Les Smith Heading Home

[CajunProud]

_ Dad04, he is a good kid and I don't dislike his father. But there are some fathers that live their lives through their children. People shouldn't blame a coach in these matters, because he can only do so much in trying to keep an athlete in the program while outside forces are pulling him in another direction. In this particular case, there is nothing Rob could or can do to keep him in the program if he has made a decision to leave this program. Things happen do happen, but I don't agree that all things fall at the feet of the coaching staff. Do you? _

I agree with you, but winning sure would help.

[CajunT]

_ I agree with you, but winning sure would help. _

I'm in 100% agreement!

[Dad2]

_ Dad04, he is a good kid and I don't dislike his father. But there are some fathers that live their lives through their children. People shouldn't blame a coach in these matters, because he can only do so much in trying to keep an athlete in the program while outside forces are pulling him in another direction. In this particular case, there is nothing Rob could or can do to keep him in the program if he has made a decision to leave this program. Things happen do, but I don't agree that all things fall at the feet of the coaching staff. Do you? _

He is going to D-2 in Tenn. i know that for a fact, I talk to someone in Tenn that knows him very well and it's a done deal.

[Dad04]

_ Things happen do, but I don't agree that all things fall at the feet of the coaching staff. Do you? _

Of course I don't. He is dealing with 35 guys 18-23 years old, which probably seems like herding cats sometimes. Kids are going to come and go. He does a good job keeping them going in one direction.

I know that the decision to attend school far from home is one an entire family considers carefully for awhile. It is a decision not easily reached. I doubt a player could be talked into reversing the decision unless he strongly felt the need for a change, for whatever reason.

[Cajunsmike]

_ Of course I don't. He is dealing with 35 guys 18-23 years old, which probably seems like herding cats sometimes. Kids are going to come and go. He does a good job keeping them going in one direction.

I know that the decision to attend school far from home is one an entire family considers carefully for awhile. It is a decision not easily reached. I doubt a player could be talked into reversing the decision unless he strongly felt the need for a change, for whatever reason. _

I just asked Coach Robe about the Les Smith situation on the Mr. Bitter radio show. Answer was that he was not been contacted by the Smith family as of yet regarding the decision on Les's future. If he does leave, it will be simply to play closer to home. When exit interviews were conducted, they agreed the Smith family would take about a week to make the decision. He expects to hear something from them in the next couple of days.

Now it could be that the decision was made yesterday and they just have not made the phone call yet. Bottom line is he had not heard the official word as of yet. You would think he would be the first to know.

[Just1More]

Now it could be that the decision was made yesterday and they just have not made the phone call yet. Bottom line is he had not heard the official word as of yet. You would think he would be the first to know. _

Back in the day... my "next" girlfriend usually knew what I was getting ready to do before my "old" girlfriend did. I wasn't proud of it... but I always liked knowing another lilly pad was at the end of my flight before I launched from the one I was sitting on.

Seriously, how does anyone really know what goes on in the mind of another? I wish Les all the luck in the world. The decision may not be from one specific item mentioned in this thread... but a combination of all of them.

The only comment that matters is if we have young men leaving (physically or mentally) because of something in the program itself. For all of those that think Robe needs some "new motivation"... who knows... he may take these as new challenges that get his challenge blood fired up. It may even get the attention of some emerging team leaders and spark a difference next year. I liked the way Les played ball, but if he was swimming in doubt about his choice to be here, there is no way he was going to come out as a leader for us in the next couple of years.

[CajunT]

_ He is going to D-2 in Tenn. i know that for a fact, I talk to someone in Tenn that knows him very well and it's a done deal. _

Well, if that's his final decision then I wish well. I've enjoyed watching him play and my experience with him has been positive. He is a good kid.

[CajunT]

_ Of course I don't. He is dealing with 35 guys 18-23 years old, which probably seems like herding cats sometimes. Kids are going to come and go. He does a good job keeping them going in one direction.

I know that the decision to attend school far from home is one an entire family considers carefully for awhile. It is a decision not easily reached. I doubt a player could be talked into reversing the decision unless he strongly felt the need for a change, for whatever reason. _

Agreed. He has had doubts, but parents are major influences both good and bad. There is no doubt his father is a major influence in his life. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, just wasn't good for the UL baseball program. I wish him the best of luck.

[Cajunsmike]

_ Agreed. He has had doubts, but parents are major influences both good and bad. There is no doubt his father is a major influence in his life. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, just wasn't good for the UL baseball program. I wish him the best of luck. _

Coach Robe said Les's father watched every game this year except the series at East Carolina. That is a lot of driving. Add this to a family situation in which one of Les's grandparents died at Christmas and the spouse is struggling to deal with it. Les's dad probably wants to still be able to watch his son play and still be close to his parent.

[cajunbaseball1]

_ Coach Robe said Les's father watched every game this year except the series at East Carolina. That is a lot of driving. Add this to a family situation in which one of Les's grandparents died at Christmas and the spouse is struggling to deal with it. Les's dad probably wants to still be able to watch his son play and still be close to his parent. _

Agreed...at the end of the day everyone should and has every right to do what is best for their family...no matter what someone on a message board may say about them.

[CajunT]

_ Agreed...at the end of the day everyone should and has every right to do what is best for their family...no matter what someone on a message board may say about them. _

Agreed! And they should also be able to do this without trashing the head coach...no matter what someone on a message board may say about him.

[NOCajun]

I wish Les and his family all the best. He will be sorely missed.