Grayslake Central boys coach

no not in a good way at all. grayslake high school what are you doing? do you realize what the community thinks of the board and the administration? your a dissapointment to the community you claim to serve. your really serving your own personal agendas and it very obvious to all.

Actually, in June it was a 2-2 vote, last nights meeting was an open forum and after the school board deliberated behind closed doors, it was announced that no one on the board made a motion to reinstate Coach Bowen as the Head Basketball coach, so therefore the original vote of 2-2 stood. Although outside communities may look at the wins and losses, you have to ask yourselves at what cost. Is it acceptable to verbally borate and abuse these athletes to get them to perform? What are we teaching these young boys on how to treat people as they become men, members of their own communities, mentors for their children, and employees in the workforce. Where is it acceptable to verbally abuse people to achieve a goal?

The 2-2 vote was the previous board meeting. The votes will come out today or tomorrow what they voted because it was too late.
Again, the 2-2 vote means nothing.

The 2-2 vote was from the previous board meeting, not last nights. Those results will come out today or tomorrow. They didn't do the vote last night because it was too late.
Bowen should rightfully be back and hopefully some of these parents at the school will fade to the background and mind their own business.

I was at this meeting. Every team member that spoke strongly supported Bowen. They did so knowing that the Board had already voted not to retain him (last month), so this was not a situation where any of them felt any coercion. Numerous parents stood up and told the Board that they wanted Bowen to come back. Given all of this, the Board's decision not to do so is an enigma. Perhaps their motivation was an aversion to revisiting a decision they had already made, or a desire to avoid any controversy. The result is very unfortunate. There was a very emotional scene following the meeting, and the team members were very disappointed. Bottom line -Bowen is a very good coach, and the team deserved better than this.

What's with Grayslake Central HS athletics? Coaches come and go pretty regularly and a number are fired. There are also few winning teams and boys basketball was one of those few. Didn't the coach of the winning girls basketball teams a few years back also get fired?

It seems that the reason that the girls coach was fired was that he was too tough on the girls. Now, there is a complaint that Coach Bowen is verbally abusive. Is there an element in Grayslake that wants to protect their children form any unpleasantness that may damage their self-esteem? What about the effect of being on losing teams year after year on their self-esteem?

Good luck to GCHS on getting a boys basketball coach who can both produce winning teams and be sensitive enough.

WELL THE BOARD AND SOME PARENTS NEED TOO UNDERSTAND? IS THE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL EFFECT, THE NEXT STEP IS COLLEGE. AND COACH BOWEN IS ONLY PREPARING THEM FOR THE MENTAL GAME IN COLLEGE, WHAT WILL THE PARENTS DO WHEN A BOB KNIGHT, OR BILL SELF,OR EVEN A COACH K GET ALL IN YOUR CHILDS FACE WHAT THEN? HE IS ONLY TRYING TOO GET THE BEST OUT OF THE STUDENT ATHLETE SAME AS COACH BOWEN WORK HARD PLAY A SOUND GAME, THAT LOUD YELL AND ROAR IS ONLY PASSION, HE WANT'S WHATS BEST FOR HIS YOUNG MEN AND THATS MEANS BEING MENTALLY TUFF. COACH BOWEN IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR COACH. CENTRAL AND THE BOARD DO THE RIGHT THING BRING HIM BACK LET HIM EARN THE STATE 3A TITLE IT'S REACHABLE.

Please continue with all your comments and copy and paste them to the board, Don't let get away with this..

dambading@ameritech.net
douglasnerge@mac.com
tommatsci@aol.com
pdlippert@comcast.net
geriksson@eea-ltd.com
joncokefair@yahoo.com
mxhutchi@sbcgloal.net

Locker Room agrees with posters ... bad decision

If every prep boys basketball coach in our area who occasionally seemed to be a "Bobby Knight" type regarding his players was dismissed from his duties today, how many coaching vacancies do you think there would be in our area tomorrow?
The Locker Room guess: 20.
For whatever reasons, it seems like the Grayslake (Central) sports community has trouble with their basketball coaches -- boys and girls. Good ones seem to get run out of town.
And, yes, Tim Bowen is one of the good ones.
Terrible move by the Grayslake School Board, and an even worse move by the people driving the bandwagon to get Bowen off the Ram bench.
This is prep basketball. It is NOT AYSO soccer in which everybody plays equal time, everybody receives a participation trophy, and we don't keep score.
Arrrggggh. This is poor. Very poor.

Board did the right thing. This is a character issue - how players are treated and learn to become young men. Indiana University dumped Bobby Knight for his behavior. Bowen was previously given a chance by the board to change his behavior. How long do we have to wait to get a coach that can lead and demonstrate with good character/behavior? After all, this is a high school setting. Do we allow abusive teachers in classrooms? Perfect examples of coaching with character AND WINNING are Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith. GCHS already has some of these style coaches so let's get another one! These boys will win no matter who is coaching and might actually go farther. A note to those who think ALL team members support the coach - apparently only one who spoke was a starter from last year's team. Where were the rest? Don't you think if he was so wonderful they'd be there too? Thanks to the board from all of us with sons hoping to play bball at GCHS!

Be sure to pick up Saturday's issue of the News-Sun to read Tim Bowen's comments on the board decision, plus a review of the entire sad situation.

You don't know my experience and I don't know yours.
The facts speak for themselves. There have been several instances on file and lots of different people involved in this. And it's not just yelling or shouting, It's way past that and it's scary. It's what nobody should have to put up with, let alone a kid.
Does this apply to everyone? No...
Does it have to? NO...
This has been going on a long time and shows no signs of ending, as we can tell by the ongoing and recent claims. This situation should not and could not be allowed to continue.
The Board did the right thing.
It's easy to say good things...harder to stand up when it's not.
There are a lot of things that have been left unsaid by a lot of people to protect themselves and others...most of whom are kids. Leave it alone.
Don't criticize somebody else because of what you don't know.

Let's remember that while there were current and past players who stood up last night and spoke in favor of Coach Bowen, there were NO current or past PLAYERS who spoke against.

It seems that people are having trouble counting especially the School Board Members. A vote of 2-2 is a tie in which case the motion FAILS. The vote that supposedly lost Tim Bowen his job never passed. Tim Bowen is still the Coach since the vote was a tie.

No vote was taken and passed by the Board relieving Bowen of his coaching job.

Can't the School Board even follow Robert's Rules; do they know what Robert's Rules are?

http://www.robertsrules.com/faq.html#1

I am at a lost for words. These young men step up and put everything they believe in on the line, just to be over looked.I think these parents and their son's know what is best for them. Because I too am one of those parents. When my family first moved into the area; I thought Coach was a little rough. But that's me speaking as a mom; part of my job is to nuture. As time went on I begin to see how much passion Coach has for the game and the boys. And that all he was doing was pushing the boys to be their best! My sons want to play at a high level in collge; who am I to stop them? We are suppose to be raising them to be able to surive in this world. In life you get some bumps and bruises-do you stop living? If they can handle it, then I support them. So what's so wrong with that? I've always been taught you've got to put some WORK in if you want something bad enough. Coach must have seen something in those boys-so he pushed. Who doesn't push their kids?
Granted not everyone works at the same level. Some kids just don't have that mental toughness. What pushes some may not push others. The game of basketball has changed over time it's very competitive. Not everyone can play and take the game to the next level. But it's the parents and the childs responsibilty to be honest with oneself. Is this really for me? If it isn't then walk way. Don't feel as if your forced to be something or someone that your not. I think that's the real issue with some of these parents and the pressure they put on their kids. They are too busy with their head buried into the ground. Just because "Jonny" is a 3 sports kid doesn't mean its right for "Mikey". Allow and support you sons or daughters to make up their own paths in life. We can't live their lives for them.
If you stood around and watched your child be verbally or physically abused- what guilt and shame should or do you have? All you had to do was step up at that time.....not 5-6 yrs later.
One questions that comes to mind for the board- If the board is so concern with verbal abuse,how can you allow him to teach the kids? If there is an "anger" issue you can't just turn it off and on like a light switch. If he's "angry" and out of control-it should be an on going thing because it can't be control.
One issue that was mentioned at the meeting was how can the board allow this "man" to take these boys out of the state of Illinois? If there are "anger" issues you just allowed my son and others to be put in harms ways. How smart was that? Honestly, that doesn't make much sense. It all doesn't make any sense.......
I understand looking out for what you think is best for your sons. Me personally- If I had more children in the program; I would think of them FIRST. Because when it's all said and done it's them that has to deal with their peers. You want to speak of verbal abuse.
I think you've just open the doors to it.
Now we can only hope that these boys and the community can bounce back and move forward.
No matter what's been said and done- I support Coach Bowen.
Coach Bowen even though one door has closed-I KNOW another GREAT one will open. I just wish my family was able to share it with you. But I know you will be watching for us as we will be watching for you.

I just wanna know where the two boys were that were so heavily "abused" by bowen? I mean why weren't they at the meeting.

Good high school coaches are hard to get and keep. Grayslake Central HS certainly has problems with WINNING in general and, apparently, WINNING with coaches who have good character, especially in basketball. The new athletic director has his work cut out for him. Maybe he should consult with the AD at Barrington HS, which has winning teams in most of it's sports. How do they do it? The history of GCHS athletics is not conducive to attracting and retaining coaches who meet all the criteria people seem to expect. Of course, maybe what they want is "nice guy" coaches, even if they do have losing season after losing season.

helicopter parents are ruining youth sports in this country. these school boards need to show a little bit of political courage and stand up to them. the news-sun should do an investigation on this phenomenon that's apparently pretty common in this county.

Absolutely, board did the right thing. Children are what's important here. If they were to call their boss some of the things Bowen calls them, they would be fired, too. We are grooming children to be responsible, respectable adults, not children who are afraid to do anyting without being screamed at. Sports are more than playing time--and coaches are more than coaches. Kudos to those athletes and parents who had the courage to not sacrifice their beliefs for playing time--this team will go further without Bowen than they would with him (that is if he hasn't divided them completely by this point).

First, Jeff, great job getting the story.

Second, Anonymous, if a high school kid goes out for any type of varsity sport, especially ones as intense as baketball and/or football, they have to expect to get yelled at.
Define "verbally abused". Is it Bowen just yelling and raising his voice in anger? If so, this is such an over reaction. The sooner these kids grow up, the better. The Grayslake parents will not be able to always be there to hold their kids hands.

It even sounds like the team was at the meeting in Bowen's defense. How can the board do this if none of the kids are really complaining?

Grayslake parents and board seem content with having futile sports programs. 1 year after a high school split, Bowen had that team in the sectionals.

Character issues, my butt. Such a cop out. I'm curious what the new AD's role in all this was. Was he pressured as the new guy to make this move? Have fun hiring someone this late in the summer.

After reading all of these comments, I felt compelled to add my two cents.
I feel that the board absolutely made the right decision in this case. ANYTIME there is a hint of abuse, whether that be emotional, physical, verbal- It is the school's responsibility to take action. These players are children, minors- It is the school's responsibility to look out for them while they are on their watch. They signed up to play basketball, not to get a life lesson in 'toughening up' as some have said. This was not the first time this man had been accused of taking things too far, so it was only fair for the board to remove him from the situation. If some people think that it's acceptable for a coach to treat young men like that, so be it- but don't harass and make others try and feel guilty for doing what's right. If winning a basketball game is more important that teaching young men the difference between right and wrong, then it truly is a sad day for Grayslake sports. It's sad when people get more angry over possibly losing a game than defending youths who have been hurt. Whether it be 5 or 50 kids who claim he harassed them, it shouldn't matter- the point is that it crossed the line for ONE player at the very least, and that is unacceptable.

President Huggins:

It really saddens me to hear the decision not to retain Coach Bowen was upheld. I continue to support Coach
Bowen and what he was trying to build at Grayslake Central High School. I really don’t understand WHAT Coach
Bowen COULD have done to warrant such drastic action…….

Perhaps there was something the PUBLIC was not aware of? ……if not it just doesn’t make sense to me!

Do parents have the ultimate say as to WHO should or shouldn’t coach at Grayslake Central? Is it true a small click of those “IN” with the school board runs the athletic programs at Central? Don’t we all pay taxes and have a SAY…..

While I feel parents do have the right to ask questions and share their concerns, WHERE do you draw the line? Does this mean ANY parent can complain about their son’s playing time and that they feel their son is being abused and the coach at Grayslake Central gets fired. Real MEN would have sat down and discuss the problems THEY had with Coach Bowen and worked it out. NOT…….run to their friends on the board and CRY enough to orchestrate a way to have the man dismissed. ( for issues that happened 5 years ago) If you don’t like the game because your team isn’t winning you just take your ball and go home……..

Coach Bowen is a good man, good coach, good human being, good family man and good freind. I’m certain this will have an impact on his family as well as many families that are involved. Tim was building a real basketball family at Grayslake Central from the 5th grade feeder team through the Varsity program. That is what successful programs do. I’m certain Coach Bowen will bounce back and wind up on his feet.

I just feel SORRY for the young people in the FEEDER programs that this will have an impact on. You might say WELL………the new coach will carry on………not necessarily so. I guess at Central we want the Boys basketball coach to hold hands and sing kumbaya!!!!!! PEOPLE this is BIG TIME high school basketball……Winning is not the MAIN goal but it is one of the goals. Teaching skills, building character, building a team, sportsmanship are KEY……winning is just a by-product. That is EXACTLY what Coach Bowen was trying to do.

I must reevaluate whether our family will continue to support Grayslake Central athletics. We may move to a district that puts the kids 1st and not individual PARENT agenda’s. My kid will become a GREAT athlete one day soon…..while athletics isn’t EVERYTHING in our family, he’s also a GREAT student, a GOOD musician (percussionist/drummer) and a GOOD chess player. All he talks about was stepping on that basketball court one day and playing for Coach Bowen and playing on that baseball field with the Grayslake GREEN on one day….

Too bad and shame on you for taking his DREAM away….perhaps he’ll wear the Warren Blue, or play for the Lakes Eagles or maybe the Antioch maroon………but YOU will not have to explain to him WHY he’ll never get the chance to play for Coach Bowen…………I will……..

The young men who spoke up for Bowen did so because they believed in him and wanted him as their leader. Despite the fact that these players are almost draft age, the Board did not respect them enough to let them have any real input as to their own basketball coach. Their pleas fell on deaf ears. Don't insult these players further by suggesting that they spoke up to curry favor and playing time. They chose to do this on their own, in fact, they insisted on it. Of those who did speak up to support him, some of were starters, and some had seen very little playing time. Think about the lesson the Board taught those players who responded to Bowen's intensity by stepping up their own efforts in the gym. There were two players who actively did not want him back, but neither of them had the courage, dignity or heart to stand up and say it. They didn't need to, because their parents had already done it behind all of our backs, and you could hear them snickering later.
Guess what - chances are that the next coach is going to get in little Johnny's face and push him hard too, and then you'll find something wrong with him too. Why? Because we are becoming a nation of whining, indulgent, spoiled brats - and I am talking about the parents!
As for the Board, if you were looking to avoid a big fiasco here, how's that going?

After reading this, I had to add some truths....

There was only two families that had " a hint of abuse" and that is from 5 years ago. Those boys last night would not of been crying && talking about how Bowen was like their second father, if he had been verbally or physiclaly abusive to them or teamates.

I just hope these boys can pull together because it's going to be tough for them to do after losing a father figure.

There was never any solid accusation of "abuse" as that word is defined in the dictionary. That is, unless our society has reached a point where anytime someone gets yelled at, we now call that "abuse." So now yelling at a kid to do something, in the context of high pressure varsity athletics, is supposed to be "verbal abuse" ? This team had something special going on, under Bowen's leadership. Sure Bowen pushed them - and they learned to rise to the challenge. He taught them a valuable lesson - one which seems lost on the school board.

Was it abuse that these two families where talking about?

Or was it the families not facing the facts that their son(s) were injured , not as good, or not working as hard to play to their potential? And their sons coming home to make excuses for their play or not playing.

Let it go and why is the community still paying for something that these families never proved and if such abuse why was no police report filed there was plenty of witnesses with players and coaches at the games and practices.
So why punish Coach Bowen for your sons injury or lack of work ethic?

Does everyone think that this just came about last week? This has been brewing long before that group of parents addressed the situation several years ago. The complaints about this particular coach started coming in his first season at GCHS. And they have continued coming in each and every year since. But there was a lot of the "good old boy" stuff going on with the then AD. Some years ago there was an anger management training that was supposed to be put into place. Don't know if it ever happened. Apparently not. If the people of Grayslake think that the school board is wrong, maybe they should think about the fact that it took a lot of guts to do what they did. They have now protected all of the kids, not just a few. I used to attend the games at the school, and I will tell you that coaches from the other teams talked about this guy and his behaviour. I heard that during a summer game away somewhere, the ref called a game because of the same. This isn't about a little bit of "yelling". This is about mind games, throwing chairs, calling kids foul names, intimidating them with vailed threats. This is not how to teach kids the meaning of sports. And regarding training them for college sports? Just how many of these boys will go on to play there? Practically none. And since when did it become the responsibility of someone else to train your kids, anyhow? That should have come from home first, and if it didn't then shame on you. You would never allow an outsider come into your home and say inappropriate, harmful, vulgar things to your kid. So what makes you think it is appropriate for this to be allowed in a school? There are many kinds of coaches. The one you should be looking for is the one who builds morale by encouragement, not demeaning them. Who offers guidance, not threats of no floor time. Who does not encourage them to not tell their parents the truth, that "what happens in the locker room stays in the locker room". That's a direct quote people. Is this a difficult situation? Sure. But one kid hurt is one too many. You should be happy that the board saw it this way and did something about it.

wHY DonT u let the man do the job. u sHould talk to each one of those kids and i mean all 20 of them that play this summer and have a private vote because That team wOUld be the only one to suffer good coach good person. whats is a car with out a driver, if the coach barks out his orders and when it's done write that loud roar iz less harmful, but when the battle gets ruff and tuff and mistake are being made, and the coach barks that loud roar, and things are not going the players way, yes that loud roar can shake a person up. so thats why coach always are looking 4 those player's who are mentally tough or (tuff enuff). kno matter how u say it or spell it, it's not right. tell me do you already have a replacement? if so what a knife n the back. so sorry coach, and sorry to the players.

Lots of opinions, how about some facts.

1. A good high school basketball coach is hard to find.

2. A good high school basketball coach needs to be very intense and aggressive.

3. A good high school basketball coach has to choose who plays, and who doesn't.

4. A good high school basketball coach does not speak softly when developing and coaching a team, but will get in the players' faces.

5. A good high school basketball coach will push his players hard. This is the nature of competitive sports at the varsity level. This isn't the Saturday afternoon park district league.

6. When a good high school basketball coach does his or her job, he will manage to anger some parents and some kids. It is the nature of the game and the job. To put it another way, any high school basketball coach who doesn't manage to get a few people angry is probably not doing his or her job.

7. Many parents tend to think that their kids are better players than may be the case. When their kids do not get the recognition, playing time, or attention they would like, or when the coach gets in the child's face, the parents get frustrated and angry, and the coach is the target of all of this frustration and anger.

8. Bowen is a very talented coach and teacher of team basketball. His players play at a very high level. He is able to maximize the talent on the floor. He does a great job of teaching basketball fundamentals and his players - most of them - tend to develop high "basketball IQs." It is because of what Bowen does that the team plays great team basketball. As a result of this, the Grayslake Rams regularly beat teams with more physical talent. Those that understand the game and have actually seen a few games will accept this as fact, not opinion.

9. The Grayslake Rams are on the verge of a fantastic season. This is a team that has had a great summer league season so far, and has beaten a number of the better programs in the area. With Bowen at the helm, the team would have a real opportunity to go deep in the state playoff, and compete with some of the very best teams in the entire state.

10. While it is difficult to predict the future, it is a fair statement to say that a change in head coach is likely to diminish the team's chances for high level success this year. We know we had a winner in Bowen; we do not know we will have a winner with the next coach.

11. The very people that he supposedly "abused" all said that he did no such thing. Those young men have the most and the best information as to Bowen's conduct.

Go ahead Bloggers, whine and opine away - but you can not challenge these facts.

I find it so very surprising that so many people have an opinion on coach bowen, when in reality there is a small circle that have any insight to what really goes on behind closed gym doors. The net of everything is that the coach was deemed abusive to the kids, thats it. Abuse in any form is wrong. Abuse is is not yelling at your kid, or pushing the kid to do more, or sitting him on the bench. Intensity is not bad, drive is not bad, motivation is not bad. Name calling, yanking kids from games and ignoring them for a week is bad. Physically handling kids is bad. Making everyone feel like an idiot because they are not you is bad. Telling the kids repeatedly that "he is the best" is bad. He is a textbook example of respect me because I can yell loud, not because I earn it.

I feel that grayslake will be better off because there will be many atheletes that will look at basketball again, and not be forced to play football and baseball only.

Frustrated, if you have something true to say than by all means say it. If you would like to make things up. whatever, be my guest.

Its the player's team and if they want to their coach, honestly its not any former players or player's parents business. None of our players were abused and this entire situation is very suspect. (foul play ?) It's ridiclous, unecessary and frankly its stupid. Wherever the board goes from here is irrelevant because they already proved their incompetence.

I am very angry and hurt over the decision to let Coach Bowen go. The team (most of them except 2) wanted Bowen, literally cried out their hearts to the board and their tears went ignored. The boys are very angry over this action, BRING COACH BOWEN BACK - IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO - THE BOARD BELIEVED LIES

Has anyone heard the story of Peregrin's son getting caught stealing condoms and vodka? Firstly, is this true? Secondly, if it is true this is the same kid who was "abused" while he played basketball for COACH(that's for you Mr. Peregrin) Bowen, sounds like someone needed to whip that boy into shape.

Some great comments here!

Grayslake is developing quite the reputation in terms of recycling coaches.

They are going to have a VERY difficult time attracting reputable, qualified coaches to the position. The perception among many outsiders toward GLCHS athletics is that overbearing parents run the show, not the administration. As long as that continues to happen, your program will continue to be viewed as a joke and many good coaches will stay far away. Who would want to walk into this type of situation?

Football, girls basketball, boys basketball - coaches constantly being run out of town. It's really sad. If this continues to happen, you will never develop any type of stability or tradition among your programs.

I find it interesting that only two of the four board members voted. Didn't the other three have the guts to vote?

Just a reminder: During our discussions, we can speak ill of coaches, administrators, parents, sports writers, etc. But, we do NOT speak ill of specific children. You can say that "Bonato is an idiot." You cannot say that "the starting forward for Grayslake Central High, named xxxxxxxxx, is an idiot."
Fair enough?

And while this Grayslake Central thing is on the brain, the guess here is that Tim Bowen is going to wind up coaching varsity boys hoops someplace in 2009-2010. There are even at least two jobs in our area that are likely to pop open if the upcoming season goes as expected. One of those two is a pretty good one, and his coaching style is pretty much exactly what that program will need.

And while on the topic of Grayslake sports, where is the outrage and anger toward whoever at Grayslake has gotten the Rams stuck in the Fox Valley Conference when EVERY other school in the area is playing in the North Suburban Conference. Are you fans not sick and tired of the travel and the lack of rivalries. Diesel fuel is nearing $5 a pop and buses don't exactly get 10 mph so you're pouring money down the drain. If you raised half the stink to District 127 people about getting out of the Fox Valley and into the North Suburban as you are about the Bowen decision, I think you'd get some movement. In the meantime, enjoy your trips to Huntley and Jacobs and Woodstock.
Being in the Fox Valley instead of the North Suburban is really sad. You can add that to the list of poor decisions that also includes the firing of Bowen.

I have read a lot of interesting comments on this board with regards to the decision made about Tim Bowen's future at Grayslake. Two questions which I feel compelled to ask and I did ask coach Bowen yesterday were, 1 - why now? If the abuse was so sever, so radical and so distasteful that it forced coach Bowen out, why did it take until almost four months afetr the season ended to discipline him now?

2 - I would like to know why this is becomeing a reoccuring issue at Grayslake? is this a situation where only Grayslake is getting bad coaches with bad behavior and bad teaching and coaching skills? or are the standards at Grayslake that much higher than at any other school in the country?

I for one do not tolerate stand for or accept physical or verbal abuse in any way. But I think we are getting to a very very fine line where parents are getting far to involved in high school athletics. It has forced many very good coaches out at many programs across the county and it did again at Grayslake.

The reputation of coach Bowen is sullied and so is the reputation of the Grayslake school board. Before the board members choose to start casting stones at supposedly rogue coaches, why dont they check their own backgrounds as well for they may find they are not as prim and proper as the ones they hold judgement over!

In response to most of the people who supported Bowen, and their complaints about the kids who did not come to the meeting to speak against Coach Bowen, the fact is that these students whom are being protected, did come forth to the school board privately, which is what led to all of this, it was not parents, it was not past parents, it was current players who had the courage to come forth and finally bring light to the situation, the school board did the right thing in protecting them. Secondly, the school board did an extensive investigation on Tim Bowen and there were a lot of "facts" that led to this decision, most of which the public will never have prevy to knowing. Peopel talk about the reputation the community is getting by the administration, what about the reputation the community is getting from the various faculty who have had instances with the law, teachers having affairs with students, police officers having sex with minors, a teacher with a DUI incident just recently and killing someone on the lake, and we want a coach who has various police reports as well. Do we want to teach our youth that these things are acceptable, if so that is where we fail as a community and an administration. It's unfortunate that the community that supports him will never really know all the facts because those things are confidential. Maybe some of you "now" supporters should ask, isn't it funny that coach Tim Bowen only just recently had the boys over for a barbeque, maybe a little coaching going on there, but not intended for the court, but the school board.

Quote by Anonymouss on July 19, 2008 12:15 AM

"I feel that grayslake will be better off because there will be many atheletes that will look at basketball again, and not be forced to play football and baseball only."

Boys basketball was one of the few teams at GCHS that consistently had a winning record. It seems to me that the boys who chose to play basketball for GCHS were the right ones. I really question that those boys who chose not to play for Coach Bowen would have won many games. There are plenty of boys who will play basketball IF it's not too much trouble and fewer who will make a committment and endure the less pleasant aspects.

And, the comment "forced to play football . . . only". What???!!! GCHS has won few football games in decades. Hasn't the football team won 2 games in 4 seasons? What's with those boys who skip basketball to concentrate on football only? On the other hand,the baseball team generally does pretty well.

Maybe Coach Bowen was truly abusive and had to go and maybe not. There is great diversity of perception and opinion in the community. But, it is my perception and opinion that GCHS better take some extraordinary measures to get some good coaches. It is looking ridiculous having losing season after losing season and firing the few coaches who actually have winning seasons.

Isn't 2-2 a tie? Why wasn't Bowen's contract renewed if the vote was split or at the least another vote taken? If I were him a would hire a lawyer! I am considering running for the school board to make sure things are done right in the future.

This board has continued to make bad decisions beginning with the split of the kids in the class of 2008. At this point, I don't really feel they truly care about the kids but their agendas instead. I ask these board members how they can sleep at night while ruining the lives of many kids in this district. How could you watch those basketball players cry and have no reaction. Something is very wrong here and us as parents need to make them accountable! Do not vote for them in the next election! Remember this and run yourself if you want to see things change in this sad school district. And whining parents, stop bailing out your kids! This is not a kind world and I feel sorry for those of you who bail your kids out. They will have a tough time surviving.

Sure, a coaches job is to win games but at what cost? Bowen has repeatedly faced complaints about his unethical treatment of kids. Administration has supported him in dealing with his issues providing him with anger management assistance and support for his growing positively as a GCHS coach. Unfortunately, he has failed to change his behaviors prompting continued complaints. Recent complaints were filed with area police departments due to threats made to a GCHS staff member. The Grayslake basketball players, students, and parents deserve much more then a winning coach. They deserve a coach that can win without harming kids mentally, socially or physically. The board is putting all the kids well being first which is what they should do. It seems to me that the sports writers and some parents are emphasizing Bowen's ability to win...that is only part of his job. He needs to provide a safe environment to teach and win basketball games. He has not done so. True he had strong support from the 6 players that spoke on Thursday night but other players where there out of peer pressure, fear and curiosity. Lets help these kids and this school move on. They have the talent to succeed they need the adults in this situation to step up and help them move forward.

Apples never fall far from the tree. Nancy parents, Nancy boys! Its really very apparent. Good Luck Coach Bowen, come back and rain fire with your winning ways and attitudes. We only hope our son has a coach with the passion you posses.

The mud slinging and name calling isnt what this is all about. There is no debating that coach Bowen was a tough hard nosed coach that would lose his temper. By no means does that allow for any level of physical abuse.

However, this is becoming a systemic trend at Grayslake and at other high schools in the area. The voice of the parents is getting louder and louder and the effect it is having is to out of control proportions.

I think a greater amount of skepticism needs to take over in cases such as these. I understand that incidents occured some time ago. The allegations of incidents recently is anotehr cause for concern. But were these incidents, specifically called into question? Was an independent investigation done? Were all parties questioned and was an appropriate plan of action to prevent future incidents put into action.

Or was this a case of parents and kids complaining about a certain situation and the ones that screamed loudest were the ones pacified and ultimately Bowen's job was put to scrutiny.

I think, like I mentioned in another post earlier, that a tarnish and a dark cloud does hang over this whole situation. The reputation of GCHS and the school board is just as tarnished if not more than that of coach Bowen.

I suggest the school board look in the mirror a bit closer and do its due dilligence the next time - and believe me there will be a next time because it is crystal clear that the members of the Grayslake School board are not calling the shots any longer.

Tune into 1220 WKRS from 4pm-6pm to talk about this topic.

Jeff may join us if he is free.

If boys were so abused 5-6 years ago, where were they on Thursday evening, to speak of all the wrong doings themselves? Aren't they "MEN" now? They still have mommy and daddy and grandma (neighbor) fighting there battles ! A player from back then did come and speak highly of Coach....

Get real Ram fan - Bowen has not harmed anyone. That is, unless you consider it "harm" if a coach yells at little Johnny to work harder, and little Johnny's feelings are hurt. Bowen is guilty of demanding the best from his players. Any player who is "harmed" by this does not belong in varsity athletics.

The only criteria to judge Bowen is what he has done this last year. He has done nothing to deserve being fired. The administration recommended that the Board bring him back.

The young men on that team understood that Bowen cared about them and deserved this position. The supposed adults involved in this process did not.

The players wanted him back - and don't you dare insult them by suggesting they were just currying favor. As it stood, by the time they spoke out, they knew Bowen was gone.

Seems to me that the high school kids here showed better judgment than the school board.

ok he's gone, time 2 turn the page, i reget that the board and parents did not understand his passion, and vision, well RAMS tyme too man up. And win that 3A for yourselves, and you and i say this iz a tony moment. when he was released by the buc's, and they went on too win the trophy, with chuckey. young men this will only make u stronger, if u truly want it, u got 2 work harder than be 4. and u must be mentally tough. i have big hope and wihes 4 u guys, sorry about the loss of a good coach, i talk too him about great men that were coaches, and u were one of those coaches! 2007 season ended maybe 2-19, bowen could gave up on those kids, but he did not, kudos!!!! 4 being the better person coach, i saw ur vision, i felt ur passion, threw that loud roar that blazeing tuff look so with that said, rams basketball show them what coach bowen train u 2 do, go out there and win, and this iz from a sad rams fan what a loss!

Ram Fan, you don't get it, the boys(95%)and the school don't want to move on! They want their coach back.

In response to Mr. Newtons comments - have you been at any, all, some of Mr. Bowen's practices? Do you go in the locker room at half time? How can you be so sure that it is not abusive behavior? What would you do if you knew that your son was been treated inappropriately? Not speak out - because we are winning and you thought it would be best to let your child endure because by God I'm sure he was learning something by it. And what about what he didn't tell you?

Think about what is going on. Do you really think this was because something happened five years ago?

Hat's off to the GCHS School Board!

To answer your question unbelieveable, I HAVE been to Bowen's practices in the past both 5 years ago and as of recent. I never said it was because of abuse. I suggest you choose to read before you post.

I said IF he abused or was abusive.

I talked to him on the phone for over an hour yesterday. I asked him several questions that he answered on the record and even more than he answered off the record.

What he answered off the record was very interesting. And as a member of the media, I will never break an off the record conversation.

Lastly, please read my posts in their entirety before you respond thank you.

Mr. Newton - I apologize for not reading your first post. But as a parent, how can you not get involved in high school athletics when you think your child is being mentally abused by a coach? Do you think that it is better not to say anything?

Does anyone really think that the school board would remove a winning coach just because of some whining parents? Especially at this time of year and in our litigous society? No way. There has to have been some compelling evidence to make this happen. Also, who cares about the Roberts Rule? If the board had enough information to so what they did, when they did it, they are obviously not concerned over rules, and that when Bowen sues, he will have all the dirty laundry come out and then everybody loses again.

Great passion on the comments, but it is over, right or wrong, and it is time to move on.

After all the smoke clears, who is in line to take this position at this point in the year? In house, outside, does the new AD have someone in mind???????

The Knock on Tim Bowen?

Too tough on some of the kids? Welcome to the real world mom and dad. Are you going to be there to beat up your son's boss every time he gets yelled at?

A "Bobby Knighter" so to speak? Last time I looked, Bobby Knight was the winningest coach in college basketball.

Doesn't give some players enough playing time? Gee mom and dad, maybe your kid isn't as good as YOU think he is. Maybe if you attended every practice like a coach does, you might see things differently.

Used abusive/rough language when chewing out players in front of teammates? Welcome to the world of sports. Some coaches swear, some don't, but like I said, welcome to the world of sports.

What will these parents do if the new coach yells at their kid or doesn't play him as much as they feel he should?

The parents responsible for this and the board may have very well cost their school a shot at the winningest season of basketball they have had in a long time. I hope they are all proud of themselves.

If you would like to take my comments and put them in print, feel free. I fully support Tim and I am sure he will soon be winning games somewhere else soon.

The people with the best knowledge of what goes on in Bowen's practices were the team members. Those team members, with two exceptions, strongly support Bowen. The School Board ignored the team members, which is an insult to them.

The adminstration conducted an investigation which included speaking with team members and parents. After doing their job, they recommended that the Board retain Bowen.

There has been no "abuse." You have a hard nosed and intense coach who is doing his job, and sometimes that makes people uncomfortable. For those who can hack it, they learn, grow, and rise to the challenge. For those that can't hack it, they cry to mommy and daddy, and mommy and daddy cry to the school board.

Bowen is an old school coach in a new age world. I'll take that old school, any day.

hey grayslake your kids are going to be men in a couple of years i know it's hard to let them make choice on there own, but you just gotta let them find there own way. babies no more and that the way coach would have put it, your men and i know parents that are more verbally abusive to there kids and some can get pretty darn nasty but one thing i will not tolerate is the breaking down of any kids self- estem players look for there coaches approval and would do anything to get notice by that man so what i'm saying is that coaches also must show some type of compassion and let the players know that the coaches goal is to make you a better person physically and mentally only trying to get the best out of student athlete.But when you put your hands on a high school athlete thats not and will not be accepted in any kind of society. I myself wish coach was still at the helm guideing the rams, if it weren't for bad luck i would have none

Dear Anonymous2,

Yes, I TOTALLY and COMPLETELY believe that the board would remove a coach due to whining parents. Trust me: public schools are scared of parents.

There seems to be a continuing stream of comments about winning. Winning is a wonderful thing, but it isn't everything. One of the purposes for high school sports is to have extra curricular activities, and these should be teaching these kids the honor involved in team sports; comaraderie, fairness, sportsmanship, etc. And a kid shouldn't get his only sense of success from sports and winning. It should be coming from the classroom first. In fact, if you talk to a lot of kids, they would rather be on a so-so team and play, then be on a winning team and have bench blisters. Have we lost sight of the true importance of high school? When a parent threatens to move out of district because he doesn't like the fact that a coach was relieved? What message does this send to the kids? That sports are more important than the quality of education that that school may offer? This seems to be a little skewed. This coach has not lost his job. His livlihood has not been yanked out from under him. He is still a teacher and that should have always been his main focus. Being a coach may be a passion, but teaching is his job. To suggest that his life has been ruined (as was after the meeting last week by an over-emotional young man) was a little extreme. Could it be that there are parents who feel that their kids lives may have been affected? Apparently the board thought so and did something about it. I've been around this school for a long time. I know many of the kids in today's programs as well as kids from several years ago. They are all good kids. This school board is taking hits that I am not sure they deserve. It is their job, both legally and morally, to do what is in their opinion best for each and every student. We elected them to do just that. They did not take this particular item lightly. They understood that this was never about lack of floor time or not making the team. Nor was it about "Johnny whining". This was obviously much more serious. If there were no young people who stood up and talked against this coach, are you really surprised? When one of the adults who spoke up was followed outside by a group and threatened, was told that they knew where he lived? And who his family was? What is this...the mafia? Is this the mentality of these supporters? To threaten? What a sad commentary. I will tell you that those people who stood up knew they were going into the lion's den, but felt strongly that it was the right thing to do. It is much, much harder to stand up for what you feel is right in front of a group with a mob mentality. One last thought. Someone mentioned something about a law suit earlier here. Here we go again...what a good message to send our young people. When you stand up for something you feel deep down is horribly wrong, you put yourself in jeopardy. What a wonderful message. I would hope that this suit never comes about. As a school looking to hire a new coach, I would suspect they would use caution, just in case they wound up the same way down the road. It's time to move on folks. You can have a good coach, who builds self-esteem, and teaches these young people honor and respect and still be a winning team. Maybe "winning" isn't always noted on the score board.

It is a good thing that this "Oh-so-Verbally-Abused" child has a rich DADDY!! Hopefully he got him a good therapist to relieve him of all the pain Coach Bowen supposedly caused.

It is crazy the things money can buy.....perhaps even votes??

It is very interesting that this man leading the group against Bowen actually rode in the same car as one of the Board Members to the Board Meeting.

Like I said...MONEY TALKS.

It is a good thing that this "Oh-so-Verbally-Abused" child has a rich DADDY!! Hopefully he got him a good therapist to relieve him of all the pain Coach Bowen supposedly caused.

It is crazy the things money can buy.....perhaps even votes??

It is very interesting that this man leading the group against Bowen actually rode in the same car as one of the Board Members to the Board Meeting.

Like I said...MONEY TALKS.

It is a good thing that this "Oh-so-Verbally-Abused" child has a rich DADDY!! Hopefully he got him a good therapist to relieve him of all the pain Coach Bowen supposedly caused.

It is crazy the things money can buy.....perhaps even votes??

It is very interesting that this man leading the group against Bowen actually rode in the same car as one of the Board Members to the Board Meeting.

Like I said...MONEY TALKS.

I listened to the radio show from 4-6 the other day on WKRS and a few people called in who seemed to know the logistics of this 2-2 vote. It needs to be investigated if this is true and that's the reason Bowen needs to hire a lawyer is because it seems the Board did not do it correctly. The callers said the Rule they implemented when the 2-2 vote was taken was not instilled properly. That vote did not mean Bowen was out but that motion was denied. Another motion should have been sought. It was not, therefore Bowen is not out technically. Should be interested to see what his lawyer does with this! Let's remember not all board members were present. We elected seven to vote and with an important matter like this they should have all been present. Let it be known that the president and the red headed lady who wanted him out and not vote for them in the next election. Both of these board members had a son either on the varsity team previously or in the feeder program who did not play much. Hmmmm....

No wonder our (Grayslake) teams always stink. EVERY time we get a good coach who pushes the kids to get the best out of them the parents start whining. Please parents and Board, grow up your an embarrassment that do the kids no good by babying them. Absolutely why none of our kids get Division I scholarships and we lose at everything – every year. That and it was stupid to divide the high schools so more babies (that you’re creating) could have the opportunity to play….more like opportunity to be losers.

from what i understand about roberts rules-the board isn't suppose to dislose any reasons why he is being dismissed. they can disclose this information to him, but not the public. and from what i am understanding-he is clueless as to what's going on? someone correct me if i'm wrong.
i think a good portion of this started when one of the coaches or should i say ex coaches sent letters out to a select amount of families about him and bowen falling out. in the letter,not much details on the falling out,but mention "abuse" in the locker room and what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
my thoughts r if u were so concerned why speak up after u lose ur job? why not speak up before or during? good luck with ur new team!
just what this family needed to get bowen out of there. since they have/had a son that was a freshman. feel so sorry for that kid! not to mention that this family has a business relationship with one of the board members.
this is nothing more but a good ol' boy network!?!?

Dear Frustrated:

You are exactly the problem with our sports teams. Saying "Winning is a wonderful thing, but it isn't everything. One of the purposes for high school sports is to have extra curricular activities, and these should be teaching these kids the honor involved in team sports; comaraderie, fairness, sportsmanship, etc." and "You can have a good coach, who builds self-esteem, and teaches these young people honor and respect and still be a winning team. Maybe "winning" isn't always noted on the score board" Blah, Blah, Blah sounds like loser talk to me....At my Company I want competitive winners working for me. Comaraderie, Fairness, Sportsmanship will get you unemployeed in the real world.

Whatever happened to "it takes a village to raise a child"?
It seems that if you live in Grayslake, not only don’t you care what happens to your friend or neighbor's kid, but you actually attack those people that do try to help them.
Nice to know…and a great example for teaching all the rest of the kids out there how to do the right thing.

By the way, did you know it's Illinois law to protect your child till they're 18? It doesn't end when they make varsity.
Just asking.

It seems that there are plenty of posts, both for and against the firning of Coach Bowen, so it's possible that there's truth on both sides. It seems to me that what is abuse to one person is being demanding to another.

It is a good idea for the people of District 127 to come together and decide what they want and how to get it. Apparently coaches who are up to Grayslake Central HS standards are hard to come by, especially if you prefer ones who can consistently win the majority of their contests. If you truly want such people, you are going to have to make a real effort to find them. Don't expect that some coach who has a winning program at another school is going to leave it to come to Grayslake. Word gets around and it's doubtful that coaching at GCHS is considered a "plum" position. What can the people of Grayslake do to attract the kind of person they want?

The only kids that would rather be on a so so team but get playing time are the ones that know they are so so players and would never play on a winning team. When it comes to high school sports, it's all about winning or being taught to win, and you win by playing the best players. (Isn't this why the IHSA went to 4 classes? To have more winners?) If you sat your best players just to pacify the so so players and their parents, what happens to the better players that deserve scholarship opportunities? These kids are playing varsity sports now and they need to learn to deal with the decisions that coaches make, believe it or not, they will have bosses soon that might make decisions they will not like either, then what? These kids are old enough that they need to learn for themselves. Their parents should give advice or give words of encouragement, not run to the school board.

I think the previous comment by "Bill Black" pretty much sums up the whole situation.

Posters such as "Anonymous" and "Frustrated" keep speaking out about "abuse." But as Black pointed out, what is abuse to one person is not abuse to another. I don't dispute that certain individuals... parents and possibly some players.... perceived "abuse" occuring. But it certainly seems from what I've read that the overwhelming majority did NOT perceive what was happening as "abuse." And then amazingly, on a 2-2 vote, despite what seems the majority wanted, the school board votes the coach out.

Like a few other posters have pointed out... something seems awful fishy about that.

Coaching isn't easy. And there's a lot of emotion involved. If you expect a coach to be passionate and driven and at the same time only displaying "positive emotion" you're asking more than most humans are capable of.

As Black so insightfully pointed out, Grayslake needs to define what type of coach they want in their programs. I'm sure in a perfect world you could find a man of unlimited desire and patience who seldom raises his voice and finds the good in every situation and at the same time has a winning program. It certainly sounds that certain elements in the community want just that.

And again, Black has already stated in so many words: "Good Luck."
Just about any coach would be nuts to step into a program with those expectations.

Grayslake already had a fine coach who had bled, sweat, and paid a price with the current group of players to prime them for a great upcoming season. For the school board to cave in to a few complainers and pull the rug out from under this team and their coach this late into the summer is just what Dave Masterson said in the News-Sun a few days ago.

Unconsciable.

I am shocked that because a few boys couldn't handle Mr. Bowen's coaching style, Grayslake lost a great coach. I had Mr. Bowen as a freshman girls' softball coach years ago. Yes, he made us work hard. Yes, he got angry when we didn't work hard enough. Yes, he got mad when we lost. But he was a GREAT COACH. And we WON GAMES. He was possibly the best coach I ever had. If I could handle his "anger issues" as a 14-year-old girl, these boys should be able to take it! If not, maybe they belong on the chess club!

A Modest Proposal for (hopefully) getting coaches who are acceptable to all and can also win the majority of their contests at GCHS.

Trinity International University is a Christian university in Deerfield, IL, not far from Grayslake, that has a coaching preparation program. It's likely that they produce some coaches who can both win contests and not be fired at GCHS. The Grayslake Central HS athletic department should develop a relationship with the coaching education department at TIU and hire their best and brightest graduates to coach at GCHS.

Considering the history of athletics at GCHS, notices of available coaching positions are not likely to get many responses from experienced, successful coaches. A good strategy may be to hire the best and brightest recent graduates from coaching preparation programs before they are hired by someone else.

This all started because of the ex-freshman coach was not man enough to admitt he did and was wrong. Wasn't anyone wondering why an assistant Varsity coach no longer was able to sit on the bench during the Varisty games two years ago? Why was he then coaching the freshmen team and not the sophmore team the following season? It appeared to be a demotion of such, or maybe a second and third chance to change kind of deal?? It turns out he was let go at the end of this past season! (Do you smell something? I think I do)

This now makes me wonder a little bit more as he came to the board meeting, no longer having any attachment to the program? From what I heard at the Board meeting, The Coach asks from every level as far back as his youth travel to follow his program. He was teaching and instilling the same fundelmentals of the game. Was his sophmore and freshmen coach doing this? I wonder??

It appears from the fan in the stands that with his demotions taking almost three years total, He was given opportunity to change and follow his "bosses" direction. THE HEAD COACHES direction, that the decision was not made lightly as it appears to have taken time for him to go from Varsity to Sophmore then to Freshmen levels.

This man took no ownership to his faults Decided to outlash his personal failures by going after an innocent man, Coach Bowen. The Board of Education surely had to know this was going to happen?

This is where I am most upset that the board did nothing to repremand him, He sent out a letter Using GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL'S, PAPER, ENVELOPE's AND METERED POSTAGE STAMPS to all different level basketball parents, to the park district as well as a certain group of disgruntled parents of yester years. (that accused Coach Bowen of abusing his son at the board meeting). My neighbor showed me the envelope... So as a NOW EX-CENTRAL basketball FAN (unless Bowen is back) Please tell me why my tax dollars have been used in this capacity? I beleive that the Board of Education of District 127 better take a good long look at this and respond as I just wonder is there some kind of law suit to protect the tax payer for this kind of expense? Does anyone know if we have rights?

Since this is a school personnel issue, we can not and should never know everything that went into the decision in respect to all parties privacy. I sincerely doubt that the administration and the board made the decision solely on what was publicly discussed. The speakers for and against were too general in their comments.

No one, who has been in management, take personnel issues lightly nor do they relish the idea of having to deal with personnel issue. It is much easier to downplay or even ignore the behavior. The fact that the administration and the board took this up should hint at the gravity of the issue. Besides, they need follow adminstrative and union rules to ensure the legitimacy of the issue.

More telling was the fact that the Board was tied 2-2 in June and by the July meeting, no board member came forward to nominate Mr. Bowen to renew his contract. So two board members changed their minds in that time. Again, this is a personnel issue we should respect the privacy and the decision. We can never know the details.

I find it hard to believe that in all this talk about Coach Bowen losing his job, no one has mentioned other coaches who are out along with him. What about Coach Chamberlain! There is no way GCHS or the Park District bring him back next year without Coach Bowen in place. And that is unfortunate. The man was going to be a GREAT COACH someday. I hear he didn't know much about the game, but he'd really worked his way up from handling stats to sitting the bench for varsity games. He did a WONDERFUL job working with the feeder team last year. Everyone of those kids "LOVED" playing for him. It's just unfortunate his coaching career, tied to the fate of another, is done after one season!