It's time to get off Dirk Wedd's back

Posted by Matt Tait September 23, 2009 at 8 a.m.

I’ve been reading in comments on our website and hearing a lot around town about how it’s time for Lawrence High School to fire Dirk Wedd as its head football coach.

Nonsense.

As a 1996 graduate of LHS I understand the desire for Lawrence High fans — and Lawrence, in general — to have a football team and tradition in which they can take pride. I’m here to tell you that you do.

Most of the negative talk concerning Wedd centers on the fact that he has "dragged the program down to new lows" and that, as a head coach, "he’s not getting the most out of his players."

Anyone who’s been around the program this year — or in recent years — knows that statement simply is not true.

Has Wedd made some mistakes this season? Sure. He'll be the first to tell you that. Has he made mistakes in past seasons? Absolutely. But he's always owned up to them and always moved past them. What's the point in dwelling on them anyway? All that matters is that you learn from them and try like mad not to repeat them. I believe Wedd and his players have done that.

LHS’s biggest problem this season is that the Lions just don’t have the depth and talent to line up with the rest of the Sunflower League. That’s not coaching. That’s life. And it happens to every school at some point in time.

That might identify as a scapegoat or a convenient excuse, but it's reality. While many high school programs enjoy cycles of success, with top-notch talent, deep and dedicated classes and big-time love and support, they also must suffer through down times, when the talent is lacking and the depth just isn’t there.

This is one of those times for Lawrence High. It’s not for Free State. But that doesn’t mean this is the way it’s going to be forever at either school.

That got me thinking: How far apart are the two schools in terms of record and success during the Dirk Wedd era? Turns out not far at all.

Through 10 complete seasons and three games of season No. 11, the Lions and Firebirds are separated by just three games in the win column.

During his 10+ seasons as the LHS head coach, Wedd has led LHS to an overall record of 57-48. Free State during that same time frame is 60-47.

There’s more. Under Wedd’s leadership, the Lions have racked up six winning seasons and advanced to the Class 6A state semifinals one time. At Free State, the Firebirds have five winning seasons (with No. 6 likely coming this year) and two trips to the Class 6A state semifinals during that time. Of course, the Firebirds were victorious in one of those appearances and they went to finish second in 2008. I think that’s what has so many causing such a fuss.

No one cares what Wedd’s done over the long haul. We’re too much of a “What have you done for me lately” society for that to matter.

No one cares what Wedd does off the field, behind the scenes or after his players graduate. No one cares that Wedd went out of his way to put “BF” stickers on his team’s helmets this season to honor the late, great Bob Frederick. No one, of course, except for the Frederick family, who sent youngest son, Chris, to the opening game to personally thank Wedd.

Being a high school football coach is about much more than winning and losing games. It’s also about mentoring young men, producing productive citizens, holding young athletes accountable for their actions and teaching those same young men what it means to represent yourself, your school, your family and your town with pride.

As far as I’m concerned, Wedd is undefeated in those categories.

Lawrence High’s talent level is down and the overall numbers are small. But they’ll be up again. And when they are, Wedd is the guy you’ll want coaching the Lions.

Don’t believe that or buy into it because I say so. Talk to the former Lions who have hugged and cried, cheered and tried for Wedd throughout the past two decades.

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hail2oldku (anonymous) says…

Well said Matt. It's about time someone told off the Dirk haters.
September 23, 2009 at 8:11 a.m.
consumer1 (anonymous) says…

Yes Matt well put.
I am not sure if those who want to replace Coach Wedd, realize how short sighted and ignorant they are being. They are catering to their egos and not common sense. Mabye since the general public continues to pay the price tag. These people believe we should also create an overpriced, overpaid, and overglorified athletic dept. similar to what the universities have done. Should we seek out the "best coach money can buy", shall we pay him/her a salary of a million dollars? After all the public just rolls over and gives till they bleed. Let idolize the athletes starting in high school. Get a grip people!! Coach Wedd is doing a great job!
September 23, 2009 at 8:25 a.m.
hilary (anonymous) says…

Thanks for your great article, Matt. Wedd is a great guy, and doesn't deserve the amount of smack-talking he's been receiving lately.

I do need to correct one thing you said about LHS' overall numbers being small this year. In terms of student population, LHS has almost 200 more students this year than FS. If you were referring to the football numbers, then nevermind. I know the football numbers at both schools are smaller than they have been in years' past.
September 23, 2009 at 10:07 a.m.
SFBayhawk (anonymous) says…

You know, filling that new stadium IS the important thing.
September 23, 2009 at 10:19 a.m.
bankboy119 (anonymous) says…

I would go false on this article. His failure with the good teams he has had of late is why he needs to be gone. He is a very nice guy, but a very poor coach.

Remember the class that McAnderson came out of? They had Thunder (McAnderson) and Lightning (Fulton). They were great. Two things happened that season.

One, they booted their quarterback, who had been starting since junior high, for Tommy Mangino. (You may recognize that last name). He was not nearly as good and it was obviously politics that caused the position change.

Two, they were a running team all season. They played Olathe East in or on their way to the semi-finals that year. They were up most of the game but fell behind. They drove down the field, on consistent runs, only to falter at about the 2 or 3 yard line. What do you do in that situation? Any good coach will tell you that you use your strong players and what has been most successful to give you your best chance. What does Wedd do? He calls a pass, in which Tommy rolls out the wrong way, and it was executed very poorly. LHS loses on botched play calling by Wedd. Not the first time it happened, probably not the last.

It's time for a new coach.
September 23, 2009 at 10:29 a.m.
fishcat (anonymous) says…

I disagree. After reading the first three paragraphs, I jumped right down here, and didn't need to read that apologetic drivel anymore

All one needs to do is to look into the Fall Sports Program - the one they try to sell you every game when all you really want is a roster sheet, but I digress - and you see ten seniors who have decided to return and receive the playing time promised to them, because you see, it is tradition that seniors start the football games, and get the most playing time, regardless of talent, health, or size. The best position players are sometimes not on the field, why? Favorites? Politics?

How many times must we watch LHS run off right tackle, hoping the running back might break through for a long gain? Coach, the field is flat, you are not running downhill anymore!

I'm an opposing coach, and after 2 -3 series, I'm thinking "wow, they run behind # 77 95% of the time."

I'm an opposing coach and notice:
- the 160 lb noseguard
-pass plays always downfield, no need to defend a quick slant or come-backer
-lazy zone pass coverage
-D-line doesn't attack gaps
-LHS adjust? Ha! (This comes from a discussion I had with a Sunflower League assistant football coach this past weekend)

I'm an opposing coach and hope nobody teaches Coach:
-When/how to use a timeout
-Clock management
-Weak side field use
-How to call a play without subbing, or even know what play to run before the play clock starts.
-How to recruit (and use) a kicker/punter
-Use more than 15 (I exaggerate, but not by much) players for the entire game

Coach has alienated the team from the community by not allowing them to train in a program created for them! Is this jealousy, my way or the highway, or what? The team that played in the state championship last year didn't seem to have a problem with it.

I believe Coach thinks he is doing the right thing. I also believe the game has passed him by through either his inflexibility, or inability to assess his team's strengths, then strategerize around those strengths. Three yards and a cloud of (rubber) is not the strength of this team.
September 23, 2009 at 10:42 a.m.
fishcat (anonymous) says…

Coach Wedd's record vs. Free State's is misleading. Starting from scratch, FSHS has improved, where LHS has declined. How many assistant coaches have seen the writing on the wall, and moved on? One wonders if they replaced the current staff how things might be
September 23, 2009 at 10:51 a.m.
darkagent (anonymous) says…

Replace wedd as a teacher then replace him as a coach. Can't count how many times we were treated like 3 year olds off to watcha movie while he reviewed game footage. Hall passes and restroom passes were given out like candy, perfect time in my 2nd hour "class" to make a run to duncan. Could have learned a bit more about history... mabey he changed when he finally made it to the big time head coach that he is (Ha!)
September 23, 2009 at 11:08 a.m.
wizard104 (anonymous) says…

I think that Coach Wedd is a stand up guy. But I think the days of the "F" bombs that he and Coach Green are throwing out are a thing of the past. Kids don't respond to threat tactics that these two coaches use anymore. Talk to the Free State parents and kids and see what kind of language is used over there. I'm sure it is NO Where near what LHS has. Maybe if Coach Wedd retires he can take Mr. (embarrassment to LHS) Fender with him.
September 23, 2009 at 11:19 a.m.
BlackVelvet (anonymous) says…

Matt, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But for everyone on here that I see doing the "rahrah" for Dirk Wedd, I can guarantee there are many more who feel the other way. I know Coach Wedd. I am an LHS alum. I have stated my opinion.....he was a hell of a football player. The same cannot be said for his coaching ability. Sing his praises all you want. You won't change MY mind about this.
September 23, 2009 at 12:03 p.m.
matt_tait (Matt Tait) says…

MichaelJ --

Thanks for the note. I understand completely where you're coming from but you should know that I didn't write this intending to change anyone's mind.

As you said, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and I wouldn't pretend to think that what I say would/could change that.

With that said, the purpose of the blog was to tell people that it's time to stop airing those opinions in such a holier-than-thou kind of way. Dirk might not be the greatest coach but does that mean he deserves to be bashed every day by people who most likely have never coached a day in their lives? I don't think so.

Think what you want about Dirk as a coach or what LHS should do with its head football coaching position. But let's share our opinions with a little more class and a little less hatred. He is human, ya know.
September 23, 2009 at 12:19 p.m.
runningscooter (anonymous) says…

Coach Wedd is a great person on and off the field. At our last assembly he asked the students to look around them at the banners hanging and then look at the teachers because they're why those banners are there. He always recognizes the teachers and staff first. I think that's pretty awesome and it made me proud yet again to be at LHS.
September 23, 2009 at 12:52 p.m.
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

September 23, 2009 at 1:12 p.m.
Danimal (anonymous) says…

I think that everyone is taking high school athletics waaaaay too seriously. LHS has a pretty solid football program. A change in the head coach virtually guarantees a school at least one losing season, anyone that denies this really doesn't know much about athletics. Unless of course LHS can get Bo Pelini to come take over (which seems a little unlikely). High school athletics is supposed to be a learning experience where kids learn about good sportsmanship, maintaining their physical fitness, and learning to work as a part of a team. Since we seem to have lost those messages in favor of being hyper-competitive, maybe it's not time that we get rid of a head coach, but all high school athletics instead.
September 23, 2009 at 1:22 p.m.
KUJHAWK07 (anonymous) says…

Great article, Matt. Couple corrections/comments on reader's earlier posts:

bankboy119: First, The mentioned quarterback was not "booted" - politics is an easy justification for people not involved. He also did not start since junior high. Devin McAnderson started in 01, Rob Scott 02, and he split time at QB coming up on the sophomore and JV teams. Secondly, LHS was not up for most of '02 play-off game vs. Olathe East, they got down early 14-0 and had to claw back only to lose 19-21. The play mentioned was a 2-point conversion - hindsight is 20-20...coaches call plays, players execute them...which was done poorly, espeically when a guy fails to go in motion like the play was designed.

fishcat: Wedd has alienated the team from the community? BS. I have tremendous respect for Red Dog and what he done for the community, but the program has turned into a Mom&Dad weight loss/long distnace running program rather than for football training. How dare Coach decide to have his team work out together rather than with 600 people!

My thoughts. Thanks.
September 23, 2009 at 1:45 p.m.
KUJHAWK07 (anonymous) says…

Correction: McAnderson '00, Scott '01
September 23, 2009 at 1:51 p.m.
Clickker (anonymous) says…

One of the biggest things in football is recruiting. In College, they recruit kids to come to thier college. In high school, often the success of the program hinges on how well the coach "recruits" from the hallways. Are there kids roaming the halls that could be contributing to the team? Are there 9th graders who are burned out and need to be convinced to go out for Soph football? Are there parents that need to be steered away from FS and toward LHS ( since the official boundry, for all intents and purposes, really doesnt exist if you want to get around it). Not sure Wedd is doing the best in this area, although it seems kind of cyclical.
September 23, 2009 at 2:12 p.m.
lily (anonymous) says…

I'm an LHS grad and Coach Wedd had his fans and then there were those who didn't think he was such a nice guy.
Depends on who you are. That can be said about a lot of people but we're talking about this one in particular. Maybe he can be a helluva nice guy but that doesn't make him a great coach. If he is replaced what will he do next? That scares me even more. I think it's time he moved on and LHS got some new blood.
September 23, 2009 at 2:18 p.m.
fishcat (anonymous) says…

Whew jayhawk'07, i thought my critique of Mr Wedd's coaching style would be ripped more than attendance at Dog Days. So distance running, over varied terrain has no value toward football fitness? Nor do any of those old school core exercises? Do you need an explanation of cross-training? Plateauing? I have seen many athletic careers lost in the LHS weight room in the past 10 years.
September 23, 2009 at 2:47 p.m.
Number_1_Grandma (anonymous) says…

Since Mr. Tait got his feelings hurt.

As long as Dirk Wedd continues to call kids "kitty cats" and drops the "F bomb" he gets no respect from me. Mr. Tait may want to kiss Wedd's Heineken but the rest of us don't!
September 23, 2009 at 2:56 p.m.
Clickker (anonymous) says…

"Whew jayhawk'07, i thought my critique of Mr Wedd's coaching style would be ripped more than attendance at Dog Days. So distance running, over varied terrain has no value toward football fitness? Nor do any of those old school core exercises? Do you need an explanation of cross-training? Plateauing? I have seen many athletic careers lost in the LHS weight room in the past 10 years."

I'm really not sure what the issue is. Are the kids being forced to do Red Dog days? Certianly being in shape helps for any sport. I will say though, that all training theory in football now points to training in short bursts, and not long distance type training.
September 23, 2009 at 3:10 p.m.
darkagent (anonymous) says…

he's still a teacher first and he should have been gone in '91
September 23, 2009 at 3:59 p.m.
KUJHAWK07 (anonymous) says…

Fishcat -

I had beef with your Dog Dogs comments because you said he "alienated the team from the community," speculating jealousy (???) as his reasoning....which doesn't make any sense at all. And, I'd like to see you name actual athletic careers "lost" in the LHS weight room...if you can, I'm sure I can match them with successful careers that started in the same weight room.

Your thematic post about "jealously, politics, and favoritism," is what upset me the most and caused me to post. I can name several people, including myself, who started as a sophomore on the varsity team, so you're senior only/favoritism/politics theory is bunk.

Thanks.
September 23, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.
bankboy119 (anonymous) says…

Jhawk07,

I meant for that group of Seniors. He obviously wasn't the varsity starter since his sophomore year. He had been playing with the guys since Jr. High and had previous success at the position and confidence from the seniors.

Thank you for the correction on the 2 point play. Either way, the point on sticking to what had been working the ENTIRE game is valid.
September 23, 2009 at 4:19 p.m.
fishcat (anonymous) says…

I don't need to name anyone, but look at some of the lower back injuries that have occurred there.
jayhawk07, does that mean that you are an '03 grad? And do you think the team has improved since then? Save from an amazing catch at the end of the 1st half against BVN in '05, no post season wins. Where has the team gone since the departure of Wegner and Stidham? Ridiculously easy district pools are the only way into the post season.
I am not attacking Coach Wedd as a person. He and his family are wonderful people, few have given more to the community, and few, I think really care more. It is the coaching that drives me to opining here.
Why are there not more than 10 seniors?
Why is the D-Line always undersized? Put some meat there and let your (short-burst trained) athletes pursue.
When the opponent's D-Line is just diving at your O-Line's feet the whole game, adjust. run outside
Our short-burst trained athletes are carrying more weight on
their frames in this modern age, so develop an offense AND a defense, so they won't wear down during the game, as is what happened against SMN
I've seen better pass coverage in the backyard
The game has evolved, some haven't
September 23, 2009 at 4:41 p.m.
matt_tait (Matt Tait) says…

Grandma -

Your post was removed before I even had a chance to read it. No idea what it said, but if you'd like to rephrase it in a way that doesn't violate the user agreement, I'm sure we'd all take a look.

If you can't, that speaks for itself.
September 23, 2009 at 4:53 p.m.
ryangoodwin (anonymous) says…

Having read this blog I feel there are a lot of people on here bashing Coach Wedd just to relieve some frustration and don't really completely understand what they are talking about. For example, the argument about why don't we use bigger D-Lineman? I don't remember anybody complaining last year when Free State had a Nose Tackle that was on the small side. Fact is that all the way back to the Bill Freeman days, LHS has not been afraid to utilize a smallish Nose Guard's quickness to disrupt other teams. And the complaints about the offense he runs and the game passing him by? Was it not 2 or 3 years ago when Milne was the offensive coordinator that LHS utilized a semi version of the spread? What Coach Wedd does is adjust in the offseason to the talent he is given. The unfortunate nature of H.S. athletics is that for the most part, what lives in your district is what you have to work with and talent will always be cylical. Seems to me he did a pretty good coaching job when he had the group with Heere, Kellerman, Albers & Co. Right now, the bulk of the veteran talent is on the Free State side. That is no knock on the kids at LHS, its just a fact.
As for Coach Wedd's demeanor, use of the "F" bomb, and his yelling that seems to offend alot of people, I can tell you that I am better off having played for Coach Wedd. I had the fortune to play baseball on various traveling teams for him and play football for him when he was an Asst. for Coach Purdy and trust me, I was on the wrong end of many of a butt chewing from him. But he does it for two very good reasons: 1. To instill mental toughness in you because if you can take his criticism then nothing will rattle you on the field and 2. Because he cares about you. Alot of the mental toughness that he helped instill in me (along with my father) has greatly helped me since I graduated Lawrence High in 1995. I was actually cut as a Senior from the baseball team but still found a way to play 4 yrs of college baseball and even set some records at the school I graduated from. I am now currently in my 9th yr of coaching baseball and my 7th yr as a collegiate baseball coach, have had the opportunity to coach 18 players who have signed professional contracts, won league titles at 3 different places setting school/team records for wins at each place and I can tell you there is no way I would have reached the point I'm at if it wasn't for Coach Wedd helping instill mental toughness and a competitive edge in me. I know apart of him carries over into they way I have coached players at every place I have been.
September 24, 2009 at 3:10 a.m.
ryangoodwin (anonymous) says…

I think where the message may get lost is that alot of kids aren't used to being disciplined anymore because they never got it at home and Coach Wedd is one of the 1st people who has ever tried to instill a sense of discipline in them. And if you really believe that Adam Green is a bad coach because he can be a little vocal and animated, than you are someone who is just complaining to complain. I had the pleasure to be on the 2002 & 2003 Free State baseball coaching staffs with A.G. and he does a tremendous job of teaching fundamentals and relating to kids not to mention he is one of the nicest guys you could meet. Fact is that both High Schools have tremendous coaching staffs that have the knowledge and experience to help kids and the community should feel fortunate to have the two staffs that they do. Bottom line is that right now LHS is down because they are young and most their Seniors are injured. Don't judge this squad until the end of the season and watch the improvement this team makes by the end of the year. I have not had a chance to see a game yet this year (hope to change that next weekend) but I have heard that the Junior & Sophomore classes have some talent and depth. The experience they are getting now will only help in the future whether its this year or next year. Last but not least, I find it funny that alot of people enjoy getting on here to bash someone like Coach Wedd who has affected many kids in a positive manner yet they hide behind a username that is not their own because they are afraid to be accountable for their comments. True, blogs are for people to discuss things in both a positive and negative light and as I hope I have expressed in this post, criticism can be a good thing. However, if you are going to set back and criticize someone, why not have the guts to be accountable for you comments?
September 24, 2009 at 3:13 a.m.
HenningW (anonymous) says…

I'm glad somebody was finally decent enough to write something good about my favorite coach of all time! Yes Coach Wedd may rip your *** at practice, but at the end of that exact same practice he will tell you how much he loves you and how much you mean to him and I know that because I was on the end of a lot of those rippings. The reason why a lot of his stuff doesn't work is because he has gotten more and more players every year who think they are too good and they can do what they want and not buy into his system, which automatically makes it work. All Coach Wedd asks you to do is bust your butt no questions asked and the results will come. Let's look at my senior year (class of 09) Jake Green busted his butt and guess what he succeeded, Clifton Sims busted his butt and guess what he succeeded, Clint Pinnick busted his butt and he succeeded, Ryan Giblin busted his butt and he also succeeded, Aaron Rea, busted his but and he succeeded, and there were many others (Jay Baker, Cody Bonham, Chebon Dawes, Ben Muiller, Tyrae Jenkins, Darrin Sorem, Chris Gaston, Murphy Ray, etc.) I'm not saying that the guys this year aren't busting their butts, but they are inexperienced and young give them another year and they will be back to where LHS is supposed to be. When that does happen I don't want to see anybody on here that was talking bad about Coach Wedd say anything other than a "I guess I was wrong about Coach Wedd"
September 24, 2009 at 8:31 a.m.
LHS02BSBALLER (anonymous) says…

I had the priviledge of playing for Coach Wedd as a freshman on the J.V. baseball team in '99 and let me tell you how great an experience it was. I learned more about the game of baseball, but also how to conduct myself as a Lion and an adult. My father played for Coach's dad at South Junior Hight and there isn't a man who he respected more in his life. Was he a hard you know what, of course he was. Coach Wedd's coaching style reflects his upbringing, which is what is wrong with kids today. Their is no discipline instilled in kids today. As for the "f bombs", for anybody who knows Coach, that's who he is. He doesn't use the language he does to display he's the head honcho or anything like that. Some kids respond better to that coaching, some don't. We can't look at a man who's given to the Lawrence community, especially LHS and judge him on lack of talent, depth and his word choices. I didn't play football for him but can respect some comments on his "rear chewings." I was a freshman playing JV baseball, I recieved plenty of chewings. I was able to play college baseball because of the knowledge I gained not only about baseball, but how to be a man. I got the priviledge to play baseball with Curtis Ledbetter. Ask Curtis Ledbetter his feelings on Coach Wedd. Good Luck Coach! Keep making Chesty Lions proud!
September 24, 2009 at 9:31 a.m.
Number_1_Grandma (anonymous) says…

HenningW (Anonymous) says…
Yes Coach Wedd may rip your *** at practice, but at the end of that exact same practice he will tell you how much he loves you and how much you mean to him and I know that because I was on the end of a lot of those rippings.
***************************************************
Henning,

I think it is great you loved your coach and didn't mind Wedd "ripping" you. But the truth is, other kids may not and a lot damage can be done to those kids! No matter how you slice it calling kids "kitty cats" (Better Mr. Tait) and belittling them should not be tolerated in public schools!
***************************************************
Let's look at my senior year (class of 09) Jake Green busted his butt and guess what he succeeded, Clifton Sims busted his butt and guess what he succeeded, Clint Pinnick busted his butt and he succeeded, Ryan Giblin busted his butt and he also succeeded, Aaron Rea, busted his but and he succeeded, and there were many others (Jay Baker, Cody Bonham, Chebon Dawes, Ben Muiller, Tyrae Jenkins, Darrin Sorem, Chris Gaston, Murphy Ray, etc.)
*********************************************
Succeeded how?

Are you sure of these past players who hold Wedd in such high regards as you? You better talk to them before mentioning their names like this. You might be surprised...
September 24, 2009 at 1:51 p.m.
HenningW (anonymous) says…

I didn't say they liked him I said the busted their butts for him.
September 24, 2009 at 3:52 p.m.
Number_1_Grandma (anonymous) says…

All kids who play football bust their butts for Wedd. If that was the 'jest' of your comments, I don't believe anyone is disputing this. What IS in dispute is whether Wedd should remain coaching young students with his name calling to the kids and lack of results (wins) doing it his way. It also has been told to Wedd from Dr.'s who say his weight training is causing a lot of the kids injuries. He still wants to do it the "LHS way". Times have changed but Wedd hasn't.
September 25, 2009 at 8:13 a.m.
HenningW (anonymous) says…

Obviously you don't get what I'm trying to say. I said everybody that busted their butts and did what Coach Wedd said, had success during their time at LHS. It's not Coach Wedd's fault that he has a young inexperienced team flooded with injuries to key players that do have some experience at the varsity level.
September 25, 2009 at 8:58 a.m.
FrmAllAmerican (anonymous) says…

I am a former All American at LHS and played with Dirk and was coached by his father and Dick Edmondson in junior high. During my career the coaches were always tough and it started in 7th grade. Their language was robust to say the least. That "in your face" coaching style is still around today and is prevalent in college where the stakes are much higher. Those of you whining about Dirk and his staff dropping a couple of "F" bombs occasionally, should just get over it. I've had quite a few directed at me all through my football career and was still fairly successful. That is the nature of the profession. Should your child, either male or female, be fortunate enough to compete at the collegiate level, believe me the language and name calling will be even more robust! Two of my kids played Div 1 college sports and they learned a few words that made me blush. If the kids can't take it now they will never be able to handle college athletics.

Obviously, it's be awhile since I competed and certainly the game has changed, so I can't really comment on Dirk's coaching ability or his success or lack thereof as I no longer live in the area. What I have read in the other posts tells me that Dirk is succeeding in a very important aspect of his job, teaching and showing his players what it takes to be a positive contributor to society through his actions and his words.

Dirk has always been a stand up guy. He understands what it takes to succeed as a person and also understands what it takes to win, give him a break.
September 25, 2009 at 9:29 a.m.
acoacheswife (anonymous) says…

For once, just once, I wish that I would see a group of parents that can take a good honest look at the abilities of their own children. Not every high school athlete is a superstar. Not every high school athlete is going to go on to a college or professional career. That being said-what do we really want for these kids? The one thing that can NEVER be questioned about Dirk Wedd is his love for his players. Like a lot of coaches, he gives everything he has to his players and his job. The endless hours, the low pay-most of you have no idea what a coach does above and beyond the call of duty. They become a surrogate parent, a counselor, a shoulder to cry on, a mentor and a friend. And while the kids don't always get it at the time, years later, most of them do. And a lot of them come back and tell you that they finally get it. THat life isn't always about the W's and L's. It's about the process of growing up. Of becoming fine young men and good citizens of the community. My family has known Dirk for years. He is a great man who loves these kids and has given many years to the sport. Teams will have ups and downs. He may not be perfect. But before you call out to have him lose his job-both teaching AND football-think long and hard about what we REALLY want our kids to learn on that field. I would want mine to be a better person for having played for Coach Wedd.
September 25, 2009 at 12:19 p.m.
Clickker (anonymous) says…

I do know that Ralph Wedd and Bill Freeman, while no shrinking violets, did not really use F-bombs. They didnt need to, because if they got on you , that was enough.
In fact, they didnt tolerate F-bombs.
September 25, 2009 at 12:22 p.m.
Number_1_Grandma (anonymous) says…

acoacheswife (Anonymous) says…
"For once, just once, I wish that I would see a group of parents that can take a good honest look at the abilities of their own children. Not every high school athlete is a superstar. Not every high school athlete is going to go on to a college or professional career. That being said-what do we really want for these kids? The one thing that can NEVER be questioned about Dirk Wedd is his love for his players."
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While nobody is saying their child is a superstar or even a college prospect. We are saying it is WRONG to be screaming at a kid that he is a "kitty cat" while the kid is busting his butt for this great coach!

What do we want for these kids, you ask. How about that it is WRONG to scream obscenities at a kid to get what you want. You say Wedd has love for these kids but screams obscenities at them and it's OK....Then it must be OK to scream obscenities to a wife or beat them because the husband has love for them too, right? I don't believe that the Lawrence public school system should put up with this nor the parents!

As clickker has said, Bill Freeman did NOT have to scream obscenities at kids to get them to perform and his championships speak highly of this coaching.

To Allamerican: In college, you should expect to hear F-bombs and obscenities thrown at you BUT not in Jr. High or high school. Public institution (High school) VS private (college) big difference here!
September 25, 2009 at 1:40 p.m.
FrmAllAmerican (anonymous) says…

Number_1_Grandma -

I didn't go to a private college nor did my children. I played football for a public university and my kids played for public universities as well. It doesn't matter.
I played for Al Woolard. He did not drop any "F" bombs, but a few of his assistants did. The record of the teams I played on for three years was 23-3, one state championship and two runners up. Most of us turned out pretty well. I do remember having to run wind sprints one day because my helmet broke the coaches clip board when he hit me with it. A teammate had to run sprints when he hurt the coaches foot after being kicked in the rear for not being mean enough. We also learned to face adversity both on the field and off. Competitive athletics is not fair or kind, but can teach the participants great life lessons.
Apparently you want all the children in school to win at everything they do. Let's be sure to give everyone orange slices and some kool ade after practice and the game.
My point is that coaches must get their players ready and able able to handle adversity they will meet them during a practice, a game and life. Sometimes that takes a slap on the helmet with a clip board or a kick in the rear. Sometimes that is what it takes to get a players attention. There is ALWAYS a winner and ALWAYS a loser. Not everyone can win, not everyone will be happy with the outcome.
It seems to me that Dirk is trying to teach his players the life lessons that they will remember 35 to 40 years later.
September 25, 2009 at 3:15 p.m.
KUJHAWK07 (anonymous) says…

"kitty cat"

I wasn't aware this was such an ultimate eath-shattering end-all to self-confidence term. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think a person has other underlying issues if he or she is having to write-home about being called "kitty cat."
September 25, 2009 at 4:40 p.m.
Number_1_Grandma (anonymous) says…

FrmAllAmerican,

For an educated man you sure don't comprehend very well. I have been talking about Wedd's screaming obscenities and somehow you come up with I want all kids to win at everything they do. So let's get this straight one last time. I don't really care about the wins and loses. And I don't mind a coach shouting to get hustle or make them run wind sprints. I DO care about Wedd calling kids p*$$**$ and dropping the F-bomb. It seems to me with his coaching record the last few years and the lack of kids going out for football, that he would change his ways. He also has been told by DR's that his weight program & conditioning is outdated and hurting kids! He still refuses to change. When I spoke about college VS high school, universities is big business and big money. High school is not. You recruit kids to come to college and play sports and high school you do not. Most kids will not go onto college and play football but would enjoy their high school experience to include football.

As far as Dirk teaching "life lessons" leave this to the parents! We'll raise them and teachers/coaches just teach them. It seems to me he has enough to do just teaching them the game of football considering his record the last few years. It's funny how Free State's football coach doesn't use Dirk's method of coaching and seems to do just fine every year. But then again as Dirk Wedd likes to say......It's the LHS way.
September 25, 2009 at 7:48 p.m.
nealsmith56 (anonymous) says…

#1 grandma

I have read your comments on Coach Wedd in there entirety, and I have deduced a common theme between them and their opposition. This being that you obviously are not very familiar with the inner working of a high school, or any level for that matter, football team. I will the statements with which i take issue one by one. First off I would just like to say that it hurts the consistency of your argument when with in the same post you state "I don't really care about the wins and loses" as well as "It seems to me he (Coach Wedd) has enough to do just teaching them the game of football considering his record the last few years." Staying in the same post I move to move to a comment you make about the fact that coaches should and teachers should, and parents are the ones who should instill life lessons. Now lets recap, according to you high school sports are not about wins or losses ( although your stance on this is shaky at best) and they are not about teaching life lessons. Well then I would respectfully raise the following question: Why are we playing high school sports?

Now moving on to another comment with which I take issue. This being the thought that apparently Free State's coaching staff is all sunshine and rainbows, but still much more effective then Coach Wedd ( again you judge effectiveness by the win column ) in motivating their players. To this I will make a couple different opposing arguments. First off, Adam Green is a great coach and a better man who happens to have coached at both high schools. Secondly any present or former Firebird (myself included) , will tell you that the phrase " I am getting pissed " cascading from the tight lips of Coach Lisher is all to often followed by a series of events which would leave one longing to be called a "kitty cat." On a side note I still have nightmares which contain a soundtrack of "on the goal line." To come to a summation, all football coaches utilize a variety of colorful motivational techniques which often included smacking a players helmet with one hand and patting his back with another.

Lastly I would like to take a very serious and no nonsense tone with one final comment you made miss. This would be the caparison between a football coach pushing his players and a man beating his wife. This made me physically sick, it is obvious you have not had much experience with the emotionally and physically abused. If you had you would know how stark the difference is between the look of perseverance in the eyes of a winded halfback; and the look of utter defeat and helplessness in the eyes of someone who has been beaten by the man they expected to care for and protect them above all others.
September 26, 2009 at 7:45 a.m.
nealsmith56 (anonymous) says…

I would like to close my comments with the statement that I played on the same field with many Dirk Wedd coached players. They were tough as nails and a nightmare to play, those undersized defensive lineman played with more passion then any 300 pounder. These aspects are the greatest credits to Coach Wedd. So if a LHS hating proud alumni of the "other" high school can give him praise he must be doing alright.
September 26, 2009 at 7:46 a.m.
peace2u (anonymous) says…

My son played for Coach Wedd and only has high regards for him. Yes he got chewed out many times but he didn't come home crying about it.
Coach Wedd and the Mrs are big part of LHS family, which by the way is a very good high school with excellent teachers.
I think Coach Wedd deserves to be the next athletic director for LHS and to replace him, bring back Coach Wagner.
September 27, 2009 at 10:18 a.m.
Number_1_Grandma (anonymous) says…

"I think Coach Wedd deserves to be the next athletic director for LHS"
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No way in hell this will happen. Dirk would save a lot of embarrassment to himself by just retiring and not even try for the AD job!
September 27, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
jhyphene (anonymous) says…

It is my opinion that Coach is anything but bad for LHS and bad for his players. And I also have to say the same of his assistants...especially Adam Green.

Here's my take: The luckiest kids are the ones that are able to turn experiences in life into seeds for future growth. The unluckiest kids are the ones that learn to play the victim card as an excuse for "lack of success." And if you think that Dirk Wedd is creating an environment that is not good for his players, that he is creating an environment that deprives his kids the opportunity to grow, then you are missing the big picture. Complaining about being called names indicates the victim's mentality. Complaining about play calling is the victim's mentality. Complaining about "not with the times" is a victim's mentality. Playing the victim card is so pathetic, and frankly, THAT is not what LHS is about. I believe that most of the negative posts here stem from this exact root. Victims and Coach Wedd don't co-exists. The victim mentality garbage is laced with excuses. You'll never hear an excuse from Coach Wedd nor his assistants. Because they aren't victims. They go about their work, and they try to outwork everyone else. It's been that way for a long time...and that's one tradition in this town I'd hope would never be lost - regardless of how many high schools are in this town. Used to be Lawrence kids just played a little tougher than kids from other towns. I hope the same can be said today. I hope so because that mentality of preparation, commitment, and expected self-success - and simultaneously the complete absence of an excuses drenched mentality - was the experience that coaches like Dirk Wedd and players like Adam Green passed along to me...experiences from which I grew in life. Being called a name by a coach, getting jumped by a coach...that's so trivial. A lot is said about LHS living in the past, not accommodating "today's kids" with the old traditions. But I gotta tell you, the best tradition LHS ever had was never offering any excuses. The day that the victim mentality takes over at LHS is the day the place changes.

These coaches are great for their players. I hope that when my kids get to high school, should they choose to play sports, they will be lucky to experience what I did. And that speaks nothing about wins and losses on the scoreboard.
September 27, 2009 at 10:47 p.m.
TheYetiSpeaks (anonymous) says…

To #1 Grandma and all other detractors of high school coaches:
I think if you are going to tear down coaches I think you should put your name on it. It sure is easy to hide behind that Anonymous tag when you are complaining about coaches who unlike college coaches do not get to choose their kids. What the school gives them they must work with. Look around you in the city of Lawrence. I don't see football players like Jason Thoren, Michael Cosey, or John Hadl just walking around. Lawrence had a lot of years of freakishly good athletes that just has not been there recently.
I guess I just dont think its very fair for all these anonymous users to sit in their foxholes and fire potshots when for all we know they are just family members of kids who were not good enough to start.
I was a chunky, goofy kid who didn't go out for athletics. Dirk Wedd had no reason to be extra nice or respectful to me but he was.
My name is David Remboldt and I wont hide behind an anonymous tag when I think people are acting like raving idiots......I'm looking at you Grandma.
September 27, 2009 at 11:19 p.m.
OKIEHAMMER (anonymous) says…

Dirk Wedd is a good man and a great coach. Like ALL coaches, he's made some mistakes. BUT... quite possibly the biggest mistake he has ever made was when he took a little coward of a kid and tried to make a man out of him when he should have left him hiding underneath his Grandma's skirt!!!! And what's sad Granny, is that in spite of your own, and your grandson's, aversion to quality coaching... "cry-baby-coward-boy" is going to reap the benefit of having been around a MAN whose principles we can only hope will ultimately be adopted as his own. As long as "coward-boy" can stay hooked up in the LHS version of "Tool School", he's got a chance (Yes, I'm saying he's got a chance) to succeed in life in spite of your attempts to ensure that, what obviously is his only TRUE male role model, is taken from him. I, along with countless other Dirk Wedd supporters, will continue to stand proudly beside a man you can only hope your granddaughter... I mean, grandson, grows up to emulate.

Additionally, Grandma, you shouldn't write "H...E...Double Hockey Sticks" in your posts because, not only did it burn my retinas when I read it, but it could cause irrepairable damage to young, "cry-baby-coward-boy's" developing psyche. I'm certain it rolls as easily off your toungue as it did your keyboard. I personally find it deplorable when a woman cannot express herself without stooping to the vulgar practice of using profanity in any form. I may not recover! Help me, Coach Wedd!

Oh, yeah... All you other wimps that are bashing on Coach Wedd are bigger cowards than Grandma's little "kitty cat." Get you some of that!!!!

David Remboldt... You're a man, son! Here's to you.
October 4, 2009 at 1:58 a.m.