Stephens happy for opportunity to lead Parkland program -- Ethics

I'm a Parkland grad and have closely followed HS hoops in the valley for decades. The people ripping Richie F on this board are nuts....he did a great job...only disgruntled parents could possibly hold anything against him. Hassler is a great coach, and Rodocha coming along makes him even better, but I cannot imagine Parkland fans being kind to a coach that may occasionally choose to play games in the 30 to low 40 point range. They would be screaming for his head. Stephens has earned this shot...best player or not, he has done a good job. He will either build that rep, or slip into the coaching pack. But to critize him because he had Hunter is unfair and classless. In my mind Hassler or Hutnick were never getting this job...it was either going to Stephens or Ohlsen, or someone from outside the Valley.

Congratulations on a great selection. Thankfully the Principal and the AD select candidates that are best for the students and don't consult with the barrooms or frustrated parent when selecting coaches. I guarantee in several years we will forget about Hassler and Radocah--if they carried about students they would be still at Whitehall. Hassler will replacne Donmoyer at Moravain Academy so he can be the winniest coach in Lehigh Valley history--( if anyone cares!!)
Good luck Andy !! Make it fun for the people that count the KIDS

I think Andy Stephens is the all around perfect fit for Parkland in every aspect! Just ask many of his past players what they think of there former coach. Sure-winning is important, but so is the development of these young men. There aren't too many people out there who were coached by Hassler who keep in touch with him if you know what I mean. Instead of expecting the worst, just let Andy get in there and show you what he can do. On another note-I feel bad for all the balding, middle aged men who are so angry writing on this forum. I guess putting it in print is cheaper than therapy for never getting to play in high school.

39-37....Triple Overtime maybe...we went to Double overtime with Whitehall during the Pistol Pete days and lost 32-29...that's great fun for 16-18yr old kids....you might win some games in the East Penn...but have fun with chester playing that shitball! Take the Air out of the ball, and the life out of the kids! Get over it! It was the only choice!!!!

I can't believe the comments that I am currently reading. Stephens a bad choice? Give me a break. The man has a great win percentage, unbelieveable charisma and he is a dedicated coach and familyman. He understands the game well from a coach's standpoint and from a player's standpoint. Hassler is a horse's ass, as was Fatzinger. Radocha is a nice guy but it wasn't written in stone that Hassler was going to bring Radocha with him. Other good points that were made are that kids DO NOT want to see low scoring games where the ball is passed back and forth for minutes at a time, completely abusing the fact that high school basketball has yet to implement a shot clock (it needs to happen). Andy coaches the game with passion and intensity and any of you Emmaus fans need not trash talk his name because I know for a fact he was as dedicated to you guys as he was his family, and that's saying a lot. Stephens was the best choice by far and Parkland made the right decision.

The End.