The Joy and Agony of Sports

I have had the pleasure of being an assistant coach at Concordia University for Men's Basketball for the 2007-2008 season. It's been an up and down year to say the least. We currently sit at 12-8, 3rd place in the ACAC North Division.

I have played basketball since I was 6 years old and now not being able to physically play anymore, have found great joy in coaching.

(Rick Majerus in action, one of my favorite coaches to watch)

This past weekend we traveled to Grande Prairie for a two game set against the GPRC Wolves. A key match up in our season as they sat in 4th place, 10 points behind us but with a chance to catch us if we were unable to win another game during the regular season.

Friday night we came out flat and disinterested and were blown out by 25 points...not much you can do about a 45-17 half time deficit except get get ready for the next game. Today we came out more ready to play, but only half the team. It puts a lot pressure on those who are ready to play when they know they aren't getting any help from the bench. It was hard fought, back and forth game. At the final buzzer it was a 64-64 tie, so we would play another 5 to decide this one. We continued to play well and with 12 seconds left and down by one, we had the ball out of bounds with a chance to win. I got the opportunity to draw up a play for the win. I went to my favorite sideline out of bounds play and with 6 seconds to go we were looking at a wide open lay-up for the win....and a miss! We had to foul and hope for another shot at the hoop, there were only 2 seconds left at this point...our desperation heave missed and we left Grande Prairie 0-2.

In my playing days, I was fortunate to play on some good teams. I have never lost 8 games in a season as a player or a coach until now. However, I have never appreciated the fight as much as I do right now. We still control our fate and have the opportunity to reach our goal of a National Championship, it's going to take some work, but I know we can do it.

As we prepare for our final 4 regular season games I am excited for what can happen. I hope that the players have learned from the experience of this past weekend...I know I have.