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
Friday, July 16, 2010
Double Dip
For the second time this month a Dartmouth women’s basketball alumna has answered the call to return home to Hanover. Koren Schram ’09, Big Green basketball player extraordinaire, has left her professional European playing career to become our Director of Basketball Operations.
Koren is a competitor and a winner (won three Ivy titles and was first team All-Ivy twice!). She knows Dartmouth and what it takes to win. She is enthusiastic, hardworking and quite the character. It is no surprise to anyone who knows Koren that a volcano erupted while she was in Iceland. So watch out Hanover ... she's baaaack.
I am so excited to have two of our basketball family, Erin Rewalt and Koren Schram return to Dartmouth. I can’t wait for the season
Until next time,
Coach Wielgus
Koren is a competitor and a winner (won three Ivy titles and was first team All-Ivy twice!). She knows Dartmouth and what it takes to win. She is enthusiastic, hardworking and quite the character. It is no surprise to anyone who knows Koren that a volcano erupted while she was in Iceland. So watch out Hanover ... she's baaaack.
I am so excited to have two of our basketball family, Erin Rewalt and Koren Schram return to Dartmouth. I can’t wait for the season
Until next time,
Coach Wielgus
Monday, July 5, 2010
Offically a ’79er
Hi all! Hope everyone is having a great summer. My assistant coaches and I have officially hit the recruiting trail and will be spending the month of July searching for the next generation of Dartmouth women's basketball players. Hope to see you along the way.
A wonderful and unexpected thing happened to me the other day. I received a phone call from Jim Wasz President of the Dartmouth Class of 1979. I was sure that Jim was going to give me a heads up on a talented student-athlete from his neighborhood. Instead Jim told me his class would like to adopt me!!! It is a Dartmouth tradition that any class can "adopt" a member of the College community (professor, coach, staff, administration, etc.) that has served the College faithfully but is not an alum his/herself. For a moment, albeit brief moment, I was speechless. Then I enthusiastically accepted my adoption.
I was beyond surprised and humbled by the generosity of this great class. I am now an adopted member of the Class of 1979 ... a ’79er. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my new classmates for this distinct honor.
Coach Wielgus ’79a
P.S. I just got my first Alumni newsletter!
A wonderful and unexpected thing happened to me the other day. I received a phone call from Jim Wasz President of the Dartmouth Class of 1979. I was sure that Jim was going to give me a heads up on a talented student-athlete from his neighborhood. Instead Jim told me his class would like to adopt me!!! It is a Dartmouth tradition that any class can "adopt" a member of the College community (professor, coach, staff, administration, etc.) that has served the College faithfully but is not an alum his/herself. For a moment, albeit brief moment, I was speechless. Then I enthusiastically accepted my adoption.
I was beyond surprised and humbled by the generosity of this great class. I am now an adopted member of the Class of 1979 ... a ’79er. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my new classmates for this distinct honor.
Coach Wielgus ’79a
P.S. I just got my first Alumni newsletter!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
SHE’S BACK!
After a harrowing round of hard fought negotiations between my agent and Erin Rewalt's agent an agreement was finally reach. Erin is BACK!!!
That 6’1 defensive-minded, All-Ivy forward has traveled the halls of Tuck, the corporate labyrinth of GE, and the sidelines of William and Mary on a journey that has landed her back home at Dartmouth.
Erin Rewalt ’99 Tuck’04 has returned to Dartmouth as an Assistant Coach. She is a whirlwind of work and fun. She is competent, quick-witted and grounded with a positive ”can do” attitude. Above all she loves the game and this very special program.
Personally, I am delighted to welcome her home. But I know Erin well and I am fastening my seat belt this adventure just picked up speed.
- Coach Wielgus
That 6’1 defensive-minded, All-Ivy forward has traveled the halls of Tuck, the corporate labyrinth of GE, and the sidelines of William and Mary on a journey that has landed her back home at Dartmouth.
Erin Rewalt ’99 Tuck’04 has returned to Dartmouth as an Assistant Coach. She is a whirlwind of work and fun. She is competent, quick-witted and grounded with a positive ”can do” attitude. Above all she loves the game and this very special program.
Personally, I am delighted to welcome her home. But I know Erin well and I am fastening my seat belt this adventure just picked up speed.
- Coach Wielgus
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
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
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
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