(Courtesy of Graceville News)
Members of the Graceville Lions Club received an inside look at Graceville School athletics during their March meeting held at the Circle Grill, as Athletic Director and Boys Basketball Coach shared updates on the school’s programs, challenges, and vision moving forward.
Speaking candidly, the longtime coach described this year’s boys basketball team as one of the youngest he has ever led. With just one senior and one junior, who battled injuries throughout the season, the roster was largely made up of underclassmen. Despite the inexperience, he said the team remained competitive throughout the year and showed resilience against more seasoned opponents.
“We were basically playing with a junior varsity team at the varsity level,” he said. “But those kids went out and competed, and that’s what impressed me the most.”
The coach reflected on both the challenges and rewards of working with a young group, emphasizing that growth often comes through adversity. While the team took its share of losses, he noted that the experience gained this season will be invaluable in the years ahead as those players mature.
Beyond wins and losses, his message centered on the deeper purpose of athletics. Drawing from more than four decades of coaching experience, he stressed that sports are about building character, discipline, and work ethic rather than simply producing professional athletes.
“Not everybody’s going to make money playing ball,” he said. “But what they learn from it can make them better workers, better people, and better teammates in life.”
He shared stories of former players who reached the highest levels of competition, including athletes who went on to play in the NFL and NBA, but noted those cases are rare, especially in small towns. What matters most, he said, is helping young people grow into responsible adults.
In addition to basketball, the coach provided updates on other athletic programs at Graceville School. Baseball and softball teams are continuing to rebuild, while track athletes remain active in competition. Like basketball, many of these programs are also filled with younger athletes, giving hope for future improvement.
Facility upgrades have also been a focus, with recent improvements including new wall padding in the gym, renovations to the locker room, and an updated scorer’s table. He credited community support, including organizations like the Lions Club, for helping make those improvements possible and assisting with the school’s recent trip to the state tournament.
Looking ahead, he said scheduling for next season is already underway, though it has become increasingly difficult as some programs hesitate to compete against teams that could affect their rankings. Still, he remains committed to building a competitive schedule that will challenge his players.
One of the biggest concerns he raised was retaining local student-athletes. Changes in transfer rules and increased movement between schools have made it harder to maintain stability within programs. He emphasized the importance of keeping students rooted in their home community and prioritizing academics alongside athletics.
“We’ve got to keep our kids home,” he said. “And we’ve got to remember, it’s books before ball.”
The coach also spoke about ways the community can support student-athletes, noting that donations to athletic programs help provide essentials such as shoes, travel expenses, and team gear. He shared that much of what he purchases personally goes directly to benefit his players.
During a question-and-answer session, Lions Club members discussed additional ways to support students, including providing basic hygiene items for male athletes, similar to existing efforts for female students.
As the evening concluded, the coach expressed gratitude for the continued support from the community and reiterated his passion for mentoring young people.“I’ve always loved coaching,” he said. “Seeing these young men grow, succeed, and become something in life—that’s what it’s all about.”
With a young core of athletes and strong community backing, Graceville School’s athletic programs appear poised to continue building toward a promising future.
(Courtesy of Graceville News)
