By Bill Nestor Sports Editor
“Spare the road, spoil the child,” that is the old saying that exemplified the coaching style best describing Bridgeport veteran mentor Dave Marshall. Marshall has high expectations for his players, and in today’s world the new age player sometimes has a hard time understanding the requirements needed to play in this type of program.
Basketball is indeed a team game and to be successful at the highest level, everyone has to be on the same page. It takes a total buy-in by an entire team to accomplish the ultimate goal. In many cases, the coach has to be a salesman. He or she takes a philosophy and gets 15 others to believe in it. If they don’t, initially, they need to change their minds at least by the time the postseason rolls around.
At the same time, there is the cattle herding catastrophe occuring. That is when coaches have several players buying into the plans and then, for whatever reason, (a lack of playing time, a break up, problems with class, issues at home, or maybe just a lack of shots) they stray away from the pack and the coach has to bring them back to the herd.
Today’s player doesn’t want to be coached hard. Yelling at players is embarrassing to them and they don’t want to be told what to do; they would much rather figure it out on their own. Individual stats are much more important to this players than team accomplishments. It’s the “me first” philosophy that has taken over the game of basketball.
Not only are old school coaches few and far between, they are often criticized for not catering to the players and their desires. Sadly, society doesn’t realize that coaches like Marshall are doing players a huge favor by instilling the self-discipline needed in life to endure the obstacles that life will throw at them – whether it be the full court pressure of a full time job and making foul shots with the game on the line, or making the mortgage payment when money is tight. If more people pulled together when the chips were down and they developed more of a no quit attitude like the Indians adopted this season, there would be less divorces.
Dave Marshall and basketball is a marriage made in heaven. He has always loved the game, and this past season he earned his second state title. The first championship was with the girls program at Bridgeport previously.
Speaking of marriages, Dave’s wife Michele is there by his side at every game. They are a great team working together and her support and commitment is unwavering. They are devout Christians and they are true role models for the student-athletes both in and around the Bridgeport basketball program.
They say that anyone can win one championship by accident, but it takes a great coach to win two titles. After claiming this one, Marshall was named the Van Meter award winner. Jerome Van meter won 869 games before passing away in 2003 at the age of 102. It;s the top award for the best coach, regardless of sport, in the state. Marshall is the second coach in school history to win this award. Legendary football coach Wayne Jamison won it during his career.
Congratulations to Dave Marshall for following his heart both on and off the court and in doi9ng the right thing no matter the situation.
Two down, and more to come!
That will do it for now. Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!
