Jeff and I have three daughters—and none of them were fortunate enough to play for Dave Sullivan. When my girls started playing basketball and we became more aware of the girls’ and boys’ programs at St. Thomas—it was always interesting year to year to see who the coaches would be of each team. The Boys Varsity coach was always Dave Sullivan. I don’t remember at the time if Dave was married to Beth—but this message is for Beth, Lindsey and Jake—as well as Dave.
Because I know what it is like to be married to a grammar school basketball coach.
First, you have the phone numbers of EVERY coach (Catholic/public school, PAL teams, boys/girls club), assistant coach, referee and school district in Fairfield and New Haven counties. Why? Because you are always looking for ‘extra’ games, scrimmages, practices and you need opponents, gyms and refs!
Second, you have an ‘extra’ supply of pinnies, balls, clip boards, first aid kits—because you have collected them over the years and you NEED them.
Third, you have the school calendar in your head. You cannot have games and/or practices or scrimmages scheduled for Halloween; the Christmas Show; Confirmation (and its practices!); the IOWA’s; or any night before Sister Margaret’s, Mrs. Stone’s, Mrs. Faust’s or Mrs. Martinsky’s tests!
Fourth, in addition to one or most likely, TWO practices a week, there were also the ‘games I have to scout’ or the ‘plays I have to work out’ or the ‘phone calls from parents’ that you have to deal with.
To be a good coach—and Dave, you certainly are—is not something you do for an hour or two each week--because you also worry about your ‘kids’. Are they doing well in school? Do they need any extra help? What’s going on at home? Do they have single parents—can I help with the rides to games, scrimmages, etc? Is it too much? Is it too little?
Coaching can consume your life—and considering all the years that Dave has given to St. Thomas with and without his children in the program---it is a testament to his dedication and the support and help of his family.
Beth, Lindsey and Jake—thanks for making Dave Sullivan Basketball both a tradition and an honor at St. Thomas.
Mary Jo and Jeff Dunne
