Subject: Le Grand High School Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Raul Alvarez    Must Step Up Effective Immediately

Although it seems that our Boys Varsity Basketball Program appears to be headed in the right direction, behind the scenes the team is very defeated in spirit and moral due to the behavior of the Head Coach, Raul Alvarez. There has been ongoing discussion relating to Raul Alvarez’ negligence of the boys basketball program for years, and we feel that it is time we take action. We are demanding that if Raul Alvarez wants to continue to be the Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach for Le Grand High School, he must fulfill his coaching responsibilities to the fullest. If he does not, we feel that it is in the best interest of the program that we find someone who is willing. 

We strongly feel that Raul Alvarez has peaked as a basketball coach, and that he has no short- term or long-term vision or simply any interest in building a solid basketball program. There are certain common sense necessities that are required to build a strong basketball program. He does not do any of them and seems content and satisfied with his results. We believe that Le Grand High School should thrive for not only for academic but also for athletic excellence.

Below are some examples of how our basketball program is being neglected.

1. Basketball Responsibilities:

 The ongoing discussion about Raul Alvarez neglecting the basketball program has been going on for years. These concerns have been addressed by many parents, current players and former players. We strongly feel that Raul has had enough time here at Le Grand High School to build a strong basketball program. As parents, we hoped that he would eventually commit himself only to basketball, but that has not been the case. It’s time for him to decide. It simply isn’t fair to our youth who are truly committed to Le Grand High School Basketball. Our youth deserve a basketball coach that is committed 100% to them. He is the “Head” Coach for Le Grand High School Boys Varsity Basketball and only an assistant coach on the Le Grand High School Varsity Football Team.

Currently under Raul Alvarez, he is not committed 100% to our youth playing basketball and to his own basketball program.

Action Plan: Raul Alvarez must fulfill all his basketball responsibilities before he can invest any time towards the football program.

Le Grand Union High School District

Attn: Donna Alley, Superintendent

May 31, 2012

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2. Summer Basketball:

Summer basketball is one of the most important aspects of having a successful basketball program. It is during the few months off in the summer in which players can develop their strength, sustain their conditioning, and stretch the aspects of their individual game. Involvement in AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) is a means for making this happen.

Currently under Raul Alvarez, there is no summer basketball.

Action Plan: Establish and maintain a solid youth and high school AAU program in Le Grand, CA. A minimum of 20 scheduled games is required, not counting practices.

3. Off-Season Weight-Lifting and Conditioning:

Both conditioning and strength training are invaluable to prepare each athlete for the coming basketball season. Simply put, offseason workouts are essential for competitive excellence.

Currently under Raul Alvarez, there is no off-season weightlifting or conditioning.

Action Plan: Initiate and maintain an off-season weight-lifting and conditioning program. Team must follow CIF guidelines and maximize offseason workouts when permitted.

4. Feeder Program:

The establishment of a solid feeder program is vital to the success of any high school program or individual player. Feeder programs provide players with an opportunity to learn basic basketball concepts, fundamentals, and skills while also developing a passion and love for the game. Without a solid foundation established from the second grade on, players will never be able to reach their potential at the high school level.

Currently under Raul Alvarez, there is no feeder program.

Action Plan: Head Coach should oversee lower level (JV, Freshman, 8th Grade & 7th Grade) basketball teams and create a transitional feeder program for the Le Grand High School Boys Varsity Basketball Program.

Le Grand Union High School District

Attn: Donna Alley, Superintendent

May 31, 2012

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5. Maximize a 27 Game Season:

For the past 7 seasons, Raul Alvarez has failed to maximize the 27 games allowed to play in a season. We do not understand the reasoning or logic for this not occurring. Here is past season’s history,

(05-06) Le Grand played 21 Games (Fewest in Southern League, Mariposa played 27)

(06-07) Le Grand played 23 Games (Fewest in Southern League, Mariposa played 27)

(07-08) Le Grand played 25 Games (Fewest in Southern League, Mariposa played 27)

(08-09) Le Grand played 23 Games (Mariposa played 27)

(09-10) Le Grand played 22 Games (Fewest in Southern League, Mariposa played 27)

(10-11) Le Grand played 26 Games (Mariposa played in 27)

(11-12) Le Grand played 21 Games (Fewest in Southern League, Mariposa played 27)

Currently under Raul Alvarez, Le Grand High School Boys Varsity Basketball plays an average of 23 games per season.

Action Plan: Le Grand High School Boys Varsity Basketball should play the maximum 27 games allowed per season.

6. Fundraising:

Currently under Raul Alvarez, fundraising is very minimal.

Action Plan: Raul Alvarez must fundraise in order to accomplish all things mentioned in this report.

7. Basketball Awards Banquet (10-11 & 11-12 Seasons)

Raul Alvarez held a player and coach only basketball banquet the past two seasons. Many of the parents are not happy with that decision.

Action Plan: Parents must be included in the Basketball Awards Banquet.

Le Grand Union High School District

Attn: Donna Alley, Superintendent

May 31, 2012

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8. Freshman Basketball:

We strongly believe that due to not having a freshman basketball team, Le Grand High School is losing many players. Many of the young men are discouraged having to initially play at a higher level. There are plenty of kids available. This upcoming season is a prime example, due to the fact there are only 3 seniors that will be participating.

Action Plan: Freshman basketball is a must.

A resulting win-loss record ties directly into all the points previously discussed and ultimately is an indicator of a coach’s success or not. Raul Alvarez’ lifetime statistics as Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach in his 7 seasons at Le Grand High School is not very impressive as reflected below,

·         Overall Record: 83 wins -77 loses (51% Winning Percentage)

·         4 out of 7 seasons have been losing seasons. (3 seasons, no playoffs)

·         No Playoff wins as Head Coach

·         No Southern League Championships

Very Important:

We are very thankful that Ruben Hurtado has been for a number of year’s part of the Le Grand High School Boys Varsity Basketball Coaching Staff. Without Ruben, we strongly feel that the moral and spirit would have broken many years ago. It is our desire to have Ruben Hurtado remain with the program, regardless of how Raul Alvarez decides.

Action Plan:

1.      Raul Alvarez must fulfill all his basketball responsibilities before he can invest any time towards the football program.

2.      Establish and maintain a solid youth and high school AAU basketball program in Le Grand, CA. A minimum of 20 scheduled games is required, not counting practices.

3.      Initiate and maintain an off-season weight-lifting and conditioning program. Team must follow CIF guidelines and maximize offseason workouts when permitted.

4.      Head Coach should oversee lower level (JV, Freshman, 8th Grade & 7th Grade) basketball teams and create a transitional feeder program for the Le Grand High School Boys Varsity Basketball Program.

Le Grand Union High School District

Attn: Donna Alley, Superintendent

May 31, 2012

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5.      Le Grand High School Boys Varsity Basketball should play the maximum 27 games allowed per season.

6.      Raul Alvarez must fundraise in order to accomplish all things mentioned in this report.

7.      Parents must be included in the Basketball Awards Banquet.

8.      Freshman basketball is a must.

Parent Demand:

We are demanding that if Raul Alvarez wants to continue to be the Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach for Le Grand High School, he must fulfill his coaching responsibilities to the fullest. If he does not, we feel that it is in the best interest of the program that we find someone who is willing.