Themes of Teams

It's been quite the unique experience this year -- one that encompassed the completion of a college head coaching season, and the fortune to view another very special program put it all together after years of maturation, sacrifice, and commitment. MIT clinched its first ever NCAA tournament berth with a conference tourney championship today, and I was able to witness the win in person. Knowing what the team has been through and understanding what it took to get to this historical point is extraordinary. Being a part of an exclusive club, one that is dedicated to the highest standards in academics and one that competes on the court, is truly incomparable.

I am very proud to be a piece of that precious moment -- to not only have been through battles alongside the same players, but to also share in the celebration. To have the seniors on the team call me out to the court to cut down a string of net symbolized noteworthy admiration and appreciation. A true team, a group of individuals who epitomize energy, excitement, and work ethic, is what was in Worcester this weekend. Fusion like that does not simply occur. It happens as the result of dedication, discipline, and a distinct understanding of how to maximize every player and coach.

As a spectator, one could recognize the trust and teamwork on the floor. Players were looking for each other, either to drive and kick or help out on defense or recover, box and board... play after play was picturesque from a team standpoint. Although not perfect, there was an overall sense of direction, as if every baller was connected to the same soul. The three seniors commanded competitiveness and underclassmen stepped up in their roles. There was no way the team was to be denied.

Understand that the process was not instant -- it took years of team building and imagining ways to enhance the culture of the program. Unparalleled off season practice, senior leadership, and an unwavering collaborative effort produced a team that otherwise could have been flaky and shaken. Development was apparent and devotion dominated.

Recently, there have been other stories of team building:

Joe Girardi is advanced and aware. He is not afraid to put away the bats and take in some pool.

Kenyon College created a sensational swimming program, one that is both creative and conventional.

The championship run of Trinity College's squash teams is unbelievable -- both in numbers and know how.

In all of these examples, it is shown that a program is in constant construction -- in setting new foundations and constructing stronger ones from what is already solid.

Sometimes, it's amazing how quickly a hired crew can assemble a building -- yet it's more astounding to comprehend the actual time it took to communicate the overall vision and locate the ground to dig.

Moving On and Moving Up

I have always wondered how people are able to move from one job to another so suddenly...coaches get other positions, players get traded, workers get transferred. Well, I'm in the midst of it right now as I have been named Head Men's Basketball Coach for the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, CA.

It is going to be an exciting and challenging era as we create the new wave of Caltech basketball -- and I am really looking forward to it.

As a coach at MIT, I have always marveled at the abilities of our student-athletes to achieve success both on and off the court. Building a program with high caliber academic players is truly invigorating.

Being in the LA area, maybe I will get the opportunity to meet Kobe Bryant and quiz him about his mind -- after all, bball guru Sonny Vaccaro believes he is brilliant:

"Kobe has his own mind," Vaccaro said. "He's bright. He could have gone to MIT and been successful. I watched his formative years. Even when he left Adidas, he did it because it made good business sense. He made decisions. He's never been afraid."

"Kobe is his own man. One of the most unique people I've met in my 69 years."

Had Kobe gone to college, I suppose he would have been a true student-athlete...

Ready for a Challenge?

I suppose I may have left out the most mentally tough sport from the current poll. Typical sports fans usually don't think about triathalons or Ironman competitions - maybe that is why those individuals are typical. Just reading about Jeff Conine's recent obsession (NYT, 4/23/08) may make a person anxious and fatigued:

“It’s all about being mentally tough,” he said. “With long-distance triathlon, it’s all about knowing when to push your body and when to rest and persevering through these boring six-hour rides and three-hour runs.”

Sounds like he is ready for the challenge.

Speaking of challenges, how about the UMass equestrian team? It is about to embark on the national scene as it is a regional champion ... and it has succeeded despite not being a recognized (funded) sport on campus. Somehow, the team (whose coach is a volunteer) has managed to topple its opponents, raise travel funds, and stay committed despite it not being a scholarship sport.

Goes to show what a true team can do when it's up against all odds.

And, talk about a challenge ... the following is my recent letter to the New York Times in response to its article, "In Choosing a College, It’s Prestige Vs. Debt," which highlighted a family that is expecting to receive scholarship money based on soccer skills.

To the Editor:

Unfortunately for Rosalie Glauser and her son Tex, the promise of a soccer
scholarship from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is no more likely
than the New York Knicks nullifying Isiah Thomas’ coaching future in Madison
Square Garden. MCLA is an N.C.A.A. Divison III institution - translation: no
athletic scholarships.

Contingent upon the sport, there may be 200 to 400 four-year schools
committed to success in college athletics, yet none of them officially
allocate funds to support individual athletes alone. Yes, there are
financial strategies that may assist prospective student-athletes (specified
alumni funds or need-based money that is more accessible via recruiting
support), but there exists no pure pool for sport excellence.

In a time that demands coherent explanation of higher education financing,
it is a monumental mistake to presume that a college education will be
compensated in full based solely on athletic prowess.

-OE, 4/19/08