At today's press conference in the new Harre Union the coaching torch was passed from the legendary Homer Drew to his son, and local hero, Bryce Drew. The promotion of Bryce from Associate to Head Coach comes as no big surprise to Crusader nation. The fact that it happened this year and not next, when Homer's contract was set to end, is a bit surprising.
The press conference was well attended. University President Mark Heckler, Athletic Director Mark LaBarbera, VU alumni, current and former players, as well as VU staff were all present for the announcement. President Heckler was the first to the mic. President Heckler gave us a statistic that over 30 former players had gone on to professional basketball careers and, maybe more impressive and more a representation for what Coach Drew stood for, 80 of Homer’s former players had gone on to become teachers and coaches. President Heckler also announced that Homer Drew would be retained as Associate Athletic Director. These duties will include working closely with the AD and President, public relations, fundraising (which I hear he is very good at), as well as allow him to pursue possible opportunities with ESPN and CBS (to name a few news outlets).
My take: anybody you talk to on campus has only rave reviews for President Heckler. His personality, vision, and charisma are clearly inspirational to everyone who cares about Valparaiso University. I believe that this new role for Homer Drew will be greatly beneficial for the university. Raising money from former athletes is a great challenge, but if anyone can accomplish this it would be Coach Drew.
After President Heckler we got to hear from Homer Drew. Homer told us how looking back he feels like he now can see the plan that God had laid out before him. He talked about his first job as a high school coach in St. Louis and how that lead him to a tournament and coaching clinic at Valparaiso University. He spoke of his meeting with legendary Coach John Wooden, not once but twice. Finally he talked about all the things that he wanted to accomplish at the university, nearly all of which he accomplished (I think the only one I heard him say that wasn’t accomplished was winning a postseason tournament). Homer closed his turn at the podium with this quote, “It has been my honor to be your coach for the last 22 years.”
My take: Homer always has portrayed himself as humble and approachable. I think this is why he is so well liked by nearly everyone. His story about realizing years later God’s plan for him and how everything has fallen into place should be an inspiration to us all. I truly believe that he wouldn’t leave Valpo in anything but capable hands. I was happy to hear, as all of us were, that his health was not a factor in his decision to step down.
Next up was AD Mark LaBarbera. While introducing Bryce Drew he made mention of what he looks for in head coaches at Valparaiso University. Some of the attributes he mentioned (I think I caught them all) were; has competed at the highest level, is a teacher of the game, holds up the values of VU, and has been a winner.
Finally, Bryce Drew took the mic and explained his vision and what he hopes to accomplish with his new role as Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Winning the Horizon League and conference tournament as well as getting back into the NCAA were at the top of his list. He made mention that he wants to continue having the team be a mainstay in community activities, noting that this past season the team spent nearly 200 hours doing community service. Bryce calls this new opportunity his “dream job” and went back to when he was 14 years old and how since then he has wanted only see Valpo succeed.
My take: I like this move. I think with the young core group of talented players on the roster now was the perfect time for Bryce to take over. I do wonder how the fans and alumni of the university will accept the lack of a nationwide search. It seems like they had a nice plan of succession in place. Bryce has plenty of experience on the bench and should be ready to make his own legacy at Valpo. Young coaches all across the country are experiencing great success at mid major colleges. Two names that should quickly pop into everyone’s minds are Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens. With success will come rumors of moving on to “greener pastures”, but I see Bryce more as a mainstay at VU. Barring an opening at place like UNC, Duke, IU, or Kentucky (or a select few other major jobs). What will Bryce do differently from Homer? Faster tempo, different defensive schemes, more animated on the sideline? Only time will tell. I for one am excited to usher in this new era in Valparaiso Crusader basketball and am even more excited now for the upcoming season.
Join in on the discussion at http://www.valpofanzone.com/2011/05/17/passing-the-torch/
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