I once read a quote which started something like this: "There are lies, dang lies, and statistics." The quote was referring to the notion that perhaps statistics were not always truthful despite the hard push from researchers to equate them with the absolute truth. Any politician worth her salt knows that she can bend, twist, pull, and manipulate statistics into whatever form she desires creating her own form of truth.
What you might ask does all this mumbo-jumbo have to do with basketball? It has to do with the stat sheet which is suppose to tell the story of the game. After all, it has all the pertinent facts on it: field goals made, field goals attempted, field goal percentage, assists, rebounds, turnovers, steals, blocks, free throws attempted, free throws made, and free throw percentage. A coach should be able to review the stat sheet after a game and understand why a team won or lost.
Here is where the quote becomes pertinent. After the Golden Eagles play, I might look at the stat sheet and note that we have 32 turnovers (ouch!), a shooting percentage of 32% (You gotta be kidding!), 10 less rebounds (A REAL THORN IN MY SIDE), 2 steals (Where is the defense?), or 8 assists (Did anybody pass the ball?). Most of these statistics would result in the loss of a game. Yet, when I glance at the bottom of the sheet where the score is posted, the Golden Eagles have won. How?
The problem with the stat sheet is that it doesn't have a column marked intangibles. This is where the Golden Eagles play. They play in the intangible column. How can a statistician note heart, determination, will, and belief in team? Where is the stat that dictates never giving up? Where is the line which provides the medium which describes this team: Finding a way to win?
If I were just looking at the neat columns of the stat sheet, I would not believe we were 15-4. I would believe we were a .500 team. It would be that simple. Yet because I know these young ladies, know their work ethic, their desire to be good, their love for one another, their willingness to be coached, and their absolute belief in togetherness, I understand why they are winning.
Statistics can be deceiving but what is real is what cannot be written on a sheet. It can only be felt through the heart. This team is all about heart.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
TRIPPING on Trips
Some days are more challenging than others. Last Wednesday was such a day. I was not overjoyed to begin the trip to Seton Hill University knowing that we were going to be driving the vans through snow. This always means that my shoulders, neck, and trapezius muscles are going to be tighter than usual and my eyes will be more fatigued from the constraint strain of watching the road.
Like a dutiful coach, I made myself get mentally ready for the trip knowing that dreading the trip always makes it longer. About 2 1/2 hours into the drive, we stopped at a gas station to purchase windshield wiper fluid which is when I noticed I had managed to leave my purse in the office. The purse contained the cash for the trip, my credit cards, and my driver's license. When I mentioned this to the players, they immediately offered to assist by digging into their pant pockets to retrieve any money they might have. After pooling all their money together, we had about $8.00. My question is: How come they always have money for shoes?
Since we had no money, the players pulled their stocking hats over their heads, pointed their index fingers and thumbs into make-believe guns and told the guy behind the counter that we outnumbered him and could take him by force. I thought this was extremely funny, but I'm not so certain the cashier was as entertained as I was. Instead of holding up the store, we used Coach Fitzgerald's debit card to get us enough cash to make it to Seton Hill.
The drive is only supposed to take 4 hours which is what it took us when we returned home. Unfortunately, I was in the lead. Now why my assistants would let me lead when my sense of direction only includes front, back, left, and right I don't know. Imagine allowing somebody to lead who can get lost leaving a parking lot. (I've managed to do this twice.) Anyhow, six miles from the exit to Seton Hill, I exited onto the turnpike which does not have an exit for 15 miles. We were looking at a 30 minute detour until I talked to the nice man in the turnpike tollbooth. This nice man provided us with a "shortcut." The shortcut was on a winding hilly road that lengthened our trip another hour.
Imagine two vans full of players who are starving, afraid, tired, and wanting desperately to extend their legs. They should have been complaining, but they didn't. Perhaps it was my anger and fatigue that made them react the way they did, but they responded to the adversity they faced with laughter. They made me laugh by reminding of all the platitudes I often provide them: "Be flexible and adaptable." "Get over it." "Suck it up Coach." "You can do it." "The only person who is always right is the person who says, I can't." Then they provided me with a positive circle with each one of them giving me a word of encouragement. Soon I was I actually enjoying time with the team. They had managed to turn a difficult situation into fun.
We often tell the players that they get to choose how they react to every situation. They cannot always control what happens, but they can control their reactions. When I forgot this lesson, they had the fortitude to remind me of what I had so often told them. They created a time of sharing and laughter rather than allowing a long detour to sour their moods.
There are many strengths of a team which are not recognized in statistical columns: role players who love their roles, positive attitudes, belief in team first, good team chemistry, and players who learn to make the best of each situation. The time in the van reminded me of why this team is 12-4. It is not reflected in most of the statistical columns, but it is reflected in their strength of character and their commitment to one another.
To them I say: IHOAGE!
Words from Coach Fitz......I thought the "shortcut" was beautiful. The snow covered hills, the towering pines, and the quaint little farm houses were calling my name. I hope to pack up my snow shoes and/or cross country skis and return to that area again some day!
Like a dutiful coach, I made myself get mentally ready for the trip knowing that dreading the trip always makes it longer. About 2 1/2 hours into the drive, we stopped at a gas station to purchase windshield wiper fluid which is when I noticed I had managed to leave my purse in the office. The purse contained the cash for the trip, my credit cards, and my driver's license. When I mentioned this to the players, they immediately offered to assist by digging into their pant pockets to retrieve any money they might have. After pooling all their money together, we had about $8.00. My question is: How come they always have money for shoes?
Since we had no money, the players pulled their stocking hats over their heads, pointed their index fingers and thumbs into make-believe guns and told the guy behind the counter that we outnumbered him and could take him by force. I thought this was extremely funny, but I'm not so certain the cashier was as entertained as I was. Instead of holding up the store, we used Coach Fitzgerald's debit card to get us enough cash to make it to Seton Hill.
The drive is only supposed to take 4 hours which is what it took us when we returned home. Unfortunately, I was in the lead. Now why my assistants would let me lead when my sense of direction only includes front, back, left, and right I don't know. Imagine allowing somebody to lead who can get lost leaving a parking lot. (I've managed to do this twice.) Anyhow, six miles from the exit to Seton Hill, I exited onto the turnpike which does not have an exit for 15 miles. We were looking at a 30 minute detour until I talked to the nice man in the turnpike tollbooth. This nice man provided us with a "shortcut." The shortcut was on a winding hilly road that lengthened our trip another hour.
Imagine two vans full of players who are starving, afraid, tired, and wanting desperately to extend their legs. They should have been complaining, but they didn't. Perhaps it was my anger and fatigue that made them react the way they did, but they responded to the adversity they faced with laughter. They made me laugh by reminding of all the platitudes I often provide them: "Be flexible and adaptable." "Get over it." "Suck it up Coach." "You can do it." "The only person who is always right is the person who says, I can't." Then they provided me with a positive circle with each one of them giving me a word of encouragement. Soon I was I actually enjoying time with the team. They had managed to turn a difficult situation into fun.
We often tell the players that they get to choose how they react to every situation. They cannot always control what happens, but they can control their reactions. When I forgot this lesson, they had the fortitude to remind me of what I had so often told them. They created a time of sharing and laughter rather than allowing a long detour to sour their moods.
There are many strengths of a team which are not recognized in statistical columns: role players who love their roles, positive attitudes, belief in team first, good team chemistry, and players who learn to make the best of each situation. The time in the van reminded me of why this team is 12-4. It is not reflected in most of the statistical columns, but it is reflected in their strength of character and their commitment to one another.
To them I say: IHOAGE!
Words from Coach Fitz......I thought the "shortcut" was beautiful. The snow covered hills, the towering pines, and the quaint little farm houses were calling my name. I hope to pack up my snow shoes and/or cross country skis and return to that area again some day!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Belief in Self Changes the Outcome of Games
I have seen the Golden Eagles develop over the course of the season from a team which struggled against opponents who were inferior to winning against good teams. What is the difference? I'd like to say coaching, but the truth is the talent has always been there. What has not been there has been the belief in self.
It reminds me of a few years ago when we were able to win 29 games while only losing five games. About half way through the season, one of the Eagles, Laura Kinsler, came up to me after a game we had won and told me that we were good. I answered that I knew we were good, but she was truly amazed at our talent level. She was having a hard time getting herself to come to the realization that we were a very good team. The team changed after that realization. It became a team who knew they were going to win a game long before the opponents knew. They knew they had the talent, the heart, and the intelligence to become one of the best teams in the nation.
While this Golden Eagle team is still lingering in the stages of realization, they are becoming more aware of their talents. More players are looking to score and using their offensive skills. Last night in our victory against West Liberty, we were able to get 27 points from our substitutes. Not only did they score, but they keep the momentum in our favor, played solid defense, and showed heart and determination.
Early in the season, we didn't have scoring options. In fact, we didn't have much of an offense. We forced shots, turned the ball over every other possession, gave the ball up when we had open shot, and overall just didn't appear to have talent. Luckily, the team and the coaches didn't give up but continued to work and continued to believe.
It was actually after a defeat against the University of the Cumberlands, that we began to feel better about ourselves. It was a game that we lost by one point but that we began to let the game flow through us. The day after that game, I was not upset but bursting with enthusiasm. I was thrilled we had a breakthrough and we were finally to the point where we attacking within the offense. In fact, we were so thrilled with their efforts we took our players out to half court the next practice and had them sign the center circle with permanent markers.
The last time we had a team sign the court, it was the 2006 team which ended with the best record a UC team has ever posted at 31-3. We had them sign both end lines, a gesture which was meant to assert that we owned the court. It worked as we won the East Regional Tournament that season on our home floor.
While this Golden Eagle team is not the same kind of team as the 2006 team, it is a team with talent, good team chemistry, positive leadership, and a determination to learn. It is a team whose future is only limited by their belief system. Confidence is the difference between a team who ought to be good and a team who is good.
It reminds me of a few years ago when we were able to win 29 games while only losing five games. About half way through the season, one of the Eagles, Laura Kinsler, came up to me after a game we had won and told me that we were good. I answered that I knew we were good, but she was truly amazed at our talent level. She was having a hard time getting herself to come to the realization that we were a very good team. The team changed after that realization. It became a team who knew they were going to win a game long before the opponents knew. They knew they had the talent, the heart, and the intelligence to become one of the best teams in the nation.
While this Golden Eagle team is still lingering in the stages of realization, they are becoming more aware of their talents. More players are looking to score and using their offensive skills. Last night in our victory against West Liberty, we were able to get 27 points from our substitutes. Not only did they score, but they keep the momentum in our favor, played solid defense, and showed heart and determination.
Early in the season, we didn't have scoring options. In fact, we didn't have much of an offense. We forced shots, turned the ball over every other possession, gave the ball up when we had open shot, and overall just didn't appear to have talent. Luckily, the team and the coaches didn't give up but continued to work and continued to believe.
It was actually after a defeat against the University of the Cumberlands, that we began to feel better about ourselves. It was a game that we lost by one point but that we began to let the game flow through us. The day after that game, I was not upset but bursting with enthusiasm. I was thrilled we had a breakthrough and we were finally to the point where we attacking within the offense. In fact, we were so thrilled with their efforts we took our players out to half court the next practice and had them sign the center circle with permanent markers.
The last time we had a team sign the court, it was the 2006 team which ended with the best record a UC team has ever posted at 31-3. We had them sign both end lines, a gesture which was meant to assert that we owned the court. It worked as we won the East Regional Tournament that season on our home floor.
While this Golden Eagle team is not the same kind of team as the 2006 team, it is a team with talent, good team chemistry, positive leadership, and a determination to learn. It is a team whose future is only limited by their belief system. Confidence is the difference between a team who ought to be good and a team who is good.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Cardiac Kids on the Court
If you are the kind of person who likes Symphony Sunday, a leisurely walk on a sunny afternoon, lemonade on the deck, or a nap while watching television, this Golden Eagle team is not for you. If, however, you love hanging meat on your tent post in bear country, you are the first to volunteer for para sailing, you walk your dog in a blizzard, and you rock climb without safety ropes, then you need to come watch the Golden Eagles play.
This team loves the drama of the last three minutes of play. They like making the coaches sweat, develop rabid heart beats, loose hair, gain wrinkles, and utter curse words which are not part of our normal vocabulary. Is this some sort of coaches' karma for a bad deed in the past? I'm not certain but I am aware that life on the Golden Eagle sideline is not for the faint of heart.
In the 12 games that we have played, 11 of them have been close in the last five minutes of play. Amazingly, in my 20 years of coaching, I've never experienced this phenomena. Usually, the game is won or lost long before the five minute mark. In fact, I've only coached perhaps 6 or 7 overtime games in my entire career. I have a feeling, though, that we might play a few overtime games this season.
It doesn't matter what the score is or how many points ahead or behind we are, the game is not over until the buzzer sounds. The fact that we don't quit is a positive sign of a team who wants to win. Last night against West Virginia State University, we managed to allow an eight point lead evaporate in the second half. We kept our heads, though, and kept fighting not allowing ourselves to surrender to a momentum swing.
Just to provide you a taste of action in the game, allow me to give you the last five minutes of the contest. With 5:22 remaining, the score is tied 63-63. For a long minute and a half, the score remains tied until Jihan Williams scores a lay-up giving the Eagles a 65-63 advantage. Jihan is fouled with 3:12 remaining during a shot attempt, misses her first free throw but nails her second one to provide a 66-63 edge. With a great stop defensively, the Eagles come back with a three point shot by Ali Tobias to increase the lead to 69-63 with 2:19 remaining. At this point, as a fan, you might believe there is a short amount of breathing room. NOT! The Yellow Jackets hit a three pointer by a player who has only made three treys all season to bring the score to 66-69 with 2:04 to play. WVSU comes back to score a jump shot a mere 20 seconds later to bring the game to 69-68. (Breathe.) With 1:20 left, Jihan is fouled again and misses the front end of her free throw but makes her second attempt to provide the Eagles with a short lead of 70-68. The lead is broken with 51 seconds remaining by a jumper from the Jackets. (There are a lot of time outs and drama I am leaving out, but I think you are getting the gist of it.) Veronica Carman, who at this point in the game is 2 for 10, drives to the basket with 29 seconds remaining to hit a jumper giving us the edge. We end the game by Lindsey Kentner missing her first free throw attempt but hitting her second, giving us a 73-70 victory. WHEW!
Did I mention that if your ticker is not in the best of shape that you should remain at home? And if for some reason, you cannot make it to the contest that you shouldn't listen to it on the radio? BUT if you are a daredevil, loving adventure, bring your red bull, take your adrenaline pill, and be prepared for lots of drama!
See you there!
This team loves the drama of the last three minutes of play. They like making the coaches sweat, develop rabid heart beats, loose hair, gain wrinkles, and utter curse words which are not part of our normal vocabulary. Is this some sort of coaches' karma for a bad deed in the past? I'm not certain but I am aware that life on the Golden Eagle sideline is not for the faint of heart.
In the 12 games that we have played, 11 of them have been close in the last five minutes of play. Amazingly, in my 20 years of coaching, I've never experienced this phenomena. Usually, the game is won or lost long before the five minute mark. In fact, I've only coached perhaps 6 or 7 overtime games in my entire career. I have a feeling, though, that we might play a few overtime games this season.
It doesn't matter what the score is or how many points ahead or behind we are, the game is not over until the buzzer sounds. The fact that we don't quit is a positive sign of a team who wants to win. Last night against West Virginia State University, we managed to allow an eight point lead evaporate in the second half. We kept our heads, though, and kept fighting not allowing ourselves to surrender to a momentum swing.
Just to provide you a taste of action in the game, allow me to give you the last five minutes of the contest. With 5:22 remaining, the score is tied 63-63. For a long minute and a half, the score remains tied until Jihan Williams scores a lay-up giving the Eagles a 65-63 advantage. Jihan is fouled with 3:12 remaining during a shot attempt, misses her first free throw but nails her second one to provide a 66-63 edge. With a great stop defensively, the Eagles come back with a three point shot by Ali Tobias to increase the lead to 69-63 with 2:19 remaining. At this point, as a fan, you might believe there is a short amount of breathing room. NOT! The Yellow Jackets hit a three pointer by a player who has only made three treys all season to bring the score to 66-69 with 2:04 to play. WVSU comes back to score a jump shot a mere 20 seconds later to bring the game to 69-68. (Breathe.) With 1:20 left, Jihan is fouled again and misses the front end of her free throw but makes her second attempt to provide the Eagles with a short lead of 70-68. The lead is broken with 51 seconds remaining by a jumper from the Jackets. (There are a lot of time outs and drama I am leaving out, but I think you are getting the gist of it.) Veronica Carman, who at this point in the game is 2 for 10, drives to the basket with 29 seconds remaining to hit a jumper giving us the edge. We end the game by Lindsey Kentner missing her first free throw attempt but hitting her second, giving us a 73-70 victory. WHEW!
Did I mention that if your ticker is not in the best of shape that you should remain at home? And if for some reason, you cannot make it to the contest that you shouldn't listen to it on the radio? BUT if you are a daredevil, loving adventure, bring your red bull, take your adrenaline pill, and be prepared for lots of drama!
See you there!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Sometimes A Loss Is A Win
I would not say the Golden Eagles have played great basketball this season. We have won seven games and lost three close games, but we haven't played with confidence, passion, determination, or desire. We have been on the court and put in our minutes, but we have yet to play with the reckless abandon which creates the sense of fun and adventure a game should have. We've played uptight, worried, frightened, and intimidated.
Yet, all this time we've felt a sense of something more--something greater than what has transpired. It is like a thought which gets lost on the tip of the brain, sitting there just out of grasp. The thought is so close but just out of reach of culminating into words. This has been the essence of the Eagles--talented, strong, intelligent, and well-versed in the game--yet playing without the belief in ourselves. So close to being great yet so far.
As a coach, it is has been frustrating to recognize the abilities of the players only to see them not utilize their strengths on the court. Of course, the more I have become frustrated and pushed them, the worse they have become. Yet as a coach, it is difficult for me to stand by without trying to make things better. It is as if I'm standing in front of a door with a ring of keys, and I know one of those keys opens the door. Do I quit after trying six keys? Seven? Ten? I'm not the kind of person who quits, so I keep pushing and they keep pushing.
Then it happened. Finally. In the game against the University of the Cumberlands which we lost 67-68, we began to play--to let loose, to allow the flow of the game to come through us. It didn't happen until the second half, but it happened. It was beautiful watching the Golden Eagles allow themselves to play--to make mistakes, to try without fear of failure, to put themselves on the line, to play to win instead of playing not to lose.
It was the first time we had fun--the real fun of competing where we were all together as one, beating with one heart, playing as if we were one body all connected. It was a turning point--the place where we felt deflated after the game, being so close to playing well and winning, yet feeling good about the level of play. After the game, I was full of joy, happy, flowing with kind words and hugs. I knew we had changed and evolved even if the scoreboard didn't reflect our victory.
When we came back together to practice the next day, it was a new team--a different team. The talent was shining through them; they were connected now in a way they had not been in the past. Perhaps we will lose a game or two in the future, but it will be different. It will be with a unit of players, confident and playing as one defeated only by a team who was better that day--not beating ourselves.
Yet, all this time we've felt a sense of something more--something greater than what has transpired. It is like a thought which gets lost on the tip of the brain, sitting there just out of grasp. The thought is so close but just out of reach of culminating into words. This has been the essence of the Eagles--talented, strong, intelligent, and well-versed in the game--yet playing without the belief in ourselves. So close to being great yet so far.
As a coach, it is has been frustrating to recognize the abilities of the players only to see them not utilize their strengths on the court. Of course, the more I have become frustrated and pushed them, the worse they have become. Yet as a coach, it is difficult for me to stand by without trying to make things better. It is as if I'm standing in front of a door with a ring of keys, and I know one of those keys opens the door. Do I quit after trying six keys? Seven? Ten? I'm not the kind of person who quits, so I keep pushing and they keep pushing.
Then it happened. Finally. In the game against the University of the Cumberlands which we lost 67-68, we began to play--to let loose, to allow the flow of the game to come through us. It didn't happen until the second half, but it happened. It was beautiful watching the Golden Eagles allow themselves to play--to make mistakes, to try without fear of failure, to put themselves on the line, to play to win instead of playing not to lose.
It was the first time we had fun--the real fun of competing where we were all together as one, beating with one heart, playing as if we were one body all connected. It was a turning point--the place where we felt deflated after the game, being so close to playing well and winning, yet feeling good about the level of play. After the game, I was full of joy, happy, flowing with kind words and hugs. I knew we had changed and evolved even if the scoreboard didn't reflect our victory.
When we came back together to practice the next day, it was a new team--a different team. The talent was shining through them; they were connected now in a way they had not been in the past. Perhaps we will lose a game or two in the future, but it will be different. It will be with a unit of players, confident and playing as one defeated only by a team who was better that day--not beating ourselves.
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