The vacant boys' basketball coaching position for the Moline Maroons has the attention of one high-profile coach, one who stands just 41 wins from the coveted 500-win plateau.
Not only that, but the candidate knows the Maroons probably more than any other.
Frank Dexter, the second-winningest coach and with the second-best winning percentage in Moline history, would like to come back to the bench after retiring from teaching -- and thus losing his coaching position -- with the Maroons after the 2005-06 season.
"I'd like to come back for a couple of years, and then play it year by year after that," Dexter said when contacted about his interest in the Maroons' job that became open when Ryan Webber took the head-coaching job at Gurnee Warren last week. "I would stay as long as I'm making headway and getting the job done."
It may be just the fit that Moline needs, especially considering the timing of Webber's departure. Moline's basketball camp is set to start within the month. Being mid-May, one has to wonder if similarly qualified coaches would leave their jobs just weeks before their own camps would start.
How Moline's administration tackles the timeline of its hire could prove to be extremely interesting.
"May 29th is the next board meeting," said Moline athletic director Todd Rosenthal, "and it will be extremely tough to have someone in place by then."
Unless, of course, Dexter ascends to the top of Moline's wish list.
Dexter, who was an assistant coach for Alleman's sectional-finalist varsity two years ago and was an assistant for Black Hawk College for the two years before that, never really wanted to leave head-coaching when he did. Because of the state's take on the cost-of-living for retired teachers, Dexter felt he had no choice. "Retirees would have had it frozen and that's a lot of money," recalled the coach who says he's a "young 65" years old.
Since Moline prefers to have its major-sport coaches linked with teaching positions, it meant Dexter's Moline coaching record was etched in the book at 244-99 in 12 years, and 459-227 in 25 years overall (which included stints at Macomb and Rockridge).
Now, though, given the timing of the needed hire, Moline's heirarchy ironically might be swayed to go the direction opposite of how it parted with Dexter.
"I love the sport, I love working with young people, that's the bottom line," said Dexter. "We have a lot of good kids; that's why I substitute teach at Moline High and Glenview (Junior High)."
When asked the reasons for his interest in the Moline job, other than getting back into coaching, Dexter had plenty of direct answers.
"I've voiced my concerns about what's happened the last few years with the feeder program and I feel we've gotten away from the idea of building a program that serves the needs of the program," he said. "The program when I came was tried and proven on two occasions, one of which was Macomb which has kept that program going. They've found a lot of success down there. I'd like to see us get back to that."
The other area of Dexter's concern is the varsity schedule.
"We've gotten away from realizing who we are," Dexter added. "We are a 4A school. Like it or not, we've got to play our level, our caliber. We might get it handed to us, but you've got to play it. I'm a believer that a good schedule will determine whether or not you are able to play in the postseason."
Plus, Dexter has an answer for Moline's quickly arriving summer camp.
"I have my camp; I know what I do. I have my plan; I know what I'd be teaching," he said.
Dexter and Rosenthal have, indeed, had a conversation about the possibility of Dexter returning as Moline's head coach six years after Dexter left.
"I respect him and what he has done for Moline. I think highly of how he coaches," Rosenthal said without committing any further insight.
This much is true – Moline will be hard-pressed to find a candidate to match Dexter's credentials.
The time is right and certainly the timing is right.
Sports editor Marc Nesseler can be reached at nesseler@qconline.com
Where Dexter stands on Moline's win list
Moline High School's career coaching victories list:
Wins Losses Pct. Yrs.
1. George Seneff (1920-40, 1944-45) 322-150 .682 21
2. Frank Dexter (1994-2006) 244-99 .711 12
3. Jack Foley (1951-63) 237-79 .750 12
4. Herb Thompson (1964-77) 218-112 .661 13
5. Whitey Verstraete (1978-85) 113-76 .598 7
Frank Dexter's Quest for the Moline Job: A Comprehensive Analysis
In the realm of local politics, one name has been making waves recently: Frank Dexter. His ambition to secure the Moline job has caught the attention of many, sparking both interest and debate within the community. In this article, we will delve into the details of Frank Dexter's aspirations, his qualifications, and the key questions surrounding his candidacy for the Moline job.
Who is Frank Dexter?
Frank Dexter, a long-time resident of Moline, is a well-known figure in the community. He has a background in public service, having previously served as a city council member for several years. Dexter's involvement in local politics and his dedication to improving the lives of Moline residents have made him a familiar face among the city's residents.
The Desire for Public Service
Frank Dexter's desire to serve the Moline community is deeply rooted in his commitment to public service. His previous tenure as a city council member allowed him to gain valuable experience in local governance, providing him with insights into the city's challenges and opportunities.
During his time on the city council, Dexter was involved in various initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life in Moline. His track record of advocating for these initiatives has garnered him a dedicated following of supporters who believe in his vision for the city.
Qualifications and Experience
One of the central factors driving Frank Dexter's pursuit of the Moline job is his extensive experience in local government. As a former city council member, Dexter has a deep understanding of the inner workings of municipal administration. This experience positions him as a candidate with a solid foundation in local governance.
Dexter's tenure on the city council also allowed him to forge relationships with other community leaders, fostering collaboration and the ability to work effectively within the local government structure. His track record of working across the aisle and finding common ground on important issues is a testament to his ability to navigate the complexities of local politics.
Key Priorities and Initiatives
Frank Dexter has been vocal about his key priorities and initiatives for the city of Moline. Some of his main focus areas include:
Economic Development: Dexter aims to promote economic growth and job creation in Moline by attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones. He believes that a thriving local economy is essential for the city's long-term prosperity.
Infrastructure Improvement: Infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public facilities, is a vital component of any community. Dexter plans to prioritize infrastructure improvement projects to enhance the city's infrastructure and ensure its safety and functionality.
Education and Youth Services: Dexter is a strong advocate for investing in education and youth services. He recognizes the importance of providing quality education and recreational opportunities for Moline's youth to foster their growth and development.
Community Engagement: Community engagement and transparency are central to Dexter's approach. He intends to create opportunities for residents to participate in local decision-making and stay informed about city matters.
FAQs about Frank Dexter's Candidacy for the Moline Job
What is the Moline job that Frank Dexter is pursuing?
Frank Dexter is seeking election to a specific public office within Moline's local government. The specific position and its responsibilities can vary, so it's important to refer to the most recent election information and local government structure for details.
Why is Frank Dexter running for the Moline job?
Frank Dexter's decision to run for the Moline job is driven by his commitment to serving the community and his desire to address key issues facing the city. He believes that his experience and vision can contribute to the betterment of Moline.
What is Frank Dexter's political affiliation?
Frank Dexter's political affiliation, if any, may be relevant to his candidacy, as it can provide insight into his policy positions. To learn more about his political beliefs and affiliations, it's recommended to explore his campaign materials or statements.
What challenges does Frank Dexter anticipate in his candidacy?
Running for public office often comes with challenges, such as competition from other candidates, fundraising, and addressing diverse community needs. Frank Dexter may have strategies in place to overcome these challenges, which can be explored through his campaign platform.
How can residents of Moline get involved in Frank Dexter's campaign or learn more about his candidacy?
Residents who are interested in Frank Dexter's campaign can typically find information on his official campaign website, attend campaign events, or reach out to his campaign team for ways to get involved or learn more about his positions and initiatives.
The Path Ahead
Frank Dexter's pursuit of the Moline job reflects a passion for community service and a commitment to addressing the needs of Moline residents. His experience, track record, and vision for the city have resonated with many in the community, leading to a growing base of supporters.
As the election season unfolds, it will be interesting to observe how Frank Dexter's candidacy develops and how he addresses the challenges and opportunities that come his way. Regardless of the outcome, his dedication to the betterment of Moline serves as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the potential for positive change at the local level.
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