This blog is being used for a book we'll be giving to Dave the night of the party. This book will be a collection of well wishes, stories, tributes, etc from all his friends, former players, coaches. It's very simple - like signing a yearbook. You can be as creative or simple as you want. Don't be left out. If you want to be in Dave's yearbook, you need to post your note by MAY 14th! Just email patrickdugg@gmail.com with your contribution and we'll post it for you.

May 13, 2010

Jim Driggs

I think its important to start by talking about Dave's legendary status. Dave is one of the few people in our world's history that is recognizable by one name. Like Madonna, Prince, Cher, Lebron, Kobe, and Michael...Like Ali, Obama, Bird, and Magic...There is Dave and only one Dave. Whether you are in the halls of St. Thomas, at Wakeman, The Sheehan Center, Oscars, or the Driftwood (RIP) the name Dave conjures up thoughts of a man who couldn't pass, dribble, or shoot; couldn't run, jump, or defend! A man who couldn't score 25 pts if he was the only one in the gym! A man who at the age of 28 would of come off the bench on our 1990-1991 team that went 44-0, and we were in 6th grade.

enough joking-

In all seriousness, I think if Dave were a word defined by Webster's one would see that it is synonymous with the word genuine. Genuine is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Dave. Mrs. Stone (I mean Webster's) defines genuine as something/someone that is authentic, real, free from pretense, free from hypocrisy; sincere. With the exception of one's parents it is hard for young people to truly comprehend the importance of people in ones life until they are much older. This was the case with Dave. As I look back on my years as a member of Dave's teams I am always reminded of a coach who truly cared for his players. His self-sacrifice and genuine interest in US made those years so enjoyable. Sports have the unique ability to form long lasting friendships. Dave was the catalyst for many of these relationships that still last today. Dave made basketball fun (it also helped that we won a ton of games too!) and he played an integral role in me truly falling in love with the game of basketball. I have been very fortunate to have basketball in my life and it has given me a lot. As I look back on my basketball journey I always smile when I know it all started with Dave on his teams at St. Thomas.

Dave, thank you for all that you have done for the school and the community. I have always considered you to be a mentor, a friend, and most importantly a coach! Your service has truly been remarkable. I hope to see you soon!!!

-Driggsy
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