So what do you have to do if your head coach Ron Kidd? Already one of the most successful coaches of this decade to go along with one state title
entering this season. Yet still the sometimes hard-headed Beckley fans for some reason weren't please.
Now the answer to that first question? Well all Kidd did was go out and win another state title with a whole state full of critics and obstacles riding against him. Keep in mind this is only Ron's 8th season as the head coach and he
already has won two state championships. We all know of the legendary coaches Dave Barksdale, Jerome Vanmeter, and Preach Wiseman, but never has a Woodrow team faced the adversity they went through
this season.
Coach Kidd had a life altering moment before the season even started when he was diagnosed with cancer and had to sit out the majority of the season. Thankfully he recovered, but wouldn't you know as soon as he gets back
he is slapped with adversity once again when two starters, who happened to be major contributors, were dismissed becuase of grades. Then we witnessed Beckley barely squeak out another sectional title against Riverside before almost
being dealt a fatal blow against Greenbrier East in the regional title game over a uniform misunderstanding.
You woulda thought it couldn't get any worse than that, but then Beckley and coach Ron Kidd received the #6 seed going into the state tournament which meant, barring an upset, they would
be facing murderer's row of #1, #2, #3, on their way to a title. Kidd, who had successfully battled one of the nation's most deadly diseases, accepted the challenge and lead his troops to maybe
the best title out of all 16.
Back to that question, ask yourself Beckley fans: "Why don't more of us support this guy?". I for one have no answer to that. The crowds at the Armory and the state tournament were downright embarrassing
to say the least. It does an injustice to this coaching staff and the kids. They deserve better. With a strong nucleus back for next year, Beckley should once again be one of the favorites
to win another state title. Don't be suprised though if those same critics come out once again because some people just can't be satisfied. In my book, Ron Kidd is a winner both
on and off the court and I don't think we have seen the last of the state titles under Ron Kidd.
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