Being the Big Green, Becoming a Team

- Coach Wielgus

Our campus is a buzz! Sure we have a new, dynamic President and classes have begun. But the most excitement is coming from our team room where our journey began today with our first team meeting of the 2009-10 season.

I believe that basketball players, especially our players, are stimuli seeking extroverts; so any meeting is lively and always involves a great game of verbal ping pong. The kids are not disrespectful, but they are witty. Their banter is fine with me as it shows they are paying attention. Plus, they know I relish a good volley.

Our conversation started with expectations and goals for the season. Then we moved to housekeeping information on how and what was going to happen with classes, practices, travel, etc. The nuts and bolts of everyday life in Leede Arena were reviewed. 

Then we got to the essence of their journey. The one defining question only they can answer. Will they become a team? Actually, lots of groups I have coached have been very successful, but I would not categorize them as a good team.

Just because you put on a uniform, go to practice and play a team sport does not make you a team. I don't know if the average person knows how very difficult it is to become a team. It is NOT a given … it is a huge challenge. It requires so much effort and sacrifice to care about something greater than yourself. Becoming a good team goes against the very special individual care that got our players to Dartmouth in the first place. Teams are messy conglomerates of humanity that, against all odds, band together for each other and a cause. That's not easy and time will tell if this group becomes that something special — a team.

After all these years of coaching in the same place, in the same league you would think this gig would get old. It never does. I am more excited about it than ever!

Until next time …