I have coached Wachusett Regional High School Basketball in some capacity for my entire adult life. Coaching basketball is my true passion in life and what I do best. High school basketball does it mean much to a lot of people, but for me it is my life's work. In the past twelve years I have coached over 150 players and watched grow from scared teenagers into men far greater then myself. I have been a part of great teams, bad teams and everything in between over the years and never come across anything like this year's team. It is not supremely talented, it isn't even that confident in itself, what it is however is incredibly committed to each other and willing to do whatever it takes to win.
When Coach Gibbons asked me to be part of the day to day coaching staff against this season I could not have been more excited. I coached the team in summer as I have done each of the last six seasons and we had struggled to find our game in a disappointing 3-9 summer campaign. There was some encouraging signs 3 of our starters played on an AAU team that qualified for nationals in Orlando and some young players seemed to be developing nicely but we seemed destined to struggle just to get to 10-10 and qualify for playoffs. My excitement level for the season was further dampened when it was determined that I would not be able to sit on the bench during the games because of MIAA rules that prevented summer league coaches from coaching during the season. I felt like it was going to be hard for me to be "all in" this season. Then we reeled off four straight wins to start the season and stunned Cambridge in an out of district game. Despite an ugly style of play that featured turnover filled low scoring games we found ourselves at 13-3 in district play heading into a ten day break in play.
During that break we lost our starting center to injury and began working with a life coach to deal with an increased lack of confidence in our play. During these grueling hours long session the team showed amazing courage in baring there souls to each other and sharing personal fears and goals. No team I have ever been a part of has been as open with each other and believed much more in their teammates talents rather then their own. We came out of that break 3-1 to finish 16-4 and earn a #3 seed in the playoffs.
As we prepare for our first playoff Thursday night it is hard to describe all the emotions that I am feeling. I never wanted anything for anybody more than I want a championship for this special group of kids. As a coach you know how rare it is to really have a legitimate chance to win a championship and to be able to do it with a team you really love. As coaches this is our Superbowl week we all try to morph into John Wooden and try to figure out the right buttons to push. You are fully aware that at the end of the week many tears will be shed and you can only hope that they are happy ones. I was not expecting to be so emotionally invested in this again but this team has brought back my passion for the game, brought me back closer to so many great friends and reminded me what my true calling is in this life. When we end practice on practice I will be given the last word like I am the day before every game and I will have my team totally prepared and willing to push themselves furthered then they ever have. It's a responsibility I cherish and never take for granted. Our players give my more then I could ever give them. They give me respect, inspiration, purpose and love. I could not be more excited about the opportunity we have in front of us and to see how this unexpected and magically journey ends. My blood truly runs Wachusett Green and I feel so lucky to have great friends and mentors like Al Dion and Tom Gibbons who allow me to be a part of something so special.
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