and we all know what happened. It's been 11 years now.

Is it Gene or the fact baseball has gotten a bit larger base of good teams? IMO it's a bit of both. Gene IMO doesn't have quite the fire he used to and I think that was part of what made him great. Regardless it's going to be up to Gene on when he retires unless these allegations prove true.

Also, although I believe Gene has slipped some, you are playing with fire if we lose him.

Gene is still the same coach as he ever was. There is one major issue attributed to the "decline" of Shocker baseball. The sport has gained popularity and BCS programs are investing more into their programs. As facilities to these BCS programs get better, recruiting budgets get larger they are signing more players that we used to get. Again, if a high school player is being recruited by Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Wichita State, odds are that student will sign with the BCS program. Higher profile university, higher profile conference, greater chance of media exposure, better college atmosphere, and D1 football.

All you have to do is look around the region to see what BCS programs are doing. K-State remodeled their stadium, KU has made improvements, Nebraska's facility is top notch as well as Arkansas', OK State (with the help of T Boone) is set to construct within the next 2 years a fantastic facility, Oklahoma is discussing the issue. Even Mizzou State plays in a great park. Nationally, East Carolina has built a great stadium, Louisville upgraded, Oregon now wants to get a piece of the action ecetera - ecetera.

20 years ago, WSU was in a league of say 20-25 programs that had great facilities and fan support. The best high school players pretty much wanted to go to these 25 programs so WSU had a greater pool to recruit from. Now that College Baseball has gained popularity and this pool has been diluted as high school players have more options to choose from.

Gene should be given a lot of credit for continuing the success at Wichita State. We do not offer the same ammenities that other BCS programs do and college aged kids are attracted not only to a great baseball program, but I'm fairly certain the college experience, academic and athletic reputation also plays a part in their decision to sign with a school.

WSU is a commuter school that is located smack dab in the middle of the city. WSU does not offer a traditional college experience, does not have football, and no offense, is located in Kansas. The name WSU is also not as well known as our regional BCS counterparts as well.

I praise Gene for all he has done and will do. We have a great facility and will end up getting better. Despite the ever increasing difficulty of recruiting, he continues to bring in players that are good and is able to steal some away from BCS programs.

People, get off his back.

So let me see if I understand correctly.... when nobody else cares about college baseball, Gene is able to recruit better players than the the non-caring and beat them with them and then when the big boys start caring and trying Gene can no-longer compete on that level? Alright I think I've got it now but one last thought, I don't mind staying off his back now as long as I don't have to give respect to what happened before, or I'll do it the other way and give respect to history and ask what the xxxx is up in the last decade.

:yahoo: :yahoo:

[t7017s]

I also think the timing for replacing Gene isn't good right now, either. We have a vastly inexperienced AD in Eric Sexton who would have to rely on other resources to make a hire right now. He needs more time to cultivate contacts within athletics circles. The person who I think should be the #1 candidate for the job is probably a season or two away from being in the best position to consider leaving his current job at Charlotte.

--'85.

Actually, I wouldn't think hiring a head coach at WSU for baseball would be too terribly difficult. There should be a list a mile long of people that would love to be in control of this program. The difficult part of it would be sorting through the many candidates, but once that was done, it should be pretty easy.

I think it would be even easier than that: Simple solution: Kemnitz.

Assuming Brent wants to be a head coach and not simply a pitching specialist. Remember, he progably could have stayed behind and taken the head job when Gene left for OU, but chose to go with Gene instead.

Brent probably could have had any number of head coaching jobs over the years if that's really what he wanted to do.

So far, I've seen no indication that Brent wants to be the head guy at WSU or anywhere else for that matter.

I think I should clarify: Gene built the program, and is a living legend. When he retires (hopefully not soon), I would like to see the University immediately tag Kemnitz as the next head coach. If I were AD and/or Prez, I would make a case to him that it's absolutely essential to the future of the program that it continue in the same mold that it has over the past 30 years. I would not take no for an answer. As a Shocker fan, I think it's imperative that he gets the chance to run the program. In other words, do whatever it takes to make him the head coach.

I agree V-bird. The thing is the kids that come through this program are great kids. I take a lot of pride in the young men and the quality of character that they continue to show. Thats the hard work of Gene and co. I think a lot of people on here would rather have 10 kids on the team in legal trouble or that cant make grades every year if we could have a few more National championships. let me just say I am not one of those. Fans are fans and forget all to often that this is not professional. These kids play ball for a chance at an education as well as the opportunity to apply for the pro leagues. I love gene and this staff and im more proud of the program and how its run and the character of men it builds than any number of national championships could ever give me as a fan. People need to get a grip.

[tripleshock]

So let me see if I understand correctly.... when nobody else cares about college baseball, Gene is able to recruit better players than the the non-caring and beat them with them and then when the big boys start caring and trying Gene can no-longer compete on that level? Alright I think I've got it now but one last thought, I don't mind staying off his back now as long as I don't have to give respect to what happened before, or I'll do it the other way and give respect to history and ask what the xxxx is up in the last decade.

well, there it is, in all of its' glory - the twisted logic necessary to define the way we are NOT supposed to think about Shocker baseball.

Gene (and his minions on here) truly do want it BOTH ways, where the success of the past can't be duplicated, yet somehow becomes the excuse of the present.

that just might be the post of the year, in my book.
:yes:

[WU'sPosse2]

Funny, you didn't hear much of this kind of flack when the WSU ticket site was crashed last year by desperate Shocker fans trying to get a seat for the super-regional.... Hummmmm.......... ????????? :roll:

[WuDrWu]

I agree V-bird. The thing is the kids that come through this program are great kids. I take a lot of pride in the young men and the quality of character that they continue to show. Thats the hard work of Gene and co. I think a lot of people on here would rather have 10 kids on the team in legal trouble or that cant make grades every year if we could have a few more National championships. let me just say I am not one of those. Fans are fans and forget all to often that this is not professional. These kids play ball for a chance at an education as well as the opportunity to apply for the pro leagues. I love gene and this staff and im more proud of the program and how its run and the character of men it builds than any number of national championships could ever give me as a fan. People need to get a grip.

I could not possibly agree more. Well done.


:wsu_posters: :goshocks: :posterwu: :posterwsu:

[shockfan89]

So let me see if I understand correctly.... when nobody else cares about college baseball, Gene is able to recruit better players than the the non-caring and beat them with them and then when the big boys start caring and trying Gene can no-longer compete on that level? Alright I think I've got it now but one last thought, I don't mind staying off his back now as long as I don't have to give respect to what happened before, or I'll do it the other way and give respect to history and ask what the xxxx is up in the last decade.

well, there it is, in all of its' glory - the twisted logic necessary to define the way we are NOT supposed to think about Shocker baseball.

Gene (and his minions on here) truly do want it BOTH ways, where the success of the past can't be duplicated, yet somehow becomes the excuse of the present.

that just might be the post of the year, in my book.
:yes:

[rrshock]

So let me see if I understand correctly.... when nobody else cares about college baseball, Gene is able to recruit better players than the the non-caring and beat them with them and then when the big boys start caring and trying Gene can no-longer compete on that level? Alright I think I've got it now but one last thought, I don't mind staying off his back now as long as I don't have to give respect to what happened before, or I'll do it the other way and give respect to history and ask what the xxxx is up in the last decade.

well, there it is, in all of its' glory - the twisted logic necessary to define the way we are NOT supposed to think about Shocker baseball.

Gene (and his minions on here) truly do want it BOTH ways, where the success of the past can't be duplicated, yet somehow becomes the excuse of the present.

that just might be the post of the year, in my book.
:yes:

I agree.

I respect alot for what Gene did in the past. But losing every year except one in the past 14 in regionals is getting to a point that shows this isn't the same program that it was. 1 super regional since that format was started is not good either.

We wouldn't be having this talk, had Gene stayed at OU instead of coming back. Maybe he gets the opportunity again and takes it, but who knows. All I know is winning 40 plus games every year is fine, but no trips to Omaha since 1993? Things have obviously changed. Maybe it is time for Gene to step down so that things don't get any worse.

[KC Shox]

So let me see if I understand correctly.... when nobody else cares about college baseball, Gene is able to recruit better players than the the non-caring and beat them with them and then when the big boys start caring and trying Gene can no-longer compete on that level? Alright I think I've got it now but one last thought, I don't mind staying off his back now as long as I don't have to give respect to what happened before, or I'll do it the other way and give respect to history and ask what the xxxx is up in the last decade.

well, there it is, in all of its' glory - the twisted logic necessary to define the way we are NOT supposed to think about Shocker baseball.

Gene (and his minions on here) truly do want it BOTH ways, where the success of the past can't be duplicated, yet somehow becomes the excuse of the present.

that just might be the post of the year, in my book.
:yes:

I agree.

I respect alot for what Gene did in the past. But losing every year except one in the past 14 in regionals is getting to a point that shows this isn't the same program that it was. 1 super regional since that format was started is not good either.

We wouldn't be having this talk, had Gene stayed at OU instead of coming back. Maybe he gets the opportunity again and takes it, but who knows. All I know is winning 40 plus games every year is fine, but no trips to Omaha since 1993? Things have obviously changed. Maybe it is time for Gene to step down so that things don't get any worse.

Actually, we last made a CWS appearance in 1996, not 1993, but still it has been a long time.

[WstateU]

I agree V-bird. The thing is the kids that come through this program are great kids. I take a lot of pride in the young men and the quality of character that they continue to show. Thats the hard work of Gene and co. I think a lot of people on here would rather have 10 kids on the team in legal trouble or that cant make grades every year if we could have a few more National championships. let me just say I am not one of those. Fans are fans and forget all to often that this is not professional. These kids play ball for a chance at an education as well as the opportunity to apply for the pro leagues. I love gene and this staff and im more proud of the program and how its run and the character of men it builds than any number of national championships could ever give me as a fan. People need to get a grip.

I could not possibly agree more. Well done.


:wsu_posters: :goshocks: :posterwu: :posterwsu:

Doc, I agree 100%... there's not a D-1 program in any sport with better kids than what we've had the past 30+ years. I'm also very proud of the program and get many great compliments from people during my travels all over the USA. I can't tell you how many people have said... "Oh, Wichita State... you guys have a GREAT baseball PROGRAM."
:good:

[t7017s]

Me thinks you mean me and not the good doctor. Not that it matters.

[shox1989]

I also think the timing for replacing Gene isn't good right now, either. We have a vastly inexperienced AD in Eric Sexton who would have to rely on other resources to make a hire right now. He needs more time to cultivate contacts within athletics circles. The person who I think should be the #1 candidate for the job is probably a season or two away from being in the best position to consider leaving his current job at Charlotte.

--'85.

Actually, I wouldn't think hiring a head coach at WSU for baseball would be too terribly difficult. There should be a list a mile long of people that would love to be in control of this program. The difficult part of it would be sorting through the many candidates, but once that was done, it should be pretty easy.

I think it would be even easier than that: Simple solution: Kemnitz.

Assuming Brent wants to be a head coach and not simply a pitching specialist. Remember, he progably could have stayed behind and taken the head job when Gene left for OU, but chose to go with Gene instead.

Brent probably could have had any number of head coaching jobs over the years if that's really what he wanted to do.

So far, I've seen no indication that Brent wants to be the head guy at WSU or anywhere else for that matter.

I think I should clarify: Gene built the program, and is a living legend. When he retires (hopefully not soon), I would like to see the University immediately tag Kemnitz as the next head coach. If I were AD and/or Prez, I would make a case to him that it's absolutely essential to the future of the program that it continue in the same mold that it has over the past 30 years. I would not take no for an answer. As a Shocker fan, I think it's imperative that he gets the chance to run the program. In other words, do whatever it takes to make him the head coach.

I would love to see that when the time does come (hopefully not soon).

[William]

I agree V-bird. The thing is the kids that come through this program are great kids. I take a lot of pride in the young men and the quality of character that they continue to show. Thats the hard work of Gene and co. I think a lot of people on here would rather have 10 kids on the team in legal trouble or that cant make grades every year if we could have a few more National championships. let me just say I am not one of those. Fans are fans and forget all to often that this is not professional. These kids play ball for a chance at an education as well as the opportunity to apply for the pro leagues. I love gene and this staff and im more proud of the program and how its run and the character of men it builds than any number of national championships could ever give me as a fan. People need to get a grip.

I could not possibly agree more. Well done.

You guys need to get a grip, renegade college baseball programs are extremely rare. What you are saying about Gene's kids can be said about student athletes all across the country, college football and basketball on the other hand are a completely different animal.
Now back to Gene, He is not the problem, He does a great job, Shocker baseball fans are the ones and the only ones I might add, that put him on a pedastal. Fans think he is a great baseball coach, able to out coach superior talent (not the case) they expect cws appearances from this program, (not going to happen very often anymore) they long for the glory of yesteryear when.... what... Gene was a better coach? No I say he's the same guy, it's just what happened in the past was kind of like a shell game ( something to be proud of, I am just a lot more impressed with a program that can do it in this much more competitive era of college baseball. Sorry to burst most of your bubbles, but proper perspective might save alot of you alot of undue heartache.
:wsu_posters: :goshocks: :posterwu: :posterwsu: