A Tribute to a Teammate

Driving west on Missouri Highway 19, twenty miles outside of Hannibal, I type the words "white house" into a text message and hit “send” to my brother. I pass by this small white house and then through the rural town of Center, Missouri in a matter of seconds.

On the receiving end of the text, my brother Jaryt knows exactly what the message means. He understands where I am. More importantly, we both appreciate the importance of the small home, quietly tucked at the far edge of a town of 500 residents. For most people, it is easy to miss. Not so for my brother and I. We understand the lasting impact of both tradition and tribute, in regard to a late friend and former teammate.

Center, Missouri mural

In the summer of 1995, our Clark County varsity and junior varsity teams attended the Norm Stewart Team Camp on the campus of the University of Missouri. The 3-day event allowed our team to spend some much appreciated quality time together in the Hearnes Center competing. Off the court, we made strides in gelling as a basketball team, and in cementing a circle of friends.

Following team awards being distributed at the conclusion of camp, it was time to drive back home to Kahoka. But first, we would stop at Hannibal-LaGrange College for a summer league game. With a handful of hours to spare before game time, five of us decided to waste a few hours in Columbia before heading northeast. That meant going to the one place that any small town kid believes to be a symbol of the splendor and sophistication of a “bigger” city - the Columbia Mall.

With a handful of dollars in our pockets, we wanted only one thing - to win enough candy at the arcade for the long ride to Hannibal. We were failing at this endeavor until our center, Chis Jones, walked up to the Spin to Win game and hit the jackpot. Bounty in hand, Chris supplied both cars with a full bag of Laffy Taffys – always a game changer for any journey.

The infusion of sugar would certainly carry us through to our game, which was now only a few hours ahead – or so we thought. But as we drove slowly through the east side of Center, our car's coolant temperature warning light was suddenly illuminated. Our engine was overheating. We immediately pulled over, concerned that we were going to be late to our game. Pulling up behind us was Chris Jones and Matt Riney, more than curious as to why we suddenly stopped.

"What do we do now?", my brother Jaryt griped, as he and I exited Rob Elwell's car. Teammates always, we huddled up to evaluate our circumstances, and then someone suggested that all we need to do is add water to the engine, as we didn't have coolant. As if on cue, our collective focus panned to a small white residence just up the road. We all looked at each other nervously, as if silently drawing straws as to who would make this important journey.

White house on the edge of Center, Mo.

"Who wants to go ask for water?" Rob asked. We all just stared quietly, like we’d done so many times in class, not wanting to be called upon for the answer. Then the quietist of us spoke up. "I'll do it", Chris said. I turned to Chris and asked, "you'd do that for us?". "If you want me to do it, I will", Chris replied. Without another word, he took the first of the few hundred steps separating us from the small white house on the outskirts of Center.

He knocked at the door.

"Come in if you want. It's open", was the response from the voice inside.

A few minutes later, Chris emerged, walking back towards us with a jug full of water. He had a smirk a mile wide across his face, the kind you wear when the fear and uncertainty preceding a new journey, suddenly intersect with the realization that you’ve arrived. "You just have to ask", Chris said to us while pouring the water in the radiator fill.

I think of that response every time I think of Chris. It represented the core of who he is and always will be.

Junior center, Chris Jones (#52) rebounding

During that upcoming season, Chris entered the rotation as the team's sixth man. He spent most of his junior season as a defensive rim protector and getting most of his points off offensive rebounds or dump downs off penetration from perimeter players. We needed that large defensive presence inside and he was accepting of that role. In fact, one of my favorite moments that season was Chris pulling down the final rebound against Palmyra in the District semi-finals as we held a 3-point lead in the final seconds. As Palmyra's deep threat had two attempts to convert and tie the game, the final attempt hit the back of the iron and rebounded long. Chris ripped the ball out of the air. He wrapped his arms around the ball as though he owned it, never relinquishing possession until the buzzer sounded.

By all accounts, Chris was a player that you enjoyed playing alongside. He would do what you ask him to do. Unfortunately, I only had one season with him, but others had the opportunity to see him mature into a well-rounded, inside threat. His hard work didn't go unnoticed, nor did his fun-loving, easy-going disposition.

"He almost never complained or really said anything to [coach] Church about getting him the ball. He just worked hard all the time and accepted his spot on the team," Aaron Beckmann, a friend and 1997 teammate recalls about their senior season together.

Chris was a late bloomer who really was a baseball first guy, as he would later attend Culver-Stockton College and become a member of the Wildcat baseball team as a left-handed pitcher who went twice to the NAIA Baseball World Series.

Chris was a competitor. His senior season was a testament to that. Beckmann looks back to the first hour of the school day when he was a teacher aide and Chris had physical education class. "I think about 95% of the time, he and I shot the entire hour. It was great because we were both overly competitive. Chris was just quiet about it. I could not beat him one on one and he could not beat me in shooting games. No matter how many times one of us lost, we would always want to play another game."

That 1996-97 season, first year head coach Jason Church recounted, "when Chris asked me about the stats, he always asked, 'How many points did my man score?' or 'How many turnovers did I make?'". It was never about him. It was always about how his role helped the team. He was all business on the court.

At halftime against a talented Fort Madison team, Church remembers keeping Chris in the locker room after all other players had returned to the court. "I was getting on him about stepping up". Fort Madison's star center, Chris Hester, who would eventually play Division I basketball at Eastern Washington had been dominating the game and Church knew that Chris needed to step up. With his Clark County team down by 10 with less than 7 minutes remaining in regulation, Jones would score twelve points that final quarter in route to a triple-double stat line of 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 blocks. Chris' two three-point plays, two free throws and a tip-in put the Indians ahead in the final minutes. Clark County would outscore Fort Madison 22-4 and hold Hester to only 2 points in the final quarter.

Some players just need that reassurance and challenge. Sometimes you just have to ask.

Church recalls that during his senior year, "he maintained that role until around the holiday break when he started to come into his own as a skilled post up guy and gain confidence in his overall game. I’ve never seen any player control the defensive end of the floor from the middle of the 1-3-1 as he did. His ability to mirror the ball from block to free throw line and transition with one long cross over step was phenomenal. His wing span discouraged penetration from the top and his length and quickness impacted any shot attempted in the lane or short corner area. He had a unique ability to gather himself after contesting a shot and explode back up and rebound after the miss. He was the rare talent who was a raw athlete but could learn a new skill or move and apply it correctly almost immediately."

"Chris was one of the most genuinely good people I ever knew," Church said. "He rarely had a bad day and his quiet smile brightened any situation. I have little doubt that if Clark Co. had been Class 2A his senior year, he would have lead us to a deep tourney run and have made “The Wall” at CCR-1 HS by being selected first team All-State." 

Beckmann agrees that a long postseason run could have been possible if not for the class realignment. "We played Mexico in Districts our Senior year," Beckmann remembers. "We had just moved to 3A that year and were the #1 seed in the district", Beckmann said. "Jones was dominate in the first half but picked up some quick fouls. He fouled out in the second half with a lot of time left on the clock. The game was close at the end but we ended up losing. I have zero doubt in my mind that if he [Jones] was in the whole game we would have come out ahead."

Being the smallest Class 3A school in the state that year was definitely a bad break. "As a first year head coach", Church said, "I didn’t realize at the time what a rarity Chris was. Players with his skills don’t grow on trees."

Chris would earn many accolades his final season. All-conference, all-district, all-area and most importantly, all-around good teammate.

After Chris' senior season, I remember asking why he never played that aggressive the year before when we played together. His response? "I wasn't asked to". That always stuck with me, and I ponder what may have been if we would have asked Chris to take more control inside, like we asked him to get us that small jug of water the summer before. 

On the morning of July 5, 2005, our friend Chris set out on a much different journey, although once again a walk he would take alone. There was an accident - one that slowly turns everything as white and vivid as that small house in Center – and then to gray. This journey also ends at a house - a much different house, but one just as welcoming as a decade earlier. There is a wrap at the door – the kind of crisp, knowing knock someone makes when they arrive back home after years away – untroubled by the slightest bit of uncertainty.

"It's open,” a voice calls. "You’re early, but you can come on in, if you’re ready."

Chris opens the door slightly, takes a step into the heavens and responds, "You don't have to ask, I've always been ready."

God asked us for our best that day. When he picked Chris Jones, he selected what represents the very best in all of us. The years since have been dotted with inspiring stories, beautiful life lessons, and amusing memories of a great friend. It is through these memories that a legacy is created, shared and cemented in the minds of those left behind. We are all grateful for the very fact that he was given to us, if only for a short while.

"I remember how his many former classmates made the trip back to Linn County for his funeral. They came from all over the Midwest to pay their respects," Church added. "He was a beloved teammate. Trying to summarize his character and basketball talents is as daunting as delivering his eulogy. There is no way to properly memorialize Chris Jones in all the ways he was special to family, friends and teammates."

You couldn't ask for more from someone.

Now More Than Ever, Memories Take Center Court

Arguably, one of most important benefits of amateur athletics is to create memories that last a lifetime. The lens to that memory will differ based on your point of view - an athlete on the court or a supporting fan in the stands. Some memories may be painful, while others may be euphoric, nevertheless, everyone has an opportunity to create and experience one. 

Today, memories are captured through every type of devise imaginable, leaving a digital footprint, becoming shareable, never to be erased but that was not always the case. In some instances, the only memory you have is the one temporarily etched in your mind, and as the years go by those images start to lose shape and fade, as though an eraser is being taken to it. Then there are those memories that are clear and cemented in your mind.  A  moment worth remembering because of its impact on others. 

One of my favorite memories as a basketball fan was during the 1998 Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 4 State Championship game. It was also one of the best basketball games I ever witnessed in-person. This personal memory is written in permanent ink.

As a fan, you could not have planned a better match-up for the final game of the 1997-98 season. On one bench, you had the state's top team, 30-0 unbeaten Liberty Blue Jays, coached by Mark Nusbaum, and led by their all-staters Nick Robinson who had committed to be a Stanford Cardinal following a two-year commitment in Brazil as a Mormon missionary, and Matt Rowan, who would briefly play for the Missouri Tigers.

On the opposite bench was Lafayette (Wildwood), coached by Dave Porter, whose Lancers entered the state championship with a 30-1 record and nationally ranked (24th) by USA Today. Lafayette High School, located thirty miles west of St. Louis, was led by all-staters Scott Brewster and Terry Layne, as well as a 6’11” center transplant from Dunfermline, Scotland named Robert Archibald, who would go on to play college for the Fighting Illini of Illinois and professionally for the Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors.

Lafayette looked strong, tall and a team looking to prove a point following their come from behind win in the state semi-finals against powerhouse Vashon, as they had trailed 69-60 at halftime. With a strong third period, the Lancer's Brewster and Layne brought their team back to secure a date with destiny.

Destiny arrived to the Hearnes Center, on the campus of the University of Missouri, in the form of a well conditioned and fundamentally sound team from Liberty, located approximately fifteen miles northeast of Kansas City. Liberty was less than 1 second away from not making the trip to Columbia, Mo. if it wasn't for an offensive rebound put back by Jacob Street with 0.2 second remaining in the sectional game against Raytown South at Lee's Summit. A week later and after having survived another overtime game against Truman, all-stater Nick Robinson scored 22 points in Liberty's state semi-final contest to secure the Blue Jays place in the seasons' final game with a nine point victory over the Jefferson City Jays.

The championship game would be a battle of East versus West - a St. Louis area team versus a Kansas City area team. Bragging rights for their respectable part of the state. A clash to determine who the state's #1 team would be.

Back in 1998, MSHSAA did not stream the games. Spectators were not recording the game and posting it on their YouTube channels for everyone to see. Those platforms didn't exist then. In fact, the only way you could really see the entire games outside of witnessing it first hand was to special order a VHS tape to arrive weeks after the games concluded. Even then, special moments were not always captured on tape.

And that is exactly what happened.

After trailing 41-36 with three minutes left in regulation, most fans in the Hearnes Center thought the game was over, but remember, destiny favored Liberty. The Blue Jays would hold Lafayette scoreless in those final three minutes as Matt Rowan and Nick Robinson took over. Rowan scored on an offensive rebound to cut their deficit by 3 and then with a minute left, Robinson made two free throws to cut the Lancer lead to 1 point. As the clock clicked down under a minute in regulation, Liberty walked the ball up the floor, patiently but with some urgency, trying to put it in the hands of an open scorer. Robinson fought to free himself up from the Lafayette defender. He would exchange passes with Scott Fleming, then take two dribbles to his right, losing his man for just a brief moment but enough to take a sixteen foot jump shot. Robinson later said, "I had an open look...It was a shot that I had hit before and it just happened to be in a big game and I was glad that it went in". The shot put the Blue Jays ahead by 1 point with thirty-two ticks left on the clock but enough time for Lafayette to have one final chance to tie the game or win it in regulation.

Lafayette had two nail biting opportunities - a lane-driving shot with 4 seconds left and then a baseline inbound lob to Archibald cutting to the basket with 0.9 seconds remaining. Neither attempts converted, so at the moment when the clock turned to zeros, the Blue Jays became champions and their fans cheers and yells echoed throughout Hearnes Center. Liberty scored the final six points of the 42-41 game to remain undefeated (31-0) and take with them the title they had worked hard to attain.

The ending was one of those, you had to have been there, did that really happen type of moments. Newspapers can do their best to describe the excitement, intensity and nervousness of those final minutes, but nothing compares to watching the game from the seats in Hearnes Center, especially the first row where fate had set me down for this game.

Nothing beats looking around at the basketball fans who paid an entry fee to watch a competitive game, arriving with no alliances to either team, and reading the lips as they mouth the words, "wow" and "unbelievable".

Nothing beats turning to the stranger next to you and exchanging that look of amazement and a high-five as this game connected thousands even for just a short time, but also forever.

I can only imagine nothing beats walking off the floor as a player, as a champion, one last time. What would you do in this moment? What action would your emotions bring you to take before you leave the arena and the cheer of the fans fade.

It may have been Rowan who was high scorer for the Blue Jays with 14 points, but it was Robinson’s late free throws and short jumper that sealed the coveted state championship for Liberty. It was a perfect ending to a stellar and decorated high school career. The "shot" that Robinson may be best known wouldn't happen for another 6 years at Maples Pavilion when he would get a pivotal steal and hit a 35 foot off-balanced shot at the buzzer to give his #2 ranked Stanford Cardinal team their twentieth consecutive win and a Pac-12 victory against the highly touted #12 ranked Arizona Wildcats. That shot secured Stanford's record remained unblemished.  The following a week, Stanford would rightfully receive the No. 1 ranking in college basketball.

However, it was Robinson's final moment during the state championship victory that I would remember most. A hidden gem that not everyone saw and most likely, no one captured. It was not a long runner to catapult a team to the top of the college ranks, nor a short 16 footer to secure Liberty's legacy in Missouri basketball history. It was another short-lived moment at half court that would be etched in memory and retold throughout the years when the topic of what was you favorite basketball moment topic would be debated.

Robinson's game winning shot

Following the sportsmanship line of exchanged handshakes, "congratulations" and "good game", both teams began to walk towards the sidelines or tunnels leading to their respective locker rooms. I scanned the players but did not see Robinson. At that moment a second wave of cheers could be heard. My attention shifted to center court. Standing in the circle was Robinson, taking a final bow. It was not one of ego but of appreciation. One bow to the Liberty fans that were in a sea of blue throughout the lower section and then bows in the remaining directions to all other basketball fans who had just witnessed something special.

"After such an incredible title game, I was so filled with emotion and gratitude!", Robinson reflected after 22 years. "The bow at half court was something I considered, but didn't really think I'd go through with it. But in the moment, that was my last high school basketball game and I wouldn't play again competitively for another two years - so I went for it"

Robinson's bow was a sincere gesture. Very similar to one you would suspect from a leading actor following a magical theatrical performance. It was so fitting in this moment as Robinson and his career was deserving of a standing ovation and a curtain call.

"All I was thinking about was - THANK YOU - for all the support from the Liberty community to our team and coaches the past two seasons and for enjoying an incredible ride with us to a State Championship", Robinson said.

I write about this moment now because in response to the coronavirus pandemic, MHSHAA announced it has canceled the semifinal and championship boys and girls games for Class 4-5 that were scheduled to be played in Springfield this weekend. This decision came on the heals of the Class 1-3 semifinal and championship rounds being played a week earlier but only in front of 150 fans to limit the risk of exposure of the virus. Both, correct decisions based on the information at the time.

If only the world was healthy enough to allow events to take place across the nation, including state tournaments to be played, more moments would be witnessed and permanently inked inside those watching. I think about those moments that could have connected players, fans, and communities. But, mostly I think about those memories that would have lasted a lifetime.

"My high school career was flooded with great memories, Robinson said,"both in the classroom, on the court and on the field - because of the amazing people I got to be around everyday. Once I got to college, I again was surrounded by incredible people everyday. The lessons I learned in high school from friends, coaches, teachers, administrators allowed me to be myself in college and work towards a championship year in and year out on the court as well as excellence in the classroom."

Fortunately, for Robinson, he continued to create basketball memories that will live on well into the years to come. Following his graduation from Stanford, where he was team captain his junior and senior years, including the 2003-04 season in which his Cardinals went 30–2, Robinson remained connected to basketball through coaching. He was a volunteer high school assistant coach in New Mexico for a season before returning to Stanford to become men's basketball director of operations and then a year later being promoted to an assistant coach. For the 2008–09 season, basketball took Robinson back home to Liberty, Missouri where he was named an assistant at William Jewell College, a NAIA school. Over the next few years, Robinson would lake his talents to LSU where he served as an executive assistant and director of operations before becoming an assistant coach once again. After years of gaining experience, in 2012 Robinson became head coach at Southern Utah but his tenure ended after the season in 2016.

Robinson may have taken that bow at half court twenty-two years ago, as a show of thanks and support for all those that helped him up until that point, but he is not ready for that final curtain call and bow just yet. Ahead of the 2017-18 season, Robinson was hired to be an assistant coach at Seattle University and then in April 2019, he was named as an assistant coach at Brigham Young University.

As Robinson reflected on his basketball career and legacy, he concluded by saying winning a state championship will always be one of his top highlights of his basketball experience.

"The 1998 Liberty State Championship season was awesome and glad we could set the standard for many other teams to follow. It's so hard to accomplish, especially going undefeated that season, for any team. The only comparison I'd make between my high school and some of my college highlights would be: all of the best moments happened with amazing teammates and coaches!"

Don’t let anyone tell you amateur athletics don’t play an important role in the lives of those participating or watching it. Those memories as teammates, coaches, friends and fans stay with you, as well as connect you with others for a lifetime. Next time you are at a game, look around, observe, adjust your personal lens and take in every moment because in a split second, special moments will present themselves, they will take a bow and then walk behind a curtain forever.

T-Town is Title Town

Turning in circles while admiring the four walls covered in basketball trophies, team pictures and awards, my eyes fixated on a pair of clogs hanging above the large Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state championship trophy case. I asked anyone listening,  "It's unique, isn't it?"

Teutopolis' athletic director, Andrew Johnson had just left us in the school's trophy room, turned cafeteria, as he had to get back to overseeing other duties.  "You're absolutely right", my brother responded as he stood in the doorway looking into the adjoining gymnasium admiring the large shoe in the middle of the court, "there's not too many places like this".

That may be an understatement. But again, underestimating Teutopolis is something many don't do.



Sign on the side of the Teutopolis High School

The village of Teutopolis, Ill, also known as "T-Town", is one-of-a-kind, literally.

Established in 1839, Teutopolis, "the city of the Teutons (or Germans)", is the only town in the United States with this unique name. Having celebrated their 175th anniversary a few years ago, the village located in the "Heartland of America" has a vast amount of history tied to it as one would expect. 

What you don't expect as you drive by the village of 1,530 alongside U.S. Route 40, is the uniqueness of its storied high school basketball programs and the mascot chosen for the town's German heritage, the "Wooden Shoes". 

Although the establishment of the village put Teutopolis on the state map, its success on the hardwood put T-Town on the basketball map. Large and tiny dots span the entire state map, representing the few historic programs from a century's time, but that one minuscule dot, halfway between St. Louis, MO and Terre Haute, IN, is not like any other.

It is one-of-a-kind.

For those not familiar with a wooden shoe, or clog, it's footwear made in part or completely from wood.  Although the shoe design may vary by culture, traditional clogs were often worn in heavy labor, such as agriculture and mining, due to its firmness and low cost.
Although the origin of wooden footwear in Europe is not precisely known, what is known is the origin of the mascot name in Teutopolis.

This story dates to 1932, when boys basketball coach, John Harold Griffin, was hired and soon began to look for a "unique" name for the basketball team. According to Andrew Johnson, Teutopolis' athletic director, up until 1935 Teutopolis High School did not have a nickname. It was then, Albert "Penny" Hewing and Bert Hawickhorst, local fans and businessmen, gave Coach Griffin a pair of wooden shoes made out of lindenwood and carved by a local shoemaker, George Deymann. 

Deymann, in his 80s at the time, had spent most of his life making shoes for Teutopolis and area residents who wore them during the winter months. They sold for fifty cents apiece in the local grocery stores. Coach Griffin suggested that the shoes be painted - one gold and the other silver, and used as trophies for the annual homecoming games played by and at Teutopolis and Neoga. 

Ever since then, the Teutopolis High School athletic teams have been referred as the "Wooden Shoes". The name would recognize both the German heritage of the community and honor George Deyman who carved wooden shoes for a living for the farming community.  



Wooden Shoe at half court

How unique is the mascot name? 

Teutopolis is the only high school in the world to have the Wooden Shoe as it's mascots. The only other team with this unique mascot was the Holland Wooden Shoes minor league baseball team, that played in the Michigan State League from 1911-1914.

Holland High School in Holland, Mich. is usually mentioned in the conversation but their athletic nickname is actually "The Dutch" and they do not have an official mascot, although the Holland High Marching Band is known for performing in wooden shoes during parades.




Wooden Shoe at center court

Historians also say these unique shoes are worn, in many cultures, for dancing. This would be true in Teutopolis, if you consider reaching the original March Madness state basketball tourney as going to the "Big Dance".

In its 91 years of existence (through the 2014-15 season), the Wooden Shoes boy's basketball program has a 72% winning percentage, including 1763 wins and 694 losses, under the leadership of only seven head coaches in its history. The majority of these wins occurred under head coaches, J.H. Griffin (404 wins in 24 years), Lawrence Carie (443 wins in 23 years) and Ken Crawford (612 wins in 26 years).

This small school boy's team has seen the most success in the last 30 years, when they have been a 6-time State Final Qualifier in 1986, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2006, 2007.  The Wooden Shoes brought back a 3rd place finish in 2007, a 2nd place trophy in 2000 and the coveted state championship in 1986. 

Although, the boys program has a long history of success, the Lady Shoes are a unique team in Illinois. 



State Championship banners

The Lady Shoes girl's program won three consecutive state titles from 1987-88 to 1989-90. They also won state titles in 1985-86 and 1994-95.  According to ihsa.org, the Lady Shoes have 5 state titles, 4 second place and 3 third place finishes in 15 state appearances, making them the most storied small school basketball program in the state.

In all, they have garnered 12 State Tournament trophies in girls basketball. By the end of the 2013-14 season, the Lady Shoes basketball program, which had only originated 37 years ago, have compiled a record of 951 wins and only 170 losses - a 85% winning percentage. 


Wooden Shoes above State Championship trophy case

The leader of the Lady Shoes for 24 of those years and for all 5 of the state titles was legendary coach Dennis Koester.  Koester had a career record of 652-88 from 1982--2006 on the T-Town sideline heading into his 25th and final year of coaching at Teutopolis after announcing his retirement following the school year.  Tragically, prior to the start of the 2006-07 season, coach Dennis Koester died in a single-vehicle accident near the town that became synonymous with his name.

Koester's longtime Teutopolis High School assistant girls basketball coach Laurie Thompson replaced him as head coach. Having won a state championship trophy as a player under Koester and coaching alongside him since the 1992-93 season, Thompson was the obvious chose to take over the coveted program. In the nine years since taking over the program in 2006, Thompson has won 226 games and led the Lady Shoes to two State appearances. She is among the best coaches in the state, having a career winning percentage of nearly 80%.

 

With all that success, you have to have a large area to store decades of recognition and awards, right?  Well, over 90 years of tradition can be admired in the cafeteria area, which doubles as a shrine to the many athletic and activities accomplishments over the decades.  Regional and Sectional plaques line the walls, in addition to tournament trophies, team photos, basketballs, record boards and everything else you can earn at the high school level. 

Your eyes may immediately be drawn to the state tournament hardware enclosed in glass, but it's the footwear on the walls that your eyes will soon be fixated on.

The wooden shoes hanging in the cafeteria are clogs that were donated to the school for winning various state championships such as the 1990 Girls Basketball State Championship game vs. Nashville - score was 62-29.  1988 vs. Massac - score 59-44. Girls Track State Champs 1984.  Not all State Champion Teams had a pair of shoes to represent their win, but there are at least 6 pair on the premises.  

As my wife would say, you can never have enough shoes.
 





Even when you step out of this awards room adjacent to the gym and walk down the hallway, you will enjoy another room, a hidden gem that showcases the past success of the Lady Shoes basketball program. The actual IHSA Girls State championship pictures reside in here, an area known to many as the "Pit". 

Teutopolis athletic director, Andrew Johnson, mentioned that it is his understanding that this area was at one time the actual gymnasium (at least a part of it), since then it has been used as a cafeteria and now it is an area that students or groups utilize out of the classroom, or for clubs to hold meetings. 

As a high school basketball fan, this room is a must visit as you get an up-close look at the personnel that helped T-Town earn the right to be called the most storied small school basketball program in the state. You will also see the many smiles of Coach Koester, as I bet these are proud moments that are everlasting. It's also these teams that contributed to his many IHSA small school coaching records that still stand today.

"The Pit" area with the official IHSA girls state team photos

It can be overwhelming and sometimes unimaginable the amount of success the village of Teutopolis has earned over the years.  Keep in mind, both boys and girls basketball teams brought home a basketball state championship in the same season in 1985-86.  Not many schools have this accomplishment in their athletic portfolio.  But as we mentioned earlier, there are very few small schools of this caliber.  It is one-of-a-kind.

When asked what it meant to be a part of this winning tradition, Andrew Johnson shared, "We are proud of our teams and success. The hard work that is displayed here daily is witnessed in the success that hangs in the gym (banners), the trophies displayed in the cases, and pictures you see on the walls in the cafe and pit areas.  Makes what you do daily, feel important."

Teutopolis has leveraged athletics to touch the lives of many. There is no doubt that the community will continue to relish in the success of its basketball programs. And the next time a Teutopolis team makes it back to the state tournament, I expect everyone will wear their best shoes as they prepare to go "dancing" - even if they are wooden.

 

 

Remembering Joe

Most people remember their first mentor in their professional career. They were there for them when they were taking their first baby steps into a new life journey with needed guidance, support, confidence and an attentive ear. Joe Protsman was that for me.

Ten years ago today, heaven received one of the best human beings, leaders, and mentors I know. I will never forget what he taught me.

Although I have many memories of Joe, there a two that I wanted to share. In fact, they bookend my working relationship with him. 

 

After receiving my undergraduate degree at Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb, I immediately pursued a Masters Degree in Sport Management. I wanted to work in sports; therefore, why not gain experience in the WIU Athletics office in their graduate assistantship program?

I was nervous walking into Joe's office for my initial interview. For those that know Joe, he had an intimidating appearance, especially given his background as a former All-American wrestler and coach for the Leathernecks. As a Senior Associate Athletics Director, overseeing the department's fiscal duties and game operations, Joe needed help and I wanted to be that guy.

After being selected as a grad assistant, Joe told me that he knew when reviewing my resume that he wanted to extend the offer to me. I didn't have a lot of experience, only one other internship so what was it? He said that when he read that I was from "Kahoka, MO", he knew that I would be a hard worker. Having grown up across the river in Keokuk, IA, Joe knew many people from Kahoka and they all had a strong work ethic. As a result, he knew that I would give equal effort.

This gesture has always stood with me, I knew from that point on, that I must give 100% because of the expectations that he placed on me. He also knew that this would be a great opportunity for someone who grew up in a town of 2,100. I will never forget that.

Additionally, Joe and I would talk a lot when I would be assisting him during his fiscal responsibilities of expense recording. He would read me the team expense and which account it should be assigned to and I would record it into the accounting program on the computer. I looked forward to these days because we would talk about life, classes, last night's game, our families, work, etc. 

I once mentioned that I was the only member of my immediate family that never earned a honor's stole (cord) to wear around my neck when graduating high school. My father, mother, older brother, and twin brother had all placed within the top percent of their class. They all earned honor cords and wore them proudly during graduation. He reminded me to remember that I was working towards a post graduate degree and I should be proud.

Months after that particular conversation, I walked across the stage, having earned a Graduate Degree from WIU. The following week, I celebrated my last day as a grad assistant in the WIU Athletics office. 

I came into work that day, knowing that I would be leaving behind some of the best people I have met and who had developed me into someone that I may not have been 10 months earlier. As I entered the office, there was a graduation gift on the table for me. I opened it and lifted out a purple Adidas WIU windbreaker (which I still have today). As I began to fold it and put in back in the box, I noticed another gift that was underneath the jacket. It was the purple and gold stole that I wore over my Masters Degree gown during graduation.

Joe, remembering our conversation months prior and knowing that I had to turn mine in after the graduation ceremony, had went to the grad office and got a stole for me so I too would have a stole/cord of my own, just like my other family members. He knew it would mean a lot to me. I remember looking at him and with a slanted smile, he gave me a proud nod.

I was in awe. Who thinks of stuff like that? The special ones do.

As I go through my career, this is one of those mentoring moments that I remember most. Remember those types of conversations, even when little. Always have your bags packed to celebrate with others.

Ten years ago, I lost someone that meant a lot to me but his teachings live on through many. As I look at his picture after all these years, I can't help but give him the same nod of pride. Thanks, Joe.



               Joe Protsman, 1951-2006         

 

 

Recognizing the "S" Word

The 2014-15 Boonville Lady Pirates basketball team and coaches gathered one last time, Thursday, March 19, 2015, in Windsor Gymnasium in Boonville, Missouri for a Final Four Recognition Awards Ceremony.  One last time to celebrate the most successful season (30-1) in Boonville high school basketball history. One last time for the students, team, and coaches to be recognized for their accomplishments and support. One last time for a coach to address his team.

Although the Lady Pirates finished the regular season 24-0, they knew the season wouldn't be complete unless they ended it playing in the MSHSAA State Final Four on the University of Missouri - Columbia campus. They set their goals high, but they also played one game at a time, never thinking ahead. They also didn't talk of about the "S" word even though everyone around them was and the expectations for them to make it there increased the further they advanced.

Thursday evening as Boonville head coach, Jaryt Hunziker, thanked the community, students, staff and media for their coverage and support this season, he also took several minutes to reflect back on the season, his team, and the sacred "S" word. For a coach to field a team with players who have the same goals, competitiveness and commitment can sometimes be a challenge and then to get to the tournament at the end of the season can be an even greater challenge. Not in Boonville. Not this year.

Thus I leave you with the words spoken by Coach Hunziker as he ended his prepared speech and spoke of his team.



Trophies from Boonville's successful 2014-15 Season



It has been told these past weeks that our team didn't want to say the "S" word throughout the season. Although I didn't say it, it doesn't mean that I wasn't thinking it the entire time.

I remember starting to think of the “S” word this past summer while taking the girls to area shoot-outs and my assistant, Coach Freese, specifically telling me to watch the opposing players and coaches’ reactions when our girls entered the gym.  I questioned what she was referring to, until we walked through the gym doors one day and all conversations stopped and all heads turned towards the girl.  I honestly had never noticed that before with any of my prior teams. I knew then that our girls had the RESPECT of other competitors.
 

I remember thinking about the "S" word during our tournament runs towards the beginning of the season, in which we went 8-0 and took home the championships in the Eugene, Centralia and California tournaments.  I knew then that our girls could play hard for a long string of games without giving up their INTENSITY.

I remember thinking of the "S" word when we were down 17 points early in the 2^nd half to a very tough undefeated Fulton team and mounting an impressive comeback to win by 7.  I knew then that our girls had the DETERMINATION to overcome adversity and fight until the end.  Traits that are valuable the further you go in the postseason.

Historically, the North Central Missouri Conference is one of the toughest conferences in the entire state, so to go undefeated in the conference, which includes the likes of a tough Kirksville and Fulton team this year,  was not only impressive to myself but to other programs across the state.  I knew then that we could COMPETE with the best of them.  And then as we finished the regular season with a perfect 24-0 record, the "S" word was again on my mind.

Headline in the Boonville Daily News (Chris Bowie)

 

 I remember thinking of the "S" word when we won the District tournament by an average of 40 points per game and then after beating Kansas City O'Hara by 44 points in the Sectional game.

While competing with state ranked Chillicothe in the Quarterfinals, the look in the girl’s eyes and their body language reinforced the "we got this coach" attitude and more importantly, it validated why the "S" word was on my mind this entire season.
 

And to see how they bounced back on Friday to beat a tough Buffalo team for 3rd place at State- to finish the 30-1 season as we started it and as one of only 2 teams to finish their season with a win - I was so PROUD.  I still am.

Semi-Finals game - Boonville vs Cardinal Ritter

Coach Hunziker instructing the Boonville Lady Pirates

 

3rd place game - Boonville vs Buffalo

 

For me, the "S" word never stood for "STATE".  It stands for something much more than that.
 

My "S" word is SPECIAL.  Because that is what they are to me, it's what they are to our school, our basketball program and to this community. They are SPECIAL.
 

I am so proud of these girls for how hard they have worked the past 3 years and how dedicated they have been to the game.  Thank you girls for all that you have accomplished this SPECIAL year!

As for my seniors, Addy, Morgan and Olivia, I thank you for your commitment this past year and I wish you the best at CMU and William Woods next year, where I hope you will create more SPECIAL memories.

 



Boonville Lady Pirates win 3rd at MSHSAA State Tourney




A Win For Trout

Have you heard this one before?

"Haters are like crickets. They make alot of noise; you hear them but you can't see them. But when you walk by them, they're quiet."

For some, this may be the first time hearing this quote. Sadly for many high school coaches, you have heard it or felt it too many times. Heck, you have most likely lived it.

Although coaching high school athletics can be very rewarding, it is too often a thankless job. In many communities, large or small, there are athletic supporters who feel they know more than the coach; therefore, they enjoy questioning the coach's decision-making. It's difficult not to hear the criticism when the naysayers voice their opinions loudly, and with the emergence of social media, the avenues to complain are ever growing.

 
A few years back, when exchanging basketball stories with Bruce Firchau, the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) chairman for the Hall of Fame Museum, I learned of the book, Trout: The Old Man and the Orphans by Don Schnake (1992). The book recounts many humorous tales of the Centralia, Ill. basketball coach Arthur Trout. Having received a donated copy for the IBCA Hall of Fame, Bruce shared with me one of his favorite stories, which quickly became one of mine.

Many coaches can relate to the story. Some will even find rejoice in it.


Coach Arthur Trout

In his book, Trout: The Old Man and the Orphans, Schnake writes that due to his eminent success as a basketball coach, Arthur Trout had what he referred to as "Downtown Coaches" who would lecture his players about their playing time, Trout's coaching decisions, or what the players should do differently. Trout labeled this group "Termites" because these individuals would feed on the "wooden heads" of the high school's basketball players. According to Schnake, Trout dealt with this group directly, never budged and enjoyed the encounters considerably.

Schnake then shared the following Arthur Trout story:

"Disapproval of the promotion of a raw freshman with exceptional abilities to the starting line-up led to another dramatic confrontation. Complaints of "Not ready!" "Too young!" "Green!" and "Needs seasoning!" found their way around town with increasing frequency.

Mister Trout settled the issue one brisk night in the packed gymnasium. Pre-game preparation differed somewhat this time. After donning game suits, the team watched in wonder as the Old Man removed the contents of a brown paper sack. With a magician's flair, he produced onions, carrots, garlic, celery, lemons, and an assortment of spices. He also unveiled a giant set of salt and pepper shakers. Having fashioned a harness of string around the puzzled head of the freshman, he carefully attached the items.

"Boys," he announced, "it disappoints me greatly to admit that I've finally given in to the Termites. Tonight, they get their wish!"

The Old Man periodically interrupted pre-game warm ups by pulling the bedecked basketballer from the lay-up line to liberally apply the condiments to his head. To end the ritual, Mister Trout - via the public address microphone - made the following pronouncement:

"Ladies and gentlemen. After much deliberation, substantial consideration, lengthy contemplation, and thoughtful mediation, the decision has been made to comply with your request. I now officially proclaim that Charles Oland has been duly seasoned. Case closed. Let the game begin!" (1992; 99-100)

Old Trout Gym (Centralia Alumni Association photo)

Side basket & lower seating in Trout Gym

I found this tale appealing because it showed that criticism is not only directed at inexperienced coaches, or coaches having a disappointed season, or even those not playing upperclassman. Although considered one of the nation's best basketball coaches, Trout had to tolerate members of the community judging him and his coaching ability.

For those who are not familiar with Arthur Trout, he was the Centralia High School coach from 1914 to 1950 and compiled a 811-329 (71 winning %) record with three state titles in 1918, 1922, and 1942. His teams also placed second in 1946 and fourth in 1939. Trout was a charter inductee into the IBCA Hall of Fame in 1973 and a charter inductee into the National High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1982. For much of the 20th century, the Centralia Orphans basketball program was labeled America's Winningest Team, having more wins than any other program in the nation.

Centralia state championship teams







"America's Winningest Team" sign that still hangs outside Trout Gym



I also appreciated this story because Coach Trout was able to demonstrate his point with a sense of humor in a difficult, as well as what could have been a stressful, situation for the coach and his team, at the expense of his critics.

It's unfortunate that times have changed. Although coaching philosophies may not, society does. While I suspect many coaches today would love to "season" an underclassman in front of those that publicly criticize him or her, most coaches know an act like this would lead to disciplinary action by their own administrators, usually in reaction to a complaint by a parent or community leader.

When in the past coaches could deal with criticism themselves, today their hands are tied. As for a rebuttal, they're told to keep it to themselves. Any public display that could be construed as targeting a parent or community member, however righteous it might be, the coach would certainly expect to have their name appear on the agenda at the next school board meeting. And we question why coaches leave the profession early.

Tell me if you've heard this one?

"No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude."

If only coaches heard more words of appreciation and gratitude when walking through their community, instead of silence like the crickets, those thoughtful words may inspire a young coach to persevere and, in time, become another Arthur Trout. Sometimes a few encouraging words makes all the difference.

To all the coaches out there who positively impact the lives of others...Thank you!