Comments on: John Jensen removed as Putnam City West’s football coach

By: Tina

Tina — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:03:10 +0000

I graduated from West in 08 and i can actually say I really didnt care for the Jensens at all. I was an Athletic Trainer and i was always around them so i seen and heard stuff i didnt want to see. And Mrs Jensen did not like the trainers and wanted to get rid of the program. I mean who would really do that. They favored who they wanted to favor and that was not fair. The team sucks and it is time for new and real coaches. The team has always had great players!! But the coaching staff sucks

By: Maria

Maria — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 22:43:20 +0000

Yes, Jensen is a good coach but, everyone only sees what he does for the boys sports. I’m a current student and i play on the girls team and we don’t get anything for the girls teams. I see your side but I also see Mr. Meeks side.

By: MOSER

MOSER — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:48:17 +0000

Marie I will challenge you to get other Alumni and existing students to write in this column to give opions on the matter. People need to know about the uper level of administration and other things.

By: Marie

Marie — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:52:56 +0000

I completely agree with Moser and James. I was a 2011 graduate from PCW so I got to see all the crap that the Jensens pulled and if only half of you actually truly saw how the Jensens really were. They only act like wonderful caring people when theres publicity involved. Coach Jensen always let his certain favorite football players get away with whatever they damn well pleased and Mrs Jensen was one of those power hungry nazis that if you even dared to cross just once she would make sure the rest of your time at that school was a terrible one. I remember because Malcom had close ties with the Jensens when he failed his English final he still got chosen as Mr Patriot Senior year when there was plenty of other students who actually qualified for the position. I know for a fact that Im not the only student who truly hated the Jensens and Im not one to throw the word hate around like its absolutely nothing. I will agree that Coach Jensen can be a great person at times but they are far and few between moments. But before all you people start sticking up for this guy please actually consider hearing the students who went to school with these people dailys opinions. Putnam City West is NOT a bunch of starving little hoodlums which is exactly what they tried to portray most of us as. Just like James had said every school has those few kids that clearly cant afford to feed themselves and thats fine but that doesnt mean PCW is just a school full of poor people. I just hope to see that they actually get a good coach who will know what hes doing.

By: MOSER

MOSER — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:51:53 +0000

James your right, if these people met with the majority of these kids they would see what you are saying. I know a few kids that were reprimanded for hitting to hard in practice. tHERE DOES NEED TO BE CHANGES MADE AT THE TOP OF ADMINISTRATION TOO.

By: MOSER

MOSER — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:17:32 +0000

To tell you the truth the numbers were down and there was alot of favoritism on the team on kids that John thought he should be close to. Some of these kids ended up being in troublw iwth the police. This is best for the program and maybe get some real coaching done now.

By: James

James — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 03:26:56 +0000

whoa whoa whoa, living in the past? how far in the past do you want to go? Does anyone realize that the basketball team has been good for 4 straight years, and even went to state 2 years ago?! Basketball sure is winning with “poor and starved” kids. Why can’t football? You guys are making PC West out to be a terribly poor school when it’s not! EVERY school has hungry kids, EVERY school has poor kids, it’s a way of life! Go south of the river, where you’ll find Capitol Hill and Southeast, those kids need food! Not PC West! He was hired as football coach and was is a football coach suppose to do? WIN GAMES! He wasn’t hired to feed his kids and then want the whole state to know what good things your doing. I can name countless coaches that have done the same for their players, but they don’t brag about it and make excuses for going 3-47!
If only some of you knew what really goes on at PC West….
No one wants to talk about Jensen throwing that basketball coach under the bus and getting him fired for actually WINNING and going to state! No one wants to talk about Tammy Jensen calling the pom squad sluts for their dance routine at an assembly!
Some of you all are clueless….and it’s sad that you’re drinking the Jensen koolaid

By: X

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:09:02 +0000

X Factor,

You obviously have some bitter resentment towards the Jensens because you or your child did not get their way, or you are a former employee that was let go. Either way, you are bitter moron that has NO IDEA what they are talking about! Someone who truly knew the Jensens would not say the statements you did and something is seriously wrong with you!

By: John

John — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 03:25:43 +0000

X-Factor has no idea what he/she is talking about. John didn’t “resign” or “step down” as football coach. He was given the option of staying on as AD and, needing a job, he took that. John Jensen is far from “a fake”. You sound like a bitter moron. You can’t “fake” what John has done his entire life. He works awfully hard to “fake” it, don’t you think? The things they have done w/Malcolm are not “untrue”. Is Malcolm in on the big facade? Does he know it’s not true? He seems to love them quite a bit. How much money have you raised for PCW? How many kids have you helped get food for?

Also, to the poster above, the administration at PCW is doing everything they can to keep from falling to 5A. I think that is a mistake. Why would they want to compete against Jenks, Union, etc? I guess it’s a stature thing.

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:18:08 +0000

This has nothing to do with competitiveness or blaming any one. Obviously there is one very bitter person above in regards to Jensen and Meeks who would like to put the blame on these two for everything and still has some growing up to do in regards to what ever issue happened. But in regards to football and PC West, the honest truth is nothing is going to happen at the bottom of 6A. Just like Jim Traber, Sports Animal, said the other day. Enrollment numbers are the key to PC West Success. When a school the size of West competes with schools two and three sometimes 4 times the size, it is hard to compete. There is a bigger differentce in the numbers in the top and bottom 6A schools than there is between 2A and 5A schools. This is the true problem and until someone addresses this problem, winning is going to be difficult at PC West. (all said on the Sports Animal last week). I just looked at the schedule for PC West next year and there is a chance to win a few games. One because it is Western Heights and it is the first game of the year, eligibility, injuries will not be an issue and they are a 5A school. There are plenty of inner city schools that are competitive, but they are not in 6A. Grant is the only Oklahoma City School that is 6A and they are never competitive. You look at Douglas, they are competitive because they are down a few classes. This firing is not a personal issue, and Coach Jensen does not look at it that way either, I am sure. At some point the parents need to start looking ahead, and some people need to stop living in the past and realize that PC West moving down a class is the only way for PC West ATHLETICS to be successful not just football.

By: Him

Him — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:58:30 +0000

John has done a lot of good for the kids and school when it comes to the football program. The only matter I have an issue with is when people bash the administration or John and have no clue what they are talking about.

In the end everyone plays and coaches the game to win. If it isn’t getting done then let’s make some changes and have high expectations for the next man. Let’s not blame the lack of competitiveness on the kids home life! There are plenty of inner city schools who are successful in their sports programs. I would expect the same consequences for any person great or not if the wins didn’t come. Whoever comes in next can be a great guy as well and possibly get the program competing at a higher level consistently!!

By: X-Factor

X-Factor — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:50:09 +0000

Another thing, when people say that they have sat and listen to him speak…think of these words
PROPAGANDA & POLITICIAN

By: X-Factor

X-Factor — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:47:37 +0000

It is easy to criticize Buster Meeks for the firing of the Basketball coach and releasing Jensen from his position but what you guys don’t know is how things REALLY work at West.

I had/have the pleasure of working at West to see this unravel. First off, John Jensen makes the majority of the decisions on the hiring and firing of the coaches..ask Stogs.

If you were to truly investigate the turn-over rate amongst the coaching staff only, you might change your mind about John Jensen. He has been aloud to do the majority of the hire in that area. He has hired and fired about 20 coaches per-year and has dictated to other his plan of action or else..example: Softball, baseball, volleyball, basketball, baseball football & wrestling. In some cases he released the entire coaching staff for a sport. His own brother didn’t even want continue to work on staff with him.

When the Basketball team did not win state, the entire coaching staff was gone the next year, As well as the softball staff.

I know that people general have a soft heart, especially when it comes to helping kids but John Jensen is a fake. The story with Malcolm is not all true. Malcolm was leaving with his uncle and Tammy (wife) would pick him up in the morning on the way to west. Speaking of Tammy, she is a vindictive woman. If you do not abide by her word, then you can be in trouble by John & Buster.

I could write more but I’ll let some of you blog..but the truth of the matter is this. John Jensen and Buster Meeks have a powerful ally in Tammy West (Board Member), plus 1..He left his position as coach that why he remains the AD-Power!

Oh! if you learn about the state statute, you’ll realize that those homeless kids he speaks of are not really homeless. If you live with someone other than a parent..like grandma, uncle, aunt..etc..you are deemed homeless

By: John

John — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:40:40 +0000

E-Mail him your thoughts at bmeeks@putnamcityschools.org

By: X

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:45:15 +0000

Gary,
I think that is awesome that the basketball coach was feeding the kids 2 years before Jensen got there. That man obviously had a lot Of character as well. However, because Jensen goes around “telling” everyone about it he has been able to get additional funding by donations. Some were quite large, like Ellen’s. I too would love to see here reaction to this!
I had know idea the basketball coach was fired for not winning State! Something us definitely wrong with Meeks! He has been around in the school district since I was in kindergarten and I am almost 40 now. Perhaps it’s time for him to GO! Not these coaches!
Scott, do we know if good ol’ Buster will even see these posts? I sure hope parents are writing and complaining to the proper people!

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:04:31 +0000

Lets not forget three years ago the PC West basketball team went to the state tournament for the first time in 30 years and gets beat in the semifinal game. The coach was fired for not winning state that year. Meeks was mad Putnam City who West beat three times during the season won it that year and west didn’t. Meeks told the coach they wanted to go in a different direction…… At least he is CONSISTENT!! LOL!!
FYI: the boys coach was feeding kids two years before Jensen got there but he didn’t go around telling everyone.
I agree, time for a change with the admin at West!!! They have a High school principal with a junior high mentality

By: Dorinda

Dorinda — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:34:58 +0000

While looking for a church home we visited a local church and got to hear Coach Jensen speak during the Sunday School hour. We were very impressed with him and with what he has done for PCWHS and his student athletes. He has single handedly created an informaal nutrition program for his students to send food home each weekend for the children to have something to eat. He routinely collects Walmart gift cards and money for more gift cards to give to students who need food, clothing and other life essentials. At the time he spoke I think he said upwards of 90% of PCWHS students were eligible for free meals but they couldn’t get the parents to evena apply for the program. The school district does not provide uniforms or sports equipment for the students to use in school sponsored/sanctioned games so he has organized the parents to provide the money for those items.

We were so impressed with Coach Jensen that we gave him the Walmart gift card out of our own pocket that we used to get the .03 gallon discount on fuel, since my husband was commuting from the Dallas area for his job. (We have since moved to the area)

Even tonight the church we joined here is holding a seminar as a preliminary meeting to begin a mentoring program in the local PC elementary school closest to our church. In the last 4 years the number of students at this elementary school eligible for free meals has jumped from 40% to 80%.

The children in the Putnam City Schools don’t need to win in sports, they need food, shelter, and parents and mentors that care for them. People that will help them and meet their most basic needs in life. Who cares that Coach Jenson has only won 2 games in 5 years? Frankly that is an indication of a much larger problem that the school district officials, board members and PARENTS are NOT addressing.

As Jim Trabor on the local sports radio station has said, removomg Coach Jensen is not the answer to the problem. It is practiclly guaranteed that the next coach will not win either.

You parents and voters need to get up in arms and do some serious soul searching and take some real, meaningful action to address the real problems in the Putnam City School District.

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:19:15 +0000

As a parent of the program and member of the community, I am saddened and frustrated with the firing of John Jensen from the PC West Football Program. I agree with the responses above and hope the school board and others question, Mr. Meeks and the administration’s motive in this firing. Over the past years, I have watched my son develop as a player and a young man as through Coach Jensen’s program. He not only has taught my son the fundamentals of the game, but he has taught him the importance of building each other up, volunteering, working hard and never giving up. Many don’t know but last season, the team had no locker room and worked out in the parking lot last season and the boys kept working hard because of their coach wouldn’t let them quit. So many times, our team went on the field knowing how difficult it was going to be to compete in a game, but my son and the team never game up. That is because they knew they were playing good football just not able to compete with schools like Jenks and Broken Arrow.
As I spoke to my son about the situation, I learned that the person that needs to be held accountable is Principal Meeks. Mr. Meeks is never seen in the halls and there is a large number of students that don’t even know who he is. From Mr. Meeks statement above, it saddens me that my son will have to play for someone that won’t be responsible to improve kids lives. Obvisouly winning is the only thing that MR. Meeks cares about and why isn’t he being held accountable in his own school. The fighting, drugs, disrespect that my son talks about at WEST is a true reflection of the leadership of Mr. Meeks and the administration. Maybe he should be held accountable in this area.
As I know there is nothing that can be done at this point in regards to Coach Jensen’s firing, I hope others will question Mr. Meeks decision. Don’t get me wrong, I would love for my son to win, but developing him as a young man is of much greater importance. I feel sorry for the next coach as they will be held to only a WINNING standard! Get your resume ready if you are not doing to do this.

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:30:11 +0000

My children never attended PCWest but I am disturbed that Coach Jensen is being removed as Head Coach. The values that he has taught to the athletes and the things he has done for them that the scholl is unable to do are numerous.

He has raised money that was used for food that the kids can’t get rom home or the school, donated more hours of personal time that I know he wasn’t paid for. Coach Jensen never complained about his situation. Tutoring sessions were developed outside of scholl so students could get the extra help they need.

This is a dark day for Principal Meeks and PC West.

By: John

John — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:52:04 +0000

Buster,

I am disappointed to learn of the firing of John Jensen as the football coach at PC West. I recognize that he is staying on as AD, but I still feel like this is a huge mistake on the part of you and your administration.

You should know better than anyone that John Jensen is the best thing that the Putnam City West football program has had going for it since about 1994. Participation numbers are up, kids are eating, money is being raised and the student athletes at West have a sense of purpose.

If you think bringing in a “better coach” is going to change things at West, you are out of your mind. You have to have the kids out for the sport in the first place. I’ve never known a coach that has been a better influence on the student athletes he is around than John Jensen. PC West is not a division ! Athletic program. The point of your football program is being completely missed by you and your administration. It should NEVER, EVER be about wins & losses at a school in the condition that West is in.

Putnam City West, in general, is a disaster. This under your leadership, no less. It is depressing to hear about what a horrible school West has become. West used to be a great school, but the administration can’t seem to keep kids interested in coming. How are you going to give a “better coach” a team to work with if you can’t keep them in school?

John & Tammy Jensen are two of the brightest spots at Putnam City West, and while I realize you aren’t running them off, you can’t disrespect people that have done so much for your fledgling school.

I don’t understand how you and your administration could possibly justify this decision without looking completely delusional. Your “athletic victories are more important than character building” attitude should disqualify you from your job. I’m sure the “Ellen” show would love to do an update and let everyone know that you rewarded all of the work the Jensen’s have put in by firing him. Any publicity is good publicity, right?

By: X

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:32:28 +0000

Sorry about the grammatical errors and misspelled words! It was hard to type all of that on my phone!

By: X

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:30:01 +0000

This is crazy! The things this man has done for this program, this school, are amazing. I remember when my so was a freshman West couldn’t even put together enough players to have a freshman team! Now they have enough players to do that, why? Coach Jensen, that’s why!
Mr. Meeks quote that “Jensens sincere desire to strengthen kids lives and improve the school are important, but that new direction is necessary to move the football program forward…” Seriously? Football is more important than improving these kids lives? This is the so sad! These kids had someone who truly cared about them and what happened after football practice ended! Good luck finding someone else like that! Oh, and good luck winning games!