All Rob Hawkins does is win! Hawkins is a long time coach at his alma mater, Lincoln High School. He is the girls’ head basketball coach, and at the time this article was written, the Cougars were in the midst of a three game win streak. Before giving detail about this season, let’s take a look at the veteran mentor’s body of work.
Hawkins started his head coaching career with the boys’ program, spending a decade running the show. In 2010, he made the move to the girls, where he has roamed the sideline ever since.
Midway through this year’s schedule, Lincoln picked up a road win at Greenbrier West. It was the eighth of the year for the Cougars, but it was a much more staggering number for Hawkins himself. It was the 400th coaching win for Hawkins with the boys and girls combined. There are very few coaches around that have accrued as many wins, exemplifying the amount of success he has enjoyed.
Anyone who has ever coached knows there is a significant difference between coaching boys versus girls. The fact that Hawkins has had milestone agreements with both tells the story behind his coaching abilities. Being relatable to both is a tribute to his ability to break down concepts to their simplest form. Knowing the game doesn’t do a coach any favors if they can’t make it understandable to the players.
Hawkins has the communications capabilities needed to get the job done. His skills go well beyond the hardwood as this past football season he became the winningnest coach in program history. This shows that he has a vast knowledge and a love for kids that keeps him rolling up the victories.
This year’s squad has accrued three win streaks of three games and they are looking for one more streak that could have them competing for a championship. There are only two regular season games remaining and, fortunately for Lincoln, they both are at home. The first is an afternoon matinee with Gilmer County. The last regular season lock-up is scheduled for Feb 23 when Fairmont Senior comes to Shinnston.
Another reason for his success is that Hawkins treats his players like family. That does not mean that they get a free pass; it means he holds them to a high standard, demanding their very best. At the same time, they know in turn that he would do anything for them. Hawkins is indeed a great family man and he is able to spend as much time as is needed on his teams because his wife Holly just happens to be one of the best athletic directors in the state. It is ironic because some coaches enjoy the profession because they are at least the boss when they are at work!
In all seriousness, it’s a partnership in the Hawkins household where Holly shares in the happiness of the wins and the heartbreak of the losses. Regardless of the score at the end of the game, these players are all winners for being coached by a man who cares more for them than he does himself! Congratulations, my friend and here is to the next 400!
That will do it for now. Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!