One key to success in high school athletics, or any level of athletics for that matter, is for all the players to buy into a system. A system that is instituted into a program by a great head coach. It might be hard to believe that with so many changes to our basketball program, we did not see much improvement in the win column. But changes are happening to the WHB basketball program that cannot be seen on any stat sheet.
It started early last off-season, when WHB’s athletic director, Ms. Masterson hired John Baumiller as the new head basketball coach for the Hurricanes. When agreeing to come here, Baumiller and Masterson had the same goal in mind: to bring back life to a program already rich in history. It was not too long ago where opposing teams used to fear the Hurricanes.
About her decision to hire coach Baumiller a little less than a year ago, Ms. Masterson said, “I knew he was the man for this job immediately after I interviewed him. He has a certain presence about him. Everyone I talked to speak high volumes about him. Everyone who had a role in the hiring, myself, Mr. Parry and Mr. Herr all loved him.”
After another woeful season for the Hurricanes, it is almost impossible to be satisfied by what is going on with this program. Although people who know Coach Baumiller and have a good perspective of his level of knowledge for the game can tell you otherwise. One of those people being Ms. Masterson. I later asked Ms. Masterson if she believes in what coach Baumiller is doing. I found out she had much to say. “He’s brought a new sense of confidence back to the program. It’s evident in the preseason workouts and the amount of kids of all ages I see in that gym after the season compared to last year.”
Not long after the hiring of coach Baumiller some immense changes were made to these basketball players and to their program. He immediately started demanding nothing less than 110% from his players. The expectations he had for his starters were the same for his 12th man. If his expectations were not met, he would not play you, it was as simple as that. “I coach to win. I am addicted to the feeling. That is why I refuse to have another season like last year’s.”
Things are looking very good for WHB next season. The Canes will have four returning starters, including All-League point guard, Michael Frangeskos and sharp-shooter Luke Dyer, who missed All-League honors by one vote. Both of whom have already been named team captains for next year. As many people begin to grow impatient, naturally, fans will begin to turn into critics. It is up to the WHB basketball team to prove everyone wrong.
I look forward to watching this team grow over the off-season and wish coach Baumiller and his team success for next year and future years to come.
