MASON CITY – The dire situation in the Mason City School District has led varsity football coach Justin Penner to issue what he called a “State of Emergency” Monday afternoon.
Coach Penner issued this statement via an email titled “State of Emergency–Mohawk Football”:
Mohawk football coach Justin Penner
While we are so grateful for the service that our departing coaches have provided, we find ourselves down five coaches in the program. I felt strongly after the season that I had a great staff; one that I wanted to keep together for years to come. Many circumstances have changed that possibility.I need all of you helping me to find at least 5 certified coaches to help us this fall. Here is what we are in need of:
Please help me find the right people for our program that will greatly impact young men for years to come by sending applicants my way. In order to coach, one must get state certified. This can be done over the summer by taking classes through a community college like NIACC, Ellsworth, or Kirkwood. Your help with this urgent situation is vital to the future of this program.
Coach Penner also said that there is a need for “an increase in positive leadership among all grades of football and parents of players as well.”
No doubt the coaches heart is in the right place. He has the kids in mind which is the most important thing.
Problem with mchs athletics is not a X’s and O’s problem. It’s the Johnny and joes. They are going through a chloe the athletes aren’t anywhere near as good as the teams they play against.
The parents of those athletes sure do have opinions and point fingers of blame. Even former players are as negative as it gets
The culture needs a makeover. Good start by finding leaders of…
Men who create a positive environment to learn.
Wins and losses are not everything in high school athletics. I hope the young kids playing these sports do not end up like there parents sitting around complaining and blaming anyone possible for there failures.
Looks like the head coach takes a ton of pride in his players and the Mohawks. Hope he can find a way to turn his situation into a positive.
LVS
9 years ago
Does anyone know why the five coaches left when he thought they were staying? What was the reason? Was it because the parents were to demanding or because of the administration. I don’t buy the wage thing because it is union wages that are probably the same for most coaches in the area. Just asking is all.
The stable is empty.....
9 years ago
Mason City needs to create an environment that the studs want to stay and play for Mason City. Also attract area studs who want to play against better competition without getting area kids they have no chance. Hell the last 2 all state players I believe in basketball and football lived in mason city and played in clear lake… And we all know the what happened when they played each other.
MC
9 years ago
We need more coaches like this. A coach who cares about the program and about the kids. Thank you Penner!
LVS
9 years ago
At least the guy is trying. Maybe with a little support from all of us he can turn it around. It is not his fault the administration is overspending. Sounds like he is trying to do his job the best way he can. I would love to see our high school football team winning again.
Anonymous
9 years ago
Mason city will never be able to compete in the big class bc the community is not supportive. Pay more = better coaches who are winners will apply.
Jodi Draper
9 years ago
Regardless of pointing fingers of who or where the blame should be, that is for a format dealing with administration and or the elected Board. This is a letter from a coach, who wants to make sure the kids that love to play this game have coaches to make sure they can learn it and watch over them. I agree we over spend, but lets not make our kids suffer. Let us as a community solve what our administration team can’t seem to do. And lets to it with a positive attitude.
Ms. Draper, I don’t know you but I wish the citizens of Mason City did. Your campaign for City Council was an excellent start for you and I hope the negativity that came your way because of your running doesn’t keep you from continuing to do more for Mason. Your response to Coach Penner’s request shows sensitivity and knowledge. The positive approach is always the best approach although it may not always win. If, and when, I move back to MC, I will actively support you in anything you run…
Great to hear from you again. As always, your thoughtful and well reasoned contributions raise the quality of the conversation.
sad but true
9 years ago
Trivia
Who has the highest paid football coach in N. Iowa
“” “” Basketbal ” “”
“” “” baseball “” “”
” “” Track
“” “” teachers ” “”
“” “” janitors ” ”
The answer is MCHS to all! Not everything is a money problem, in this case it is. To much is being handed out and spent. The problem is self inflicted
This dire situation is a self inflicted problem. The caped queen and her brain dead board have continually handed out wage and benefit increases to the point all the money has to go to support the rich retirement benefits. Wisconsin was the first state to deal with the problem and more will follow. The caped queen cares only about her generous retirement paid for by us.
No doubt the coaches heart is in the right place. He has the kids in mind which is the most important thing.
Problem with mchs athletics is not a X’s and O’s problem. It’s the Johnny and joes. They are going through a chloe the athletes aren’t anywhere near as good as the teams they play against.
The parents of those athletes sure do have opinions and point fingers of blame. Even former players are as negative as it gets
The culture needs a makeover. Good start by finding leaders of…
Men who create a positive environment to learn.
Wins and losses are not everything in high school athletics. I hope the young kids playing these sports do not end up like there parents sitting around complaining and blaming anyone possible for there failures.
Looks like the head coach takes a ton of pride in his players and the Mohawks. Hope he can find a way to turn his situation into a positive.
Does anyone know why the five coaches left when he thought they were staying? What was the reason? Was it because the parents were to demanding or because of the administration. I don’t buy the wage thing because it is union wages that are probably the same for most coaches in the area. Just asking is all.
Mason City needs to create an environment that the studs want to stay and play for Mason City. Also attract area studs who want to play against better competition without getting area kids they have no chance. Hell the last 2 all state players I believe in basketball and football lived in mason city and played in clear lake… And we all know the what happened when they played each other.
We need more coaches like this. A coach who cares about the program and about the kids. Thank you Penner!
At least the guy is trying. Maybe with a little support from all of us he can turn it around. It is not his fault the administration is overspending. Sounds like he is trying to do his job the best way he can. I would love to see our high school football team winning again.
Mason city will never be able to compete in the big class bc the community is not supportive. Pay more = better coaches who are winners will apply.
Regardless of pointing fingers of who or where the blame should be, that is for a format dealing with administration and or the elected Board. This is a letter from a coach, who wants to make sure the kids that love to play this game have coaches to make sure they can learn it and watch over them. I agree we over spend, but lets not make our kids suffer. Let us as a community solve what our administration team can’t seem to do. And lets to it with a positive attitude.
Ms. Draper, I don’t know you but I wish the citizens of Mason City did. Your campaign for City Council was an excellent start for you and I hope the negativity that came your way because of your running doesn’t keep you from continuing to do more for Mason. Your response to Coach Penner’s request shows sensitivity and knowledge. The positive approach is always the best approach although it may not always win. If, and when, I move back to MC, I will actively support you in anything you run…
Great to hear from you again. As always, your thoughtful and well reasoned contributions raise the quality of the conversation.
Trivia
Who has the highest paid football coach in N. Iowa
“” “” Basketbal ” “”
“” “” baseball “” “”
” “” Track
“” “” teachers ” “”
“” “” janitors ” ”
The answer is MCHS to all! Not everything is a money problem, in this case it is. To much is being handed out and spent. The problem is self inflicted
Let’s see a list!
This dire situation is a self inflicted problem. The caped queen and her brain dead board have continually handed out wage and benefit increases to the point all the money has to go to support the rich retirement benefits. Wisconsin was the first state to deal with the problem and more will follow. The caped queen cares only about her generous retirement paid for by us.