Last week as I was perusing the morning Dispatch over my usual
breakfast of cereal and toast, I came across something on the
opinion page that caught my eye.
Last week as I was perusing the morning Dispatch over my usual breakfast of cereal and toast, I came across something on the opinion page that caught my eye.
Like many Dispatch readers, before I read a letter, I usually look to see who wrote it. This one was penned by former GHS student and basketball player, Jeremy Strametz. I actually played city league basketball with Jeremy when we were in elementary school.
I remember him as a quiet giant; his laid-back personality didn’t seem to match his imposing physical stature.
Well, based on this letter I read, I think the giant has awakened. It was one of those letters that makes you say out loud, “Ouch, that hurts.”
In case you missed it, let me fill in the blanks. According to Strametz, “the time has come to replace Gilroy’s basketball coach Bud Ogden.”
In his letter, he goes on to explain that while a student at GHS, he quit the basketball team because of Ogden’s abrasive coaching style and his negative relationship with the players.
In addition, Strametz believes that the GHS team has not lived up to its potential because of Ogden’s shortcomings.
Because I never played for coach Ogden, it is inappropriate and unfair for me to agree or disagree with Strametz’s recommendation that Ogden be replaced.
That said, at the very least between this letter and his recent ejection and follow-up suspension, Ogden has become a controversial coach.
While in the collegiate and professional arena controversy might get you a spot on Sports Center, it is not such a good thing for a public school employee.
Regardless of who is responsible for the negative group dynamic that seems to have infected the current basketball program, the interests of Gilroy High School and its student body and staff will be best served if coach Ogden and his players find a way to improve their relationship.
Like many high school athletes, I began playing sports at a young age. I have experienced the typical gamut of coaches, from the yellers to the lovers to the fighters. At some point, if you want to keep playing you have to learn to deal with a wide range of coaching temperaments.
Ogden can be classified into the Bob Knight category of coaches. Although Knight has been known to berate officials, throw chairs on the court and verbally attack players, he holds the record for the most wins in Division I basketball.
Unfortunately, this year’s GHS team didn’t quite live up to fans’ expectations so it may be time for Ogden to try a kinder, gentler coaching style like that of Tony Dungy. Perhaps it will yield a similar result and be a better fit for the Mustangs.
I guess it is all a question of balance. If coaches are too tough, players can shut down. If coaches are too easy, it’s unlikely the team will go very far. No matter what anyone thinks of Ogden, the man is definitely a competitor. He certainly brings knowledge and a passion for winning to the game. But, as all sports fans know, good communication between coaches and players is an important ingredient in the recipe for success.
If coach Ogden can add a little warm and fuzzy into the mix (I know, it will be hard) and ease up on the tough guy routine every once in a while, everyone will be better off, most of all him.
Michael Stevens is a senior at Gilroy High.
