In a few short weeks the "pea Green" first-year students arrive on campus (that's an affectionate term coined by our upperclassmen). Dartmouth women's basketball will welcome four new players to our family. They are a diverse, talented group from all over the country. Point guard Nicola Zimmer is from Maryland, Arianne Hunter is a forward from Oklahoma, swing guard Eve Zelinger is from northern California and forward Janelle Ross is from southern California. These women are excited for the upcoming season and ready for their great Dartmouth adventure to begin and the coaches and veteran players can't wait for their arrival.
There is one more very special first year student joining the class of 2014 (2014 - that is scary sounding!). You cannot call her a rookie, as she knows more about Hanover and Leede Arena then I do. Former Big Green ball girl extraordinaire Kelly Wood is coming all the way from Etna, NH to attend Dartmouth College! Kelly is one of my all-time favorite youngsters and Dartmouth is lucky to have her as part of the family officially. I have a feeling 2014 is going to be a great class.
In a few short weeks I get to welcome them to Dartmouth. A new season will be upon us in no time! I can’t wait!
- Coach Wielgus
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Derby
“AND THEY ARE OFF!!” College coaches from every school in the nation have garnered their school colors and plastered their school names across their chests as they jockey for position in the front row of AAU Tournament games this July. The annual summer basketball derby — or rather the NCAA evaluation period has begun!
I LOVE THIS GAME. And I love watching high school players develop.
However, truth be told, racing from court to court and watching basketball for 12 or more hours a day can wear you out. But the entire process is beyond amusing. As a matter of fact, sometimes it is flat out silly.
All gyms are segregated so the fans and coaches don’t mix. Thank goodness for that. College coaches sit together and this is where the fun begins. It is a virtual who's who in the basketball world. Everyone but Geno and Pat have their school names boldly plastered across their chests. So when walking into the gym no one looks you in the eye — no, it is straight to your chest to see where you coach. The smaller the school is the bigger the lettering. Thus Geno and Pat require no letters at all.
There are 2 types of coaches: the old proverbial show horse coach and the work horse coach. The show horse coach arrives and positions his/herself very strategically. This is not as easy at it may seem. You see these coaches not only have to be seen by AAU players and coaches, but they need to sit next to a “big time” coach who can further their careers. Then they chat. As far as I can tell they never open their tournament books or write anything down - I'm not sure how they pull it off!
Then there are the workhorse coaches with tons of papers, game grids, organizational items from Staples and a backpack full of snacks, as they don’t have time to leave the gym. These coaches open the high-priced books of rosters and actually write in them. That is what I do and most of the coaches in the Ivy League do as well. Sometimes I venture into the gym in my civilian attire. It throws everyone off, as they are not sure if I am a big timer or not. Truth be told it means I have not found a laundromat in that city!
Every day on the road brings many funny stories and as you can tell this Irish lass loves a good story. But enough for now, just arrived in LA and have to catch some night games.
Until next time!
- Coach Wielgus
I LOVE THIS GAME. And I love watching high school players develop.
However, truth be told, racing from court to court and watching basketball for 12 or more hours a day can wear you out. But the entire process is beyond amusing. As a matter of fact, sometimes it is flat out silly.
All gyms are segregated so the fans and coaches don’t mix. Thank goodness for that. College coaches sit together and this is where the fun begins. It is a virtual who's who in the basketball world. Everyone but Geno and Pat have their school names boldly plastered across their chests. So when walking into the gym no one looks you in the eye — no, it is straight to your chest to see where you coach. The smaller the school is the bigger the lettering. Thus Geno and Pat require no letters at all.
There are 2 types of coaches: the old proverbial show horse coach and the work horse coach. The show horse coach arrives and positions his/herself very strategically. This is not as easy at it may seem. You see these coaches not only have to be seen by AAU players and coaches, but they need to sit next to a “big time” coach who can further their careers. Then they chat. As far as I can tell they never open their tournament books or write anything down - I'm not sure how they pull it off!
Then there are the workhorse coaches with tons of papers, game grids, organizational items from Staples and a backpack full of snacks, as they don’t have time to leave the gym. These coaches open the high-priced books of rosters and actually write in them. That is what I do and most of the coaches in the Ivy League do as well. Sometimes I venture into the gym in my civilian attire. It throws everyone off, as they are not sure if I am a big timer or not. Truth be told it means I have not found a laundromat in that city!
Every day on the road brings many funny stories and as you can tell this Irish lass loves a good story. But enough for now, just arrived in LA and have to catch some night games.
Until next time!
- Coach Wielgus
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