Otsego Bulldogs Basketball

Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best you are capable of becoming

-John Wooden-

Philosophy
I feel as the head basketball coach it is not only my responsibilty to teach the fundementals of basketball and develop a basketball program, but much more. As a coach you can expect that I will teach life-long skills, such as teamwork, responsibility, determination, commitment, perseverance, and integrity. These are values and leadership characteristics that will turn young men into productive members of our society. I also feel it is important to build and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with players, parents, community and the staff. Basketball is a game that I enjoy very much and I want my players to have the positive and enjoyable experiences that every student-athlete deserves. Coaching provides opportunities for unique relationships with players. Emotions run high and situations surface during a season that is not experienced in the classroom. Concerned coaches must seize these teachable moments and use them to develop positive character traits and attitudes in the players. As a coach you have a rare opportunity to make a very important impact in the lives of young men. We are not only coaches, but also role models. It is our job to make high school athletics a positive experience. I feel every great program; business, building, house, or family starts with a solid foundation. This is why I stress the little things. I feel the little things make the big things happen. Build from the bottom up. Invest the time in your younger programs. Start building the foundation. I am a fundamental coach. Teaching the fudamentals will turn good athletes, into great athletes. Teaching the fundamentals will make good teams, great teams.

Otsego Basketball Overview

Mission:
To give student-athletes the oportunity to succeed and enjoy themselves as they learn leadership characteristics and values that will make them productive people in the community. To build and maintain one of the finest basketball programs in the state of Michigan where student-athletes have an enjoyable high school athletic experience. Players will learn discipline and build leadership characteristics so they can become productive members in our community. Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best you are capable of becoming

Vision:

Motto:

Dear Parents, My name is Josh Holmes. I am pleased to be writing this letter to introduce myself to you as the new varsity coach at Otsego High School. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be your sons basketball coach next year or in the near future. I am a certified teacher in Special Education and Elementry Education. I have been teaching at Otsego High School for the past 5 years and coaching the junior varsity for the past 4 years. Basketball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I played high school basketball in Ludington, Michigan and college basketball at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. I look forward to passing all my knowledge and experiences on to your sons. I am very excited to get things started up for the summer and to start preparing for next years season. As a head varsity coach I am aware of the high expectations parents have of a coach in

my position. I look forward to meeting and exceeding all theses expectations. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at any time.

Sincerely, Josh Holmes

Otsego High School 269-692-6166 ext. 6760

Otsego Basketball Program Goals

We will have a program that players, parents and community are proud to be a part of. We will teach skills on the court but most importantly teach skills that are essential to be successful off the court. We will promote players of all ages to participate through little dogs basketball, summer youth camps and after school youth mini camps.

 We will earn the respect of all who visit. Good sportsmanship will be mandatory at all levels. Players will understand that academics is number one priorty in Otsego. We will develop leaders! We will develop a year round strength and conditioning program aligned with other varsity sports that allows athletes to develop to their highest potential. We will Win! We have become one of the best teams in the Wolverine Conference . We will strive not only to be the best in the Wolverine Conference but to be the best in the State. We will hang banners in the Gym!

Coaching Staff expectations (off-season) Make yourself visible to the players. Be involved with off-season workouts (camps, weight room, open gyms,
etc).

Continue to be a student of the game (coaching clinics). Get kids at lower levels excited about playing basketball.

 Make summer contacts with players. Spend time with your family and get mentally prepared for a long season. Coaching Staff expectations (Season) General Commitment- believe in what we are trying to accomplish. Be a positive role model. Represent the program, the school and the
community in a professional manner!

Give 100% at all times-what we put into it our players will get out of it. Have open communication with players, staff and parents. Coach to make a difference. Coach with enthusiasm and passion. Set a good example for players and fans to follow Make playing time and strategy decisions with thought and care. Keep track of academic progress of athletes.

Practice
Act like a professional. Be punctual- first one there and last to leave.

Be prepared- have an organized practice plan. Absolutely no SWEARING. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Wear proper practice attire. Be encouraging and positive. Have fun!

Game
JV and freshmen coaches will attend all Varsity games. Professional dress for games. No swearing. Appropriate demeanor on bench. Control your emotions! Coach until the final buzzer. Control players behaviors on and off the court. Be prepared for all situations.

Player Expectations
Players will wear the Otsego jersey proud. All players will represent Otsego in positive way. Players will understand they are role models and will act like it on and off the court. Commitment to the team and the game. Players will want to become the best players they can be. Commitment to the classroom. Academics will be their number one goal! Be a team player. Do whats best for the team Respect yourself, your teammates, the coaching staff and school. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Play to your strengths and develop your weaknesses. Make 100% commitment- classroom, practice, and games.

 Communicate with coaches- if you have a question, concern or unhappy about something talk to a coach first. Make no excuses- you and you alone are in control of your actions. Be coachable. Take advantage of your time in the gym and weight room!

Building and maintaining a successful basketball program takes time and commitment. There are mediocre teams and great teams. The great teams do whatever it takes and make no excuses. Playing basketball is a privilege, not a right. Earn the right to play! You have to compete for a position every day in practice, games and the classroom. You must be a player that the team and coaching staff can trust. You have to earn the trust of your coaches and teammates through commitment to the program in the off-season and during the season. We have the opportunity to do something great, something that no other Otsego Boys Basketball team has ever done, but you have to BELIEVE and COMMIT.

Team Rules
1. Must be at all practices unless pre-excused or sick. The first unexcused absence will result in a half game suspension. The second unexcused absence could result in dismissal from the team. Excused absences include being sick from school, funeral, or family emergency. These must be communicated with the coach before practice either through e-mail or phone. Doctors/Dentist appointments should be made for non-practice times. Examples of unexcused absences include family vacations or work. 2. Playing time will be determined by ability, work ethic and attitude 3. Any improper behavior, both on and off the court, may result in a suspension or dismissal from the team. 4. Attitude is very important. If at any point of the season, we feel that a players attitude has become detrimental to the team, that player may be dismissed from the team. 5. Players are responsible for all equipment issued to them. Keep them clean and looking new! 6. If equipment is not returned that player will be billed. 7. Game day attire will be appropriate. No jeans or t-shirts. Shirt and tie for home games Travel warm-ups for away games 8. No headbands or arm sleeves during games, unless you have a medical reason. 9. Bring practice jerseys to practice every day. 10. Dress appropriate for the weather to and from practice. 11. Be on time for all practices and games. 12. No profane or vulgar language 13. Use the training room if needed. Do what you need to do and get to practice! 14. Show good sportsmanship at all times! 15. Grades will come first! Get your work done in the classroom so you are eligible for games and practices. My expectation is to have no player on study table!