Liverpool CSD fires basketball coach

[Cheriehoop]

Unrelated to the PC thing, but why hasn't Liverpool done better in recent years?

You'd have to ask people with younger children in the district but through the 90's when my youngest son played through 8th grade, the Liverpool Optomists' had really good competitive teams and both St Joseph's and IHM had excellent programs including travel teams for the kids who were more serious. Players from the city would even play in those Liverpool CYO leagues including Dayshaun Wright(Fowler and SU), Justin Godbolt (Corcoran), DeSean Coleman (Dejaun's older brother who played for Fowler) and kids like Jon Ferris from Liverpool etc. I don't even know if the St Joe's and IHM's programs still exist, less the travel teams. There were excellent volunteer coaches back then in those formative years also.

I know that the district's administration has had multiple contraversies and dysfunction (including the athletic administration) and they had their own major sexual child abuse scandal around 10 years ago with the then heralded swimming program and its' coach. How this could have trickled down and effected the sports programs overall I don't know. It is strange how such a large district has fallen. Yours is a good question and one that a number of people have asked .

 

[Mark Joe]

http://www.cnycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=700437#.TvU4y-bCsRI

Dropped a profanity during a game and was fired due to their zero tolerance policy.

I get zero tolerance as it pertains to some issues, but this case seems a bit excessive. Kids need learn that second chances are ok too.

I got news for ya... it's not the first, second, or third time this has happened with fat Jerry... been long overdue.

 

[GFTakedown]

I love it that Mang is there and Wilcox is gone. I was the brunt of many bombs and Dumb A** when I played at L'pool for Mangicaro. I always thought that Mang thought of us a piece of meat and the assistant coaches were the one that actually did the amazing job of coaching.

I had Mang for gym class and he just read the paper at a desk in the small gym while everyone that was playing floor hockey was checking into the non-padded walls, high sticking and curving the sticks so you can shoot the puck faster and higher. He would occasionally pick himself up from the sports page to put someone in the box. Oh the memories of Mang.

 

[All4SU]

You'd have to ask people with younger children in the district but through the 90's when my youngest son played through 8th grade, the Liverpool Optomists' had really good competitive teams and both St Joseph's and IHM had excellent programs including travel teams for the kids who were more serious. Players from the city would even play in those Liverpool CYO leagues including Dayshaun Wright(Fowler and SU), Justin Godbolt (Corcoran), DeSean Coleman (Dejaun's older brother who played for Fowler) and kids like Jon Ferris from Liverpool etc. I don't even know if the St Joe's and IHM's programs still exist, less the travel teams. There were excellent volunteer coaches back then in those formative years also.

I know that the district's administration has had multiple contraversies and dysfunction (including the athletic administration) and they had their own major sexual child abuse scandal around 10 years ago with the then heralded swimming program and its' coach. How this could have trickled down and effected the sports programs overall I don't know. It is strange how such a large district has fallen. Yours is a good question and one that a number of people have asked .

Both of my sons played Optimist Basketball (Which is a GREAT program by the way. Very well run organization, and a great opportunity for kids to play). My older son played up through Liverpool JV basketball. (Which is pretty good if you consider the genetic height disadvantages he was saddled with.) He had a great time and loved the coaches at Liverpool. There were lots of very good players that came up through the system. My only observation -- which should be taken for what it's worth (nothing) -- is that Wilcox always seems to run a very patient, set system, which diminishes the athletic aspect of the game. I think a lot of the kids have a difficult time adjusting to his system, or he to them. Many of the seemingly more talented kids never thrive at the Varsity level at Liverpool.

You make a great point about the travel programs, and I know that is the building block for a good HS program. Still I've always wondered why a school the size of Liverpool has been so mediocre for so long.

 

[orange03]

I got news for ya... it's not the first, second, or third time this has happened with fat Jerry... been long overdue.

Yeah, but who cares? Coaches swearing is just plain American. Or what America used to be anyway.

 

[007]

I played basketball at Ludden for Coach Donnelley, but at the time Coach Wilcox was not coaching anywhere else and was still a big part of the program at practices. He was an "old school" coach who knew the game as well as anyone on the area and had a great sense of humor to boot. He went on to WG and L'Pool and had success at both schools. The fact that L'Pool would let him go like they did is short-sighted and if I were a parent I would be pissed. Look at the players that he has produced over the years adn the men that they have become. There is more to this story than meets the eye and for some reason L'pool had it on for Wilcox. I am going to a Ludden hoops reunion on Monday and the majority of these guys are "Wilcox guys" and are successful guys who have moved on to bigger and better things in life. The L'Pool team and future payers should be so lucky and Coach Wilcox had a lot to do with their success. We love you Coach and I hope that you end up on your feet.

Mike?

 

[Mark Joe]

Yeah, but who cares? Coaches swearing is just plain American. Or what America used to be anyway.

More than swearing... try a few N bombs... that went unpunished/turned a blind eye over the years... and yes, I was at WG to hear 'em back in the day. This whole article doesn't surprise me.

 

[007]

http://www.cnycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=700437#.TvU4y-bCsRI

Dropped a profanity during a game and was fired due to their zero tolerance policy.

I get zero tolerance as it pertains to some issues, but this case seems a bit excessive. Kids need learn that second chances are ok too.

Jerry is a legend in the local coaching fraternity, both for his coaching and his "colorful" language. He has ALWAYS been the Bob Knight of CNY. Gotta believe his firing has very little to do with a zero tolerance policy - that was simply the vehicle.

 

[NRF527]

I played basketball at Ludden for Coach Donnelley, but at the time Coach Wilcox was not coaching anywhere else and was still a big part of the program at practices. He was an "old school" coach who knew the game as well as anyone on the area and had a great sense of humor to boot. He went on to WG and L'Pool and had success at both schools. The fact that L'Pool would let him go like they did is short-sighted and if I were a parent I would be pissed. Look at the players that he has produced over the years adn the men that they have become. There is more to this story than meets the eye and for some reason L'pool had it on for Wilcox. I am going to a Ludden hoops reunion on Monday and the majority of these guys are "Wilcox guys" and are successful guys who have moved on to bigger and better things in life. The L'Pool team and future payers should be so lucky and Coach Wilcox had a lot to do with their success. We love you Coach and I hope that you end up on your feet.

+1 Couldn't agree more. I'm friends with Coach and he's had difficulty with parents pressuring admin over playing time, etc. for quite some time. As you indicated, he's old school and wasn't going to allow outsiders who know little to nothing dictate to him. It's been heading toward this for a while. To use profanity as the excuse to pull the trigger is a joke. As many have said, there would be NO coaches at almost every level of sports if this was the standard. Great guy who will end up on his feet.

 

[Eric15]

More than swearing... try a few N bombs... that went unpunished/turned a blind eye over the years... and yes, I was at WG to hear 'em back in the day. This whole article doesn't surprise me.

Wow - well, if that's true, that officially nullifies every post in this thread that said he shouldn't have been fired.

 

[bevosu]

Had to be some personality conflicts which wouldn't be surprising in the Liverpool School District.

 

[Cheriehoop]

Both of my sons played Optimist Basketball (Which is a GREAT program by the way. Very well run organization, and a great opportunity for kids to play). My older son played up through Liverpool JV basketball. (Which is pretty good if you consider the genetic height disadvantages he was saddled with.) He had a great time and loved the coaches at Liverpool. There were lots of very good players that came up through the system. My only observation -- which should be taken for what it's worth (nothing) -- is that Wilcox always seems to run a very patient, set system, which diminishes the athletic aspect of the game. I think a lot of the kids have a difficult time adjusting to his system, or he to them. Many of the seemingly more talented kids never thrive at the Varsity level at Liverpool.

You make a great point about the travel programs, and I know that is the building block for a good HS program. Still I've always wondered why a school the size of Liverpool has been so mediocre for so long.

The mediocrity has really effected many of the programs. Liverpool used to be in contention for championships in football, soccer, basketball, baseball, swimming and Lacrosse year in and year out. Their fall for some reason appears to be almost systemic throughout for well over 5 years or so. Wierd.

Jerry is a "system old school" coach that requires discipline and seamless teamwork. He's a believer in a real team being a better product than each of its individual parts. Athletic players have thrived or shined within his system but that means "within his system" . If you can score, you'd better be able to defend, rebound, set picks, screens as well. If you are fast, you'd better be as quick on defense as offense or you'll definitely hear about it. If you are athletic and easily dunk with enthusiasm, you'll also hear if you don't box out and sky for rebounds as enthusiastically. He's definitely stubborn but he does sincerely enjoy working with kids and still defends today's kids even ones that cause issues as just being kids that thrive structure, accountability , being challenged and a part of something bigger than themselves. Sometimes he just may be wrong that all kids/parents share those same goals .

His kids can shoot with both hands, make free throws, box out, defend and handle the ball. Not all kids/parents think these things are necessary to be an exceptional player and watching some D1 college kids, other coaches must agree too. So he's an old school stubborn tough guy throwback.

 

[rrlbees]

Those that have said he is old school and had some Bobby Knight in him (minus the chair tossing) are dead on. He is a very strict disciplinarian both on and off the court. Besides working hard on the basketball court you also have to be a good student and a good person. Get in trouble in school and you could be done. He tossed one of his better players last year but I don't know if it was for something that happened in or out of school. He takes the code of conduct that all athletes have to sign, very seriously.

What is conflicting is that some players love the structure and discipline while others loathed it. As a parent of an athlete at Liverpool, I have a lot of respect for his style of coaching. But it was a bit sad to have my son show me some of the comments on Facebook by players or players that didn't play Varsity and other students saying things like "Christmas came early", "finally" and the like. Gerry had a great run as a coach in CNY and there is no better basketball mind at the HS level. But like Knight, I think the game past him by a bit as to relating to kids today. Many don't appreciate the structure and discipline involved to not only be a good player but a good student athlete and person.

As to the "" bombs and swearing, yes it isn't something unusual for Gerry. I am sure he has been warned sometime because wile there may be a zero tolerance, he has done it for a long time, so I wouldn't be surprised if there was a "next time will be the last time" speech from Mangicaro and this was the next time. While Mangicaro is a former coach himself who was shy in using salty language, he was probably under pressure from parents also. Some didn't like how "tough" Gerry could be with both is language and his punishments, but some complained only because of playing time but used other things as the excuse to complain. Gerry played who he felt was the most deserving (not always the most talented player) based on everything above. He wasn't afraid to play an underclassman here or at WG over a senior and that irritated some parents. It was sad last year at senior night t here a couple of parents be loud and vocal in their admonishment of Gerry during the game as their senior kids were on the bench late in a close game while there were younger players on the court.

It is too bad that one of the best coaches in any sport n CNY had to go out this way, but in the end it is probably the best for everyone. Matt Jacobs (JV coach taking over for the year) is a great coach in his own right and has a lot of respect from the kids. Mangicaro will post the job for next year but I think Jacobs will get it anyways.

BTW, I have seen Gerry coach for years and my son has gone to his camps and 3-3 leagues for years and I don't believe for a second that he was a user of the "N" word. Just my opinion but I just don't see it.

 

[Orangeman]

If not mistaken Coach Wilcox has been to the State Finals in Class A three different times? Prob not another coach that can say that. Maybe Henninger? They had some good teams. What a school district should know is that you've got good players and they're willing to work hard he'll get them there...that people seem to dismiss that angle and care more about playing time for Jr says a lot about the people in the District. Or at least those with a vested interest. Regardless, it's the direction the United States is going...it's not good but we'll have to deal with the ramifications.

 

[orange03]

Those that have said he is old school and had some Bobby Knight in him (minus the chair tossing) are dead on. He is a very strict disciplinarian both on and off the court. Besides working hard on the basketball court you also have to be a good student and a good person. Get in trouble in school and you could be done. He tossed one of his better players last year but I don't know if it was for something that happened in or out of school. He takes the code of conduct that all athletes have to sign, very seriously.

What is conflicting is that some players love the structure and discipline while others loathed it. As a parent of an athlete at Liverpool, I have a lot of respect for his style of coaching. But it was a bit sad to have my son show me some of the comments on Facebook by players or players that didn't play Varsity and other students saying things like "Christmas came early", "finally" and the like. Gerry had a great run as a coach in CNY and there is no better basketball mind at the HS level. But like Knight, I think the game past him by a bit as to relating to kids today. Many don't appreciate the structure and discipline involved to not only be a good player but a good student athlete and person.

As to the "" bombs and swearing, yes it isn't something unusual for Gerry. I am sure he has been warned sometime because wile there may be a zero tolerance, he has done it for a long time, so I wouldn't be surprised if there was a "next time will be the last time" speech from Mangicaro and this was the next time. While Mangicaro is a former coach himself who was shy in using salty language, he was probably under pressure from parents also. Some didn't like how "tough" Gerry could be with both is language and his punishments, but some complained only because of playing time but used other things as the excuse to complain. Gerry played who he felt was the most deserving (not always the most talented player) based on everything above. He wasn't afraid to play an underclassman here or at WG over a senior and that irritated some parents. It was sad last year at senior night t here a couple of parents be loud and vocal in their admonishment of Gerry during the game as their senior kids were on the bench late in a close game while there were younger players on the court.

It is too bad that one of the best coaches in any sport n CNY had to go out this way, but in the end it is probably the best for everyone. Matt Jacobs (JV coach taking over for the year) is a great coach in his own right and has a lot of respect from the kids. Mangicaro will post the job for next year but I think Jacobs will get it anyways.

BTW, I have seen Gerry coach for years and my son has gone to his camps and 3-3 leagues for years and I don't believe for a second that he was a user of the "N" word. Just my opinion but I just don't see it.

I've played against Jacob and kids he's coached in a league in Liverpool. Definitely a nice guy and I know the kids who've played through Liverpool think highly of him. I just don't like that a high school basketball coach should be let go for swearing. Seems weird to me.

 

[cuserulesall]

Wilcox was a local legend. He will be hard to replace. I guess Boeheim couldn't coach at Liverpool.

I hope the kids don't watch "Hard Knocks". It could destroy their character.

Yea , are kids don't stand a chance .

 

[Ghost]

I don't know, I'm sure due to the swearing a lot of these kids will turn to drugs and murder. It's a slippery slope. I know some kids that heard these "curse words" while they were in high school and most of them are in jail now. I guess I was one of the lucky ones, I always had heard rumors about curse words, but I never suffered the indignity of hearing them until I went away to college. :noidea:

 

[rrlbees]

I've played against Jacob and kids he's coached in a league in Liverpool. Definitely a nice guy and I know the kids who've played through Liverpool think highly of him. I just don't like that a high school basketball coach should be let go for swearing. Seems weird to me.

Didn't he used to coach or run LLL years ago?

 

[orange03]

Didn't he used to coach or run LLL years ago?

I have no clue. I played against him in the LCC league over at Zag.

 

[rrlbees]

I have no clue. I played against him in the LCC league over at Zag.

What is LCC and did you mean Zogg?

 

[orange03]

What is LCC and did you mean Zogg?

Liverpool Community Church, and yes.

http://lccsports.com/

 

[realorange]

I don't know, I'm sure due to the swearing a lot of these kids will turn to drugs and murder. It's a slippery slope. I know some kids that heard these "curse words" while they were in high school and most of them are in jail now. I guess I was one of the lucky ones, I always had heard rumors about curse words, but I never suffered the indignity of hearing them until I went away to college. :noidea:

Is this like something that would make you go blind?

 

[Cheriehoop]

Didn't he used to coach or run LLL years ago?

Yes Matt Jacobs was very involved in baseball. He had a son who played at the time too I think.

 

[strumpfasaurus]

When it comes to dealing with 6, 7, 8 year old kids I understand not swearing or yelling, but 16 and 17 year old kids are about to become adults give me a break.

 

[pfister1]

Both of my sons played Optimist Basketball (Which is a GREAT program by the way. Very well run organization, and a great opportunity for kids to play). My older son played up through Liverpool JV basketball. (Which is pretty good if you consider the genetic height disadvantages he was saddled with.) He had a great time and loved the coaches at Liverpool. There were lots of very good players that came up through the system. My only observation -- which should be taken for what it's worth (nothing) -- is that Wilcox always seems to run a very patient, set system, which diminishes the athletic aspect of the game. I think a lot of the kids have a difficult time adjusting to his system, or he to them. Many of the seemingly more talented kids never thrive at the Varsity level at Liverpool.

You make a great point about the travel programs, and I know that is the building block for a good HS program. Still I've always wondered why a school the size of Liverpool has been so mediocre for so long.

Both of my sons played Optimist Basketball (Which is a GREAT program by the way. Very well run organization, and a great opportunity for kids to play). My older son played up through Liverpool JV basketball. (Which is pretty good if you consider the genetic height disadvantages he was saddled with.) He had a great time and loved the coaches at Liverpool. There were lots of very good players that came up through the system. My only observation -- which should be taken for what it's worth (nothing) -- is that Wilcox always seems to run a very patient, set system, which diminishes the athletic aspect of the game. I think a lot of the kids have a difficult time adjusting to his system, or he to them. Many of the seemingly more talented kids never thrive at the Varsity level at Liverpool.

You make a great point about the travel programs, and I know that is the building block for a good HS program. Still I've always wondered why a school the size of Liverpool has been so mediocre for so long.

I don't remember Liverpool being consistently good in Boys hoops really ever. They were competitive but I don' t remember any great hoops players. I recall the football, baseball and swimming prorams being much stronger...but it has been a number of years since I followed CNY HS sports.

I do remember Mangicaro the disinterested gym teacher with the newspaper, that memory made me laugh.