Friday, August 17, 2007

Excited Yet?

I know that I’m excited. By Monday, just about every team will have begun Practicing. I have been making my rounds, visiting with coaches that I know and, as you have seen, put together a few articles. MCHSS.net will be very busy this fall. As you can see we have adopted a new look. This will give the reader more options and hopefully be easy to navigate, especially once the season has started.

When it comes to previews, there are a few things that you need to understand. First off, my audience is a combination of players, coaches and parents … and obviously fans. My goal is give the publicity. Previews, though, may focus on teams, coaches returning standouts as opposed to me stating who will start, etc. I am not here to give ammunition to unstable parents who want something to complain about. Nor am I here leave a kids’ name off for some reason. So, please understand that kids names, specific positions and starting line ups will be very sparsely used through the previews. Think about it … most teams are just practicing for the first time, give it time.

Secondly, it has come to my attention that coaches and parents think that myself and the local papers seem to focus on the same teams over and over again, while never covering certain schools or programs. There may be some truth to it, but in actuality, the more information that we get from the coaches, the more likely that you’ll see something on that team. Chatham and Kinnelon’s AD send out a daily update on all their athletic results and activities. This is huge as far as I am concerned and I will use it as much as possible. If you think that I, or any sports writer for that matter, dislikes a team or a school, we’ll I am telling you right now … IT IS NOT TRUE. We are professionals and would never allow anything to interfere with high school coverage.

Third, I cannot get everywhere. Believe me, if I had the power and money to have two photographers, two videographers and a writer for each sports, I would. And yes, that is my goal. But for now, it is what it is and I will do my best to provide a wide variety of material.

What else can you look for: (1) Photos – we have acquired professional photo equipment and our photography will improve as the season progresses. (2) Highlight videos – always a favorite of the MCHSS.net audience. (3) Results & Standing – very difficult to keep with. We’ll do our best. (4) Special “Corners” – we have partnered up with a few professional trainers & chiropractors in hopes to bring you valuable information. We are also looking into a special feature that will only add to the valuable content on the site.

So what can you do make this site better? That all depends on who you are. If you’re a player, just enjoy the coverage and come back for articles and highlights that only compliment the local papers. If you’re a parent, you should read the material, check out the photos and utilize the special sports deals that I provide you via the ads and our up-coming “Special Deals” Page. It’ll be like shopping with coupons from your computer. But, please do not email me, unless it is a valuable piece of information. . No need to go out to the busy stores or waste time when you can be with your kids. I am here to support, not hear complaints or hear how much better your kid is compared to another. And most off, do not send me emails complaining about your coach. They will not only be published on my site, but forwarded to the coach and the AD.

Coaches – get me information. You want a preview, contact me. I’ll get there if I am not booked. Anything I can do for you, just ask. You ask and you shall receive … it is that easy.

Like I said, I’m excited. This will be a great year for your kids and I am happy to be there for as much as possible. We’ll work together if you can keep your part of the bargain.






Thursday, August 16, 2007

The Last Three

Here's a look at the last three champions for the IHC Fall Season:

2006 Football Iron: Seton Hall
2005 Football Iron: Morris Knolls
2004 Football Iron: Morristown/SHP/Randolph

2006 Football Hills: Par Hills/ Weeq
2005 Football Hills: Par Hills
2004 Football Hills: Mendham

2006 Boys Soccer Iron: Seton Hall/Columbia
2005 Boys Soccer Iron: Columbia
2004 Boys Soccer Iron: Seton Hall

2006 Boys Soccer Hills: Mendham
2005 Boys Soccer Hills: Mendham
2004 Boys Soccer Hills: West Essex

2006 Girls Soccer Iron: Roxbury
2005 Girls Soccer Iron: Roxbury
2004 Girls Soccer Iron: Morris Knolls/Roxbury

2006 Girls Soccer Hills: West Essex
2005 Girls Soccer Hills: Mendham/West Essex
2004 Girls Soccer Hills: Mendham

2006 Girls Tennis Iron: Livingston/Randolph
2005 Girls Tennis Iron: Livingston
2004 Girls Tennis Iron: Livingston/West Morris

2006 Girls Tennis Hills: Mendham
2005 Girls Tennis Hills: Mendham
2004 Girls Tennis Hills: West Essex

2006 Field Hockey Iron: Morris Knolls
2005 Field Hockey Iron: Morristown
2004 Field Hockey Iron: West Morris

2006 Field Hockey Hills: West Essex
2005 Field Hockey Hills: West Essex
2004 Field Hockey Hills: West Essex