Randy Rahe: an outsider's respect

[silvermaroon]

Weber State fans: I'm an outsider, a Montana Griz fan. Love everything about Montana. That naturally makes me a rival of sorts. There will be no trash talk from me; though I love it when the Griz beat the Wildcats, I have a loooonnngg respect for WSU (partly because I'm old and have a good memory about the battles the two teams have fought).

I occasionally visit this site because I love mid major hoops and find the threads herein interesting.

I have one observation, prior to the WSU vs. North Dakota championship game tonight, that I wish to "put on the table." for you folks.

Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, is one of the best coaches in America. Period. That he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU merely multiplies things.

I've read the "Fire Randy Rahe" threads and comments over the past few years. The specifics of what I think don't matter. But I DO believe the existence of those threads is a disservice to your outstanding coach and staff. SO... I thought I'd post this as a kind of statement of admiration and respect to a man who's an outstanding coach, a fair coach and -- above all -- a true mentor-teacher of his players (which can be proven by what he says about his players, win or lose).

Can't say that I'm rooting for the Wildcats tonight. Nor that I'm rooting for NDak. I still feel a bit gloomy that my Griz came so close. But I will be watching, because I expect it to be a great game. Regards.

 

[n.ogdencat]

Weber State fans: I'm an outsider, a Montana Griz fan. Love everything about Montana. That naturally makes me a rival of sorts. There will be no trash talk from me; though I love it when the Griz beat the Wildcats, I have a loooonnngg respect for WSU (partly because I'm old and have a good memory about the battles the two teams have fought).

I occasionally visit this site because I love mid major hoops and find the threads herein interesting.

I have one observation, prior to the WSU vs. North Dakota championship game tonight, that I wish to "put on the table." for you folks.

Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, is one of the best coaches in America. Period. That he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU merely multiplies things.

I've read the "Fire Randy Rahe" threads and comments over the past few years. The specifics of what I think don't matter. But I DO believe the existence of those threads is a disservice to your outstanding coach and staff. SO... I thought I'd post this as a kind of statement of admiration and respect to a man who's an outstanding coach, a fair coach and -- above all -- a true mentor-teacher of his players (which can be proven by what he says about his players, win or lose).

Can't say that I'm rooting for the Wildcats tonight. Nor that I'm rooting for NDak. I still feel a bit gloomy that my Griz came so close. But I will be watching, because I expect it to be a great game. Regards.

:thumb:

Excellent post!! I have to admit that I tend to make asine statements after bad losses or a string of defeats but at the end of the day, I'm grateful Coach is in Ogden. He's accomplished so much and continues to impress. After every season I wonder whether or not he will be back the next year. We are fortunate.

 

[Longtimcat]

Weber State fans: I'm an outsider, a Montana Griz fan. Love everything about Montana. That naturally makes me a rival of sorts. There will be no trash talk from me; though I love it when the Griz beat the Wildcats, I have a loooonnngg respect for WSU (partly because I'm old and have a good memory about the battles the two teams have fought).

I occasionally visit this site because I love mid major hoops and find the threads herein interesting.

I have one observation, prior to the WSU vs. North Dakota championship game tonight, that I wish to "put on the table." for you folks.

Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, is one of the best coaches in America. Period. That he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU merely multiplies things.

I've read the "Fire Randy Rahe" threads and comments over the past few years. The specifics of what I think don't matter. But I DO believe the existence of those threads is a disservice to your outstanding coach and staff. SO... I thought I'd post this as a kind of statement of admiration and respect to a man who's an outstanding coach, a fair coach and -- above all -- a true mentor-teacher of his players (which can be proven by what he says about his players, win or lose).

Can't say that I'm rooting for the Wildcats tonight. Nor that I'm rooting for NDak. I still feel a bit gloomy that my Griz came so close. But I will be watching, because I expect it to be a great game. Regards.

Thank you for sharing your opinion on Rahe, I've been a pretty staunch supporter of him and agree with you 100% on all except what school I support of course. :thumb:

 

[SWeberCat02]

Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, is one of the best coaches in America. Period. That he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU merely multiplies things.

:roll: The very fact that "he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU" is proof that he's NOT "one of the best coaches in America." Randy's a great guy but an average coach at best (I've basically heard Randy say as much himself) and an average recruiter. To say that he's one of the best in the country is just ridiculous. If you're satisfied with having a great guy run a clean program that wins a bad conference once every 2 or 3 years, then that's just fine. But to say that he's anything but an average basketball coach just isn't true.

 

[Wildcat_Fan]

Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, is one of the best coaches in America. Period. That he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU merely multiplies things.

:roll: The very fact that "he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU" is proof that he's NOT "one of the best coaches in America." Randy's a great guy but an average coach at best (I've basically heard Randy say as much himself) and an average recruiter. To say that he's one of the best in the country is just ridiculous. If you're satisfied with having a great guy run a clean program that wins a bad conference once every 2 or 3 years, then that's just fine. But to say that he's anything but an average basketball coach just isn't true.

I agree with this statement minus him being an average recruiter. I would say Rahe is above avgerage as he has pulled some fantastic players. We dont have ro rebuild, we just reload.
With the coaching statement, if he was that good he would be gone. No question. Look at Tinkle. Constantly outcoached Rahe. Now in the Pac12. Not saying OSU is doing incredibly well but he was given a paycheck and a chance to coach in the bigs.
I like Rahe dont get me wrong. But seeing the same flaws year end and year out is enought to make you pull your hair out.
Should he be fired? No. He does win games BUT beating the big sky is like beating your younger brother. No one else cares until you step outside your neighborhood and beat someone else to make a name for yourself.

 

[WILDCAT]

Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, is one of the best coaches in America. Period. That he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU merely multiplies things.

:roll: The very fact that "he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU" is proof that he's NOT "one of the best coaches in America." Randy's a great guy but an average coach at best (I've basically heard Randy say as much himself) and an average recruiter. To say that he's one of the best in the country is just ridiculous. If you're satisfied with having a great guy run a clean program that wins a bad conference once every 2 or 3 years, then that's just fine. But to say that he's anything but an average basketball coach just isn't true.

I agree with this statement minus him being an average recruiter. I would say Rahe is above avgerage as he has pulled some fantastic players. We dont have ro rebuild, we just reload.
With the coaching statement, if he was that good he would be gone. No question. Look at Tinkle. Constantly outcoached Rahe. Now in the Pac12. Not saying OSU is doing incredibly well but he was given a paycheck and a chance to coach in the bigs.
I like Rahe dont get me wrong. But seeing the same flaws year end and year out is enought to make you pull your hair out.
Should he be fired? No. He does win games BUT beating the big sky is like beating your younger brother. No one else cares until you step outside your neighborhood and beat someone else to make a name for yourself.

Randy has been approached from a bigger school and more money every year since his first year when he won the Big Sky title. The only ones who don't think Rahe is a good coach is the small minority of fans who roam this message board. Other fans from other Big Sky schools wish he could be their coach, heck even a bunch of Utah State fans wish they could have him. Randy once said that Stew Morrill told him to take a job that makes you happy, not for money and that is what Rahe has done. Speaking of Stew Morrill,You should ask USU fans how much they are enjoying life after Stew Morrill. Could be looking at what it might be like here without Rahe.

Everyone has their own opinion and they are entitled to them. But some people have too high an expectation on this forum for what Weber State basketball should be.

 

[Longtimcat]

Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, is one of the best coaches in America. Period. That he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU merely multiplies things.

:roll: The very fact that "he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU" is proof that he's NOT "one of the best coaches in America." Randy's a great guy but an average coach at best (I've basically heard Randy say as much himself) and an average recruiter. To say that he's one of the best in the country is just ridiculous. If you're satisfied with having a great guy run a clean program that wins a bad conference once every 2 or 3 years, then that's just fine. But to say that he's anything but an average basketball coach just isn't true.

I agree with this statement minus him being an average recruiter. I would say Rahe is above avgerage as he has pulled some fantastic players. We dont have ro rebuild, we just reload.
With the coaching statement, if he was that good he would be gone. No question. Look at Tinkle. Constantly outcoached Rahe. Now in the Pac12. Not saying OSU is doing incredibly well but he was given a paycheck and a chance to coach in the bigs.
I like Rahe dont get me wrong. But seeing the same flaws year end and year out is enought to make you pull your hair out.
Should he be fired? No. He does win games BUT beating the big sky is like beating your younger brother. No one else cares until you step outside your neighborhood and beat someone else to make a name for yourself.

Randy has been approached from a bigger school and more money every year since his first year when he won the Big Sky title. The only ones who don't think Rahe is a good coach is the small minority of fans who roam this message board. Other fans from other Big Sky schools wish he could be their coach, heck even a bunch of Utah State fans wish they could have him. Randy once said that Stew Morrill told him to take a job that makes you happy, not for money and that is what Rahe has done. Speaking of Stew Morrill,You should ask USU fans how much they are enjoying life after Stew Morrill. Could be looking at what it might be like here without Rahe.

Everyone has their own opinion and they are entitled to them. But some people have too high an expectation on this forum for what Weber State basketball should be.

Also there are a few that is obsessed with the amount of money Rahe is getting paid compared to other coaches. If Weber is willing to pay it then that's up to them. Also ask the players what they think of their coach, because really it's all about them not us. A team of classy kids who try to do the best they can and do and a coach that mentors a bunch of young men from all parts of the country to come together to work together and trust each other and he does the best he can . On a side note RAndy finding Harding and getting him to come here deserves some major cudos.

 

[AlumniWSU]

Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, is one of the best coaches in America. Period. That he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU merely multiplies things.

:roll: The very fact that "he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU" is proof that he's NOT "one of the best coaches in America." Randy's a great guy but an average coach at best (I've basically heard Randy say as much himself) and an average recruiter. To say that he's one of the best in the country is just ridiculous. If you're satisfied with having a great guy run a clean program that wins a bad conference once every 2 or 3 years, then that's just fine. But to say that he's anything but an average basketball coach just isn't true.

I agree with this statement minus him being an average recruiter. I would say Rahe is above avgerage as he has pulled some fantastic players. We dont have ro rebuild, we just reload.
With the coaching statement, if he was that good he would be gone. No question. Look at Tinkle. Constantly outcoached Rahe. Now in the Pac12. Not saying OSU is doing incredibly well but he was given a paycheck and a chance to coach in the bigs.
I like Rahe dont get me wrong. But seeing the same flaws year end and year out is enought to make you pull your hair out.
Should he be fired? No. He does win games BUT beating the big sky is like beating your younger brother. No one else cares until you step outside your neighborhood and beat someone else to make a name for yourself.

Randy has been approached from a bigger school and more money every year since his first year when he won the Big Sky title. The only ones who don't think Rahe is a good coach is the small minority of fans who roam this message board. Other fans from other Big Sky schools wish he could be their coach, heck even a bunch of Utah State fans wish they could have him. Randy once said that Stew Morrill told him to take a job that makes you happy, not for money and that is what Rahe has done. Speaking of Stew Morrill,You should ask USU fans how much they are enjoying life after Stew Morrill. Could be looking at what it might be like here without Rahe.

Everyone has their own opinion and they are entitled to them. But some people have too high an expectation on this forum for what Weber State basketball should be.

Also there are a few that is obsessed with the amount of money Rahe is getting paid compared to other coaches. If Weber is willing to pay it then that's up to them. Also ask the players what they think of their coach, because really it's all about them not us. A team of classy kids who try to do the best they can and do and a coach that mentors a bunch of young men from all parts of the country to come together to work together and trust each other and he does the best he can . On a side note RAndy finding Harding and getting him to come here deserves some major cudos.

Just throwing in my opinion, so don't take it as a rant on Rahe, or a crazy bar-is-too-high foolish fan expectation; expect Coach Rahe to be at Weber St. for the duration of his desires to be, so for good & for bad, I'll accept that...it's OK!!

Really like what SWeberCat02 states, most always agree, he put's the points forward clearly. And Wildcat_Fan statement (highlighted) - :clap: I would really be interested in Wildcat's apparent inside info that Rahe has been approached from a bigger school and more money every year...really? Hard to believe that when his OOC record against high majors is what it is. Regarding USU fans wishing they had Rahe & missing Morrill...I've heard some "covering USU" sportsnews guys state during Morrill's last year there that he was wise in deciding to retire when he did...even Stew admitted that it was time to quit before he heard "BOO" instead of "Stew" when announced. Aggies current coach Duryea(?) is also mentored by Morrill as is Rahe. With the 2 yrs under him, one could wonder if the Aggie wolves are building at the door to call for his ouster? Morrill also is a great guy whose good coaching style is displayed by both HCs now, but there's also the disappointments to expectations on him sticking with both as to their team's results with outside competition.

Yes, Longtimcat, you make a great point that Rahe is loyal to his fine young players & they to him and that's a high quality in a coach. Rahe is a better than average recruiter and good coach. He does have some weaknesses that strategy has cost the Wildcats some losses, but far more wins have come from his strengths, especially in a low-major conference like the BSC.

AD Bovee's desires to make Weber State's basketball program in the image of a Gonzaga program will not happen under Coach Rahe. I can confidently say that a good portion of us Wildcat fans think that's simply dreaming in a wishful way; we don't expect it & will not bet on it! Just saying, & I think you that are full of optimism & praise really admit the same...you're satisfied as is? Fine.

I will go on with cheering Wildcat wins & saying nice things about Coach Rahe when he deserves it, but will also criticize his weaknesses (that he even admits to) pointing out some flaws I see, my opinion. I really do not think it's a disservice nor disgrace to do such on a fan forum & really highly doubt that Rahe or Bovee or whoever VIP read the posts that much...if they do some I'm pretty sure they deal with it, have the thick skin required for their jobs, and treat it as the normal :blah: .

 

[hawkssb04]

Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, is one of the best coaches in America. Period. That he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU merely multiplies things.

:roll: The very fact that "he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU" is proof that he's NOT "one of the best coaches in America." Randy's a great guy but an average coach at best (I've basically heard Randy say as much himself) and an average recruiter. To say that he's one of the best in the country is just ridiculous. If you're satisfied with having a great guy run a clean program that wins a bad conference once every 2 or 3 years, then that's just fine. But to say that he's anything but an average basketball coach just isn't true.

I agree with this statement minus him being an average recruiter. I would say Rahe is above avgerage as he has pulled some fantastic players. We dont have ro rebuild, we just reload.
With the coaching statement, if he was that good he would be gone. No question. Look at Tinkle. Constantly outcoached Rahe. Now in the Pac12. Not saying OSU is doing incredibly well but he was given a paycheck and a chance to coach in the bigs.
I like Rahe dont get me wrong. But seeing the same flaws year end and year out is enought to make you pull your hair out.
Should he be fired? No. He does win games BUT beating the big sky is like beating your younger brother. No one else cares until you step outside your neighborhood and beat someone else to make a name for yourself.

You should ask USU fans how much they are enjoying life after Stew Morrill. Could be looking at what it might be like here without Rahe.

This. So much this. :clap:

 

[SWeberCat02]

Weber State coach, Randy Rahe, is one of the best coaches in America. Period. That he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU merely multiplies things.

:roll: The very fact that "he's been this long at a mid-major school like WSU" is proof that he's NOT "one of the best coaches in America." Randy's a great guy but an average coach at best (I've basically heard Randy say as much himself) and an average recruiter. To say that he's one of the best in the country is just ridiculous. If you're satisfied with having a great guy run a clean program that wins a bad conference once every 2 or 3 years, then that's just fine. But to say that he's anything but an average basketball coach just isn't true.

I agree with this statement minus him being an average recruiter. I would say Rahe is above avgerage as he has pulled some fantastic players. We dont have ro rebuild, we just reload.
With the coaching statement, if he was that good he would be gone. No question. Look at Tinkle. Constantly outcoached Rahe. Now in the Pac12. Not saying OSU is doing incredibly well but he was given a paycheck and a chance to coach in the bigs.
I like Rahe dont get me wrong. But seeing the same flaws year end and year out is enought to make you pull your hair out.
Should he be fired? No. He does win games BUT beating the big sky is like beating your younger brother. No one else cares until you step outside your neighborhood and beat someone else to make a name for yourself.

You should ask USU fans how much they are enjoying life after Stew Morrill. Could be looking at what it might be like here without Rahe.

This. So much this. :clap:

And who's to say that it just as easily couldn't get better without him here? The USU argument doesn't convince me of anything. It's basically the same coach coaching the same Stew Morrill system. If anything, it only shows that Morrill's way of coaching doesn't work anymore. That was a bad hire simply because it didn't really change anything. Conversely I could give you the example of Utah football. Mac had been successful but had reached his ceiling. Utah fires him and Utah football becomes much, much better, paving the way into the PAC-12. It's pretty clear to me that Rahe has reached his ceiling. Some might be happy with that ceiling, some might want more. And there's nothing wrong or unrealistic to think that way.

 

[WeberSki]

Morrill & Rahe in 40 years of combined Head Coaching have 1 NCAA tourney win. The Flashcard duo certainly know how to create a mirage of success to line their pockets. The crazy thing is I actually like Rahe and would love to have him be wildly successful here. I do think he runs a clean program and is an above average recruiter. He's hit some out of the park, & whiffed equally as much though.

 

[baller]

If one never expects Weber to perform at a higher level in their basketball program then they never will. I applaud the minority here that want more and have a hard time understanding those who apparently are happy with a fairly low ceiling. Why would anyone believe that Weber cannot go higher? We get what we dream about, believe in and work to make happen...

 

[Longtimcat]

If one never expects Weber to perform at a higher level in their basketball program then they never will. I applaud the minority here that want more and have a hard time understanding those who apparently are happy with a fairly low ceiling. Why would anyone believe that Weber cannot go higher? We get what we dream about, believe in and work to make happen...

Nobody here has said we don't want better baller, it's just some of us are not as critical of Rahe and the players as others are here. Some going as far as calling for him being fired ,including you if I remember. If you guys reserve the right to criticize then don't brgrudge others of their opinions either.

 

[WILDCAT]

If one never expects Weber to perform at a higher level in their basketball program then they never will. I applaud the minority here that want more and have a hard time understanding those who apparently are happy with a fairly low ceiling. Why would anyone believe that Weber cannot go higher? We get what we dream about, believe in and work to make happen...

Nobody here has said we don't want better baller, it's just some of us are not as critical of Rahe and the players as others are here. Some going as far as calling for him being fired ,including you if I remember. If you guys reserve the right to criticize then don't brgrudge others of their opinions either.

:+1:

 

[ajwildcat]

This is from a KSL story: Randy Rahe’s squad has advanced to the postseason 10 times in the past 11 seasons.
Honestly as a Wildcat fan, what more could I really ask for? They run a clean program, win the vast majority of their games, kids graduate, have players every year go on to play pro ball (whether in the NBA or Europe)
I am damn proud to be a Wildcat fan AND a Randy Rahe fan win or lose. :twocents:

 

[Webergrad02]

Randy has been approached from a bigger school and more money every year since his first year when he won the Big Sky title. The only ones who don't think Rahe is a good coach is the small minority of fans who roam this message board. Other fans from other Big Sky schools wish he could be their coach, heck even a bunch of Utah State fans wish they could have him. Randy once said that Stew Morrill told him to take a job that makes you happy, not for money and that is what Rahe has done. Speaking of Stew Morrill,You should ask USU fans how much they are enjoying life after Stew Morrill. Could be looking at what it might be like here without Rahe.

Everyone has their own opinion and they are entitled to them. But some people have too high an expectation on this forum for what Weber State basketball should be.

I don't think that this statement is true. I don't know of a legitimate offer that coach has received for 3 or 4 years. There was a time when he was getting offers and we did face one off-season with the very real possibility of Randy coaching in the Mountain West (Hence the big raise and bonus from privately sourced funds). Randy makes just over 3% of our total athletic budget. Most mid majors are around 1% of total budget for their Mens head coach.

 

[n.ogdencat]

Randy did apply for jobs at Wyoming, Boise State, and Colorado State while our head coach. In each instance he was a finalist, but didn't get the job. He has been involved in other coaching searches (New Mexico and others have come to him). He was offered the job at Portland after last season for a substantial raise, but turned it down (I don't blame him for that either...tough gig). He has been interviewed for a number of other coaching positions, USU being one, but decided the job wasn't for him. I have a lot of USU connections and a number of good friends who post on their forum, none want Randy. They love Randy and recognize what he did for their school (JC Carroll was Randy's guy), but they all want something different from the Stew System. They were all hoping for a brand new coach with a new philosophy. But, who would want to follow a legend? Tough job to fill after Stew. Randy didn't want that pressure and so, even if USU offered him the job, he probably wouldn't have taken it. Talking USU, I'm thinking we might see TD released from his coaching duties at USU by the end of the week.

 

[ajwildcat]

Randy has been approached from a bigger school and more money every year since his first year when he won the Big Sky title. The only ones who don't think Rahe is a good coach is the small minority of fans who roam this message board. Other fans from other Big Sky schools wish he could be their coach, heck even a bunch of Utah State fans wish they could have him. Randy once said that Stew Morrill told him to take a job that makes you happy, not for money and that is what Rahe has done. Speaking of Stew Morrill,You should ask USU fans how much they are enjoying life after Stew Morrill. Could be looking at what it might be like here without Rahe.

Everyone has their own opinion and they are entitled to them. But some people have too high an expectation on this forum for what Weber State basketball should be.

I don't think that this statement is true. I don't know of a legitimate offer that coach has received for 3 or 4 years. There was a time when he was getting offers and we did face one off-season with the very real possibility of Randy coaching in the Mountain West (Hence the big raise and bonus from privately sourced funds). Randy makes just over 3% of our total athletic budget. Most mid majors are around 1% of total budget for their Mens head coach.

He had an offer from the Portland Pilots of the WCC this past off season making significantly more than what he does at Weber. :thumb:
He turned them down and Portland hired former NBA player Terry Porter instead. :twocents:

 

[SWWeatherCat]

Randy did apply for jobs at Wyoming, Boise State, and Colorado State while our head coach. In each instance he was a finalist, but didn't get the job. He has been involved in other coaching searches (New Mexico and others have come to him). He was offered the job at Portland after last season for a substantial raise, but turned it down (I don't blame him for that either...tough gig). He has been interviewed for a number of other coaching positions, USU being one, but decided the job wasn't for him. I have a lot of USU connections and a number of good friends who post on their forum, none want Randy. They love Randy and recognize what he did for their school (JC Carroll was Randy's guy), but they all want something different from the Stew System. They were all hoping for a brand new coach with a new philosophy. But, who would want to follow a legend? Tough job to fill after Stew. Randy didn't want that pressure and so, even if USU offered him the job, he probably wouldn't have taken it. Talking USU, I'm thinking we might see TD released from his coaching duties at USU by the end of the week.

I am outnumbered 20-1 at work with USU die-hard fans/boosters (right here in O-Town) and what you're stating matches exactly what I've heard from them. They respect Rahe for his time with Stew but have little interest in keeping tabs on him and zero interest in him as their coach.

 

[SWWeatherCat]

Morrill & Rahe in 40 years of combined Head Coaching have 1 NCAA tourney win. The Flashcard duo certainly know how to create a mirage of success to line their pockets. The crazy thing is I actually like Rahe and would love to have him be wildly successful here. I do think he runs a clean program and is an above average recruiter. He's hit some out of the park, & whiffed equally as much though.

:+1:
I've never called for Rahe to be fired and it's in my best interest for him to be as successful as possible, but those who can't handle others opinions that point out his weaknesses or the fact that he is paid much more than he's worth need to get a grip. On the other hand, a coaching change could certainly be worse but it could also work out better too. Arguing the point is pretty much a waste of time since he isn't going anywhere anytime soon. However, that isn't going to stop fans from having and stating their opinions about his ability and worth.

IMO he's a great guy, above average recruiter (or quite lucky), good overall coach, below average in-game coach, runs a quality program, is sorely in need of better assistants, is paid too much, is not great at winning the big game, and shows little signs of being flexible or adaptable.