by Ron
As the Woodstock Girls recreation basketball season starts up soon for this winter, I wanted to take the time to send a thank you message to the parents and young ladies of Woodstock that I have had the pleasure to coach. Last year was my 12th consecutive year working with young ladies on the basketball courts early on Saturday mornings. Many changes have occurred with the program during this time, from the girls only playing one another (totally in house) to where the girls are now playing two other towns in a formal league with a championship tournament held at the end of the season!
There has been a great deal of progression in the level of play and the approach that the young ladies take to the courts from this program. I have been fortunate to have worked with many great volunteer parent coaches over this time. Recreation activities within the town that are vast, allows people to meet and get to know each other who would not normally do so. One example is that my daughter is now 22 and as such I would not have had the opportunity to meet so many other families in town that have children that are not the same ages as my own.
I want to especially thank Mike Bernardi for his time and energy over the years. Mike did so much of the administration work behind the scenes to help grow the girl’s side of the program into the multi-town event it is.
On a final note, it brings warmth to my soul as I read the local papers and blogs about the achievements that many of the young ladies that I have met and coached have accomplished in their lives. Some of them have gone on to play middle school, then high school and a few college basketball so we know that their time playing recreation basketball has helped foster a love for the game has endured.
At this time I am not planning on being around the courts this winter, so this message is meant to publicly thank everyone that I have had contact with over the years. I know that I still have many of the thank you cards that the young ladies have given to me through those years. It’s nice to see those young people as they grow up and I still get a “Hello” wave! I wish the Woodstock girl’s recreation basketball program the best of luck and continued success.
Roland “Ron” Frechette
My daughter LOVES and has loved it Ron. Thanks.
As a basketball official ( “ref” is my middle name)I have seen Ron in action on the court. I have always been impressed with his coaching “style” as have many parents and grandparents of Woodstock girls. Ron truly embodies the community-volunteer spirit and has shown that you aren’t necessarily a winner by scoring more points than your opponent, but by just participating in a game that teaches a lot of skills you will use in later life, like teamwork, perseverence and fair play!
This is the first I have heard of this league. It’s nice to know that this is going on in town. Thanks, Ron
Arne - Stop by the town hall and ask for the recreation dept. They have the sign up sheets and details.
Soccermom - glad to hear that your daughter is passionate about basketball and the event around playing on a team.
Teachref09 - Thank you for the kind words. I am happy that others saw what I was trying to accomplish in my coaching. This is something that I was raised up on; Be positive and good and lead by example.
Enjoy the upcoming season.