One of our first dates was a tournament at Assumption in Westport (1987). You picked me up at the train station on a Friday night and said your team was playing St. Pius. I agreed to go to the game-I thought it was admirable that you had no agenda (except to win!) and just coached for the sake of coaching. It was a fantastic and intense game (I confess I don't remember who won but know that you do and you'll tell me after you read this). You were cool as a cucumber, handling yourself and your team with dignity and grace; I was really impressed. After that, basketball was a big part of our dating experience. You could say we gave new meaning to the term "courting."
Your passion for coaching and teaching the game are admirable attributes. You are fair and you are an advocate for your team.
I remember during a final CYO Tournament game in Waterbury, the head guy stipulated that your team wear black t. shirts (in the final game) under their uniforms (unis were black and white then). Your team only had white t.shirts. You sent your brother Greg and your sister Terry out into the town of Waterbury and they came back with 15 black t.shirts. You kept everyone calm and you kept your own head clear. I think you lost that game by 1 to an annoying Boston team who was chest bumping and touching a "Play like a Champion" sign. (You'll correct me if I'm wrong I know)
I think one of your proudest moments was at the St. Mary's Tournament in the early '90's. A Sportsmanship award was always given to a deserving player on a team. That year the Sportsmanship Award was given to your entire team! Sportsmanship was something you built your teams on.
I know that you feel privileged to have coached for so many years. I also know that you will always be involved in coaching on some level; you're too good at it not to be.
We Love You,
Seach, Lindsey and Jake
