The hardest part about writing these is figuring out where to start. My emotions are extremely mixed right now as I sit here typing wide awake at the early hours of the morning. Having spent two weeks on campus working for Coach Dittman there has been a lot of work done in regards to my new position, but it feels like there has been a lot of work done in me as well. The physical work of my new job has been more about growing my mind than anything. As much as I feel I know about basketball, and even about coaching I have always considered myself a student of the game; continually learning and building knowledge to best suit my teams. The basketball knowledge I have begun filling my head with since arrival has actually dealt very little with x's and o's though. Day one in the office was hours of reading and memorizing everything possible about Hastings College and the crimson and white that I now wear. While I now know facts about campus history, and the ins and outs of financial aid, along with the types of programs and majors we offer, what I have found myself most captivated by is the rich tradition that runs through this campus. Even though I have only been here a short amount of time the traditions that are Hastings College are almost palpable. Walking along the sidewalk that winds through the 109 acres of campus gazing at each building, which have all been sculpted with the same beautiful Georgia Red Brick, a rich history and a story that is inviting and inspiring permeates from it all; and once you reach Lynn Farrell Arena you are immediately taken in the midst by awe and wonderment.
The massive Bronco that stands guard of the arena only slightly encapsulates the excitement that lies within. It astonishes me how in just a short time, between the campus, the people, the tradition, and the potential that are all here an individual can become so engulfed in this place. Perhaps it's my sheer eagerness, but perhaps it's also those tangible things that have already made me proud to be part of this place and begun to solidify my investment in it. Of course I say begun with great caution as my thoughts all too often drift back to home and to the things I left behind. No matter how much confidence I have in myself and my decision to come here I am still so much the wiry little boy running around my home on Spencer’s Mountain, the uncertain teenager trying to live up to expectation while wearing the #32 jersey, and the ambitious young man leading a group of excited girls through countless down and backs on the court. My life is a book that has troubles closing chapters. And even though I still feel a tugging back to the Greenhorn Valley, my investment here is full for while my soul is still purple and white, everyone bleeds crimson!
Come game day the arena will bring in anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 people, and that’s every home game. CSU Ft. Collins and even CU - Boulder will only see around 400-600 people. Some might find that surprising seeing as how we're such a small school, but that's almost what makes it so believable. I know all too well how invested communities can get when it comes to athletics. I can't wait for when the 2x defending national champions from Northwestern Iowa come to our place this season...I expect exciting things to happen in front of a massive crowd.
Along with researching about the campus I have spent many hours studying the art of recruiting. Referring back to my last post I'm trying to figure out exactly how to bring that talent I saw a few weeks ago here to Hastings. 15 pages and counting of handwritten notes on recruiting tactics are only shavings of the tip of the iceberg. While there is countless research and strategy to recruiting I have found out early that it's an art and not a science. In a lot of cases you either can recruit, or you can't, and even within that so much rests on 17 and 18 year old kids so nothing is predictable. It’s funny though how every time I call a kid, no matter what their talent level is, there is an excitement in their voices after they hear me say “I’m the assistant women’s basketball coach at Hastings College, and I want to talk to you about playing basketball for us.” Of course as excited as they may be hearing it I’m certain I’m more excited being the one that gets say it!
Till Next Time
- Coach Kyle
