Comments

• On the Blog Post Friends of Reading Recreation (FORR) 5K Road Race - Thur July 19th

  

  Pete Coumounduros

  8:43 am on Friday, July 13, 2012

  6th Annual FORR 5K (on Thursday July 19th) registration is ongoing. You can sign up online at www.FORR01867.org and click on the 5K link.

  Reply

• On the article RMHS Athletic Director Leaving in June

  

  Pete Coumounduros

  7:48 am on Thursday, April 5, 2012

  This is a classic case of the rule of thirds. NO MATTER what you do, how you do it, or what the results, 1/3 will love it, 1/3 will hate it, and 1/3 won't care either way.

  From a distance, the AD job is one that is both thankless and without compliments 98% of the time. We have alot of GOOD things to be thankful for, and alot of that is done behind the scenes by the AD, seemless to the outsider. Now, whethter you like or dislike his approach is completely subjective, and shouldn't be a commentary on one's performance.

  Like most, we have certain ways we do our jobs. We perform without the scrutiny of having our work lives commented on by public blogs. As with any job opening, you look at what is right for that position/company at the time of filling it. You can't judge the current person hired at a point in the past for what was right at that time and held to the standard of what we are looking for in the next candidate. I'm sure most people came into their current jobs bringing something different to the table from their predecessor. That's life and its a natural cycle. And, for the record, you don't need someone with AD experience. If someone is organized, can communicate well, build a team, and has an instinct for branding -- isn't that really what we're looking for ?

  I say thank you to Phil for his service, best wishes, and his guidance to his successor during any transition.

  Pete Coumounuduros

• On the article Open Letter From Former Reading High Girls Soccer Coach Mike Sheedy

  

  Pete Coumounduros

  5:41 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012

  At the end of the day, Mike has given his all to not only the HS team, RUSC, but also to the community. I have only witnessed him making inclusion of players of all abilities his top priority. And, most of all, making it FUN for the kids. Thanks Mike.

  Reply

• On the article Sheedy Will Not Return as Girls Soccer Coach

  

  Pete Coumounduros

  9:28 am on Saturday, January 14, 2012

  *** CONTINUED FROM ABOVE POSTING **
  As most people may or may not know, Mike (as president of RUSC) spends a tremendous amount of time volunteering year round giving kids the opportunity to play soccer from a young age, and parents the opportunity to be part of the coaching experience (and part of their kids’ lives). In this age of electronics, this is an opportunity that Mike has fostered to allow kids & parents the chance to interact while developing not only soccer skills, but life skills. Think about this too – how many of your friends (both kids & parents) do you have as a result of being part of the soccer program? Its that opportunity that has had a hand in that.

  While I never had Mike as a coach, he has made a positive impact on my life from any early age. Isn’t that what we want from a coach? Thanks Mike!

  Reply

• On the article Sheedy Will Not Return as Girls Soccer Coach

  

  

  Pete Coumounduros

  9:27 am on Saturday, January 14, 2012

  Let me add a broader perspective to this issue. Its not all about winning – its about character, setting a positive example, and being a role model. I have known Mike Sheedy for over 30 years - both as a student (he was my middle school student council advisor) and as a volunteer with Reading United Soccer Club.

  In both situations, Mike has always demonstrated a high regard for doing things for the greater good and providing an opportunity to pursue one’s interest. In middle school, he guided and influenced me on volunteering, giving back, finding a passion, and doing something of interest with enthusiasm. As a new volunteer to RUSC almost 9 years ago, I came to Mike to start a program for 4 years olds to just get out and play soccer. Mike was not only encouraging and supportive of the idea, but helped myself and others fulfill our interest to have parents and kids playing soccer. In this case, Mike helped us fine field space and allowed us to build and run that program. The result is the Micro Soccer Program giving 400 kids per season (ages 4-8) the opportunity to get out, play, and learn from an early age the life skills being part of a team.