First and foremost I want to wish everyone a happy and safe Holiday Season from the Burgess Family and the BC Men’s Basketball team. This is a time for us all to enjoy our precious time with family and friends and be mindful of the true blessings which we do have.
Yes, we (the Basketball team) did make it back from Washington DC and NO, we did not get to San Juan. As I scheduled this San Juan trip last spring I was looking for an opportunity for my team to have a 1) “a team bonding” experience, 2) an educational trip, 3) play a few basketball games and 4) enjoy the 80 degrees weather. Well we were able to check off 3 of the 4 which are mentioned above with #4 not getting checked off the list. We were snowed in the Marriott Dulles Airport since Friday (Dec. 18th) which is a very nice hotel with all the amenities you could ask for as a traveler (indoor pool, Jacuzzi, full service restaurant, workout room, business center, etc.). Also, we were less than a ¼ of a mile from the Dulles Airport. We were most definitely able to bond as a team. From an educational view, 10 years from now the players will be able to say they were a part of the DC Blizzard of ’09 (as the Washington Post and other media outlets were calling this historic event), and they actually used a net and a floatation ring (“lifesaver”) as the basketball hoops in the indoor pool to play a competitive b-ball game.
I am very proud of the way my team carried themselves throughout the whole ordeal. The guys were very disappointed but I told them “that we can still make something good out of this trip, it is how you approach this situation at hand and we will approach it with a positive attitude”. I reminded them that we are fortunate enough to have a hotel with heat and with food because there were THOUSANDS at Dulles who did not have the “means” to get to a hotel or have food. The only accessible road on the Dec. 19 was the “loop” from the airport to the Marriott. The airport closed down which meant the kiosks and eateries were all closed.
I know the Bridgewater alums and BC Family would have been proud of them as well because the guys handled themselves in a “first class” manner at the hotel and became a “hotel favorite” of the thousands of folks staying at this hotel. The travel party had to wear one of two BC sweat suits during the entire stay because we all had packed our bags with items suitable for 80 degrees weather. As we walked thru the large lobby to our team meals down in the restaurant you would see the attention which the team attracted because of the way they handled themselves. Other families and business folks who were stranded as well at the hotel became very interested in BC and our program. I must say that the players were the “celebrities” of the hotel. As you walked past the other hotel guests you would hear them say “that is the Bridgewater College Men’s Basketball team that WAS going to San Juan”. Our guys made a very good first and lasting impression on the hotel staff (the manager complimented me on our guys’ attitude and professionalism) compared to other college teams which have stayed at this hotel in the past.
On Dec. 18 we departed the Bridgewater College campus en route to the Dulles Marriott for our flight was scheduled for 8 a.m. the next day. We had a scheduled bus departure of 3 am on the 19th but when the weather forecast was given we decided to go up the evening of the 18th so, we could be on the property of the airport with our hotel location. JP of Travel Mates was a “trooper” to get us to DC safe and sound as we traveled in the snow flurries. That evening we called American Airlines (AA) just to make sure our flight was still scheduled - everything was good.
Dec. 19th: Set the alarm for 4 am to call AA for the flight status – All Good. 4:15 a.m. the phone rang. It was Turner Travel Agency (Charles and Polly), who did an exceptional job of communicating and taking care of the necessary paper work for the refund. Charles had called to say he just checked with AA and the flight is a “go”. So, we got the travel party to our reserved shuttle bus for our 5 a.m. departure to the airport (checking in a group of 20 you want to be early). We checked our bags, headed to the gate B71 en route to SAN JUAN, PR departing at 8 a.m. - ON TIME. As we walked the concourse we looked at the departure screen and noticed that we were one of about 10 flights not in RED letters – CANCELLED. We noticed a few flights taking flight so our outlook was very positive as the snow was falling heavily from the sky.
We get to our gate and there is a plane setting and folks waiting to depart for a flight to Miami at 6:40 am departure – cool. As the time got near to 8 a.m. the Miami passengers were delayed as their plane received a cracked windshield with the cold weather while de-icing the plane. We thought we would still be in good shape until AA announced that the Miami passengers were going to take the next plane available - yes our plane to San Juan. By the time AA made this decision it was around 10:00 am and the snow was accumulating fast as the AA crew was trying to de-ice the plane.
Meanwhile we continued to check the departure screen and were getting updated delays (8:45, 9:15, 10:15, 11 am). It began to look bleak. However, the AA representative makes an announcement “all San Juan passengers we will scan your boarding passes and have you board at another gate, just a few gates down, because they had a plane that they were de-icing for us to take. Smiles on my players faces began to appear. Then, within an hour the Miami passengers, who had been sitting on the runway for more than an hour, were brought back to the terminal (gate 81). 20 minutes later (now 11:20 am) the letters came across the departure screen were now in RED – CANCELLED. ALL flights were about to be cancelled from Dulles.
I immediately called back to the Marriott to continue our stay for at least one more night for I knew it was going to be a “mad dash” for folks trying to get lodging. This was the only hotel accessible with a shuttle for the roads were not accessible outside of the “Airport loop”. You had thousands of folks stranded, folks sleeping on the baggage claim conveyer belt, making makeshift beds on luggage. It was something you would see in a scene from a movie. I wanted to make sure our travel party had a place to sleep and food to eat. I gathered the team and explained the best case and worst case scenario to them regarding our chances to get to San Juan. You could just see the disappointment on the faces of these young men – after all they did to raise or earn the money for this trip. Meanwhile, Turner Travel was working diligently and checking all options that might get us to San Juan. There was NOT one seat available on any flight to San Juan on the 20th, 21st or 22nd from Dulles, BWI, Pittsburgh, or JFK. The basketball classic ended on the 22nd. When I had booked our team flight several months ago I knew that all the flights were going to be booked fully or close to full capacity because so many tourists fly to San Juan to also catch the different cruise lines which depart from Puerto Rico.
By the time we get our luggage, get things squared away with AA, get a shuttle to the hotel it is now 1 p.m. The guys have been up since 4:30 a.m. They were tired and hungry. So, we ate at the hotel brunch buffet, met with the team, and let them return to their rooms to catch up on their sleep.
Dec. 20th: We were snowed in at the hotel. Guys kept themselves busy swimming, video games, eating, watching football and basketball games on TV. We were trying to get back to Bridgewater but we were unable to get a bus to Dulles as parts of I -81 and I – 66 were closed.
Dec. 21st: Quick’s Bus picked us up at 9:45 am and we were back on campus after noon to find our vehicles hidden beneath two feet of snow. The BC Buildings and Ground Crew brought the shovels and a tractor while Ben Spotts and the team shoveled the cars out - another BC team effort of working together to get things done. My concern was to get back to campus in a timely fashion because several of our guys still had several hours to drive to get to their homes.
I want to say thanks to everyone that helped make our trip a very memorable trip. It was a positive experience for our travel party even if we did not get to enjoy the 80degrees weather. It will be a trip to talk about for years to come. Thanks to Turner Travel, Travel Mates and Quick’s Bus Companies, and the BC administrators (Curt Kendall / Roy Ferguson) for being supportive and keeping the lines of communication open as we were stuck in the DC Blizzard of ’09.
Lastly, thanks to the adults who got to participate in this travel experience as it took a “team effort” to keep these youngsters upbeat. Alvin Green (assistant coach), Scott Powers (Athletic Tranier),Stephanie Burgess and Mr. Charles Jordan (Segar’s dad) were also snowed in.
We will return to practice on Dec. 30th in preparation for an ODAC game at Va. Wesleyan on Jan. 2. We return to Nininger Hall on Jan. 4th to play Randolph-Macon.
Happy Holidays!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Looking At the Susquehanna Victory
I was very proud of our guys’ team effort yesterday vs Susquehanna University on the defensive end. The starters (DJ, Dom, Jake, J.Brake, and Segar) came out and set the tone on the defensive end for our team from the tip – off with energy and effort. We played hard, smart, and together which on the defensive side you usually don’t see those three elements together on a consistent basis this early in the season. Our guys have been working hard in practice – yes we still have many areas to improve in but this was a good beginning.
We (the staff –Alvin Green, Tim Meyers and I) have been reminding our guys that we have to collectively “get the job done” - it will not be one specific player who will single-handedly win the game for us. For example, rebounding we were + 15 and we had 5 or more players with 4 or more rebounds and defensively we were able to create 17 turnovers. Offensively we were able to get some points off of our defense, we executed our sets, and we were able to knock down a few shots. We still have guys adjusting to new roles which are different from their roles fo the past. As each of our guys get more comfortable and confident in not only in their own ability but trust in their teammates then we should continue to make the strides that we need to make toward February.
We had several guys in street clothes because of injuries against SU and we hope to have them all in uniform very soon.
Yes, it was my birthday on Sunday and the team gave me a very good B-day present – thank you. My family was missing from the game as my daughter had a cheerleading exhibition down at Broadway H.S. at the same time as our game. My wife was texting folks at the game to keep tabs on our score.
This Saturday (11/21) we host the Don Glick Classic. At 6 pm it's EMU vs Averett and at 8 pm BC hosts Wesley College. On Sunday (11/22) at 2 pm it’s EMU vs Wesley and at 4 pm BC vs Averett. This field consists of two teams (Wesley and Averett) which went to the NCAA tourney last season and both teams bring some very talented players to Nininger Hall. It should be an exciting weekend if you are a college basketball fan and we look forward to having a GREAT crowd on both days. The games are FREE if you bring a canned good to the game. So, if you have five family members please bring five cans of food. These donations will be delivered to the local food bank that serves the Bridgewater/Rockingham County area of families in need during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Help us fill up the shopping cart which will be in the lobby of Nininger Hall on Saturday and Sunday.
Lastly, I would like to thank the alumni players who came out and played in the fall alumni game vs BC on (Nov.7th)- Jay Strotman, Rob Rice, Josh Fox, Drew Cathlin, Michael Jenkins, Michael Oblitey, Matt Drewer and Brett Maynard. This is something we would like to have every fall so the BC fans can get another chance to cheer on former BC players. Also, a reminder we will have an alumni game in the spring semester on Feb. 20th (Senior Day) at 11 am – noon. The teams will be Even Years vs Odd Years. At noon you will have lunch amd at 2 pm and we invite you and your families to come and cheer on YOUR BC Eagles vs Lynchburg College. The alumni game will be fun and a chance to have players and families reminisce of their days on campus. Please contact the basketball office if you are interested in participating. You can play as few minutes as you want or as many as you want. Yes, we will have time outs every 4 minutes, plenty of water, and trainers available for ice afterwards.
Thank you to those who came out this past Sunday to support us. Look forward to seeing you all this weekend!
We (the staff –Alvin Green, Tim Meyers and I) have been reminding our guys that we have to collectively “get the job done” - it will not be one specific player who will single-handedly win the game for us. For example, rebounding we were + 15 and we had 5 or more players with 4 or more rebounds and defensively we were able to create 17 turnovers. Offensively we were able to get some points off of our defense, we executed our sets, and we were able to knock down a few shots. We still have guys adjusting to new roles which are different from their roles fo the past. As each of our guys get more comfortable and confident in not only in their own ability but trust in their teammates then we should continue to make the strides that we need to make toward February.
We had several guys in street clothes because of injuries against SU and we hope to have them all in uniform very soon.
Yes, it was my birthday on Sunday and the team gave me a very good B-day present – thank you. My family was missing from the game as my daughter had a cheerleading exhibition down at Broadway H.S. at the same time as our game. My wife was texting folks at the game to keep tabs on our score.
This Saturday (11/21) we host the Don Glick Classic. At 6 pm it's EMU vs Averett and at 8 pm BC hosts Wesley College. On Sunday (11/22) at 2 pm it’s EMU vs Wesley and at 4 pm BC vs Averett. This field consists of two teams (Wesley and Averett) which went to the NCAA tourney last season and both teams bring some very talented players to Nininger Hall. It should be an exciting weekend if you are a college basketball fan and we look forward to having a GREAT crowd on both days. The games are FREE if you bring a canned good to the game. So, if you have five family members please bring five cans of food. These donations will be delivered to the local food bank that serves the Bridgewater/Rockingham County area of families in need during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Help us fill up the shopping cart which will be in the lobby of Nininger Hall on Saturday and Sunday.
Lastly, I would like to thank the alumni players who came out and played in the fall alumni game vs BC on (Nov.7th)- Jay Strotman, Rob Rice, Josh Fox, Drew Cathlin, Michael Jenkins, Michael Oblitey, Matt Drewer and Brett Maynard. This is something we would like to have every fall so the BC fans can get another chance to cheer on former BC players. Also, a reminder we will have an alumni game in the spring semester on Feb. 20th (Senior Day) at 11 am – noon. The teams will be Even Years vs Odd Years. At noon you will have lunch amd at 2 pm and we invite you and your families to come and cheer on YOUR BC Eagles vs Lynchburg College. The alumni game will be fun and a chance to have players and families reminisce of their days on campus. Please contact the basketball office if you are interested in participating. You can play as few minutes as you want or as many as you want. Yes, we will have time outs every 4 minutes, plenty of water, and trainers available for ice afterwards.
Thank you to those who came out this past Sunday to support us. Look forward to seeing you all this weekend!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Eagles Will Scrimmage Against Alumi on Saturday
First, I would like to wish both the women’s Volleyball team good luck in the ODAC tourney this weekend and our football team good luck on Saturday vs. Randolph-Macon.
We had a very busy last few weeks not just on the basketball court but also in the community. First, we were a part of the “Red Ribbon Week” at John Wayland Elementary School. We spoke to the students about making good decisions and saying “NO” to drugs and alcohol. Also, we had Mrs. Joyce Floyd’s (Justin Brake’s Grandma) special needs class from R.E. LEE High School visit our beautiful campus and shoot hoops with the team in Nininger Hall. Both of these events were wonderful experiences for each party involved. My student–athletes were able to see what a positive impact they have on kids of all ages. Also, it reemphasizes to our student-athletes what our staff tries to teach them every day in practice that you are setting an example every day in all you do - that’s for on the court and off the court.
I had the pleasure to speak at the Coaches vs Cancer Tip off Breakfast at Ham’s Restaurant where the proceeds went to the American Cancer Society for the fight against cancer. That same evening I was invited along with Coach Willi to the Shenandoah Valley Athletic Club meeting to speak about our upcoming season along with the men’s and women’s basketball coaches from JMU and EMU. This particular dinner it was a special occasion. My wife (Stephanie) and my dad attended this dinner and it was the first time that both of them heard me speak at the event. It is great to have over 100 people gather who are just passionate and supportive about athletics in the Shenandoah Valley as a whole. No matter what team you may root for – they all have a sincere interest in all sports in the “Valley”. If you have not been to one of the monthly gatherings you should attend.
Our guys have been working hard and trying to get comfortable with learning each other’s tendencies on the court. For example, who likes to post up on the right block instead of the left block, who prefers to shoot off the chest pass or off the down screen – all of these “little things” which can help you win the “close game”. We are getting better each day, some days slower than others, but that is expected with the injuries and guys getting accustomed to new roles or different roles.
Reminder for this Saturday:
The BC football game is at 1 p.m. and, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. is the women’s basketball team spaghetti dinner AND the men’s basketball scrimmage against a BC alumni team.
The alumini team consists of class of ’09 Rob Rice, Brett Maynard, Matt Drewer; ’08 Andrew Cathlin, Josh Fox, Jay Strotman and ’07 Michael Jenkins .
I want to thank these guys for participating. Come out and enjoy the Saturday festivities.
We had a very busy last few weeks not just on the basketball court but also in the community. First, we were a part of the “Red Ribbon Week” at John Wayland Elementary School. We spoke to the students about making good decisions and saying “NO” to drugs and alcohol. Also, we had Mrs. Joyce Floyd’s (Justin Brake’s Grandma) special needs class from R.E. LEE High School visit our beautiful campus and shoot hoops with the team in Nininger Hall. Both of these events were wonderful experiences for each party involved. My student–athletes were able to see what a positive impact they have on kids of all ages. Also, it reemphasizes to our student-athletes what our staff tries to teach them every day in practice that you are setting an example every day in all you do - that’s for on the court and off the court.
I had the pleasure to speak at the Coaches vs Cancer Tip off Breakfast at Ham’s Restaurant where the proceeds went to the American Cancer Society for the fight against cancer. That same evening I was invited along with Coach Willi to the Shenandoah Valley Athletic Club meeting to speak about our upcoming season along with the men’s and women’s basketball coaches from JMU and EMU. This particular dinner it was a special occasion. My wife (Stephanie) and my dad attended this dinner and it was the first time that both of them heard me speak at the event. It is great to have over 100 people gather who are just passionate and supportive about athletics in the Shenandoah Valley as a whole. No matter what team you may root for – they all have a sincere interest in all sports in the “Valley”. If you have not been to one of the monthly gatherings you should attend.
Our guys have been working hard and trying to get comfortable with learning each other’s tendencies on the court. For example, who likes to post up on the right block instead of the left block, who prefers to shoot off the chest pass or off the down screen – all of these “little things” which can help you win the “close game”. We are getting better each day, some days slower than others, but that is expected with the injuries and guys getting accustomed to new roles or different roles.
Reminder for this Saturday:
The BC football game is at 1 p.m. and, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. is the women’s basketball team spaghetti dinner AND the men’s basketball scrimmage against a BC alumni team.
The alumini team consists of class of ’09 Rob Rice, Brett Maynard, Matt Drewer; ’08 Andrew Cathlin, Josh Fox, Jay Strotman and ’07 Michael Jenkins .
I want to thank these guys for participating. Come out and enjoy the Saturday festivities.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Preseason Blog Update
Yesterday I attended the Pre-Season media Day Banquet in Salem, VA which was hosted by the Salem Rotary Club. The Salem Rotary Club does an outstanding job of hosting the ODAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball tournament. It is run in a first class manner and is conference tournament where the hosts and the participants are genuinely looking excited to see each other because of the quality of the event.
Yes, we were a pre-season pick at #7 for this upcoming season by the coaches in the ODAC. This is about where I had predicted us to be picked when you look at the six student-athletes which were Seniors last season (Kris Cecil, Michael Oblitey, Rob Rice, Michael Scorsome, Justin Reavis, and Rob Rice). We not only need to fill the “void” of their points, rebounds, and assists but also, the intangibles (toughness and grit) which they brought to the table for us last season.
Collectively, though with our returners and newcomers we hope to fill that “void”. This season’s captains (which were selected by their teammates) are the Seniors - Dominic Trawick, Segar Jordan, DJ Billups, and Jake Johnson. These guys did a nice job of leading the team in the pre-season and have since carried their leadership responsibilities over to our practices. Dom returns after leading the team in scoring and a 2 nd team all –ODAC selection, DJ returns a 7 ppg avg , Jake avg 3ppg until the final four games he avg. 14pts. Segar Jordan returns in the best shape of his BC career due to the hard work he put in this past summer.
Our Junior class consists of Rick Maloney, Drew Maynard, Kyle Hammond, and Mark Gibbs. These guys have been working hard in practice day in and day out. We as a team and staff are waiting and looking forward to these guys to contribute in many ways when called upon throughout the season. Drew had a very good summer in the weight room which he added about 10lbs to his frame. Kyle has been more assertive on the offensive and defensive end so far in our early practices – we need him to continue to be assertive on both ends of the floor this season. Mark and Rick are showing more confidence around the basket and have been looking more comfortable with some of their post moves which can be connected to the work which they both did over the summer.
Cody Griffith and Justin Brake are the only two which are in our Sophomore Class. Cody and Justin worked extremely hard over the summer. Cody has used last year to adjust to the college game from a guard’s perspective and returns with a stronger mentality and more confident for this upcoming season.
Our Freshman class (Lyndon Humphries, Russell White, Kordero Thompson, and Joey Geary) has been adjusting to the “college Basketball” practices. The level of play, quickness, competitiveness and intensity which has to be brought consistently not just to each practice but to each possession (offensively and defensively) in order to successfully adapt to the “college game”. They all are doing very well with this and our upper classmen have been remarkable with helping these youngsters to understand that the college game is just as much mental preparation as physical preparation. Joey and Kordero are “mixing it” up with several returning gds while Russell and Lyndon are competing day in and out with the forwards on the team.
Recently, we added several walk-ons which made the team after having a two day tryout. Adam Utz, Zach Dishman, Joshua Woody, and Tucker Kirby. These guys work hard and bring a very positive attitude every day to practice.
Last but not least , Matt Ross our Student – Asst. Coach. Matt is a Senior from Richmond , VA who is preparing himself to be a basketball coach in the future works very hard and represents our program in a positive manner.
I told are guys being picked 7th – we can be as good as we want to be. We have to have several guys to step into roles which they have not been accustomed to in the past. If they can accept their new roles and perform at the level which is expected of them on a consistent basis then we will be able to compete this season within our conference.
Have a safe Halloween weekend.
Yes, we were a pre-season pick at #7 for this upcoming season by the coaches in the ODAC. This is about where I had predicted us to be picked when you look at the six student-athletes which were Seniors last season (Kris Cecil, Michael Oblitey, Rob Rice, Michael Scorsome, Justin Reavis, and Rob Rice). We not only need to fill the “void” of their points, rebounds, and assists but also, the intangibles (toughness and grit) which they brought to the table for us last season.
Collectively, though with our returners and newcomers we hope to fill that “void”. This season’s captains (which were selected by their teammates) are the Seniors - Dominic Trawick, Segar Jordan, DJ Billups, and Jake Johnson. These guys did a nice job of leading the team in the pre-season and have since carried their leadership responsibilities over to our practices. Dom returns after leading the team in scoring and a 2 nd team all –ODAC selection, DJ returns a 7 ppg avg , Jake avg 3ppg until the final four games he avg. 14pts. Segar Jordan returns in the best shape of his BC career due to the hard work he put in this past summer.
Our Junior class consists of Rick Maloney, Drew Maynard, Kyle Hammond, and Mark Gibbs. These guys have been working hard in practice day in and day out. We as a team and staff are waiting and looking forward to these guys to contribute in many ways when called upon throughout the season. Drew had a very good summer in the weight room which he added about 10lbs to his frame. Kyle has been more assertive on the offensive and defensive end so far in our early practices – we need him to continue to be assertive on both ends of the floor this season. Mark and Rick are showing more confidence around the basket and have been looking more comfortable with some of their post moves which can be connected to the work which they both did over the summer.
Cody Griffith and Justin Brake are the only two which are in our Sophomore Class. Cody and Justin worked extremely hard over the summer. Cody has used last year to adjust to the college game from a guard’s perspective and returns with a stronger mentality and more confident for this upcoming season.
Our Freshman class (Lyndon Humphries, Russell White, Kordero Thompson, and Joey Geary) has been adjusting to the “college Basketball” practices. The level of play, quickness, competitiveness and intensity which has to be brought consistently not just to each practice but to each possession (offensively and defensively) in order to successfully adapt to the “college game”. They all are doing very well with this and our upper classmen have been remarkable with helping these youngsters to understand that the college game is just as much mental preparation as physical preparation. Joey and Kordero are “mixing it” up with several returning gds while Russell and Lyndon are competing day in and out with the forwards on the team.
Recently, we added several walk-ons which made the team after having a two day tryout. Adam Utz, Zach Dishman, Joshua Woody, and Tucker Kirby. These guys work hard and bring a very positive attitude every day to practice.
Last but not least , Matt Ross our Student – Asst. Coach. Matt is a Senior from Richmond , VA who is preparing himself to be a basketball coach in the future works very hard and represents our program in a positive manner.
I told are guys being picked 7th – we can be as good as we want to be. We have to have several guys to step into roles which they have not been accustomed to in the past. If they can accept their new roles and perform at the level which is expected of them on a consistent basis then we will be able to compete this season within our conference.
Have a safe Halloween weekend.
Friday, October 16, 2009
First Day of Practice
The first day of practice came and went we had 24 guys come out for our first practice/tryout. We will have one more practice/tryout before we finalize our roster. I am very excited to have Coach Alvin Green and Coach Tim Meyers back on the bench with me this season. We were excited with having the opportunity to “roll up” our sleeves and get back into the mix of things. I will keep you posted on how the team shapes up.
I am looking forward to the Homecoming weekend and all of the festivities. We will finish practice on Friday just in time for my wife and I to attend the Athletic Hall of Fame banquet – CONGRATULATIONS to the Inductees. Also, congrats to my colleague Jean Willi for her induction into the TA Hall of Fame.
I received word that several of my players from last year’s team will be in attendance at the FB game (Justin Reavis, Kris Cecil, and Rob Rice). I do look forward to meeting other former players who I may have not personally met since arriving at BC last September. So, please stop by the Eagle Club tent so, we can “catch up”, for that is where I will be as the Asst. Director of the Eagle Club and Alvin Green (Asst Coach) will be at the game as well.
Today, I had the pleasure to visit with Bob Boyle (class of ’69 and still holds the record for the most rebounds in a game at 28) and Jason Jones (member of the 1996-97 Sweet 16 team) who both were able to meet several of the current BC players at the Career Exploration Day in Nininger Hall. A few days earlier I was able to visit with Coach Paul Hatcher (class of ’66) and his son Brandon as we toured Nininger Hall and the Men’s Basketball locker room which evolved into a very informative “chalk talk” session as we discussed some “X’s” and “O’s”. This is one of the reasons why I want to connect to ALL former BC players and establish that “brotherhood” with current and former players. http://www.bridgewatereagles.com/sports/mbkb/formerplayers
Lastly, I want to wish all of the sports which are playing this weekend – GOOD LUCK!! Go EAGLES
I am looking forward to the Homecoming weekend and all of the festivities. We will finish practice on Friday just in time for my wife and I to attend the Athletic Hall of Fame banquet – CONGRATULATIONS to the Inductees. Also, congrats to my colleague Jean Willi for her induction into the TA Hall of Fame.
I received word that several of my players from last year’s team will be in attendance at the FB game (Justin Reavis, Kris Cecil, and Rob Rice). I do look forward to meeting other former players who I may have not personally met since arriving at BC last September. So, please stop by the Eagle Club tent so, we can “catch up”, for that is where I will be as the Asst. Director of the Eagle Club and Alvin Green (Asst Coach) will be at the game as well.
Today, I had the pleasure to visit with Bob Boyle (class of ’69 and still holds the record for the most rebounds in a game at 28) and Jason Jones (member of the 1996-97 Sweet 16 team) who both were able to meet several of the current BC players at the Career Exploration Day in Nininger Hall. A few days earlier I was able to visit with Coach Paul Hatcher (class of ’66) and his son Brandon as we toured Nininger Hall and the Men’s Basketball locker room which evolved into a very informative “chalk talk” session as we discussed some “X’s” and “O’s”. This is one of the reasons why I want to connect to ALL former BC players and establish that “brotherhood” with current and former players. http://www.bridgewatereagles.com/sports/mbkb/formerplayers
Lastly, I want to wish all of the sports which are playing this weekend – GOOD LUCK!! Go EAGLES
Friday, September 18, 2009
Getting Ready For My Second Year At BC
Wow! It is hard to believe that ONE YEAR has already passed. I am very proud and honored to be the head men’s basketball coach at Bridgewater College and look forward to doing so for many years to come. It seems like yesterday when I was standing at the podium, meeting the basketball team for the first time, trying to match up player photos from the media guide with class schedules to make sure I was meeting with the correct player in our first individual meetings. This September has a little more of normalcy to it – my family (wife and two children) is here in Bridgewater (last year they were not able to move up here until October 2008). The players are back into their routine of going to class, participating in their “fall workouts” all while enjoying being a college student on the beautiful campus here at BC As for the staff, myself, Alvin Green and Tim Meyers, we are staying busy as well with recruiting and attending as many open gyms and high school fall leagues which we are permitted to do on top of our other duties here at BC.
It is great to have the guys stop by the MBB office for their weekly academic meetings and see that they are excited to be back on the campus after being away for the summer. The BC campus is even more beautiful when all of the students return in the fall. Several of our guys (and WBB players) were counselors this past summer at our boys and girls basketball camps which we had on our campus this past June.
Our incoming freshman seem to be adapting well at BC. Those freshman are Joey Geary, guard, from Fauquier High School (which is the same school Justin Reavis attended); Kordero Thompson, guard, from Liberty – Bedford High School; Lyndon Humphries, forward, from nearby Riverheads High School, and Russell White, center, from Halifax County High School. These four freshmen have been well received by the returning players. Their smooth adjustment, so far, is largely due to our returning players taking these youngsters under their wings and showing them what is expected of them on and off the court in our program. Also, we as a staff, have a weekly meeting with the freshman where we meet on academics and provide them the guidelines on “time management of a student-athlete”.
The returning players are upbeat and excited for the upcoming season. The schedule which was released on our new website http://www.bridgewatereagles.com/ (a job well done by our Sports Information Office –Steve Cox, Tim Leister, and Cyndi Justice) has them excited because it is one of the toughest schedules they have played. We have a trip scheduled to Coastal Carolina University (Dec.12th Saturday) and were invited to play in a Classic in San Juan, Puerto Rico over the Christmas Break (Dec. 19th – 23). Come and support us if you are free these days. Travel to Myrtle Beach and cheer us on against Coastal and you can get your shopping done at the outlets or you can golf during the day. Also, we have EMU, Wesley College and Averett participating in the Don Glick Classic on Nov. 21 -22. Wesley College and Averett both were NCAA tournament participants in 2009. Other non –conference opponents are Ferrum, Southern Virginia, Averett (again on Jan.30th )and Susquehanna University for our season-opener on Sunday, Nov.15th at 2 pm. Along with the always competitive ODAC schedule we will play six games against 2009 NCAA tourney participants as well as Division I opponent Coastal Carolina University.
I cannot have my first blog without mentioning the seniors who graduated this past May - Michael Scorsome, Kris Cecil, Justin Reavis, Matt Drewer, and Rob Rice. Once again, I want to say thank you to these guys and I am very proud of each of them because these guys kept a very positive attitude and worked extremely hard the entire season while adapting to a new system. Rob Rice and Kris Cecil were very worthy of their titles of “captains” on and off the court. They helped set a high standard for the captains in the future of the BC basketball program. These guys you will not see on the court this upcoming season but hopefully you will see them in the stands cheering on their BC Eagles this season. These guys will be fine ambassadors of Bridgewater College. I know Coach Leatherman is very proud of these graduates as well.I want all former men’s basketball players to please contact our basketball office at 540-828-5403 or 5789 or email dburgess@bridgewater.edu so we can update your current contact information. We want you to please stop by and speak / visit with “YOUR TEAM” when you are in the area. Together it is “OUR” program which we want each of you to be proud of.
Best of luck to each of our fall sports teams that are competing today and Saturday.
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