Lakewood Football - Hope for the future?

[Ryan Salo]

I'm sorry, but Lakewood's Football team is an outright joke.

I have to admit I am not much of a football fan. I have chosen to watch the first half of every home game in order to see 2 of my children perform in the Marching Band at halftime and then we leave. This is my 4th year watching and if we stay in Lakewood I have potentially 9 more years left to do it. That being said, is there any hope for the future of Lakewood football? From my notice point of view, it appears our team is just out played by every team in our division. I have heard it is because every "really good" player get recruited to St. Ed's or St. Ignatius, but if that is really true than we are doomed, aren't we?

Does anyone that understands football know what needs to change in order for our team to have a shot at winning just 2 games a season?

[Michael Deneen]

I have heard it is because every "really good" player get recruited to St. Ed's or St. Ignatius, but if that is really true than we are doomed, aren't we?

The program has many problems (I will elaborate at some point), but the Catholic schools are NOT the issue.
Ed's and Ignatius have been around a very long time (Ed's since 1949, Ignatius over a century)... Ranger football was still very strong until about 2000.

Ironically, St. Edward has fewer Lakewood kids now than it did when the Rangers were strong. Their student body (including athletes) now comes from a much wider area than it did in the 20th century, when Lakewood and Cleveland provided a very large percentage of their kids. The consolidation of Lakewood's Catholic Grade Schools from four to one reflects the trend.

Lakewood is losing to other public schools, many of which are in areas that send more kids (certainly as a percentage) to the private schools than Lakewood.
This is not a uniquely Lakewood thing....once strong football programs at Shaw, Shaker Heights, and Euclid have seen declines as well.

I'll post and/or write something more detailed when I have more time.

[mjkuhns]

The program has many problems (I will elaborate at some point) … I'll post and/or write something more detailed when I have more time.

This sounded interesting, is it still something you're planning? Or did it get worked into another thread?

[Patrick Wadden]

The program has many problems (I will elaborate at some point) … I'll post and/or write something more detailed when I have more time.

This sounded interesting, is it still something you're planning? Or did it get worked into another thread?

Mj, There is thread "Ranger Football" that has more discussion on this topic.

[Lori Allen _]

I have always felt that catholic schools have more of an advantage due to the fact that they can recruit players from all areas.

[Stephen Eisel]

The success of your high school football team begins long before the players reach high school. In 2015, Lakewood had two 5th and 6th grade teams go 6 -1. In 2016, the one 7th grade team only won one game. There are many different variables between the two years but when the core of both teams come together a year later. And, you can only win one game. Houston, we have a problem.

[Michael Deneen]

This sounded interesting, is it still something you're planning? Or did it get worked into another thread?

Thanks for the question.....I've been having computer issues for the past week, so I'm very behind on posting sports photos and stories.

Coach Ribar is stepping down, and a new coach will be hired.
As of now, no decision has been made by the Athletic Director.

Depending on my schedule, I may do an analysis of the program's situation sometime over the offseason.
There are numerous different opinions and theories on the topic.
One thing I strongly believe.....the program's issues are much, much deeper than coaching.

[mjkuhns]

Cheers, good luck with sorting out technology issues!