CBC Brothers, Be Careful What You Wish For, You Just Might Get It

I’m still trying to figure out that whole De La Salle tradition preached by the Brothers of CBC.

Over the course of some four decades of prep reporting, I’ve seen my share of poor decisions and bone-head moves.

The Brothers at CBC get the all-time top prize for dismissing their beloved basketball coach Bobby McCormack after 17 years at the helm.

Now I’m not naive enough to believe that Bobby won the hearts and minds of everyone at the school in Town & Country. Sure, he probably rubbed a few players and parents the wrong way.

But let this be crystal clear--by refusing to renew Bobby’s basketball coaching contract and pushing him out the door after 17 years of loyal service to the Purple and Gold, the school has crossed that imaginary line in the sand. I for one never thought that would be done here at the local level.

CBC has taken up the cause of firing coaches now, just like the professionals and the collegiates. Winning is everything, nothing else matters. It’s all submerged to “what have you done for me lately.”

This smells like a stinky fish during Lent.

The Citadel on the hill, hard by Highway 40 is a private institution, competing against other high-powered schools and doesn’t have to answer to anyone.

They don’t owe sportscasters or the public any explanation. Bobby might have been released for other causes. Unless he says, we’ll never know.

Brothers, this is not going down well.

I’ve done my homework. A retired CBC teacher says now “it’s just all about winning.”

A former board member is so hacked off, he’s washed his hands of the institution.

A local female parochial school basketball coach thanks her lucky stars that her school hasn’t slipped into the win or else abyss.

A local TV sportscaster is ready to declare war on CBC.

Since CBC officials can’t seem to appreciate what Bobby McCormack did for their institution, I will:

• His first head coaching job was at Ladue. He bolted Warson Road for his alma mater, giving up better pay and a chance for a lifetime pension. It meant that much to go back to his own program.

• His college alma mater UM-St. Louis was interested in him becoming their head coach. Again, loyalty to CBC precluded his leaving.

• Bobby McCormack taught boys to become men. I cannot tell you how many youngsters I see around town proudly wearing Bobby McCormack basketball camp tee shirts.

Don’t think for a moment this decision isn’t wired. The school probably has already hired their alum Justin Tatum who learned from McCormack as one of the Cadet’s former star players.

And yes, Tatum’s son Jayson is the next super star from the area. Only thing is, he’s ready for his sophomore year at Chaminade.

The Missouri high school activities association rules preclude if a student/athlete transfers from one private school to another, they must sit out 365 days. CBC will be down in Columbia pleading a hardship case, and likely win.

They will say Jayson pays $20 grand tuition to Chaminade and will get to go to CBC for free.

So the fix might be in. The deal likely has been consumated. Be sure, the CBC Brothers will yank the lucrative summer camp contract from McCormack too.

Bobby and his brothers have served this school for decades with distinction, going back to the days on Clayton Road. And just because he didn’t beat DeSmet or Ladue this year, or win a state title, he’s gone.

Shame, shame on the Brothers at CBC.