BENOLD

November 15, 2007

Dear Benold Basketball Players and Parents,

            Basketball is a TEAM GAME!  We win as a team and we lose as a team!  Just as a chain is no stronger than its weakest link, so too, is a team no stronger than its weakest member.  I am not referring to playing ability but to willingness to work for the betterment of the team.  No player is above the rules; no player has the right to criticize another; no player has the right to undermine the team.

            All players are not equal in ability.  Naturally, then, all players will not get equal playing time.  Some will get a great deal while others will be limited.  It is the responsibility of all team members to support the group effort.

            Practice is the most important part of our season.  Without question you play the way you practice.  We expect you to work as hard as you can to reach your potential - practice is where this is done!  Remember that we are working to reach common goals, and we all pay as a team when someone loafs!  We have only one rule established about practice:

1.      You are expected to be dressed, have all training needs taken care of, and be on the floor by the assigned time of practice.

Each minute of our practice is organized, and all players are considered in the planning of practice.  “Basketball is most magical when all players apply all their talents in a way most helpful to the team.  All must play defense, the scorers must score, the re-bounders must rebound, the passers must pass, and the substitutes do their chores cheerfully.  The concept couldn’t be simpler to state or more difficult to master.”

After the final cut is made, I would like to talk to each person who did not make the team.  I will be honest and tell each one of you why you didn’t make the team, and give you some things to work on during the year.  I will encourage those who do not make the team to become a member of a Church, YMCA, or any other League Team in order to gain experience.  I will encourage each one of you to try again next year,  being dropped from a team is a bitter pill for most young athletes, but I hope they will respect a coach for being honest with them.  We want those who do not make the squad to leave the gym feeling that they have been given a fair chance.

We will begin organized practice on Saturday November 17^th (8^th Grade Teams will practice from 10:00 am – 11:30 am).  We have a great deal to accomplish in a very short time. 

8^th Grade will practice 9^th Period until 5:30 pm Monday through Friday, with the exception of game days.  Please regularly check our Boys’ Athletic Website for updated information.

I am looking forward to working with each of you – and I hope you have a great season.

                                                            Yours in Basketball,

                                                            Davis Wall, 8^th Grade Boys’ Coach

                                                            Benold Middle School