Langley Gold Rush Update by Coach Nathan
The Langley Gold Rush wheelchair basketball program is well into its second year and so far the results have been fantastic. With a great mix of new and returning players as a new and fairly young coach I couldn’t be more thrilled with the energy and enthusiasm each and every one of my athletes brings each week. BCWBS has needed a program in the region for a while, and now we finally have one.
From a coaching standpoint, I’ve jumped in head first into an amazing position that has forced me to re-evaluate the role my coaches have had in my life. I have to make practice plans that accommodate a variety of different abilities and levels of experience, and realized the amount of work required of a coach. Every athlete requires the same amount of attention from the new ten-year old, all the way to a member of the junior provincial team. I got into coaching so other young athletes may have great experiences, while finding an outlet and realizing their potential. I’m a strong believer that sport empowers people and I’m so happy to be able to help facilitate that for these young athletes. One of the proudest moments of my life was when one of my athlete’s mothers came up to me and told me that basketball was the highlight of her son’s week. As a youth basketball coach it’s my goal to make sure that everyone has fun and improves as the season goes on. By the end of the year they should all be wheeling circles around me.
Lastly, I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone that makes this program possible. Thank you to the all of the parents, who bring their kids to practice each week and put their trust in me. Your kids are making an impact in my life and I appreciate the time you all sacrifice to take your budding stars to and from practice. Thank you to Mitch Kosterman for taking care of the administrative duties and helping get all the chairs ready each week. Thank you to Trinity Western University for the beautiful gym. I hope all you will make it on December 4th for our first Junior Game Night and the final session of 2011.
See you there!
