I have absolutely no idea if we need a 'wall' of the magnitude and length requested by President Trump. I'm not educated on the issue. All I know is what I actually 'SEE' and 'HEAR.'
I saw and heard presidential candidate Trump say, "We're going to build a great beautiful wall on the Southern border and Mexico is going to pay for it." When he frequently said that at his rally's, I knew he was just hooking the vote of bigoted white folks. I dismissed it as foolish rhetoric that ignorant angry people would gobble-up.
What has surprised me more during this 'wall debate' between Trump and the Democrats is the third players in the debate. Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh, (America's greatest advocates for fewer taxes and less diversity) all have the ear of the President. I could never imagine in my lifetime that radio and television political pundits would be the counsel for an American President.
In fact, I thought such voices made for comedy...like this...
(Touch)
Make America Great Again
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
# 6-Building Blocks For The Future
THE FEEDER APPROACH:
Earlier, I mentioned the significance of implementing a 5th & 6th Grade Badketball League. Those evaluations helped to identify young kids we wanted attending our summer Crimsons' Camps. The Crimsons' Camp numbers skyrocketed over the years and suddenly we had a feeder factory right into the Junior High School.
Also the summer months were filled with eight weeks of daily open gym from 9:00AM until Noon. Twice weekly, we were playing summer league games plus attending some weekend summer tournaments and hosting our own summer tourney extravaganza at Illinois College through the very dedicated work of assistant coach, Todd Sweatman.
OWNERSHIP PAID BIG DIVIDENDS:
I would be foolish to suggest that any of this was accomplished by one individual. I have mentioned several names of people who 'took' ownership to my ideas and plans. There were numerous assistant and junior high coaches who also 'bought-in' to program ownership: namely, Ken Hickman, John Conklin, Sam Holmes, Dick Anthony, Roger Ezard, Bob Kerr, Gary Vaughn, Ron Whitacre, Richard Smith, Jon Luckett, Janet DeOrnellas, Jan Ryan, Steve Jones, Julie Stone and our coaches wives. We were a Crimsons' Family willing to own the ups and downs of a worthy cause in behalf of young athletes.
Earlier, I mentioned the significance of implementing a 5th & 6th Grade Badketball League. Those evaluations helped to identify young kids we wanted attending our summer Crimsons' Camps. The Crimsons' Camp numbers skyrocketed over the years and suddenly we had a feeder factory right into the Junior High School.
Also the summer months were filled with eight weeks of daily open gym from 9:00AM until Noon. Twice weekly, we were playing summer league games plus attending some weekend summer tournaments and hosting our own summer tourney extravaganza at Illinois College through the very dedicated work of assistant coach, Todd Sweatman.
OWNERSHIP PAID BIG DIVIDENDS:
I would be foolish to suggest that any of this was accomplished by one individual. I have mentioned several names of people who 'took' ownership to my ideas and plans. There were numerous assistant and junior high coaches who also 'bought-in' to program ownership: namely, Ken Hickman, John Conklin, Sam Holmes, Dick Anthony, Roger Ezard, Bob Kerr, Gary Vaughn, Ron Whitacre, Richard Smith, Jon Luckett, Janet DeOrnellas, Jan Ryan, Steve Jones, Julie Stone and our coaches wives. We were a Crimsons' Family willing to own the ups and downs of a worthy cause in behalf of young athletes.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
# 5- Ownership To Positive Causes
ADMINSTRATION COACH RELATIONSHIP-
I imagine no parent ever wishes to hear bad news about their kid from somebody other than their kid.
When there is potential 'bad news,' we always want a heads-up...no surprises! I felt the same in behalf of my parents and my bosses. As a child or teen, I kept my folks in the loop regarding my activities and behavior. The reason: Two-fold-factors>respect & fear.
As a coach, I always assumed that more often than not my school administrators wished smooth sailing and no surprises. I would also like to believe they wanted to support me and have my back. If that be true, why would I not give them a heads-up rather than allowing them to hear something about my program or my personal life at Rotary or when leaving Sunday Services? I desired to have my bosses 'in the loop' and on my side.
COACHING BEYOND THE X'S & O'S:
Few coaches give thought to the peripheral factors, which can have a positive impact on the program and the coach's own profile. As I have previously stated, I wished to re-define every position (job) I had. I believe the following program implementations accomplished both and served as incentives for current athletes.
A WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS ALL STAR BASKETBALL GAME:
I approached two (Jerry Symons WEAI radio & Buford Green Journal/Courier) highly respected media men in Jacksonville with the following ideas and both joined in a collective effort to establish JHS and West Central sport recognition programs, which remain sport staples forty years later. The first idea was a West Central Illinois All Star basketball, game at season's end. Fifty schools in stated area comprised the selection pool for North and South Teams. The Jacksonville Bowl has serves as the All Star game venue. This event gives many high school basketball players a once in a lifetime opportunity to be called an 'All Star.' The game is sponsored and operated by WLDS/WEAI RADIO with proceeds earmarked for charities.
A JHS HALL OF FAME:
I also approached Symons and Green with the idea of a Jacksonville high school All Sports Hall of Fame Induction of worthy former JHS athletes. This Hall of Fame would do two most desirable things: 1) It would honor the unique and outstanding accomplishments of former JHS athletes and 2) It would suggest a standard of excellence for current athletes. Symons and Green along with District Superintendent Bob Crowe and assistant Superintendent, Joe Dewees joined efforts and made it happen. A beautiful Hall of Fame 'room' was constructed in the Southwest upper concourse of the JHS Bowl and houses numerous memorabilia.
WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS ROTARY ATHLETES:
Using the same identified media coverage area referenced as West Central Illinois, I approach Jacksonville Rotary Club members, Ron Tendick and Tom Stevens about that service organization's possible interest in supporting an annual Scholar-Athletes' Awards Recognition Dinner. The idea was to establish both academic and athletic criteria of a male and female student-athlete from each of the 50-West Central Illinois high schools and fete them at the end of school. The Rotary Club stepped up and that honor program continues these past 39-years.
(Note: These ideas that I embraced were designed to honor and encourage young people while giving a positive model for future student-athletes. I am as pleased with these effort as I am with any coaching accomplishments. That said, I can tell you that those ideas would have died in my mind if not for the likes of Jerry Symons, Buford Green, Bob Crowe, Joe Dewees, Bob Gill, Ron Tendick, Tom Stevens and numerous other behind the scenes folks.)
As I preach, re-define your job description and make it larger at your departure...young people are the benefactors.
I imagine no parent ever wishes to hear bad news about their kid from somebody other than their kid.
When there is potential 'bad news,' we always want a heads-up...no surprises! I felt the same in behalf of my parents and my bosses. As a child or teen, I kept my folks in the loop regarding my activities and behavior. The reason: Two-fold-factors>respect & fear.
As a coach, I always assumed that more often than not my school administrators wished smooth sailing and no surprises. I would also like to believe they wanted to support me and have my back. If that be true, why would I not give them a heads-up rather than allowing them to hear something about my program or my personal life at Rotary or when leaving Sunday Services? I desired to have my bosses 'in the loop' and on my side.
COACHING BEYOND THE X'S & O'S:
Few coaches give thought to the peripheral factors, which can have a positive impact on the program and the coach's own profile. As I have previously stated, I wished to re-define every position (job) I had. I believe the following program implementations accomplished both and served as incentives for current athletes.
A WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS ALL STAR BASKETBALL GAME:
I approached two (Jerry Symons WEAI radio & Buford Green Journal/Courier) highly respected media men in Jacksonville with the following ideas and both joined in a collective effort to establish JHS and West Central sport recognition programs, which remain sport staples forty years later. The first idea was a West Central Illinois All Star basketball, game at season's end. Fifty schools in stated area comprised the selection pool for North and South Teams. The Jacksonville Bowl has serves as the All Star game venue. This event gives many high school basketball players a once in a lifetime opportunity to be called an 'All Star.' The game is sponsored and operated by WLDS/WEAI RADIO with proceeds earmarked for charities.
A JHS HALL OF FAME:
I also approached Symons and Green with the idea of a Jacksonville high school All Sports Hall of Fame Induction of worthy former JHS athletes. This Hall of Fame would do two most desirable things: 1) It would honor the unique and outstanding accomplishments of former JHS athletes and 2) It would suggest a standard of excellence for current athletes. Symons and Green along with District Superintendent Bob Crowe and assistant Superintendent, Joe Dewees joined efforts and made it happen. A beautiful Hall of Fame 'room' was constructed in the Southwest upper concourse of the JHS Bowl and houses numerous memorabilia.
WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS ROTARY ATHLETES:
Using the same identified media coverage area referenced as West Central Illinois, I approach Jacksonville Rotary Club members, Ron Tendick and Tom Stevens about that service organization's possible interest in supporting an annual Scholar-Athletes' Awards Recognition Dinner. The idea was to establish both academic and athletic criteria of a male and female student-athlete from each of the 50-West Central Illinois high schools and fete them at the end of school. The Rotary Club stepped up and that honor program continues these past 39-years.
(Note: These ideas that I embraced were designed to honor and encourage young people while giving a positive model for future student-athletes. I am as pleased with these effort as I am with any coaching accomplishments. That said, I can tell you that those ideas would have died in my mind if not for the likes of Jerry Symons, Buford Green, Bob Crowe, Joe Dewees, Bob Gill, Ron Tendick, Tom Stevens and numerous other behind the scenes folks.)
As I preach, re-define your job description and make it larger at your departure...young people are the benefactors.
Monday, February 11, 2019
# 4- Give Media Insight
BRING MEDIA ON-BOARD-
Jacksonville high school, Illinois College, MacMurray College and all of West Central Illinois prep sports gets great newspaper and radio coverage. Shall we appreciate the fact that sports' broadcaster and sports' writers love what they do; follow teams and give accounts of the contests for listeners and readers.
I felt it important that I inform the media folks a view of our pre-season approach to our offense tempo and defense mixes and why. One year, I had a team that was not going to hold their own rebounding so our approach was going to be slow tempo with 12-15 passes and then run a set or special. I sold the players on the approach and I wanted the media not to be surprised that first game, therefore I explained thoroughly my reasoning. I did not expect them to buy into the game plan but I simply wanted them conditioned. That team won a Regional Title and the first game at the Collinsville Sectional defeating East St. Louis 28-27.
Newspaper sports writers usually have a predetermined article-slant at the post game interview. I made it a point to listen carefully to the first two questions attempting to surmise that angle. Keep in mind, I was going to do my best to spin the slant I thought best served our players while giving credit to our opponent.
Side Note on Media: I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to host a Saturday Morning 'Sports Spotlite Program' on WLDS Radio for 19-years. That gig got me exposure which helped me be selected by the Illinois High School Association to serve as analyst for the large school State Tournament Finals for two seasons. More importantly, that opportunity allowed me to give a voice to all sports in West Central Illinois, bring interviews from prep coaches around the State and college coaches across the nation; all of which gave high profile to Jacksonville and our Crimsons' Basketball Program.
Jacksonville high school, Illinois College, MacMurray College and all of West Central Illinois prep sports gets great newspaper and radio coverage. Shall we appreciate the fact that sports' broadcaster and sports' writers love what they do; follow teams and give accounts of the contests for listeners and readers.
I felt it important that I inform the media folks a view of our pre-season approach to our offense tempo and defense mixes and why. One year, I had a team that was not going to hold their own rebounding so our approach was going to be slow tempo with 12-15 passes and then run a set or special. I sold the players on the approach and I wanted the media not to be surprised that first game, therefore I explained thoroughly my reasoning. I did not expect them to buy into the game plan but I simply wanted them conditioned. That team won a Regional Title and the first game at the Collinsville Sectional defeating East St. Louis 28-27.
Newspaper sports writers usually have a predetermined article-slant at the post game interview. I made it a point to listen carefully to the first two questions attempting to surmise that angle. Keep in mind, I was going to do my best to spin the slant I thought best served our players while giving credit to our opponent.
Side Note on Media: I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to host a Saturday Morning 'Sports Spotlite Program' on WLDS Radio for 19-years. That gig got me exposure which helped me be selected by the Illinois High School Association to serve as analyst for the large school State Tournament Finals for two seasons. More importantly, that opportunity allowed me to give a voice to all sports in West Central Illinois, bring interviews from prep coaches around the State and college coaches across the nation; all of which gave high profile to Jacksonville and our Crimsons' Basketball Program.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
# 3- Giving Parents a Communication Pathway
NO NEED TO ASK ANYBODY EXCEPT THE COACH:
When I played high school sports, my parents nor I ever dreamed of questioning the Coach on any decision he might make. In fact, I complained once to my parents about my high school Coach and my father scolded me saying, "If you don't like your basketball situation then do something to change it to your liking." During my first three varsity coaching years, I was in Mason City and those parents were conditioned as was my father. After those inaugural seasons, I noticed things changing. Parents were more and more inclined to complain about their sons' playing time and perhaps how he was being used. Parents would telephone the Coach and ask the Coach not tell the kid that his parent called or the parent would by-pass the Coach and telephone an administrator to voice a complaint. Of course the administrator would then ask the coach questions.
I decided that it was time to take this issue head-on. At Jacksonville, we established the following sport-family rules-of- engagement protocol: I accepted the fact that parents need and deserve answers and I wanted to be the direct contact-person to answer those question. At the beginning of each
basketball season once our freshmen, sophomore and varsity squads were established, I required parents and players to attend a pre-season meeting with all coaches in attendance. The Board of Education/District academic and behavior code policy was explained and then I outlined my specific team rules and expectations. I also explained what parents could expect from our coaches.
Regarding the issue of parents wishing specific answers to questions about 'their' son the following guideline was explained and required parental signature. If you have a question about your son's playing time or other aspects of his team membership you are to telephone your son's head coach. A meeting date and time will be setup at the coach's office. Attending that meeting WILL BE player, parent(s), head coach and assistant coach. The meeting will begin with the player explaining his concern, which caused him to have his parent request the meeting. All parties would have speaking opportunities. The player will close the meeting answering two questions: Are you satisfied with the conversation exchanges? Do you still wish to be a part of our team? I may have had one such requested meeting a year. Administrators embraced the plan because they were now 'off-the-hook.'
The reality is most players feel great pressure tomplease parents and often times casually suggest that the he 'reason' they ar not playing more is 'coach won't give me a chance,' 'Coach doesn't like me,' I out play so-&-so in practice,' yadayadayada... Now the kid is off he accountability hook and Coach is now the bad guy. Once I get stablished the aforementioned process for parents to communicate with coach, the telephone calls stopped. You understand that 'junior' did not want a conversation with parents and two coaches.
When I played high school sports, my parents nor I ever dreamed of questioning the Coach on any decision he might make. In fact, I complained once to my parents about my high school Coach and my father scolded me saying, "If you don't like your basketball situation then do something to change it to your liking." During my first three varsity coaching years, I was in Mason City and those parents were conditioned as was my father. After those inaugural seasons, I noticed things changing. Parents were more and more inclined to complain about their sons' playing time and perhaps how he was being used. Parents would telephone the Coach and ask the Coach not tell the kid that his parent called or the parent would by-pass the Coach and telephone an administrator to voice a complaint. Of course the administrator would then ask the coach questions.
I decided that it was time to take this issue head-on. At Jacksonville, we established the following sport-family rules-of- engagement protocol: I accepted the fact that parents need and deserve answers and I wanted to be the direct contact-person to answer those question. At the beginning of each
basketball season once our freshmen, sophomore and varsity squads were established, I required parents and players to attend a pre-season meeting with all coaches in attendance. The Board of Education/District academic and behavior code policy was explained and then I outlined my specific team rules and expectations. I also explained what parents could expect from our coaches.
Regarding the issue of parents wishing specific answers to questions about 'their' son the following guideline was explained and required parental signature. If you have a question about your son's playing time or other aspects of his team membership you are to telephone your son's head coach. A meeting date and time will be setup at the coach's office. Attending that meeting WILL BE player, parent(s), head coach and assistant coach. The meeting will begin with the player explaining his concern, which caused him to have his parent request the meeting. All parties would have speaking opportunities. The player will close the meeting answering two questions: Are you satisfied with the conversation exchanges? Do you still wish to be a part of our team? I may have had one such requested meeting a year. Administrators embraced the plan because they were now 'off-the-hook.'
The reality is most players feel great pressure tomplease parents and often times casually suggest that the he 'reason' they ar not playing more is 'coach won't give me a chance,' 'Coach doesn't like me,' I out play so-&-so in practice,' yadayadayada... Now the kid is off he accountability hook and Coach is now the bad guy. Once I get stablished the aforementioned process for parents to communicate with coach, the telephone calls stopped. You understand that 'junior' did not want a conversation with parents and two coaches.
Saturday, February 9, 2019
# 2- The Coaching Family
ENTIRE COACHING STAFF OWNS IT:
I have never treated any assistant coach on my staff disrespectfully nor have I requested they do anything that I wouldn't do. In fact, every assistant I've ever had, if asked will tell you that I gave them specific opportunities to put their thumb-print on our efforts whether it be scouting preparations, defense responsibilities, elementary league charges and camp involvement.
During practice those coaches understood that day's plan and were invited to participate in the execution. During games, I never failed to give all assistants an opportunity to comment about any notes they kept during the first half. They had a similar opportunity in post-game meetings. Every assistant was given ownership. My assistants all knew my expectations of players, parents and them personally. I would do anything to help any of my assistants to secure a head job he was seeking. If an assistant appeared to want my job, I'd fire him.
This coaching-family affair reached beyond head coach and assistants. I held monthly coaching meetings in our home for both high school and junior high school basketball coaches and their families. We invited junior high coaches to bring their teams to high school practice and encouraged our high school coaches to see junior high games.
Our varsity locker room was equipped with large individual and personalized lockers. The locker room was also carpeted. On away game nights, my wife prepared a pasta supper for varsity players.
HOME GAME EXTRAVAGANZA:
Home games were specifically orchestrated to be a showcase of not only the basketball program but the Pom Pom Squad, Cheerleaders and Jazz Band. At the beginning of the season, we invited the aforementioned teams' sponsors to meet and cooperate with pre-game and half-time programs. We also invited special outside groups and other school teams, which deserved recognition. This home basketball game was intended to be a big deal in the Jacksonville community.
At season end, the school district purchased State Tournament tickets and distributed to coaches and players as numbers permitted.
CRIMSONS BASKETBALL FAMILY:
When our team played great distances fro home, I invited the cheerleaders to accompany the team on the charter bus. Post-season awards ceremony was also a dual event with players and cheerleaders. A few years, we orchestrated a post-season Spring Style Show with basketball players from all levels and both varsity and underclass cheer teams modeling spring fashions including Prom formal attire.
This was directed by Mrs. Roustio with the help of coaches wives and parents from all participating groups. The Style Show was attended by 600+ and was a nice money-maker for our programs.
I have never treated any assistant coach on my staff disrespectfully nor have I requested they do anything that I wouldn't do. In fact, every assistant I've ever had, if asked will tell you that I gave them specific opportunities to put their thumb-print on our efforts whether it be scouting preparations, defense responsibilities, elementary league charges and camp involvement.
During practice those coaches understood that day's plan and were invited to participate in the execution. During games, I never failed to give all assistants an opportunity to comment about any notes they kept during the first half. They had a similar opportunity in post-game meetings. Every assistant was given ownership. My assistants all knew my expectations of players, parents and them personally. I would do anything to help any of my assistants to secure a head job he was seeking. If an assistant appeared to want my job, I'd fire him.
This coaching-family affair reached beyond head coach and assistants. I held monthly coaching meetings in our home for both high school and junior high school basketball coaches and their families. We invited junior high coaches to bring their teams to high school practice and encouraged our high school coaches to see junior high games.
Our varsity locker room was equipped with large individual and personalized lockers. The locker room was also carpeted. On away game nights, my wife prepared a pasta supper for varsity players.
HOME GAME EXTRAVAGANZA:
Home games were specifically orchestrated to be a showcase of not only the basketball program but the Pom Pom Squad, Cheerleaders and Jazz Band. At the beginning of the season, we invited the aforementioned teams' sponsors to meet and cooperate with pre-game and half-time programs. We also invited special outside groups and other school teams, which deserved recognition. This home basketball game was intended to be a big deal in the Jacksonville community.
At season end, the school district purchased State Tournament tickets and distributed to coaches and players as numbers permitted.
CRIMSONS BASKETBALL FAMILY:
When our team played great distances fro home, I invited the cheerleaders to accompany the team on the charter bus. Post-season awards ceremony was also a dual event with players and cheerleaders. A few years, we orchestrated a post-season Spring Style Show with basketball players from all levels and both varsity and underclass cheer teams modeling spring fashions including Prom formal attire.
This was directed by Mrs. Roustio with the help of coaches wives and parents from all participating groups. The Style Show was attended by 600+ and was a nice money-maker for our programs.
Friday, February 8, 2019
# 1-The Administration & Community
Today, I will post the first of six blogs on the topic of the Jacksonville Crimsons' high school boys' basketball program and my tenure from 1977-1998. The intent is to chronicle the approach taken to build upon a sport program. I coached varsity basketball for 37- years in five different communities and in every instance when my tenure concluded at each school, I walked away and never looked back to critique my successor or the state of his program. I've always had a simple professional coaching philosophy: Make the coaching position larger and more important than it was when you assumed the charge thus the players will be benefactors and consequently the program stronger. I was never interested in being 'the old coach sitting in the stands second guessing the new coach.' The only contact I've ever had with programs I once mentored is on those occasions when that current coach sought my opinions and knowledge. Period.
OWNERSHIP & THE ADMINISTRATION:
The Jacksonville district administrators asked the right questions during my job interview and gave the correct answers and evidently I did also and ultimately a basketball program building philosophy was agreed upon. That was the first and most significant 'ownership contract.' The top administrators, Bob Crowe, Fred Osborn, Joe Dewees, John Conklin and Al Rosenberger held their people accountable, with great support and no micro-management. Other ownerships to forge would be with assistant coaches, junior high coaches, elementary school principals, news media, cheer Sponsor, Pom Sponsor and pep/jazz band director. A 'how & why' these ownerships were necessary will follow in later writings.
KNOCKING DOWN BARRIERS TO TAP RESOURCES:
I did my homework regarding the socioeconomic and racial factors in the community. In 1977, the combined population of Jacksonville and South Jacksonville approached 30,000. The high school enrollment was approximately 1250. The African-American population in the city was 6 or 7 percent and there was slightly over 100 African-American students in the high school. My observations over the years, which was substantiated by research, suggested that past successful Crimsons' teams had strong contributions from Black players. If futrue teams were to be successful, it was reasonable to believe that we needed to identify talent and that talent came in all colors from all community corners. I was not of the opinion that we could identify talent through word of mouth.
During my first two summers in Jacksonville, I took my lawn chair to the Northeast section of town and specially to Minnie Barr Park where most African-Americans lived and where the youngsters played pickup basketball games. I wanted people to know me and approach me. I also wanted to evaluate young players.
I was approached by some youngsters and several adults. I could extract from those conversations many perceptions regarding race and how it related to and impacted Jacksonville sports' programs. Suffice to say that 'people's perceptions become people's realities.' I had my work cut out to destroy some myths and misconceptions and tap the potential talent.
As I watched young basketball players those two summers, I imagined a basketball court one day in the center of Jacksonville at community park. Several years later that dream came true when Jacksonville Park Superintendent, Bruce Surratt agreed to the need and found financial support from The Pilot Club to build that court. A court for all who shared a love for the game. After a 21-year coaching career at Jacksonville, my teams' were comprised of approximately 40% Black Players.
DISTRICT WIDE ELEMENTARY LEAGUE:
The obvious pathway to building any school program (academic or extra-curricular) is to get to the kids at an early age. At first the eight district elementary principals resisted having their schools open after the school day to host other schools in a grade school basketball league. After some debate the top district administrators made the final decision and the District 117 Elementary Basketball League began. This was the second greatest ownership behind that of the administrators. Consider the upside magnitude of this elementary program: Four high school coaches at four elementary sites evaluating 5th & 6th grade talent, identifying youngsters we wished to make sure attended our summer camps and get to know those families; high school varsity players refereed those games and served as role models and finally, we were introducing future high school basketball players to all socioeconomic areas of our community, which I believe develops true and sincere bonds with teammates.
OWNERSHIP & THE ADMINISTRATION:
The Jacksonville district administrators asked the right questions during my job interview and gave the correct answers and evidently I did also and ultimately a basketball program building philosophy was agreed upon. That was the first and most significant 'ownership contract.' The top administrators, Bob Crowe, Fred Osborn, Joe Dewees, John Conklin and Al Rosenberger held their people accountable, with great support and no micro-management. Other ownerships to forge would be with assistant coaches, junior high coaches, elementary school principals, news media, cheer Sponsor, Pom Sponsor and pep/jazz band director. A 'how & why' these ownerships were necessary will follow in later writings.
KNOCKING DOWN BARRIERS TO TAP RESOURCES:
I did my homework regarding the socioeconomic and racial factors in the community. In 1977, the combined population of Jacksonville and South Jacksonville approached 30,000. The high school enrollment was approximately 1250. The African-American population in the city was 6 or 7 percent and there was slightly over 100 African-American students in the high school. My observations over the years, which was substantiated by research, suggested that past successful Crimsons' teams had strong contributions from Black players. If futrue teams were to be successful, it was reasonable to believe that we needed to identify talent and that talent came in all colors from all community corners. I was not of the opinion that we could identify talent through word of mouth.
During my first two summers in Jacksonville, I took my lawn chair to the Northeast section of town and specially to Minnie Barr Park where most African-Americans lived and where the youngsters played pickup basketball games. I wanted people to know me and approach me. I also wanted to evaluate young players.
I was approached by some youngsters and several adults. I could extract from those conversations many perceptions regarding race and how it related to and impacted Jacksonville sports' programs. Suffice to say that 'people's perceptions become people's realities.' I had my work cut out to destroy some myths and misconceptions and tap the potential talent.
As I watched young basketball players those two summers, I imagined a basketball court one day in the center of Jacksonville at community park. Several years later that dream came true when Jacksonville Park Superintendent, Bruce Surratt agreed to the need and found financial support from The Pilot Club to build that court. A court for all who shared a love for the game. After a 21-year coaching career at Jacksonville, my teams' were comprised of approximately 40% Black Players.
DISTRICT WIDE ELEMENTARY LEAGUE:
The obvious pathway to building any school program (academic or extra-curricular) is to get to the kids at an early age. At first the eight district elementary principals resisted having their schools open after the school day to host other schools in a grade school basketball league. After some debate the top district administrators made the final decision and the District 117 Elementary Basketball League began. This was the second greatest ownership behind that of the administrators. Consider the upside magnitude of this elementary program: Four high school coaches at four elementary sites evaluating 5th & 6th grade talent, identifying youngsters we wished to make sure attended our summer camps and get to know those families; high school varsity players refereed those games and served as role models and finally, we were introducing future high school basketball players to all socioeconomic areas of our community, which I believe develops true and sincere bonds with teammates.
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