Monday, June 21, 2010

Dreams Can Come True

Assistant Coach Mary Gleason has been named the Head Coach of Houston Baptist University! She will have her work cut out for her, as HBU has recently entered the ranks Division I athletics.

If there is anyone ready for a challenge it is Mary. Mary is a basketball journeyman. She has played at the highest level in college and in Europe. She has worked tirelessly without fanfare for three great teams: NYU, Princeton and Dartmouth. She knows this business because she has walked the walk. No short cuts for this one. She got this opportunity the old fashion way ... she earned it.

Mary is smart, hardworking and a “pro.” Mary is breath of fresh air in this silly world of college athletics because her concern is the team and not self promotion. She will have to push the HBU program uphill for a while, but she has all the skill and strength she will need. HBU is lucky to have her.

I am so grateful that Mary’s her long journey to her own program came through Hanover and landed her back home in Houston. Clearly, dreams can come true ... if you come to Hanover.

-Coach Wielgus

Friday, June 4, 2010

A Bit of Culture for the Coaches

This last week of spring term has seen the coaching staff getting “cultured.”

Yes, we ventured out the gym and trekked all the way to the Hopkins Center! And we went to more than one venue — that could qualify us as groupies.

First, it was to the Bentley Theater to see Betsy William’10 in a supporting role in "The Marriage of Bette and Boo." It was a clever, bittersweet play that was well performed by all involved. Our girl Betsy was excellent as the obnoxious and less than kind sister of Bette. She was actually so effective in her role, she scared me!! I didn’t know she had it in her.

Then it was onto the Moore Theater to watch Jalea Moses ’12 impersonate Michael Jackson. She was unbelievably good. I was impressed when I saw Michael dance ... but to see Jalea do the exact same dance blew my mind! Her dance was the last performance of the night and she brought down the house.

Finally, Sasha Dosenko ’12 wrote about her adventure in France where she has been studying for a term. She arrives back in the States shortly and I can’t wait to hear more about her trip.

I am so proud of our players and the rich life they are able to create for themselves. How lucky am I that they bring me along for the ride.

Until next time,
Coach Wielgus