A Good Time for a Good Cause – 3/21/2009

Posted by Bob on March 21, 2009 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment

Last night I had the privilege to be the “honorary” coach of the combined boys and girls Naugatuck Greyhound basketball team at the Naugatuck High School Distributive Education Club of America (DECA) “Clash for the Cure” student-faculty game.  Thanks to DECA advisor Tim Reilly, all the high school staff and the talented members of DECA who helped make the night a great success and a lot of fun.  Proceeds raised from the night will go to benefit a team of Naugatuck cyclists who will participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge, an annual bike race which raises money to find cures for cancer through the Jimmy Fund.

Congratulations to Mayor Mike Bronko who coached the faculty to an overtime victory.  With help from some “questionable” calls throughout the game, the faculty nipped the students on a buzzer beater by Principal Fran Serratore.  Special thanks to my “assistant coach”, Mohamed Hrezi, who really did most of the coaching and provided hospitality and entertainment throughout.

I would also like to thank the members of the boys and girls basketball teams.  Instead of treating me as some politician not worthy enough to “coach” such talented athletes (which is what I was), each and every athlete participating was extremely courteous, respectful and friendly.  As a coach of two youth basketball teams, I do not get to attend many high school basketball games.  I was thoroughly impressed not only with the talent of these student athletes, but what a great group of guys and girls they are as well.  They are great ambassadors for all that is good about Naugatuck High School.  As the future leaders of our great community, I am sure we will see a few of them as “honorary” coaches in the not so distant future.

Thanks again to all who organized, participated and attended.