NCAA coaches thank servicemembers

Photo By Spc. Janine Coogler | The coaches speak to reporters during a press conference explaining thier excitment of meeting service members  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

09.06.2005

Courtesy Story

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Spc. Janine Coogler
CFLCC PAO/ 11th PAD

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT-- As the national anthem was played, Soldiers stood at attention and gazed at the American flag. Meanwhile, the NCAA basketball coaches stood proud in their new desert camouflage uniforms and absorbed their surroundings.

Some of the top National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball coaches came here Aug. 28-Aug. 31 to coach teams representing each camp in Kuwait during the exciting Operation Hardwood basketball tournament.

At the closing ceremony of Operation Hardwood, all the coaches had the opportunity to speak to servicemembers and express their personal feelings about their visit to Camp Arifjan.

"The main reason for coming here is to show the U.S. military that you are supported," said Bobby Cremins, former Georgia Tech. University head coach. "I've heard that the Armed Forces felt they were not supported. We do support you."

"Service members need to know America loves them and supports them," said Mike Jarvis former St. Johns head coach.

Throughout the tournament the coaches got to know the players on their teams. Most of the teams didn't have the luxury of an indoor basketball court. They had to practice with the materials accessible to them.

"I've never seen such passion and commitment as Team Victory," said Jay Bilas, ESPN analyst. "They would roll out aluminum planks and play basketball with make-shift baskets."

The show of dedication didn't stop with Team Victory.

Team Doha players exemplified the true spirit of dedication by playing hard during each of the three games they played Aug. 31, Jarvis said.

Because it was a double-elimination tournament, Team Doha, which lost to Arifjan on the first day of the tournament, had to defeat two other teams before making it to finals.

The coaches had very little time to work with their teams, but their strategy was simple: stick to the basics.

The players have a strong desire to compete, and it showed on the court, said Mark Gottfried, University of Alabama head coach.

Bobby Lutz, University of North Carolina-Charlotte head coach, said he wished his college players would have been able to come so they could see teamwork on and off the court from the servicemembers. He said the troops weren't selfish, knew their role, accepted it and committed to their duties. These concepts are seen both on and off the court whether in athletics, military or life.

In the final game, the coaches wore DCUs.

"When we got the uniforms it was a big deal to us," said Tom Izzo, Michigan State University head coach. "We said, "Are we really worthy of wearing this?" I am not sure we are. But I thank you for letting us play this small part."

Bilas reinforced Izzo's comments about wearing the DCUs. "Sacrifices made by the men and women in the Armed Forces, we've never made such sacrifices. We can't fathom what you do everyday."

All the coaches that came to Arifjan have a great amount of respect and admiration for servicemembers, Gottfried said.

"Everyone is thanking us for coming here when it should be the other way around. We thank you," Gottfried said.

"Life is about memories. And you guys have given us coaches and everyone that came on this trip memories to last a lifetime," said Kelvin Sampson, Oklahoma University head coach.

As a goodbye gift, the coaches signed an Operation Hardwood banner, which will hang in the Arifjan Zone 1 Fitness Center.

Bilas added, "We wanted to leave a little piece of us here because we are taking a big piece of you with us."

• Date Taken: 09.06.2005
• Date Posted: 09.06.2005 12:04
• Story ID: 2895
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW