Basketball Is in My Blood by Martin Groveman

Author:Martin Groveman [Groveman, Martin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781543470048
Publisher: Xlibris US
Published: 2017-12-13T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

Growing Up and Getting Older

THROUGHOUT MY PRINCIPALSHIP, given our antisocial and volatile student population, I sought diversity among staff members and a specific focus upon strong positive models for identification and emulation. While I didn’t specifically advertise for basketball players, I believed that appropriately licensed teachers with athletic backgrounds correlated highly with the capability of relating successfully with the boys. It was gratifying that I was able to recruit a number of high-profile basketball stars.

Guidance Counselor Joe Gibson, a kind and exceptionally perceptive individual, was a star at Morgan State University. Bill Burwell, a hulking 6’8” stalwart at the University of Illinois, was the second half of Boys High’s dynamic duo, where he played alongside Connie Hawkins. Jerry Davis, a 6’9” gentle string bean was a forward at Wichita State University. The first substitute teacher called to cover an absence was Dick Bunt, a smooth 6’0” guard from NYU who played briefly for the Knicks in the mid-1950s. Lastly, Hank Whitney was on the youth board staff, working intensively with Williamsburg’s street gangs. Hank, a rugged 6’7”, was one of the country’s most prolific rebounders at Iowa State University and later played for the New York Nets in the ABA. Hank advanced to become a dynamic principal at the same junior high school that he attended years earlier. Bill Burwell, too, served as an administrator in the special education school headed by St. John’s great Solly Walker and later became a principal on Long Island.

Basketball was perhaps my most effective tool regarding connecting and bonding with the boys. Whenever possible, I would spend time in the gym or the schoolyard, shooting hoops or joining in a game with them. On most Friday afternoons, I’d change from my business suit to shorts and sneakers and play some full court. Our new students at first found it hard to believe that an “old” principal could actually play. The veterans showed pride in my basketball prowess. In general, I believe my playing helped the students to see me as a real person. In turn, it made it easier for me to develop relationships. This enhanced communication and proved invaluable in attempting to mediate and resolve student problems.

During a New York City financial crisis of 1976, all summer school programs were cancelled. The prospect of a workless 1976 summer was disturbing. I prepared a resume and sent it to a few dozen day and sleepaway camps. I was surprised by the large number of quick responses that I received. I decided to go the sleepaway route as it would be the best thing for Jon and Seth. The most interesting offer came from Jerry Halsband, the owner/director of Raquette Lake Camp. He was seeking a full-time baseball coach for the camp’s comprehensive hardball program. Although no Casey Stengel, I had played sandlot baseball, was an avid fan of the game, and was actively involved in Little League coaching on Long Island. Halsband’s financial package consisted of a free eight-week camping season for Jon

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