[var top_story_head]
Cornelsen meets with players
Published on -1/21/2009, 8:33 AM
Printer-friendly version
E-Mail This Story
By CONOR NICHOLL
Thirty-six hours after he was officially hired as the new football coach at Hays High School, Ryan Cornelsen met with 74 potential players this morning. Cornelsen told the players that he believes the Indians can win this fall. The HHS program has not made the postseason since 1995.
"I think the key is the summer," Cornelsen said at a news conference this morning. "I think we have to have a great summer with numbers, intensity, and it is probably going to be more than what we normally do in summer to get ready.
"I don't think it is fair to a senior class to say we are going to do this (rebuild) in three years because to me, that would make me want to get sick if I was a senior. They are a good bunch of kids and probably our strongest bunch at this time. They deserve to have a chance to be part of this. That is why I want to make it clear that the goal is year one," he added.
Cornelsen takes over the Hays High program after a successful six-year run at Class 2-1A La Crosse. The Leopards finished 53-13 in his six seasons, won two regional titles and didn't lose a regular season contest in his final three seasons. The Leopards were 11-1 this fall and finished No. 2 in Class 2-1A in the final rankings.
Cornelsen expects to run the same off-set I formation offense that yielded 47 points per game. He also look to foster the same intensity in summer workouts and practices that made the Leopards successful.
"We had good numbers," Cornelsen said of the meeting. "I think the kids were excited to see what it is going to be like and I was glad to meet them and it is Day One for me. From here on out, we have got to hit the ground running and get things going and get people excited and the kids, hopefully they follow suit. I have no doubt they will, and I am excited to get started."
Cornelsen interviewed with the Hays High administration last week and was approved at the board meeting Monday.
Hays High Athletic Director Clint Albers said the school received "around 30" applicants for the position, including some from out of state.
"He has got a great work ethic," Albers said. "He loves what he does. He works hard. He has got a passion for football and the kids and education and the weight room and just really a passion in everything that he does."
Cornelsen believes the administration, which has hired three football coaches in four years and seen a change in coaches in softball, volleyball, girls' basketball and track in the last two seasons, is aggreeable to change.
"I felt very confident that the school board, all the way down through the administration, was willing to make the changes that it was going to take to be successful," Cornelsen said Tuesday, a statement he reitrated after the meeting today. "To be honest, it got me excited about wanting to do things different. Not willing to accept a certain level of commitment."
Cornelsen, a Liberal native and Fort Hays State University graduate, viewed and graded on film every Hays High player over Christmas break. Hays High was outscored 259-144 in the fall, including tallying just seven points in three district losses. The Indians finished 26th in scoring offense out of 32 Class 5A teams in scoring offense in both of former coach Rick Blosser's two seasons, according to preppowerindex.com. HHS was 4-5 this year.
"I saw things on there that we can get better at," Cornelsen said. "From game one to game nine, I think there can be a lot more improvment. I saw kids that gave good effort, that played with some desire and I got excited about that. I feel like we can make a big improvement."
The Indians finished 6-12 under Blosser and have not won a district game in three years, but Cornelsen believes the proogram can be turned around.
"I think (Hays is) ready to get behind their football program," Cornelsen said. "I think that it is a place that the administration saw that it needed to be things within the system changed, the blueprint for success needed to be changed, and they were supportive. They wanted to hear those ideas. With them wanting to make those changes and be a part of something special and get this turned in the right direction, that it was a great fit for me."
Cornelsen's total salary at Hays High will be $72,200.
39 comment(s) found
your kidding:
1/27/2009Your kidding me - Hays High spent $72,000 on a 2-1A coach who hasn't been to the state finals with all that talent. (read the story on Cornelsen's era in LaCrosse). Football will have to take the back seat again. HHS - the only athletic success you have ever had at the state level with consistency is when you had maska & teeter as your track coach. Look at your track success in the past. And what will HHS track do this season. Hopefully well - you have the top distance runner in the state and one of the top throwers coming back.
(Posted by: )
football: 1/27/2009
We are fortunate in Hays to have the caliber educators we have. I appreciate that elementary teachers and many middle school and high school teachers are more than willing to take home large amounts of student work to grade without requesting any "extra duty" pay. I don't believe that teachers in this district are whining nor are they blaming Mr. Cornelsen for accepting the salary offered. What teacher (and yes, he is a teacher first and foremost) wouldn't accept that salary. In response to the last poster (if I can accurately decifer what he/she is saying)...Is there really any appropriate way to compare weightlifting classes and academic classes in the high school? Most people would think not. In my humble opinion, the blame, if there is blame to be assigned, ought to be on the school board and principal who chose to elevate the sport of football above academics in the public school. That's where our comments need to be directed.
(Posted by: citizen 54)
Hicks: 1/27/2009
Hays is just a hick little town that wants to be big,With nothing to offer it's people but high taxes. Who cares if we have a winning kids Football team? No one but you hicks with nothing else to do or live for
(Posted by: )
Bunch of whinners!!!: 1/26/2009
Some of you people have no idea what it takes to be a coach. I promise none of you whinning teachers could do our job. I not sure how important athletics is in school, alot of these kids are in school because of sports and they try in class so they can still play. Those kids learn things in your classes but they learn life lessons while in sports. they learn Character, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Pride they dont learn that in a classroom but they know the classroom is important. The coach is a teacher he teaches in the classroom and on the field. and for those of you that think weightlifting is not a class come to my place and check it out you would be crying because you would have 40-50 kids in a class and not your 20 that you cant handle we will show you what Respact and Discipline are. Dang right hes worth it. Good luck Ryan you will need it with all the idiots you will have to deal with
(Posted by: )
money: 1/26/2009
I'll donate $72,000 if Hays High beats Hutchinson next year!
(Posted by: )
A concerned citizen: 1/26/2009
HAYS HIGH SOCCER RULES!!!!!!!!! WOOOO!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!
(Posted by: Soccerfan101)
Negativity: 1/26/2009
The reason Hays about did not get Coach C is because of the perception that the town has soft, gripy, negative parents. I promise you that will all change!! Hays needs to quit the criticism and thank there lucky stars they got the caliber of coach they did. The parents will need to support the coaching staff and there efforts to push their kid beyond the norm. This will be critical or Coach C will be right back in LaCrosse where players, coaches, and parents all demand toughness!!
(Posted by: )
Hiring: 1/25/2009
For the parent that posted that it wasnt fair that Coach C asked for and watched film of the players before his interview, well thank God you dont need to interview for a job because most people know that you need to research and find out everything you can about the company and position you are about to interview for so you know what to expect and have the knowledge. Same thing goes for a coaching job. If the other candidates they interviewed didnt ask for film, thats their fault and shows that they didnt do their research and wouldnt be a good coach. I cant believe Hays got this coach, he's one of the best out there so thank your lucky stars! GOODLUCK COACH
(Posted by: Reader)
Football Coach: 1/24/2009
IMO HHS made an excellent choice in a football coach. Not so sure Coach C. made such a good choice of schools to coach at though. As far as the money goes, he will earn every penny. If you divide it out by the number of hours he will work I doubt most of you could live on it. (Not many people willing to put the time in that he will). I feel for his family. For all the 489 people that are feeling slighted, just think of this. He could probably do your job better than you and there is no way you could do what he is about to take on. I would say good luck but Coach Cornelsen will make his own luck!
(Posted by: )
Get a life: 1/24/2009
Okay, no more cheap shots on Teeter. it's pointless. He was a good man for Hays kids but maybe it was just time to go. How about we continue to wish him well. Regarding Coach C, if you really think he's getting too much money, go to the hhs website and look at the negotiated agreement. Do the math you Negative Nancies and Nates! Have a clue... he'll make very little when you figure his hourly wage. Most importantly, our kids deserve someone who can teach them to win and enjoy doing it. Coach C won't make excuses that our schedule is too tough... he welcomes the challenge to be competitive against good teams. Good Luck Ryan, I hope you realize most of Hays supports you.
(Posted by: No Negative Nancy Here)
Past FB Records: 1/24/2009
Nutt 6.0 wins/year ave Cross 5.1 wins/year ave Buller 5.1 wins/year ave McKee 4.8 wins/year ave Teeter 4.5 wins/year ave Danenhauer 4.5 wins/year ave Mills 4.5 wins/year ave Claycamp 4.3 wins/year ave Johnson 4.3 wins/year ave Sears 3.3 wins/year ave Blosser 3.0 wins/year ave Fuller 2.0 wins/year ave Hague 1.7 wins/year ave Gibson 0.7 wins/year ave 80 years of football here. 14 different coaches. McKee was here from 1929 to 1953. Since 1953 - 13 coaches for 55 years. Coaches have stayed for an average of 4 years. Only McKee, Cross, Buller & Teeter stayed for 8 years or more. Mills for 6 years & everyone else for 3 or less. Hays doesn't have tradition. Only a couple of really good teams. If you look at who we have played in the past the wac/district has had several state champions (liberal, Garden, Salina Central & South) and Dodge use to be a powerhouse. The schedule has been really tough in the past. Been playing the BEST, year in & year out. The schedule we played last year was weak except for the district. We have taken the approach of scheduling weak non conference & non district games such as concordia & wichita south. The conference is a weak as it's ever been according to records last year & the schedule will remain the same for at least 1 more year. It always cycles around. Hiring a new coach always brings new enthusiasm & excitement. Coach C has experience & has proven himself at Lacrosse. His regular schedule was fairly weak but it created confidence over the years. By this hey were able to reach the playoffs & win some big games. K-State approach! He understands the conference being from Liberal & knows the problems concerning his new job. No-one knows if it will be a good fit or not, but HHS has finally made a financial commitment & appears to be doing what it takes to help the program. Give it a chance! Hutch & Gt. Bend were at the bottom not too long ago and now they are awesome. The biggest change - according to the coaches at Hutch & GB was attitude with the Admin., Community Parents & Players. Support the new coach & more importantly quit complaining. Take pride in being an All-American City
(Posted by: :)
Stop Hating: 1/24/2009
Coach C is the perfect fit for Hays High Football program and for the people out there hating get a life. This will push Coach C even more to turn this program around, I support him 110percent.
(Posted by: )
Cell phone: 1/23/2009
Get a life people. You have nothing to do but gossip and then believe everything you hear! How stupid are you, dont think Hays High gave him a cell phone. Hey I heard he will be traveling in a private plane to and from the away games!
(Posted by: HHS fan)
HHS Football : 1/23/2009
Too many people in Hays have nothing else to do but complain. Get a life & let HHS get on the winning track. The WAC is a difficult place to be, You have to be able to compete! Wish the new coach Good Luck and hope for the best. It will take time, but it seems to me that now the athletes are going to be excited to train & be competitive in the WAC. Best of luck to the all of the athletes and most of all Good luck to the new Coach! I KNOW LaCrosse is going to miss him, but they will wish him well.
(Posted by: hhs fan)
Average: 1/23/2009
Teeter had 5 "winning" seasons in 8 years? I would call that average. How many playoff trips did he have? AVERAGE
(Posted by: Alum)
HHS Football: 1/23/2009
Anyone know what HHS Football Record over the years has been? HHS probably doesn't have a 50% record since it's started. Part of that is due to playing really good teams over the years (Salina South & Central, Junction City, Liberal, Garden, Dodge, Gt. Bend, Manhattan, etc.) HHS schedule hasn't been easy. The WAC is as weak as it's ever been. Right now HHS is scheduling teams that they can possibly beat. HHS has been a basketball & baseball town for years. HHS has had good coaches. It's hard to win a lot in Hays due to the softness of the community. A lot of excuses are often made due to our failures. Hope all of us can concentrate on or own jobs and let HHS deal with their own.
(Posted by: )
Teeter: 1/23/2009
Bring back Coach Teeter to be average. Are you kidding me. Out of 8 seasons he had 5 winning seasons. No other HHS coach had that success. Don't forget that he also brought back 6 state top 3 tropies from state in Track. No other HHS Coach has done that either. Our Track program was one of the best during his time here at HHS. Ask him to come back - he won't come back.
(Posted by: HHS ALUM)
judgment: 1/23/2009
Too many of you are judging the coach on his salary and benefits. Why don't you judge him on his success as a coach? Look what he did for LaCross. Give Coach Cornelson a chance to prove himself before you place judgment. I bet (and hope) if HHS has a winning season next school year, all of you placing judgment will be singing a song of praise. On a side note: The individual who wrote this article had no right to print Coach Cornelson’s salary. I would imagine that this individual would not want his/her salary made public. So why print Coach Cornelson’s?
(Posted by: future HHS football mom)
Alum: 1/23/2009
Don't bring Coach Teeter into this discussion. Had Coach Teeter had half the support it looks like they are going to give Coach C it would have been a different story. Teeter had things going in the right direction before lack of support made him chose to go elsewhere. Great Bend gladly took Coach Teeter
(Posted by: )
Success: 1/23/2009
Success doesn't come without a price and some demands. If we want to be average, bring back Teeter.
(Posted by: Alum)
Cell Phone?: 1/22/2009
Are you kidding me? a Cell phone? This guy is always on his phone. How stupid is Hays high?
(Posted by: Redskin2)
common practice: 1/22/2009
I believe a lot of coaches ask for film during the hiring process to determine interest in the position. Thats not out of the ordinary
(Posted by: outsidelookingin)
Coach: 1/22/2009
I saw Coach Cornelson at b-ball games and wrestling matches at HHS before he accepted the job. He broke down film and did his homework, that type of attention to detail is what we need. Your right he had an advantage, his advantage was a true interest in HHS. He could have accepted other positions for the same money but chose HHS, so lets get behind him. We need to start supporting our school district, its easy to always complain, make a positive difference.
(Posted by: HHS )
Pre-hiring: 1/22/2009
I believe HHS held interviews for this job. Why bother??? I'm sure Coach Cornelsen is a wonderful coach, obviously, but it seems to be that he already had this position locked down before interviews even took place. He already broke down game films over Christmas?? How can other coaches even compete with that, when he comes into an interview with all of that inside information already at his disposal? I would bet that none of the other applicants had that advantage. To me that says that the school/school board wasted all of the other applicants' time, effort, and money when they knew from the very beginning who they planned on hiring. No one else even had a shot at it. Did they even take a serious look at anyone else? I don't think that's very professional on HHS's part. I hope they found the best man for the job.
(Posted by: parent)
: 1/22/2009
What I don't like is the fact that people think that coaches leave their teaching duties and daily work at school. They take it home just as all other teachers they just have to wait until practice is over to complete it. So I am sick of hearing about teachers don't get compensated for their work outside the classroom. NEITHER DO COACHES--THEY GET COMPENSATED FOR COACHING ON TOP OF THEIR OTHER DUTIES
(Posted by: fed up)
salary: 1/22/2009
I am a teacher. I think this is fair. This is probably the first bold move Hays has ever made to be competitive. Most of you are in shock because you have been coasting along in Hays for too many years. Get out and see what other cities your size are doing. If you really want to see shocking to a little trip to the state of Texas and start questioning their high school coaches. Quit crying and get ready to compete at a higher level.
(Posted by: teacher)
Incentives: 1/22/2009
I don't have a problem with the money he's making. My problem is with the USD 489 vehicle they're supplying him with for personal use and the cell phone he's already been issued. Once his teaching salary is added to his supplements, it will be a pretty good situation
(Posted by: HHS supporter)
Salary: 1/22/2009
To the person who commented about teachers who are too lazy to teach: I would love to invite you into any USD 489 school to see the teaching that is going on! Schools don't make AYP by having lazy teachers!!!
(Posted by: )
article: 1/22/2009
How stupid and vindictive is it for the author of this article to put the salary out there. The Hays paper has been pissed at Coach C for years and is carrying that hate on. Who cares on the pay except the teachers who are too lazy to take the time and coach as well as teach. Coach C will make Hays a winner which is probably more than they deserve.
(Posted by: salary)
HHS is Lucky!: 1/22/2009
I've witnessed what happens when a successful coach builds pride in the program and holds his kids to a higher level as a person, student, and athlete. Trust me, HHS is the BIG winner in this whole deal! This attitude will rub off on the rest of the student body and HHS will be held in high regard around the state! Bringing this attitude to a school is worth double or even triple of what Coach is getting paid! Trust me!!
(Posted by: HHS supporter)
Salary: 1/22/2009
First of all, I don't have a problem with a Coach receiving that type of money. My issue is that a lot of people on this comment section makes statements like..becuase he coaches football and track the amount is warranted. My husband is a Math teacher and he brings home work daily, but he isn't compensated for that. He takes students to math bowls and he isn't paid for that. But if a coach watches film after school hours he should be paid thousands more? Give me a break and get real!
(Posted by: Tracy)
: 1/22/2009
This is exactly what HHS needs. Hays has always had great athletes and great student, but never produce state championships. Coach Cornelsen will bring a hard nosed style of football that Hays High and the WAC need. Parents can talk all they want about paying him to much, but the fact is winning breeds success not only in athletics, but education as well. A motivated football player, basketball player, etc. will perform better in the classroom because of the values he will learn from the game as well as Coach Cornelsen. Coach Cornelsen will have a task in front of him, but he is the perfect fit for this program, school, and district. Also who is going to argue with him when he will make just as much as any of the administrators. Best of luck and bring a little pride back into Hays High School and the football program!
(Posted by: )
Good pick: 1/21/2009
I have had the opportunity to know Coach Cornelsen. This article is very factual in what he brings to the table as far as a coach and a leader on and off the field. If Hays didn't hire him, he would have found other school districts that may have paid him even more. I believe he is also coaching track and field which warrants the higher pay. Good luck Coach!
(Posted by: )
Salary: 1/21/2009
You have got to be kidding me. The job was posted at a max salary of $55,380 according to the posting on the kansas educational employment board.He's not a college coach, nor does he even hold any state titles! Maybe teacher salaries should play a little higher priority at HHS instead of football! Lets see if this lasts longer than three years! I wouldn't count on it!
(Posted by: former fan)
parents: 1/21/2009
the big problem at HHS is that parents don't allow their kids to get pushed. They gripe if a coach pushes their kids too hard. I give this 3 years. HHS has run off a lot of coaches
(Posted by: parent)
salary: 1/21/2009
As any educator or administrator knows you have to spend money to make money. A successful football program gets students, the faculty and staff and the community excited about the program, that in turn flows over to other school sports and activities...this all benefits the school, the students and the community, you will find that this will be money well spent, pride in the athletic teams also flows into the classroom as well. Ask the people of LaCrosse what a good program can do for a community...remember athletes have to perform in the classroom first or they can't participate in sports, I think HHS got a good buy on this deal. Good Luck Indians and Congratulations Coach Cornelsen.
(Posted by: New Indian Fan)
priorities?: 1/21/2009
We don't have a problem funding football in Kansas, just education. This is ridiculous. Teachers in special ed, physics/chemistry and foreign languages are a lot tougher to find than football coaches - witness Albers' statement that 30 applications were received for this position - yet they're lucky to make half that amount. Maybe it's time for us to take our kids and our property taxes out of this school district.
(Posted by: )
Salary: 1/21/2009
Call any other 5A school and see what they are paying their football and basketball coaches. And what about the countless hours outside the classroom watching film, practicing & going on the road to play.
(Posted by: eduator 2)
Salary: 1/21/2009
Are you kidding me!!! A weight lifting teacher/coach- $72,000. It's ironic that a USD 489 board member has to be present at a hiring of a coach but does not have to be present at the hiring of a teacher. What about the teachers that spend countless hours outside of their classrooms, grading and preparing? And only makes an average $35,000. I can definitely see where our school's priorities are! I sure hope for the success of the Hays High football program!
(Posted by: Educator)
COMMENT ON THIS STORY
All comments are subject to approval before being posted. Please keep comments constructive and relevant. Opinions certainly can be expressed, but comments that are rude, abusive, slanderous, threatening, sexually oriented, contain profanity or are vulgar will not be tolerated. Comments will not be edited. Any comment that violates the above-listed rules will be deleted.
