Tuesday, September 13, 2011

30 DAYS TO A CHAMPIONSHIP: WORKING THE CAMPUS AND THE TOWN

Coach Jim Boone: I have been taking an hour or so each morning to walk through the town of Buckhannon and meet as many business owners and towns people as possible. Our weather has been so great so it has really been the perfect time to meet and greet a number of folks that we might not have had such an opportunity otherwise. As well, it has been a terrific learning experience for me, as I have discovered much about our great community of Buckhannon and it’s strong ties to Wesleyan and our basketball program.

For example, just this morning, I had the pleasure to meet with Mike Feola, the President of First Community Bank, located on Main Street – a great man who was born and raised in Buckhannon, his hospitality and support were amazing.

However, one of the interesting moments of our visit, was to learn that his cousin, David Feola, who owns and operates a Floral Shop in town, coached two of my best friends, Jeff Burkhamer and Glenn Gutierrez of Williamstown, West Virginia. Jeff and Glenn were coached by Dave at Williamstown High School.

Jeff and I have been best friends for over 30 years, and Glenn and I are not only great friends, but Glenn worked with me as an assistant coach for 19 years. Jeff is currently the head basketball coach at NCAA Division II Lander University in Greenwood, SC and Glenn is the head coach at NCAA Division III, Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania. It was so cool to meet Dave and reminisce about his days coaching both Jeff and Glenn.

As well, as you might have it, Dave played basketball at West Virginia Wesleyan and is a 1969 graduate. Although, he has not been to a game in over 15 years, but he promised me that not only would he come to some games this season, but that he would also become a loyal Bobcat fan once again.

Our goal of winning one fan at time is really starting to multiply – this has been a great week already for Bobcat Basketball, as we have begun the process of generating excitement and enthusiasm for the coming season!