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Read comments (80)In the minutes from the IHSAA's executive committee meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 6, Commissioner Blake Ress reported that the action was taken against Linton-Stockton High School resulting from a violation of Rule 15-3.1c (Football players wore full protective equipment during summer camp).
According to the minutes, the Linton-Stockton High School football program is placed on probation for this entire school year.
Coach Steve Weber is severely reprimanded for causing this violation to occur. This is a health and safety issue as well as a long standing rule that all football coaches should be aware of, according to the minutes.
IHSAA Commissioner Blake Ress stated in an e-mail to Linton-Stockton High School:
"For violations of IHSAA rules, the Association may give a school a warning or put them on probation without any additional punitive penalty. With that being said, probation is considered a more serious penalty than a warning and is usually the result of a more flagrant violation of a rule that there should have been no doubt that everyone knew including the coach. What being on probation really means is that any future, similar breach of the rules during the period of probation can result in penalties such as fines, forfeiture of revenue from tournaments, suspension of a coach, suspension of a team from participation, or suspension of a school from membership.
"Obviously, in your case I do not expect any of those actions to occur. However, I do not think there is any excuse for your coach having your players in full protective football gear for a summer camp. Not only is this a violation of a long standing rule that every football coach should know; it is also a health and safety issue considering the heat and humidity that is common in Indiana during the summer."
Linton-Stockton High School Principal Nick Karazsia said of the ruling: "We respect IHSAA Commissioner Ress' decision and we'll follow his decision and make every attempt to make sure we don't have anymore future violations."
yeah i was kinda just playin because my 3 years playin varsity we won 16 games. not really smashin other teams. but check out roosevelt online. you'd be surprised at the school. and yeah some of these dudes postin be dead serious. its sports ya'll! can't focus on winnin, the kids need to focus on the integrity and discipline and make winning a game just icing on the cake, ya dig? i guess i'll be nice on the local sports post as long as snowshovel dont post nuthin crazy. right on minermama!!
what's up minermama! i didn't realize greene county had so many schools! rivalries!! and so far jamal t hasn't been removed from postin like i was told was gonna happen! roosevelt high school mighty, mighty panthers represent!! comin down there and smashing cardinals and wolverines up! i was mostly wide receiver for a little jamal t history.
Excuse me, score was kept, just not recorded!! Score board was up and running and sorry for the misunderstanding, Eastern and Linton will play friday. Good luck to both teams!! No matter who wins or loses, you are all winners because you are GREENE COUNTY CHAMPS!!!
Funny how you can tell how focused are schools are on sports as opposed to EDUCATION just by the posts that are made. What happened to education being the top priority of a school, and sports being an extra curricular activity?
It's a sad day when you have 80 plus comments about football, and not one comment on your local school board meeting.
my bad. i just caught on. miners are linton. what's bloomfield and this eastern someone posted about.
I remember when my late husband played football and was suspended for pulling pranks on the opposing teams. He was such a joker.
wow leave this nice man alone ....i think there is more to worry about then a stupid mistake maybe woman beaters that are getting a away time to time in linton or people pulling guns on each other or no factory jobs
In a scrimmage, score is not kept. It is simply a measuring stick for teams to see where they are skills wise and to see what they need to focus more on as the regular season approaches. It is a scrimmage.... Not a win or loss for either team. No score was kept on the board for either team (JV/Varsity.....S. Decatur or Eastern).
Lets get our facts straight.
to bad Friday's game between Linton and Eastern is cancelled!! I would of liked to seen how Linton was supposibly ssssooooo BAD!! JV at Eastern WON against South Decatur last Friday!!! The did not tie!!! What does that tell you about Eastern's JV team???
Linton football has had lots of success and it is great to see young people succeed. Give them their due, they have earned it. However, Eastern Greene works hard and will continue to work to achieve success. When a program has a foundation, greatness has the tendency to follow. We should applaud the youth that play sports rather than BASH them no matter what school they attend. SPORTSMANSHIP? Good luck to the Thunderbirds! I appreciate Coach Dean and his staff and their dedication to the young men of EG!
Cheating is not a "mistake". It is an intentional act; and, the "mistake" is in defending anyone, anywhere, anytime that can not play by the rules. Cheating taints every accomplishment - even the accomplishments by those that were not involved directly. I don't care if it is Linton High School football, IU basketball or the New England Patriots. Cheating is unacceptable and the "mistake" is accepting it; and, defending it is just as intolerable.
How about a TEAM preview of the upcoming season?
As, a player... i am sick of hearing this idiotic stuff about my coach... and i will just go ahead and say this in coach Webers defense that he did NOT by any means put anyones health at risk(I was there). Also he would never INTENTIONALY put anyones health at risk... So if you really care about "the boys" then support them, and quit trying to take what they(we) have away because of your hatered towards Weber. And if you doing it because your from another program and want to see him gone... i have a feeling i know why you would want somthing like that... You can ramble on all day, but i dought it gets you anywhere.
I hope that anybody that claims to be a Miner fan can get past this thing and support us this season... And if not... well thats your choice! BUT! I support you 100% of the way coach. And I wouldn't want to play for anybody else... And Truthfully i cant think of anything to say to get these football/weber/miner haters to drop the subject ... But I'll let you all get back to hating on the program... Because i have to get to bed and get ready for practice tommarow!
So.. thank you coach Weber (and staff) for being there for us and not letting this kind of stuff sacrifice the time and effort you put in to help us in being succesful in football/school/and life!
MINER PRIDE!!!!!!
Thank you,
Team
P.S. ...And hope to see a huge, SUPPORTIVE crowd there this Fri.
Why are you dogging Eastern redburd08? What have they done or said to you? I am for both Linton and Eastern because it is pore sportsmanship for any school team to think they are better than the other. Eastern doesn't go aroung bragging they are better in other sports and from the past article's in the gcdw, Eastern has done really good! Bloomfield and Linton Have to!!! I cheer all the Greene County teams and wish them all good luck this season! We may play one another, but we are all Greene County!!!
Just wait until you meet our Junior Varsity at Eastern!! They are better than are Varsity team. Lets see Tie breaker for Junior varsity against South Decatur last Friday and Varsity lost to Decatur! Be careful what you say redburd08, it could come back and bite you. Eastern is looking good so far!!!
Maybe that the season has started people can focus on the kids and the game. Weber made a mistake. Do you think he is the first coach to make a mistake? As a coach, I know he is not. Good luck to the Miners and the entire coaching staff!
REDBIRD08 even though eastern isnt that good at football we still kicked ur butt at baseball, and for football last year they had to practice on a baseball field and had no equipment so get off r backs
redbird08,Do you always threaten people when you don't agree with what they say?
Because Miner fans don't like what I said are they going to throw eggs at my house,my car,what? Something worse?
I thought Linton fans were supposed to have class.
I also agree with fabulous give Eastern football time.They are just getting started.
redbird08,
why would you say such a mean hurtful thing about teenagers that just want to play a game? They are a newer and of course they aren't as toned as the Miners. But gosh, let's let these kids learn and grown into something great. The only reason that anyone should worry about the T-Birds is if they were to become a real threat. Lintonians should be pleased that they have some competition in their own county now. If you are a Cardinal, well Bloomfield doesn't even have a H.S. team, so why would a Cardinal have an opinion to begin with?
Maybe the paper should write an article about the upcoming scrimmage.
Eastern is not good at football, sorry the truth hurts. look at any score of a football game. it is a slaughter, as it always will be when they play the Miners!!!
granny4, i certainly hope you never give your identity away. there are a lot of Miner Fans that would love to know!
To Steve Weber,
The point of all this is that you made a mistake and did something wrong. Ok there was no harm done to any kid's but that's not the point. We all have to live by law's and rule's. You did something wrong and got caught. You are no different than any one eles to be repremanded. You very well may be a good coach but still you have to go by rule's just like any one eles. With you being a coach for so long you should know all the rules, and if they change you should know that to. I think personally that you should be repremended by the school some kind of punishment. What would you do if one of the kid's broke the rules, did something wrong at a pratice, or in a game knowing that, they weren't supposed to do it and they did it anyway. Well I'll tell you they would probally be suspened from a game or two I'm sure they would be punished by you. So you knew better or should have as a coach so you should quit making excuses for yourself you didn't hurt anyone you just got caught. Not good examples for our kid's.
to SMC get alife you nothing about football
That says it all. As long as the winning tradition continues, the coach will continue to be supported and respected.
I'm wondering if he would have this much support coming off a losing season.
I have lived in linton for ten years now we started with coach wellington fine coach,now with coach weber the winning tradition has continued those of you want to bash the coach, are you all saying you have never made a mistake. go get'em coach you still have my respect.go miners
With all due respect to the more "soft skinned people" coach rogered up to his mistake so let him be. I am a former Miner and I would follow the coaching staff anywhere that they would lead. and for the boys in the red and blue kill this noise and kick some ass on the field to show why Linton is the Baddest smashmouth football team
I have lived in linton for ten years now we started with coach wellington fine coach,now with coach weber the winning tradition has continued those of you want to bash the coach, are you all saying you have never made a mistake. go get'em coach you still have my respect.go miners
Please why should we just forget about this. That's the way it's always handle, maybe all these past players just don't want to remember some of mistakes made when they played ball. The coach owes it to the boys and the community to MAN UP and so does the School Board. Really doesn't it take a man to MAN UP?
OHHHHHHHPLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAASEEEEEE!!! WHAT IS GOING ON HERE??!! WE ARE A COMMUNINTY THAT IS SUPPOSE TO BE SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM, BOYS AND ESPECIALLY OUR COACHES!! THEY ARE ROLE MODELS FOR OUR CHILDREN AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT THEY LOOK UP TO THESE COACHES SOMETIMES MORE THAN THEY DO THEIR PARENTS! THE COACH WAS WORRYING ABOUT FITTING THESE BOYS WITH THEIR PADS AND HELMETS AND JUST GOT SO WRAPPED UP IN THAT, THAT HE LET THIS RULE PASS HIM BY. I DON'T BELIEVE FOR ONE SECOND THAT THIS MAN WOULD DO ANYTHING TO HURT THESE BOYS!! I AN SURE THAT HE SPENDS MORE TIME LISTENING TO THEM THAN ANY OF THEIR PARENTS DO, YOU KNOW WHY I THINK THIS? IT IS BECAUSE SO MANY OF THEM ARE ON THIS COMMENT SECTION BASHING THEIR COACH!!!!! GET OVER IT AND SUPPORT THESE KIDS AND THEIR SPORT!!
I am a former player and to be perfectly honest, I do not see the big deal. When I played we never question why or what, we just did. That's the respect that is paid to the coaches from the players and vice versa. This is about the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard before. All of you should be ashamed because you want his head on a silver platter and yet if he were to win Sectionals or Regionals or whatever, you'll all sing his praises and forget about this. I assure all of you that he would never under any circumstances put someone's health in danger. Also, this is football, you play the game in full gear! He didn't do it to get away with something, he did it because he was getting his kids ready for the season. Where do you think winning games comes from? It doesn't come from the week of practice before a game, it comes from the long two-a-days in the boiling heat, it comes from running sprints until you're about ready to puke up what you had for breakfast that morning...It's not from griping about having to practice in full gear. Do you honestly think that Coach Webber or any other coach on that staff would seriously or purposfully try to harm another person? If you're complaining about what the kids are practicing football in, then I guess it's safe to say you don't know that football is a contact sport. I HAVE A NEWS FLASH FOR YOU!! Someone is going to get hurt at one point or another regardless if he's in full gear or not. I respect Coach Webber more now because he admitted that he did something wrong. He owned up to it and now we should all let it go. Good luck this year coach, because apparently you won't be just going against other teams, you'll be battling your own fans.
Investigator 474 I have owned up to exactly what happened, if it does not suit you so be it!
I do have a sweet job one that I put a lot of effort and time into, both on the field and in the classroom. I will use any time I have available(before school, after school, between periods, prep period) to defend myself from idiotic statements made by people with an agenda. Once again your information is incorrect,I do teach on and off the field. I will not let people use false information to further their agenda especially ones who hide behind false names!
S Weber
Coach Weber, Just say it. You knew the rule, you're trying to build your team, and you knew it wasn't going to hurt the kids to put them into that equipment and practice that way. You've all but said that anyway. I can respect that. But you feel like you must say it just slipped your mind, your staffs minds and your teams minds.
I like the fact that true Linton football fans are behind you. Others asking for your head are crazy. But if your going to own up to this then own up to it all the way.
GCC - You got it ace!! MINER PRIDE - ALL THE WAY!!! We love our Miners!!!
It is called PRIDE, not arrogance. As a former Linton football player and current coach, we are proud of our football teams. We work extremely hard to live up to the Miner football heritage.
nafren.. I doubt you could handle the pressures and requirements someone in Coach Weber's position must adher to.
Ahh well then granny4..i think I may know of whom you speak of...and I can attest to a little attitude on that person's part as much if not more than any Miner I saw....
Yes, I do agree with you tafo.
I will say one other thing. I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I wish that I was Weber. He must have a sweet job. You don't have to teach and you can read and write on blogs all day long. I am sure that his students learned a lot in class today -- how to blog and how to make excuses. Yep, that's our tax money at work!
BD, I didn't say Linton was dominant in sports.I said they have always thought they were better.I have been to the games and heard the players with their cocky, better than you remarks.I know how they treated a fellow player when he moved with his family to another town and he joined that schools football team.I hope Eastern does have a great team someday and hopefully they will show more class than Linton ever has
"Granny4" Since you don't live in Linton anymore, I guess you haven't heard the news - WE ARE THE BEST TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO MINERS!!! YOU ROCK!!
a mistake was made get over it we all make mistakes time to get ready for the season. weber doesnt need to be fired and you soccer fans are probaly the ones who turned them in . and art has nothing to do with this
Let me first thank Nafren for writing the exact same thing that I did. I assume that Nafren agrees with me.
Second -- TDavid -- you got to be kidding me. An apology, according to Webster is "a statement expressing regret for an action or a fault." What I read were excuses. Why not simply say "I knew the rule existed, it has always existed, and I made the conscious decision to ignore the rule." PERIOD! Don't talk about 7 on 7, and 11 on 11, and summer workouts and basketball and baseball and on and on and on. Don't make excuses. I am not a "Weber Hater." But if you ask me, his "apology" sounds like something an immature kid would say. I am surprised that he didn't say it was someone else's fault.
Tafo or nafren if you are going to blast me then at least know what you are talking about. You are allowed to wear shoulder pads, helmets, and mouthpieces. And the intent of the rule is to account for temperature and humidity during Indiana's Summer, any other health problem and they would not be participating in football. Know what you are talking about before you spew your poison
S Weber
I think it's pretty obvious from the post from 'tafo' and then reposted in full by 'nafren' that there is more to their anger than this specific situation. Once again it sounds like people using this to further their own personal agenda... I don't suppose you realize how ridiculous your ranting sounds?
Weber -- I am quoting you - "Yes I was aware of the rule in the past! Has things changed rule wise over the course of the years, yes!" My question to you is did this rule change? The obvious answer is NO! You were wrong! You messed up! Don't go into the blah, blah, blah stuff (and excuses) about summer activities. This rule has been a long standing rule, probably way before you ever thought about coaching. It is a fact that it has NEVER changed, even since you have been coaching.
Another one of your quotes -- "No excuse---I should have known the rule!" OMG, what other rules do you not know? Are you not required to attend yearly rule meetings? Do you even go or even pay attention at those meetings? I think that you need to seriously consider what you are doing.
One more quote -- "The only rule violation was that we had pants on we did not have full contact (tackle to ground or below the waist) we never have full contact, we stay high on all plays all year long to reduce injury. Heat was not a factor, but if you know me I never restrict water from any one, they have access any time they want it!" According to the article "Football players wore full protective equipment during summer camp." FULL PROTECTIVE GEAR -- not just pants. Did your players wear shoulder pads too? The last time I checked, shoulder pads are protective gear! From your quote, I assume that you disagree with Mr. Ress' statement about it being a health and safety issue. Could you please supply your medical certification to prove to me that you know anything about whether or not you were placing those players at risk? Better yet, I am sure that you know the complete medical history of each and every one of your players and you know for a fact that you did not create a health and safety issue for any one of them. I am not talking about the availability of water, or how hot it was. I am talking about specific medical factors that you have no idea about. In fact, you even admitted that you did not have a good turn out this summer. So you therefore knew that your players were not in their best shape. So was it smart, wise, or just plain ignorant of your part to put them in FULL PROTECTIVE GEAR? I say it was the latter.
The LHS football program got punished. Steve Weber accepted full responsibility. Nobody got hurt and every program at some point and time suffers a bruise.
Let's move on from this. Coach Weber wouldn't put his players in harms way. Let's also keep in mind that LHS has been placed on probation. It's not a death sentence.
Support Coach Weber and the Miners!
tafo,
coach weber came on here and admitted that he was wrong and apologized for such wrong doing, what more do you want???
with me being from sullivan, the miners were one of our biggest rivals each year, so it would be easy for me to be one of the "weber haters". yea he made an error in judgement, we all do from time to time. no one forced him to log on here and admit he was wrong and so forth, that should speak volumes in itself, and I am sure that he will also have an interview explaining in further detail what exactly happened, which he does not have to do either.
if you dont like the guy on a personal level then thats one thing, but sometimes we have to sat somethings aside and look at the bigger picture and that is what he has done for the program the school and the community and most importantly the kids. he made a mistake, just like we all do, he owned up to it, and is now dealing with the consequences.
Weber -- I am quoting you - "Yes I was aware of the rule in the past! Has things changed rule wise over the course of the years, yes!" My question to you is did this rule change? The obvious answer is NO! You were wrong! You messed up! Don't go into the blah, blah, blah stuff (and excuses) about summer activities. This rule has been a long standing rule, probably way before you ever thought about coaching. It is a fact that it has NEVER changed, even since you have been coaching.
Another one of your quotes -- "No excuse---I should have known the rule!" OMG, what other rules do you not know? Are you not required to attend yearly rule meetings? Do you even go or even pay attention at those meetings? I think that you need to seriously consider what you are doing.
One more quote -- "The only rule violation was that we had pants on we did not have full contact (tackle to ground or below the waist) we never have full contact, we stay high on all plays all year long to reduce injury. Heat was not a factor, but if you know me I never restrict water from any one, they have access any time they want it!" According to the article "Football players wore full protective equipment during summer camp." FULL PROTECTIVE GEAR -- not just pants. Did your players wear shoulder pads too? The last time I checked, shoulder pads are protective gear! From your quote, I assume that you disagree with Mr. Ress' statement about it being a health and safety issue. Could you please supply your medical certification to prove to me that you know anything about whether or not you were placing those players at risk? Better yet, I am sure that you know the complete medical history of each and every one of your players and you know for a fact that you did not create a health and safety issue for any one of them. I am not talking about the availability of water, or how hot it was. I am talking about specific medical factors that you have no idea about. In fact, you even admitted that you did not have a good turn out this summer. So you therefore knew that your players were not in their best shape. So was it smart, wise, or just plain ignorant of your part to put them in FULL PROTECTIVE GEAR? I say it was the latter.
granny4.... I'm sorry but I really have to laugh at that comment. I would not say Linton has been dominant in any sport boys or girls over any other specific Greene County school in recent years. THere are only 2 county football teams...and yes Linton is dominent there...but I think to a person, we want Eastern to be successful in it's football program.
I no longer live in Linton, but come football season, I will probably make trips back home to watch games. I think the Linton football program is top-notch and the coaches, players, and staff all deserve our support. This incident will probably be mostly out of our minds when the season starts. Let's not blow it out of proportion. Support the Miners!!
From the Class of 1987
I know this much...there are people in Linton that seem to want nothing more than to have Steve out as coach...and I tell ya...it's aggrevating to me...so I can only imagine what he feels like to constantly have people hovering just waiting for any reason to jump on the school board or get on message boards to rant... and even worse some use it as an excuse to yell about the lack of an art program, or less money spent on other school activities. I think they'd only be happy if Linton were to go 2-8 or 3-7 every year like some schools experience year in and out. FOotball Friday is huge in Linton...it's a benefit to the fund raising efforts that the various groups get exposed to these monster crowds at home games, it's a benefit to the community that people usually go out and eat, not to mention the crowds it brings in from surrounding communities without football, and those who travel from opposing schools. Linton football brings in news coverage that no other sport in Linton garners...with features on several sports shows across the valley...and with the recent success has even brought state-wide focus as well.
I believe the Miner Football program runs very responsibly. I have been behind the scenes, in the scenes, heard all talk above and below board...and there is no doubt these coaches love their teams past and present. The coaches work insane amounts of hours to make the MIners the best they can be, and by the rules required. THey've taken steps themselves to suspend players who have violated team rules even when the school didn't. They've sat players out who wanted to play, but had an injury that might have gotten worse if they'd of played that particular game. They care about the players on and off the field. A man's personal life is his own personal life...it isn't anyone else's business as long as it doesn't break a law or affect his ability as head coach or assistant coach. IF everyone out there who has ever been reprimanded or put on probationary status for any reason was forced to resign...then I think there'd be many of us who'd be shown the door. People yelling for Coach Weber's resignation are assinine, and merely looking to seize this opportunity for their own agenda. Sometimes I am embarrased to be from Linton because of the way a few act.
I know the vast majority of people support the program, players and coaches... and I wish more would voice that support in the face of the few who take joy in kicking while kicking is good. I wonder what will happen when we do lose the coaches who care and work hard...and try to get quality coaches to come to Linton who can see what's happened in the recent years...with a stellar record all the while... We'll see what happens when Miner football falls back into the average years...the early 70's times where football was bottom pole, and nobody cared.
Am I saying that breaking the rule is OK? No... I really can't imagine why it happened...and like everyone, wonder what the story is. But I think people love trouble...especially when they feel it justifies all their finger pointing.
I support Linton Miner Football... and think there are a helluva lot worse things that could be going on, and do go on in other places....we should be thankful.
My first thought was not to dignify some of the responses on this page with an answer. But I could not stand by and let an outstanding football program get trashed by people who have no clue! I am closley connected to the Linton Football program. I attend every practice and have sat in on many coachs meetings. The commitment, dedication, and love for Linton Football by the every coach from the Junior High to Varsity is unprecedented! None of them would do anything to hurt a player or the program! The people who are trashing Weber are either highly misinformed or jealous of the success he has brought to Linton Football. The program has NEVER and NEVER will be a dirty program! Every one involved takes great pride in that fact! I invite anyone with any doubt to come and watch a practice. They are always open to the public. Seasons started, now let's not have any more distractions! We have games to win!! GO MINERS!
I for one think it is funny Linton got probation.Linton has always thought they were better than all the other local teams.
oh and for the record I grew up in Linton,but no longer live there
Although I do not condone rules violations, I think this was an oversight, not an intentional or repeated rules violation. People are making more of this than what it is. I think the IHSAA is using tough language in order to simply discourage further violations. Coach Weber has always ran a clean program and should not be hung out to dry because of one mistake. Coach Weber, please do not allow a few misguided critics to get you down. I would be willing to bet that the "silent majority" in this community support you fully. GO MINERS!
Even on probation, I'm betting the Miners cover the spread against Eastern Greene in the opener.
Don't forget to take your lawn chairs to the game. No bleachers yet.
Eastern Greene will be fine in just a couple more years. Future Greene County Champs - and they won't be on Probation.....
steve weber is a miner and he should be supported he has done a fine job he mad a mistake and he has taking responsiblity for it we should support him not bash him good luck coach weber and all of the miners we are behind you
go miners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, I don't have a boy on the team, I have never had a boy on the team. However, I am heavily involved in the football program and have been for many years. I was simply saying that the rules should have been known and this should have never happened. Linton lives and breathes football and it would kill any of us to lose an entire season.
SMC I do not know how I have wronged you or your boy in the past! If a boy would have voiced his concearn I would have listened. I always listen and I always care about their safety. I am sorry if I yelled at your boy, or if I played him in the wrong position but all decisions are made for the good of the team not just your boy! I would love to talk to you someday, maybe then I could find out why you are so against me! It is a correct statement that the boys did not know and I will tell you that the coaches did not know. I should have known and I will accept any punishment handed to me.
Steve Weber
Yes I was aware of the rule in the past! Has things changed rule wise over the course of the years, yes! In the past we were not allowed to work with more than 6 kids in the summer, when we did 7 on 7 we had to use an incoming freshman or a graduated player to make our seventh player. Basketball and baseball were also limited to working with only a handfull of boys. Now baseball teams and basketball teams have numerous games all summer long in the heat and humidity of the gym, other football squads are participating in 11 on 11 scrimmages not just 7 on 7. The rules have changed! Why this happened? No excuse---I should have known the rule! We did not have a very good turn out this summer--We were going to loose a week of two a days due to school starting sooner--and most of the boys playing were not returning starters. I wanted to get the uniforms fitted so we did not waste any of our two a days fitting pants and uniforms. With rule changes, the loss of practice time I decided to go full pads. I did this not thinking of the rule, I did not break the rule to just break the rule! It was an oversight! The team did not know this and the staff did not know this, none of them are to blame! I have never put a kids health at risk, and if the weather would have been hot I would have gone helmets only. Believe it or not this staff and I do what we do to help the boys win football games and become men. We do not do this to punish boys or for any fame or glory, we love to coach, win, and work with the athletes. We have done this successfully for years now! All of this has been done without cheating or breaking rules. You ask the kids if I am the monster that some of you make me out to be and most will tell you they respect their coaches and this program! But there are always those who know better oe who believe I did their kid wrong or is just jealous. The only rule violation was that we had pants on we did not have full contact (tackle to ground or below the waist) we never have full contact, we stay high on all plays all year long to reduce injury. Heat was not a factor, but if you know me I never restrict water from any one, they have access any time they want it! Coach Steve Weber
Good luck to Coach Weber and the Miners this year. Although it is unfortunate, a little adversity never hurt anyone or any team. Good luck with the scrimmage on Friday.
The point is, this isn't Weber's first season as a coach. He should have known the rules and the regulations haven't changed since last year. If any of those boys would have said, 'hey coach, you know we can't practice in full gear yet.' What would have happened to those boys? They would have been punished by the 'coach' for not doing what they were told. I agree that Weber should be interviewed so we can hear his side of the story. I am curious to hear is excuse.
I know everyone is bashing Weber for this but how come all the Catholic schools and larger schools can practice in pads all summer long and no one ever does anything to them?? The only way the commissioner found out was a player must have whined and turned LHS in...if this player is a cry baby they shouldn't be playing football anyway!
What kind of lesson would it teach the boys if only Coach Weber was punished and not the entire team? I don't want my son to learn that kind of lesson. This punishment is just a slap on the wrist. Get over it and play some football.
A rule is a rule, but isn't it convenient that IHSAA was made aware of this infraction. When it comes down to it...Coach Weber had his players in the wrong pants for a camp. Anyone that watched could see it was not full contact. The sad thing is this will give more fuel to the football/Weber haters.
PS I think Linton should have an Arts program, but do your homework. Athletic funds are separate from the funds you would use to pay teachers. It is school law...look it up!
As expected, this has brought out all the wolves thirsty for retribution. If everybody whoever got reprimanded or put on probation status was forced to resign there'd be a lot of us moving on. No I am not saying it is right nor is without explanation...but it amazed how people just start attacking for the sake of their own causes.
I just hope everybody can quit smashing Weber for a second and start supporting "the boys AND staff", and "our" Miners!
Because the season has started and it's football time!
Good Luck coach!
Can't wait for the games to start!
Good Luck Miners!
Weber needs to explain to the community why he allowed this.
-- Posted by jibber
I agree with you jibber. Football is so important to the community that Weber does have some explaining to do. I would not be surprised if Weber is suspended. I believe one or two games would be appropriate, but (as the facts stand now) I don't believe he should be fired (from coaching) over this.
BTW... you can't blame the football team for no arts program. Give me a break.
As a linton football supporter coach weber was in the wrong to have them boys in full pads he knew the rules and chose to ignore them as for the players if they knew the rule it still isn't up to them to do as they wish they have to listen to their coaches and do as they're told. Weber is the head coach and he needs to be held accountable for his actions and I think finding a new coach for the miners would be the first step I would take because of his stupidity he has caused the football program to be looked down upon and that is not good for the boys. Step up Weber resign!!!
This doesn't mean Linton has chance at getting some arts again does it?
I agree with SMC. Steve Weber knew the rules he just broke them. Now what if it had been on of our kids broke the rules they would be punished or suspended, so I think LSHS should punish Weber for his action's. Just cause he is a coach he is no different. RULES ARE RULES WEBER!!!
Rules are rules.
Minerfootballfan: The 11 on 11 is shoulder pad and helmet only. Might as well be full pads but it isn't.
Probation of the football team? So, what are they not supposed to do now? Are they precluded from postseason play? No milk and cookies before bedtime? Sounds like a pretty harmless probation to me. Weber needs to explain to the community why he allowed this.
It is funny that teams are able to go full pads all summer with 11 on 11 scrimages but they can not wear full pads during camp (which was NOT a full contact camp)
Doesn't matter if the team knew it was wrong, they did and will do as their coach tells them. Glad the punishment wasn't worse, but the punishment should be only toward the coach and his staff.
I have always been a supporter of coach Weber and his staff, but this IS a major violation. Obviously someone felt the IHSAA needed to know about this and rightfully so. I just hope coach Weber will sit down with B.J. Hargis about this one for an interview and let everyone know what was going on. I believe everyone (especially the parents of the team) has a right to know what coach Weber was thinking and I believe he should do that through the paper. Of course, like most things, the school will probably say it's a personnel matter.
As a former football player I must state that the team knew that they were in the wrong. Just be glad that the punishment was not worse.
I AGREE TOTALLY - LET THE BOYS PLAY BALL - AND LET WEBER TAKE THE HEAT NOW.
I vote suspension of the coach, not the team. The team obviously didn't know that they were not supposed to wear full protective gear. It is the coach's responsibility to know and learn the rules.