Three former UCC Riverhawks (Mykiea Russell - Montreat College; Chelsey Christensen - Warner Pacific University; Gretchen Owens - Linfield University) have all recently been named 1st Team All Conference in their respective conferences. This was the second straight year that seniors Russell and Owens received this honor since transferring from UCC. Russell was also named as her conference's Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight year.
UCC has long had the reputation of developing and enhancing strong offensive skills and this season once again proved that to be true as all three former Riverhawks lead their teams in scoring. Christensen and Owens also lead their teams in rebounding as well and Russell lead her squad in both assists and steals.
Showing posts with label alumni. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alumni. Show all posts
Monday
Born To Be Basketball Players
Several years ago we were in a playoff game and everything was going wrong. We were 31-1 and were in danger of being upset by a team we thought we should beat handily.Our best shooter, Jennifer Harney wasn't getting many open looks and it looked like an unbelievable season was going to come to an unexpected and disappointing end. Trailing by two and with the clock quickly winding down, Jen caught the ball on the left wing and hit a 3 with a hand in her face that won the game, avoided the upset and kept our season alive. Three games later we cut down down the nets after winning the championship and finishing the season 35-1.
Three years later we were back in the Final Four and ahead by one point with about 30 seconds left to play. When our opponent scored with 10 seconds left we immediately inbounded the ball and raced down court. (We had prepared for situations like this dozens of times before and so everyone knew exactly what to do.) With four seconds left we got the open shot we wanted but unfortunately missed and their center rebounded the ball. There was a mad scramble and suddenly the ball seemed to squirt straight up in the air and into the basket with .2 seconds on the clock. Those of us on the bench had no idea what happened other than we won the game and would once again play for the Championship the next night. Only later in the locker room did we find out that when their center rebounded our miss and pulled the ball down back over her head Nicole Quinn reached up, grabbed it and somehow threw it up and in right before the final buzzer!
Three years later we were again in a playoff game and again found ourselves needing a miraculous finish. During a timeout right at the end of the game we drew up a play that would hopefully give us a chance to send the game into overtime. Instead of hitting a game tieing 2, Sarah Coleman ran off a double screen and drained a game winning 3. Four games later we cut down the nets after winning the NWAACC (Pacific Northwest) Championship with a 29-4 record. (We've called that play "Sarah" ever since.)
Three awesome finishes taking place three years apart made possible by three great players. And if that's not special enough, each of those game winning heroes share something else in common, even though I don't think they have ever met each other.
They were all born years apart on February 6th! Happy Birthday Jen, Nicole, and Sarah! I'm thinking about you!
Three years later we were back in the Final Four and ahead by one point with about 30 seconds left to play. When our opponent scored with 10 seconds left we immediately inbounded the ball and raced down court. (We had prepared for situations like this dozens of times before and so everyone knew exactly what to do.) With four seconds left we got the open shot we wanted but unfortunately missed and their center rebounded the ball. There was a mad scramble and suddenly the ball seemed to squirt straight up in the air and into the basket with .2 seconds on the clock. Those of us on the bench had no idea what happened other than we won the game and would once again play for the Championship the next night. Only later in the locker room did we find out that when their center rebounded our miss and pulled the ball down back over her head Nicole Quinn reached up, grabbed it and somehow threw it up and in right before the final buzzer!
Three years later we were again in a playoff game and again found ourselves needing a miraculous finish. During a timeout right at the end of the game we drew up a play that would hopefully give us a chance to send the game into overtime. Instead of hitting a game tieing 2, Sarah Coleman ran off a double screen and drained a game winning 3. Four games later we cut down the nets after winning the NWAACC (Pacific Northwest) Championship with a 29-4 record. (We've called that play "Sarah" ever since.)
Three awesome finishes taking place three years apart made possible by three great players. And if that's not special enough, each of those game winning heroes share something else in common, even though I don't think they have ever met each other.
They were all born years apart on February 6th! Happy Birthday Jen, Nicole, and Sarah! I'm thinking about you!
Thursday
Mykiea Russell Named Player of the Week
Umpqua alumni Mykiea Russell, now playing at Montreat University, has been named the Appalachian Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the second time this season. Below is the press release from the AAC and can be found at AACSports.comASHEVILLE, N.C. - Mykiea Russell of Montreat (N.C.) is the Appalachian Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week, the league announced Monday.The 5-foot-2, senior guard from Los Angeles, Calif., helped the Lady Cavaliers to a pair of double-digit, conference victories last week. Montreat defeated Columbia (S.C.) 89-74 and Milligan (Tenn.) 81-70. Montreat is 14-6 overall and 7-4 in the AAC.This marks the second time this season Russell has won the award, having received it once before on Jan. 9. She joins Lindsey Waters of Union (Ky.) as the only repeat winners this season.Russell averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 11.0 assists on the week. She netted only seven points against Columbia, but she tied her own school record for assists in a game with 13. Against Milligan, she added 34 points and nine assists. In addition, Russell was a perfect 4-for-4 from 3-point range and 17-for-17 at the foul line.On the season, Russell leads the conference in assists (6.25 per game) and steals (2.45 per game). She also leads Montreat in scoring at 14.45 points per game.
Congratulations Mykie!
Monday
Chelsey Christensen Named Player of the Week
Umpqua alumni Chelsey Christensen, a 5-9 junior who is now playing at Warner Pacific University has been named the Cascade Conference's Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. Christensen, WPU's leading scorer and rebounder totaled 38 points and 16 rebounds in a pair of victories over the weekend.
After averaging 6 points a game at Central Catholic High School, Christensen averaged 9 points a game as a freshman at Umpqua and then 23 points as a sophomore. She holds the Umpqua and NWAACC Championship Tournament records for most three point shots made in a single game with 11.
One of the runner ups for the Cascade Conference's Player of the Week was Southern Oregon University post player Cassandra Tiggett, also an Umpqua alumni, who recorded 23 points and 15 rebounds in her game last Saturday.
Congratulations to both players! UCC is proud of you!!
Umpqua Alumni Has Monster Week
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Former Umpqua point guard Mykiea Russell of Montreat (N.C.) earned the Appalachian Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week award, the league announced Monday.
Russell had a solid all-around week, averaging 26.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists last week. The 5-foot-2 guard from Los Angeles, Calif., poured in 37 points in the 83-75 win over Virginia Intermont. The 37 points are the second most any Lady Cavalier has scored in a game. During the game, Russell poured in a school single-game record nine 3-pointers and dished out 10 assists for a double-double.
Montreat is 21-3 overall and 7-3 in the AAC.
Before going to Montreat, Russell starred at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon where she helped lead her team to a Region Championship,was named to the All Southern Region team and played in the NWAACC(Pacific Northwest) All Star Game.
Tuesday
Another Day Another Assist
When former Umpqua basketball player Micaela (Williams) Leinonen needed some help getting her mom's house ready to sell, it only took one Facebook post and one text message to gather some extra help. I saw the post on FB saying that Micaela and her husband Chris were coming to Roseburg and were gong to try and cram a week's worth of work into one weekend and so I sent out a mass text to the current members of our team. Even though it was the last minute Mykiea Russell, Sparkal Clark, Priscilla Walker, and Jameia McDuffy dropped what they were doing and went with Linda and I over to the house where we spent the day moving furniture and painting. It was great to work side by side and fun to listen to Micaela and Priscilla compare Umpqua basketball stories and experiences. Even though they played years apart, a stranger walking into the room would have thought they were teammates! Jameia thought that working together like that brought us all a little closer and suggested that we find a house to paint as a team bonding event next Fall. Working hard, working together, appreciating the past, and looking ahead to the future. . . .it was a good day!!
Wednesday
All American Jessica Fisiikava
Received a surprise phone call from former UCC great Jessica Fisiikava tonight. After graduating from UCC in 2005 as one of the school's all time leading scorers, Jess turned down some bigger schools and accepted a basketball scholarship to Cal Baptist University in Riverside, California so she could be closer to her father. Even though it's been close to a year and a half since I've spoken to Jess, I think about her almost every day when I see her Kodak All American plaque hanging near my desk.
Jess called me tonight to tell me that she was recently recognized by her employer, Kaiser Permanente, for her work ethic and for being the only person in her entire department to have perfect attendance for the past year. Then Jess told me that as she was receiving her award she realized that it was the habits that she developed while playing at UCC that have helped her be successful all these years. She thanked me for adamantly insisting that she and her teammates go to class every day, that they go on time, and that they give their very best effort - no excuses.
Especially during this playoff time of year, when everyone's focus is on winning, winning, winning, it's great to hear that regardless of the score, lessons are being learned and lives are being changed!
Jess called me tonight to tell me that she was recently recognized by her employer, Kaiser Permanente, for her work ethic and for being the only person in her entire department to have perfect attendance for the past year. Then Jess told me that as she was receiving her award she realized that it was the habits that she developed while playing at UCC that have helped her be successful all these years. She thanked me for adamantly insisting that she and her teammates go to class every day, that they go on time, and that they give their very best effort - no excuses.
Especially during this playoff time of year, when everyone's focus is on winning, winning, winning, it's great to hear that regardless of the score, lessons are being learned and lives are being changed!
Monday
Alumni Game
Had our annual Alumni game yesterday afternoon and as usual it was great to see everybody. It was definitely a sacrifice for some of them to get here - Lindsey Heard came from Portland, Amanda Johnston from Klamath Falls, Kyra (Cleveland) Kaiser from Hillsboro. Denay Martin raced back from Eugene after coaching her 6th grade boys team to victory and Abby Line brought her five kids with her. Kristi Fallin, currently playing at Oregon, drove down to be with everybody even though she couldn't play. After the game our current team, our alumni, Athletic Director Cheryl Yoder, Athletic Secretary Donna McGeehon and her husband Gene all went out to dinner and had a great time. One of the highlights was listening to current player Michiah Baker and Michiah Kaiser (Kyra's husband) excitedly talk about how they had never met anyone else with "their" name before!!
The alumni were not all in college basketball shape but they can still play and I found myself sitting on the bench rooting for both teams. Lindsey Heard even got a black eye and a cut under her eye going after a rebound! Almost everything the alumni did triggered some type of great memory from the past and reminded me of just how much fun it was to coach them!
Even though they couldn't make it down to the alumni game former UCC greats Heidi Buehler, Sarah (Coleman) Blackmon, and Elysia Sechler all came by to see us at some point when were in Portland last weekend. Heidi is UCC's all time leading scorer and could probably still step out onto the court and get 30 if she wanted to. Sarah and Elysia starred on our 1997 NWAACC Championship team and it meant a lot to me that they still feel connected to our program after all these years.
The alumni were not all in college basketball shape but they can still play and I found myself sitting on the bench rooting for both teams. Lindsey Heard even got a black eye and a cut under her eye going after a rebound! Almost everything the alumni did triggered some type of great memory from the past and reminded me of just how much fun it was to coach them!
Even though they couldn't make it down to the alumni game former UCC greats Heidi Buehler, Sarah (Coleman) Blackmon, and Elysia Sechler all came by to see us at some point when were in Portland last weekend. Heidi is UCC's all time leading scorer and could probably still step out onto the court and get 30 if she wanted to. Sarah and Elysia starred on our 1997 NWAACC Championship team and it meant a lot to me that they still feel connected to our program after all these years.
Thursday
Kristi Fallin's Oregon Debut
Went to historic Mac Court last night on the campus of the University of Oregon to watch former UCC Riverhawk Kristi Fallin make her Oregon debut in an exhibition game against Southern Oregon University. It didn't take long for 10 year old Taylor to mention that it looked strange seeing Kristi in a different uniform and I must admit she was right! If Kristi was nervous she didn't show it and I thought she played well even though she didn't have a record setting shooting night.It was great to see Micaela (Williams) Leinonen there too. Micaela set the Umpqua single game record of 10 three pointers made in a game before accepting a scholarship to NNU and was there to support Kristi as well.
UCC alum Amy Waltenburg also made her Washington State debut last week in WSU's exhibition game against Lewis-Clark State. I'll try to get some pictures of Amy up here as soon as possible!
It's pretty cool having two former players in the Pac 10 and I'm already looking forward to the Oregon-WSU game!!
Tuesday
RIP Krisden Tanabe
Twenty years ago this week, while my dad and I were coaching at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, CA we experienced something that we will never forget and that we still talk about every October. In fact, we talked about it tonight.
After a typical practice, two of our players, Donna Gondringer and Krisden Tanabe, made a trip to the Huntington Beach mall to buy jackets and get their ears pierced before going back to Donna's house. Sitting in his car in front of the house waiting for them was Thomas White, a former boyfriend that Krisden had recently broken up with. Donna continued to walk into the house and left Krisden standing at the end of the driveway and Thomas standing in the street behind an open car door. Moments later there was an explosion and Donna sprinted out of the house and found Krisden down on her knees slumped over, the victim of a shotgun blast. Thomas White then turned the shot gun around and killed himself.
I remember calling players on our team and explaining to them what happened and all of us wondering what we should do next. We all tried to think about the last things we said to her since we would never have a chance to say anything else.
When we finally all got together, Donna and Stacee Johnson both made passionate pleas for everyone to dedicate the season to Krisden and told us that Krisden would not want us just to persevere but would want us to go out and kick ass. And from that day forward we did just that!
We went 37-1 that year and won every tournament we played in, including the California State Championship in March. In the state semi final game Bits Sirchia hit a 50 footer right before halftime that changed the entire game. When the ball left her hand it looked like it was going to be way left of the basket but suddenly made an unexplainable turn and then hit nothing but net. In the locker room Bits said out loud what we were all thinking, "Krisden helped out on that one!"
When we returned home, the first stop was at the cemetery, where the girls gave Krisden her championship medal, shirt, and flowers. They were placed right next to the shirts, trophies, and medals that we had won in previous tournaments. It was a stunning visual reminder of a dominating season and we would have gladly traded it all to spend just one more day with our friend and teammate.
Love your family, your friends and your teammates because you just never know what's going to happen.
After a typical practice, two of our players, Donna Gondringer and Krisden Tanabe, made a trip to the Huntington Beach mall to buy jackets and get their ears pierced before going back to Donna's house. Sitting in his car in front of the house waiting for them was Thomas White, a former boyfriend that Krisden had recently broken up with. Donna continued to walk into the house and left Krisden standing at the end of the driveway and Thomas standing in the street behind an open car door. Moments later there was an explosion and Donna sprinted out of the house and found Krisden down on her knees slumped over, the victim of a shotgun blast. Thomas White then turned the shot gun around and killed himself.
I remember calling players on our team and explaining to them what happened and all of us wondering what we should do next. We all tried to think about the last things we said to her since we would never have a chance to say anything else.
When we finally all got together, Donna and Stacee Johnson both made passionate pleas for everyone to dedicate the season to Krisden and told us that Krisden would not want us just to persevere but would want us to go out and kick ass. And from that day forward we did just that!
We went 37-1 that year and won every tournament we played in, including the California State Championship in March. In the state semi final game Bits Sirchia hit a 50 footer right before halftime that changed the entire game. When the ball left her hand it looked like it was going to be way left of the basket but suddenly made an unexplainable turn and then hit nothing but net. In the locker room Bits said out loud what we were all thinking, "Krisden helped out on that one!"
When we returned home, the first stop was at the cemetery, where the girls gave Krisden her championship medal, shirt, and flowers. They were placed right next to the shirts, trophies, and medals that we had won in previous tournaments. It was a stunning visual reminder of a dominating season and we would have gladly traded it all to spend just one more day with our friend and teammate.
Love your family, your friends and your teammates because you just never know what's going to happen.
Monday
We Are Family
It's been a wild couple weeks with everyone moving in, school starting and the beginning of our basketball conditioning class. Having so many players away from home for the first time seems to present a new challenge almost each and every day!
We often refer to our players, both past and present, both UCC and GWC, as one big basketball family and lately I've been reminded over and over that is a true statement. On Thursday my son Jeff had dinner in Westminster, CA with Bits Sirchia (GWC '91) and later this week is having dinner with Lisa Tamamasui-Taula (UCC '96) in Logan, Utah. Not only were they great players but also happened to be great babysitters back when Jeff was 4 and 9 years old.
Kirsten Strawn (UCC '09) has worked out with us the couple days. Abby Line (UCC '98) asked me to write a letter of recommendation for her and Sarona Snuka Palomalu (UCC '99) came by the gym today and talked to all the girls about the importance of a great work ethic. Sarona is currently living in Florida and working as a professional wrestler and made my day when I turned and saw her standing in the doorway of my office.
But the best "family" incident of the week started with a post on Facebook. Micaela Williams Leinonen (UCC '06) is working at the Boys & Girls Club in Eugene and posted that a deserving child at the club was in desperate need of a pair of shoes; even used shoes would be great if they were the right size. Almost immediately, Allson Bickel Shirey (GWC '92) responded by volunteering to buy the kid a pair of shoes and mail them to Micaela.
Micaela and Allison have never met each other in person. Micaela was a three point shooter and Allison was an aggressive, physical post player. They went to different colleges fourteen years apart and live in different states. The only thing they have in common is that they both played college basketball on teams that I have coached and as a result have worked and run and competed and run some more and won. They know exactly what each other has learned, experienced and endured and because of that they have a common bond and a mutual respect. They are part of our basketball family and like all good family members are still looking out for each other, even though they have never met.
We are family and I'm proud to be part of it!
We often refer to our players, both past and present, both UCC and GWC, as one big basketball family and lately I've been reminded over and over that is a true statement. On Thursday my son Jeff had dinner in Westminster, CA with Bits Sirchia (GWC '91) and later this week is having dinner with Lisa Tamamasui-Taula (UCC '96) in Logan, Utah. Not only were they great players but also happened to be great babysitters back when Jeff was 4 and 9 years old.
Kirsten Strawn (UCC '09) has worked out with us the couple days. Abby Line (UCC '98) asked me to write a letter of recommendation for her and Sarona Snuka Palomalu (UCC '99) came by the gym today and talked to all the girls about the importance of a great work ethic. Sarona is currently living in Florida and working as a professional wrestler and made my day when I turned and saw her standing in the doorway of my office.
But the best "family" incident of the week started with a post on Facebook. Micaela Williams Leinonen (UCC '06) is working at the Boys & Girls Club in Eugene and posted that a deserving child at the club was in desperate need of a pair of shoes; even used shoes would be great if they were the right size. Almost immediately, Allson Bickel Shirey (GWC '92) responded by volunteering to buy the kid a pair of shoes and mail them to Micaela.
Micaela and Allison have never met each other in person. Micaela was a three point shooter and Allison was an aggressive, physical post player. They went to different colleges fourteen years apart and live in different states. The only thing they have in common is that they both played college basketball on teams that I have coached and as a result have worked and run and competed and run some more and won. They know exactly what each other has learned, experienced and endured and because of that they have a common bond and a mutual respect. They are part of our basketball family and like all good family members are still looking out for each other, even though they have never met.
We are family and I'm proud to be part of it!
Sunday
Former Player Future TV Star
Former UCC star Sarona (Snuka) Polomalu, pictured at the left with Taylor, was in town for a couple days and came by the house to see us yesterday morning. Sarona played as hard as any player we've ever had and her intensity and enthusiasm impacted every single practice and every single game. Fortunately for us, she never learned the meaning of half speed. It's been ten years since she played but I remember Sarona diving into the stands, to chase a loose ball, with such force that she broke a fan's finger. I remember her being the MVP of the LA Valley Tournament in Los Angeles even though she scored relatively little. I also remember her bringing dinner to the office when she knew Linda and I would be there late. (Her teriyaki chicken is the still the best I've ever tasted!) Regardless of the circumstances, Sarona was always there for her coaches and teammates and never complained or expected anything in return. I still know that if Linda and I ever needed her, she would be here in a second.Sarona, whose father is profesional wrestling champion Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and whose cousin is Duane "The Rock" Johnson, is now living in Florida with her two young daughters and getting ready to embark on a professional wrestling career of her own. I had to laugh when Sarona told us that after hurting too many women, she now has to train against men!
As we sat and talked, Sarona told us how grateful she is for her Umpqua experience and how the focus, work ethic, and mental toughness that she developed here changed her life. She must have still been thinking about us because early this morning at 1:57am Sarona sent me a text. "Coach, I'm at the airport waiting for my flight but just wanted to thank you again for everything you've taught me."
You're welcome Sarona! I can't wait to see you on TV!!
Heidi Buehler
Heidi Buehler, UCC's all time leading scorer, left a post on my Facebook wall that's a great reminder as to why I coach. I can't remember our exact won-loss records when Heidi played between 2000-2002 (although I do know we won a LOT of games!) but I do remember the road trips, our talks in the office, the time we spent laughing, and the intensity that she brought to every team practice and individual workout. It's a great feeling to know that you've made a positive difference in someone else's life!Here's Heidi's post: "Thanks for the B-Day wish. . .I miss you too Dave:) You are a huge reason I am the person I am today. I can't say that I have ever had someone in my life that has pushed me and cared about me as much as you have. I know that I am only ONE out of 100 people you have helped over the years but I must say that UCC was life changing. Thank you. . .I have much LOVE for You."
Tuesday
Umpqua 84 Chemeketa 60; Aubrey & BJ
Last Saturday we coasted to a 84-60 win over Chemeketa but it didn't really feel like a win. We were ahead 40-16 at halftime but didn't manage to keep up the same intensity throughout the second half. The good thing is that every single player, as well as the coaches, recognized that it wasn't our best effort, and that we have to continue to play HARD for 40 minutes a game if we want to achieve our goals, regardless of what our competition is doing.
The best part of the night came after the game when we were all able to spend some time with former UCC great and 1st Team Kodak All American Aubrey (Dickson) Dobrkovsky and her husband BJ. BJ is the boys varsity coach at Sprague High School in Salem and Aubrey splits her time between counseling kids in the local school district and her own private counseling practice. While BJ and I talked basketball, Aubrey told the girls story after story about her time at UCC, how hard we worked at practice, her roommates, etc. etc. Aubrey is one of the most positive people you will ever meet and spending time with her was so much fun that she almost made us forget how poorly we played in the second half!
Aubrey played at Umpqua from 1997-1999 and is still the school's second all time leading scorer. And even though I don't remember the exact score of a single game she played in, I clearly remember how much I enjoyed being her coach!! I wish we could go back and do it again!!
The best part of the night came after the game when we were all able to spend some time with former UCC great and 1st Team Kodak All American Aubrey (Dickson) Dobrkovsky and her husband BJ. BJ is the boys varsity coach at Sprague High School in Salem and Aubrey splits her time between counseling kids in the local school district and her own private counseling practice. While BJ and I talked basketball, Aubrey told the girls story after story about her time at UCC, how hard we worked at practice, her roommates, etc. etc. Aubrey is one of the most positive people you will ever meet and spending time with her was so much fun that she almost made us forget how poorly we played in the second half!
Aubrey played at Umpqua from 1997-1999 and is still the school's second all time leading scorer. And even though I don't remember the exact score of a single game she played in, I clearly remember how much I enjoyed being her coach!! I wish we could go back and do it again!!
Sunday
Alumni Game & Dinner
Other than playing for a championship the Alumni game is the most fun game of the year! We've had some pretty good teams over the years and so our alumni are pretty good and even though don't play everyday they are still as competitive as ever. Fortunately for our won-loss record, the alumni just aren't in as good as shape as our current players. Last night the scored was tied at 50 with about 15:00 to go in the game before conditioning became a factor and our current team started to pull away. It was hard resisting the urge to coach both teams. At one point, alum Katie Stephens, who drove up from Chico, CA to play in the game, had the ball on the wing in front of our bench and was being pressured while trying to find someone open. I watched the official counting out five seconds and instinctivily told Katie to "take a dribble" so the count would start over. It was fun to watch Micaela (Williams) Leinonen switch players so she could "D-up" Kristi Fallin after Kristi hit her eighth 3 of the game. (Micalea holds the UCC record of 10 3's in a game) And I couldn't help but smile after Mykiea Russell stripped Krissy Scoggin (2000 NWAACC Champion, 4th all time scorer at UCC, and mother of 3) and layed the ball in and then the two of them high fived on the way back down the court.After the game most of us went out to eat (picture above), told war stories and took turns holding Becci (Randall) Beneau's baby daughter. My daughter Taylor asked for a dollar to play in the arcade and as soon as I opened my wallet Cassie Scheffelmaier and Kristi asked if they too could have dollars to play in the arcade. Titi Takai and Kirsten Strawn teamed up to set the arcade basketball shooting record while the cheers from teammates, alumni, and kids drowned out most casual conversations. It was a great time and ended way too soon for me.
After everyone else left, Craig Scoggin, Tim Randall and I stood around and talked about the impact that UCC basketball has had on their families and the community in general. Eventually we all left and as I drove home I thought back on the entire night and kept thinking to myself "That's why I coach."
Tuesday
Facebook Group
Several weeks ago Michaela (Williams) Leinonen started up a Facebook group called "Dave Stricklin's Hoop Survivors" in hopes of getting both Umpqua and Golden West alumni together to share stories and stay connected. Lately I've been trying to track down and invite as many former players as possible to join the Facebook group and in the process I've received some great emails and have relived some awesome memories.
If you read this and are in contact with any former players and teammates, please encourage them to join the group and share their stories. I've been coaching for a long, long time now and I can honestly say I still don't of any team that works as hard as we do, that works as hard as we've always worked. That work ethic and the committment to be the very best we can be is the thread that binds all of us together. It doesn't really matter whether we competed together over 20 years ago or whether we're getting ready to compete on this year's team - we're all in this together and in my mind we're still just one big team.
If you read this and are in contact with any former players and teammates, please encourage them to join the group and share their stories. I've been coaching for a long, long time now and I can honestly say I still don't of any team that works as hard as we do, that works as hard as we've always worked. That work ethic and the committment to be the very best we can be is the thread that binds all of us together. It doesn't really matter whether we competed together over 20 years ago or whether we're getting ready to compete on this year's team - we're all in this together and in my mind we're still just one big team.
Monday
From Umpqua to the NCAA Tournament
Like millions of other basketball fans I hardly left the couch the last four days as I watched game after game after game of the NCAA Tournament. I watched good games, bad games, close games and blowouts. But by far the game that was the most fun to watch was the Cornell - UCONN game that was on ESPN2 last night, because one of Cornell's starting forwards was Moina Snyder, who played here at UCC from 2004-2006. It was fun watching Mo play against the #1 ranked team in the country and battle against players who will eventually play in the WNBA. I couldn't help but smile as Mo beat the UCONN post players down the middle of the floor for a left handed layup and I thought back to the hundreds of times I've seen her do the exact same thing in games and practices. ("Cycles" anybody?)Moina called and asked if Linda and I wanted her allotment of tickets to the game. Her parents were in France and wouldn't be able to make it over and so she thought of us. The fact that she wanted us to take part in the biggest night of her basketball career meant the world to us and we were very appreciative of the offer. Unfortunately, Linda and I couldn't make it to Connecticut on just a few days notice either, but we were definitely there in spirit. Mo had a great career at Cornell; she was a two year starter and received All Ivy League recognition both years. I know it probably sounds a little egotistical but I'm kind of proud that I had at least a small part in Mo's development as a player. She left UCC better than when she arrived and watching her able to score, rebound, and defend against UCONN confirmed to me that we're all doing something right.
Tom Eggers of the News-Review interviewed Mo for an article he recently wrote and here's the link: http://www.oregonnews.com/article/20080321/SPORTS/333351211/-1/SPORTS
On Cornell's web site (http://www.cornellbigred.com/) there are a couple pictures of Mo in action against UCONN and one of her being interviewed by Rebecca Lobo.
Friday
Hall of Fame Banquet, Friends, & Teammates
Last night I had the privilege of being inducted into the California Community College Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the induction was both an honor and a surprise since I haven't coached in California in fourteen years. At the banquet I was able to see some familiar faces and to talk with old friends and rivals alike. The food was very good and they gave me an award that will look great in the trophy case. I was even able to bring Taylor up to the podium and the entire banquet hall sang "Happy Birthday" to her. (Taylor turned 9 yesterday and even though it wasn't Chuck E. Cheese, she thought the extra attention was really cool!)
But by far the best part of the evening was getting the chance to hang out with former players Dawn Haag and Elizabeth "Bits" Sirchia. I'll have to check but those two might be the winningest athletes in California basketball history. They were on the same team for two years (18 years ago) and during that time our won/loss record was 72-2. Bits was the California Player of the Year as a sophomore and received a scholarship to the University of Hawaii before finishing her career at Cal Poly Pomona. Dawn received a scholarship to Cal State Los Angeles and is now an Orange County Sherriff patrolling Mission Viejo, CA. It's been years since I've seen either one of them yet they both made time to fly to Oakland, rent a car and come to the banquet. The trophy I received was great. Having them there was even greater! After the banquet we all went to the Applebees across from the hotel and relived stories from the past. Each story that was told reminded one of us of at least two more. I wish I had a tape recorder with me!!After sitting together and watching a few games today we all went to dinner at the Garlic Brothers Restaurant which sits on the water overlooking the San Joaquin Delta. We talked, reminisced, laughed, and shared our food. The night ended way too soon! I invited both Bits and Dawn to come visit us in Oregon whenever they could get away and asked if they wanted to play in the UCC alumni game next season. Even though they aren’t technically UCC alumnae, they have so many things in common with our team this year. I am totally convinced that if they were to sit down and talk to our current players that they would all feel like family in a matter of minutes!!
You know you’ve had a great couple days when you’re inducted into a Hall of Fame and that’s not even close to being the highlight of the trip!!
Allison (Bickel) Shirey
On the UCC Women's Basketball home page there is a section called "Dave's Diary" where I have tried to share a few thoughts on some things that are important to me. At the suggestion of a few friends and alumni, I've decided to try my hand at blogging. I'm hoping that what's written here will help keep all of our alumni more closely connected to our program and at the same time give anyone else who is interested a greater insight into Umpqua Women's Basketball.
Here's a "Dave's Diary" entry from last Spring:
As I was driving to the airport this afternoon, I began to reflect on this past season (for about the 1000th time!) and on all of its highs and lows and everything in between.
Dozens of things ran through my mind but one instance stuck like glue.
While trying to recover from an unusually tough weekend, I received a phone call from Allison (Bickel) Shirey who played on our team at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California from 1990-1992. Even though Allison and I had a very good relationship we lost touch when I moved to Oregon to take the UCC job in 1994. Neither of us could remember the last time we had spoken.
Practically the first thing that came out of Allison’s mouth after I answered the phone was “What the hell is going on up there? How could you possibly lose last weekend? You haven’t lost to them in 12 years!!” I was stunned. “Why do you think we should be able to beat them? How do you know we hadn’t lost to them in 12 years?”
Then Allison said some things that reminded me why I coach and at the same time reminded me what separates good teams from great programs. “Even though we don’t talk very often I think about the things you taught us almost every single day. I have followed the team for the past 12 years. Go ahead, quiz me! Just because I’ve never set foot on Umpqua’s campus doesn’t mean I’m not tied into the program. You will always be “my coach” and your teams will always be “my team.”
I asked Allison why she never called me earlier. “Because you’ve been doing great all these years. But after this weekend I figured you could use a call from someone who believes in you and appreciates what you are doing!” It seemed like we talked forever that night and we’ve talked several times since then.
Fifteen years after our last game together (Allison hit two free throws in the final seconds to help us win our second California Community College State Championship) Allison still “gets it.” She knows that the relationships are meant to outlast the wins and losses. She knows that the journey doesn’t end when the season does. She knows that true teammates are always there in times of need. It won’t show up in the stats but that call from Allison might have been the biggest assist of her career.
Here's a "Dave's Diary" entry from last Spring:
As I was driving to the airport this afternoon, I began to reflect on this past season (for about the 1000th time!) and on all of its highs and lows and everything in between.
Dozens of things ran through my mind but one instance stuck like glue.
While trying to recover from an unusually tough weekend, I received a phone call from Allison (Bickel) Shirey who played on our team at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California from 1990-1992. Even though Allison and I had a very good relationship we lost touch when I moved to Oregon to take the UCC job in 1994. Neither of us could remember the last time we had spoken.
Practically the first thing that came out of Allison’s mouth after I answered the phone was “What the hell is going on up there? How could you possibly lose last weekend? You haven’t lost to them in 12 years!!” I was stunned. “Why do you think we should be able to beat them? How do you know we hadn’t lost to them in 12 years?”
Then Allison said some things that reminded me why I coach and at the same time reminded me what separates good teams from great programs. “Even though we don’t talk very often I think about the things you taught us almost every single day. I have followed the team for the past 12 years. Go ahead, quiz me! Just because I’ve never set foot on Umpqua’s campus doesn’t mean I’m not tied into the program. You will always be “my coach” and your teams will always be “my team.”
I asked Allison why she never called me earlier. “Because you’ve been doing great all these years. But after this weekend I figured you could use a call from someone who believes in you and appreciates what you are doing!” It seemed like we talked forever that night and we’ve talked several times since then.
Fifteen years after our last game together (Allison hit two free throws in the final seconds to help us win our second California Community College State Championship) Allison still “gets it.” She knows that the relationships are meant to outlast the wins and losses. She knows that the journey doesn’t end when the season does. She knows that true teammates are always there in times of need. It won’t show up in the stats but that call from Allison might have been the biggest assist of her career.
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