After a Marietta High baseball game at Legion Field or even on the road, if the Tigers win, Larry Burke is interviewed.
But, if the orange and black nine loses, Jim Thrash is the mouthpiece and provides the quotes.
It's a unique but not that unusual arrangement that the MHS co-skippers have had since the spring of 2007, and it's worked out well. Mind you, around the nation, there are several co-head coaches at virtually all levels of competition in various sports.
It's actually almost a subject of amusement as to which Tiger coach talks to the media after a game.
Thrash has no problem whatsoever in deflecting a scribe in the direction of Burke if Marietta wins. And, if the Tigers lose, he won't mince words and basically tells it like it is.
One of course might ask the obvious, "But who's really in charge?"
And, the answer unequivocally is both Thrash and Burke are.
Thrash and Burke have known each other for some time now and are very comfortable with the relationship. They trust each other and work well together on the diamond - and it shows.
The thing about the two head coaches in a nutshell is both are intelligent, collaborative individuals with a vast knowlege of baseball - and no ego. That's right, and that's needless to say very important. It wouldn't work otherwise.
If there is an impasse or an important decision has to be made, Thrash and Burke have assistant coaches in Brandon Herb, Aron McIntire and Nate Eschbaugh who can always be consulted with on a matter.
Believe me, Thrash and Burke aren't looking for advice from "yes people," but looking for Tiger wins, bottom line.
This is not to say that co-head coaching is the ideal situation. In some schools of thought, it's considered a big mistake and something that most coaches should avoid at all costs.
Yes, having co-head coaches sometimes can result in dysfunction, frustration and disaster.
But that's not the case for the MHS baseball program.
The Tiger baseball players have a good thing going with both Thrash and Burke providing guidance.
Ron Johnston is the Marietta Times sports editor and can be reached at 376-5441 or at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com
