Kurtz’s Korner 4/16/14

TODD BLACKLEDGE AND THE HOOVER BASKETBALL PROGRAM

If the North Canton board of education approves the reccomendation of superintendent Michael Hartenstein at its monthly board meeting tonight, then Todd Blackledge will guide the Vikings program beginning tomorrow.  That rumor has been floating around for weeks, although many people (including myself) are shocked to learn that it is actually going to happen.

Hartenstein is definitely making the call on this one, and there are arguments on both sides of a decision that is sure to spark controversy throught North Canton and Stark County as well as within the coaching community.
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Kurtz’s Korner 4/8/14

WHAT ABOUT THE TRIBE?

The 2014 version of the Cleveland Indians is here, and the Tribe enters tonight’s series opener with the San Diego Padres 3-3 on the young season.  Last year’s 92-70 season, complete with a wild card playoff appearance, has put expectations on the current squad that haven’t been seen on the shores of lake erie since the bitter end to the 2007 season.  How far will they go in 2014?  There’s certainly reason for optimism, but only time will tell if the playoffs lie in the Indians immediate future. That being said, below is a look at the squad and thoughts on where they’ll finish in 2014.
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Kurtz’s Korner 3/24/14

A FEW MORE WORDS ABOUT RANDY MONTGOMERY

Everybody knows by now that former Hoover boys basketball coach Randy Montgomery was suddenly relieved of his duties two weeks ago after 12 years at the helm. However, the question that no one seems to have a logical answer to is why.  No one seems to know why a reputable coach like Mongomery, who has more than 500 career victories, would suddenly be asked to leave. One thing is quite clear: somebody somewhere wanted Montgomery out of there, and that person or those people got their wish.  I thought one area coach put it best during the state tournament this past weekend, and there is at least some truth in his thoughts.
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Kurtz’s Korner 3/16/14

THOUGHTS ON HOOVER’S CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

The Hoover lady Vikings certainly did their school and community proud in yesterday’s Division I state title game that ended in a 61-55 setback to Cincinnati Princeton and gave the orange and black the 2014 runner up trophy.  The Princeton Vikings were the only Ohio team to post a victory over Hoover this season.

Coach Abbey Allerding’s squad became just the second Hoover girls basketball team to reach the state level, and they came home with trophy case hardware on both occasions.  Allerding, who was a player on the Vikings 2002 state championship team, guided this year’s team to a 26-3 record. Allerding’s 2013 squad reached the regional final, and she is 48-8 in her first two seasons on her alma mater’s bench.  Allerding knows what it takes to build a program and keep it running, so don’t be surprised if the Vikings are a force to be reckoned with on a yearly basis.
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